Cutting the Cord in 2026: Is Hulu Live or YouTube TV the Better Cable Replacement?
What You Keep When You Cut the Cord
You Keep
- All local channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC) in most markets
- All major sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college on ESPN, Fox, CBS, TNT
- All major news: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC
- Most cable staples: HGTV, Bravo, Discovery, TLC, Food Network
- Unlimited DVR (better than most cable DVRs)
- No equipment rental fees ($10-$15/mo savings)
- No contract or early termination fees
You Lose
- Regional sports networks (Bally Sports, NESN, etc.)
- Some niche channels (varies by service)
- Bundled internet discount from cable company
- Cable box reliability (no buffering/internet dependency)
- Some PPV events (available only through cable in some markets)
- Channel numbers you have memorized for 20 years
Monthly Savings Breakdown
| Expense | Cable TV | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV service | $80-$150/mo | $82.99/mo | $44.99-$82.99 |
| Equipment rental | $10-$15/mo | $0 | $0 |
| DVR fee | $10-$20/mo | $0 (unlimited) | $0 (unlimited) |
| Broadcast fee | $10-$20/mo | $0 | $0 |
| Internet (standalone) | Bundled | $50-$70/mo | $50-$70/mo |
| Total monthly cost | $130-$205/mo | $133-$153/mo | $95-$153/mo |
| Annual savings | Baseline | $0-$624/yr | $0-$1,320/yr |
Savings vary widely depending on your current cable package and which streaming plan you choose. YouTube TV's genre plans ($44.99-$69.99) provide the most savings for viewers who do not need every channel. The biggest savings come from eliminating equipment rental, DVR fees, and broadcast surcharges that cable companies add.
Step-by-Step Cord-Cutting Guide
Check your internet speed
Run a speed test at speedtest.net. You need minimum 25 Mbps for one stream, 50+ Mbps for a household. If your internet comes bundled with cable, check standalone internet pricing from your provider.
Check local channel availability
Enter your zip code at tv.youtube.com/welcome (YouTube TV) or start the Hulu sign-up process. Verify that ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are available in your area on both services.
Start a free trial during a low-priority week
Do not start your trial during NFL playoffs or March Madness. Pick a week where missing recordings will not matter. YouTube TV offers 7 days, Hulu offers 3 days.
Test on every device in your household
Watch on your TV, phone, tablet, and computer. Test during peak evening hours when internet traffic is highest. Try watching two or three streams simultaneously to simulate household usage.
Cancel cable only after confirming streaming works
Keep cable running for the first 1 to 2 weeks of your streaming service. Cancel cable only after you are confident the streaming experience meets your needs. Watch for contract termination fees.
Common Cord-Cutting Mistakes
Not checking internet-only pricing first
Call your cable company and ask for standalone internet pricing. Without a TV bundle, internet may cost $20 to $30 more per month, reducing your net savings.
Stacking too many streaming services
Hulu + Live TV ($83) plus Netflix ($15) plus Max ($16) plus others quickly exceeds cable cost. Pick 2 to 3 services maximum and rotate others monthly.
Not testing during live sports
Streaming can experience lag, buffering, or delays during popular live events. Test during a live NFL or NBA game to see if the quality meets your expectations.
Forgetting about cable contract termination fees
Check your cable contract for early termination fees before cancelling. Some contracts charge $10 to $20 per remaining month. Wait until the contract expires if the fee is significant.
Assuming all channels are available
Check channel availability for your specific zip code. Regional sports networks and some local channels may not be available on streaming services in your market.
Cord-Cutting FAQ
How much can I save by cutting the cord in 2026?
What do I lose when I switch from cable to streaming?
What internet speed do I need for live TV streaming?
Do I need a streaming device if I cut the cord?
Updated 9 April 2026.