Read on to discover the pros and cons of streaming vs. cable to make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget here.
Are streaming services better than cable? This is the question on a lot of people’s minds as streaming services become more and more popular.
The streaming vs. cable war is an ongoing one as new packages attracting consumers come into play. So is streaming better than cable? You decide.
Read our guide on the ins and outs of streaming vs. cable:
Streaming Services vs Cable
Ever since streaming became the new go-to way to watch television, streaming services have been in constant battle. Netflix is known as the beginner of the streaming wars as services like Hulu, Amazon, Disney+, and HBO came along afterward.
With these services becoming so popular, it may seem like cable television is on the backburner. Consumers hate that they have to choose between their favorite shows and channels if they don’t want to pay for more than one streaming service. Cable has stayed in the game by offering affordable television packages where people can enjoy all the channels they want most.
Fewer people are indeed cutting the cord when it comes to cable television, but it still may reign as the most popular form of consumption. This is because the cable can offer more options with one price.
In 2020, people are still considering cable or streaming. Next, we will dive into the specifics of streaming vs. cable. We will cover the most popular streaming services such as Hulu vs Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Hulu
Hulu was released in 2007 and has almost 29 million subscribers as of February 2020. It’s popularity largely comes from the service having next-day access to popular television series.
But, with the addition of new streaming services, this popular Hulu feature could go away. HBO Max and Comcast’s NBC Universal are both services that threaten Hulu.
Another advantage of Hulu is that they have different subscription services to choose from. This keeps the pricing low for those who aren’t willing to spend a lot of money on television access.
With low prices, comes advertisements. If you are used to cable and wanting to make the switch, the ads displayed shouldn’t bother you too much. They act just like regular commercials you see on cable television.
Of course, if you are wanting to get away from cable because you are tired of the commercials, Hulu has an ad-free option if you are willing to spend a little extra money.
Hulu also offers subscription bundles such as having Hulu and Disney+. For Spotify users, you can get Hulu with ads for free as a part of your monthly Spotify bill.
This streaming service offers something the others have yet to accomplish, Hulu + Live TV. Their partnership with Disney+ keeps these options affordable and keeps people subscribing.
Lastly, Hulu offers shows you see on cable and original content. Hulu originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and Little Fires Everywhere keep people subscribed.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime has 112 million members in the United States which means they all have access to Amazon Prime Video. Prime members get this streaming service, free one-day shipping, and Whole Foods discounts. It’s no wonder that people continue to use Amazon consistently because they get benefits in return.
Amazon has become a way of life for a lot of people. Their prime members can enjoy original content and licensed shows and movies basically for free because it is built into the Prime subscription.
Netflix
As the original streaming service, Netflix has the most to lose. Being the first one to allow people to stream movies and television shows means you have a higher expectation than other streaming services. Although Netflix has over 150 million users, its subscription numbers drop every year.
As the first popular streaming service, they continued their legacy by leading the way for original content. They have also lead the way for international content. The more they invest in the provided content, the more viewers they get.
Even as their subscriber numbers fall every year, they continue to find new strategies to be the king of streaming services. With their experience in the industry, they are sure to bounce back to higher numbers.
All Netflix needs is an adjustment to stay on the top. This streaming service is present in 200 countries so you won’t see them collapsing soon.
Cable
If streaming services just aren’t for you, that’s okay. People stick to cable services like Spectrum, for the wide variety of options they have in packages.
Sports lovers especially will have a hard time cutting the cord with cable. The only streaming service that provides a package that includes live sports is Hulu, but even that package is not the same as what cable can provide.
A traditional television network has all of the rights to play major US sporting events. Sports leagues continue to keep cable services as their #1 choice for streaming.
The viewing market has cable at the top, even if the subscription numbers are declining. Cable even goes as far as to offer new packages to compete with the streaming vs cable wars.
Streaming vs Cable Explained
Now that we have covered what the popular streaming services have to offer compared to cable television, you can decide which is right for you. Those looking for original content will enjoy the shows and movies Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix have to offer.
Streaming vs cable is almost a no brainer for sports lovers. Stick to your cable subscriptions so you don’t miss your favorite games.
If streaming services attract you, you could always indulge in one while keeping your cable subscription. Start streaming the way you want today! Don’t forget to keep coming back for more articles like this.