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Cut the Cord: Comparing the Best Streaming Services

Cord-cutting is no longer just a trend—it’s the mainstream. But with so many streaming platforms, choosing the right mix can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve pulled together comparisons and expert takes from the top cord-cutting and streaming outlets.

Best for Live TV

  • YouTube TV: CordCuttersNews highlights its unlimited DVR and strong local coverage, while CordCutting.com emphasizes its sports-friendly channel lineup.
  • Hulu + Live TV: Both TechHive and CordCutting.com note its bundled value, with Disney+ and ESPN+ included.
  • FuboTV: Praised by The Streaming Advisor for its international sports coverage and 4K streams.
  • Philo: CordCutting.com points out it’s the cheapest live TV option at $25/month—ideal for those who don’t need sports or local news.

CordCuttersNews reports that The Roku Channel now captures a larger share of U.S. viewing than Pluto TV and ranks just behind the paid giants. Tubi also leads the free ad-supported video space (FAST), consistently topping user surveys among cord-cutters.

CordCutterWeekly readers show growing interest in bundles, with Disney’s trio (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) remaining popular.

Streaming Price Check

CNET’s Streaming TV Insider notes that streaming bills are now rivaling cable as services raise prices. Tom’s Guide tallies that ad-supported plans across Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Peacock, Paramount+, and Prime now total around $67/month, while ad-free options climb above $100/month.

Facts & Figures

1. Streaming vs. Traditional TV Viewing

  • Streaming platforms accounted for 46% of total TV viewing in June 2025, while broadcast TV fell to a record low of 18.5%, according to Nielsen stats reported by Cord Cutters News
  • In July 2025, streaming grew further to make up 47.3% of all TV viewing time; YouTube alone claimed 13.4%, Netflix captured 8.8%, and Peacock accounted for 1.6%—surpassing platforms like HBO Max, Tubi, and Paramount+

2. Cost Savings: Cord-Cutters vs. Cable Subscribers

  • A survey of over 1,900 Cord Cutters News readers found that cord-cutters spend $70 or less per month on average for streaming (often covering internet + a few services), while cable subscribers shell out around $147/month.

3. Streaming Usage & Platform Penetration

From CordCutting.com’s 2023 “State of Streaming” report:

  • 93% of American adults now access streaming platforms, compared to just 40% still using cable/satellite.
  • On average, viewers subscribe to four different streaming platforms, spending about $50 per month.
  • Platform popularity among U.S. adults: Netflix leads with 73%, followed by Amazon (67%), Hulu (52%), Disney+ (42%), Max (39%), Peacock (31%), Paramount+ (24%), and Apple TV+ (17%)

4. Sports Fans & Streaming Trends

According to a study:

  • 43% of U.S. Internet households identify as “Sports Viewers”, and 40% of them now watch games exclusively via streaming.
  • 89% of U.S. Internet households subscribe to at least one streaming service, and 33% have added a sports-specific direct-to-consumer service (e.g., ESPN+, NFL+, MLB.TV).
  • These sports-focused viewers spend an average of $111/month on streaming services—making them one of the most valuable viewer segments