One of the bills I most dreaded every month was from Xfinity cable. The billing statement was always confusing and, worst of all, the total always seemed to increase every few months. In the end, I was paying around $175 each month for just basic cable and one premium channel (HBO). I’m embarrassed that I was a customer for 20+ years and never considered an alternative.
I occasionally thought about cutting the cord. However, I was apprehensive because I was just so used to having access to so many channels.
What would I do without cable? The answer seemed daunting to me mainly because I wasn’t quite sure what my options were without cable.
Yes, I knew all about the streaming services. However, what would I do for local news and all of my favorite shows on network television?
Without cable, I figured that would all just disappear and I’d be stuck searching YouTube for clips or full episodes.
That’s when I discovered YouTube TV. I didn’t even know another level of YouTube existed. (It’s okay, you can laugh at me. Us more mature people are sometimes out of the loop!)
With YouTube TV, I can watch live TV and still enjoy all of the cable channels at significant savings.
I now pay roughly $75 each month with YouTube TV — $100 less than what I was paying at Xfinity! I’m angry I didn’t make the switch sooner.
As a “cheapskate”, just thinking about all the money I wasted over the years makes me crazy. I could have spent all that money on other bills or tucked it away in my savings account.
Note: I have the Base Plan with YouTube TV. However, you can upgrade your account with other packages and/or premium streaming services at an additional cost.
Plus, I can add shows to “My Library” for easier access. And, best of all, YouTube TV will record my favorite shows, so I can watch them whenever it’s convenient for me. The change has been absolutely for the better.
And signing up was quick and easy — within just minutes and I was ready to start watching my shows again. No cable box, cords or set-up appointments necessary!
YouTube TV has local network coverage in nearly all U.S. TV households, including live coverage from the major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, CW, FOX and NBC).
All you need is an internet-connected device to log into your account and start enjoying “cable TV” again. In my case, I mainly use my Smart TV to access YouTube TV. However, you could watch shows from a smartphone or computer, too.
Answers to Readers Questions
What about the Internet?
I didn’t use Xfinity for my Internet access, so cutting the cord was easy for me. If you use Xfinity for cable, phone and/or Internet, the decision and process will be more complicated. You may want to call Xifinity and find out what the cost will be without cable and make a decision based on the math.
Can you fast-forward during commercials on recorded shows?
Yes, you can fast-forward through commercials on recorded shows in your library (DVR).
How to Save $50 with YouTube TV
Note: The referral offer is subject to change. Please double-check before signing up.
New customers to YouTube TV can save $50 on their first bill through this referral link. (If, after one month, it’s not meeting your needs, you can always just cancel.)
My experience so far has been totally positive. I just wish I had made the change sooner!
Have you cut the cable cord? What did you do in its place? Drop a comment below.
I had YouTube TV for years. It started at $35, but gradually more than doubled in price. The DVR option is phenomenal, and I loved the service, but last year I found that 90% of what we watch is on Hulu or Netflix, so I canceled after this last price increase.
I picked up the ad-supported level of Paramount+ so that I could continue to watch 60 Minutes and CBS Sunday Morning. For the last three years, Hulu has had a Black Friday special for $1 or $2 per month for a year (another MHOTC find!) My wife and I have alternated accounts each year, keeping one of us always eligible for the deal. So, I end up sitting through a lot of commercials again these days, but my bill is literally $23 instead of $91.
For live, over-the-air TV like NBC, Fox, etc., I just use an antenna. For streaming, I buy the specials offered each November. This year I have Peacock for $1.99/mo., Hulu and Disney+ for $2.99/mo, and Max for $2.99 /mo, yet all of those services are with ads. During the upcoming Olympics, I’ll pony up for the add-free version of Peacock.
Very interesting Bryan. I can’t stand Xfinity. Questions: is there a number we can call to ask specific questions?
What do you do for Internet/Wi-Fi? I get both cable & Wi-Fi through Xfinity.
TYIA
I’m ready to cut the cable cord, but don’t know if I can do without the dvr….
We switched from Xfinity to YouTubeTV a few years ago. The price has increased significantly over the years. I believe it started out as $35 and is now up to $75/month. The problem is that I still have to pay $75/month for just internet from Xfinity. Between the two, I’m still paying $150. I’m not sure it’s a savings anymore, but I like YouTubeTV so I’ll stick with it awhile longer..
I’m an early cord cutter. So early that I had a laptop connected to a CRT tv. The subscription price for YouTube TV is out of the question. I now have a Roku tv with wifi connected with the cheapest Xfinity internet plan possible, about $56/month. I subscribe to Netflix with ads and Peacock with ads. I share peacock with a family member in exchange for Amazon prime. I’m more than good with this! Why would I ever consider YouTube tv at such a ridiculous rate?
John – We just added a section in the post that answers the various Reader questions. — LD