Dumping cable and satellite TV, better known as cord cutting, is a big trend in the UK and beyond because of the rise of streaming services. Streaming services and cable TV deliver on-demand and live TV straight to your eyeball, but there are glaring differences.
The main difference is that you select your streaming services at will, while cable locks you to a bundle with select channels. So, the big question is, which is better, streaming service or cable? Let’s find out.
Viewing Options
Streaming services offer much more than cable TV when it comes to choices. Streaming TV gives you several services, and you can quit them at will to try another.
You can even access streaming services unavailable in your region with a VPN, and crazystreamers has excellent guides on watching content regardless of location.
The issue with cable TV is that it offers a live TV option, and you must watch content as it airs. Even though cable providers are offering on-demand content and DVR functionality, it doesn’t match up to streaming services.
Also, cable TV limits you to the channels in your package, whereas there are thousands of streaming apps and genres at low or no additional monthly cost. Streaming providers let you pick your channels, giving you complete control over your monthly entertainment bill because you’ll only pay for the channels you watch.
Price and Contracts
Most cord-cutters point to steaming service price and contracts as the main reason behind switching to streaming services which give them more flexibility.
Even though there are streaming services charging high prices, like YouTube TV, they still have the edge over cable TV. Most streaming services charge monthly and do not bind subscribers to a contract, making switching or canceling your service easy.
Say, if you’re not impressed with Britbox, you can bail and try Netflix or Disney Plus, but you’re stuck with Virgin Media.
Cable TV providers have additional charges like equipment rental fees and a monthly DVR fee. On the other hand, streaming services don’t have hidden or extra charges and include everything in the subscription price.
The main issue with a cable TV subscription is that it usually involves signing a one or two-year contract, which is not feasible for most subscribers. For example, Virgin Media TV V6 charges £33 to £178.49 depending on your package on an 18 months minimum contract. Compare this with Britbox, which charges £5.99/mo., or Apple TV+, which charges £4.99/mo., with no contract.
Therefore, streaming services are more affordable than cable TV and do not require contracts, so you’re free to cancel at any time.
On Device Compatibility
Streaming services knock device compatibility out of the park compared to cable TV. You can stream on different devices, including computers, phones, tablets, and gaming consoles, while cable TV only works with newer TV sets with an HDMI port. If your TV lacks this port, you’ll need an HDMI converter, cable box, or streaming stick.
Extensive device coverage means you can stream your favorite shows anytime, i.e., during a lunch break, on your way to or from work, etc. You don’t need additional streaming devices at home as long as you have a smart TV with built-in apps.
Video Quality
Streaming services demand a fast internet connection to reach high-definition videos such as 1080p and 4K. Most streaming services auto-adjust the quality of your video stream based on your connection speeds, so the quality might be lower than 720p on a poor connection. Even worse, your video stream will buffer and ruin your streaming experience.
On the other hand, cable TV also experiences terrible connections due to cable-to-source distances and weather. However, cable TV consistently delivers the highest possible video quality. Therefore, cable delivers the best quality compared to streaming services because it doesn’t rely on an internet connection that is susceptible to so many factors.
Accessibility and Portability
Finding a cable TV provider in your area, especially after relocating, is difficult. Also, you have to go through the tedious installation process, and you can’t have cable on the go, which is a bummer if you’re an entertainment buff.
On the other hand, you can access your favorite streaming services on the go on a mobile device such as a laptop or phone. So, streaming is more convenient than cable TV.
The Main Differences Between Cable and Streaming
The table below is a breakdown of key differences between cable and streaming services:
| Key Components | Cable Services | Streaming Services |
| Device Compatibility | Selective Compatibility | Highly Compatible |
| Price | £25 to £179 | £4 to £70 |
| Contracts | 1 to 2 years | Monthly |
| Charges after the first month | Increases | Stays constant |
| Channels | 150 to 400 | 50 to 100 |
| Content | Fixed | On-demand |
Is Cutting the Cord Worth it in the UK?
Whether cord cutting is worth it depends on your needs and preferences. If you love British TV shows and movies, you can switch to Britbox to watch local content from Channel 4 and 5, BBC, and ITV. The streaming service costs £5.99 per month and could save you much money.
Also, streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video are a click away if you’re a big fan of on-demand content. A streaming service means you don’t have to pay expensive equipment costs or high monthly charges. In addition, you get to choose what you want to watch and how.
Wrapping Up
Choosing between a streaming service or a cable TV provider can be intimidating for most people. However, the decision comes down to your needs and requirements. Cable TV is a great option if the high monthly cost is not an issue. Also, most cable providers have bundled offers allowing subscribers to take advantage of OTT platforms.
However, streaming services are the best if you have a reliable internet connection. They are affordable and don’t require a contract because they charge monthly. That’s not all; streaming services are compatible with different types of devices and allow you to watch your favorite content from anywhere and on most internet-enabled devices.