DIY - Cut the Cord Yourself
Have the time and feeling tech savvy? Here is our expert recommended equipment & services to help make DIY cord cutting easy.
Now is the best time to Cut The Cord and save money!
Tour recommended services and devices:
StreamWise Solutions has over 26 years of TV and Telecom experience and only recommends the best Cord Cutting options for you. Get the channels you want, in an easy to use TV solution, that will save you the most money every month. Use our recommended DIY devices and providers below to help you Cut The Cord yourself, or if you need help we offer FREE expert TV, Internet & WiFi Consultations.
Streaming Service Providers that Helps You Cut the Cord Yourself
Streaming has become part of everyday entertainment for most households. So much so, that more people have chosen streaming instead of cable or satellite subscriptions. One challenge is to avoid stacking too many streaming subscriptions. Another is choosing which provider best fits your entertainment needs for the best price.
Live Cable Channel Providers (less $ – HD Antenna for locals)
The most cost-effective service for 40+ lifestyle cable channels including Hallmark, History, A&E, GSN, Outdoor, etc. Does not include news or sports channels.
Only $7/ month – no contracts.
The most comprehensive and least expensive Lifestyle Streaming Provider, get 70+ lifestyle cable channels. No news or sports and is near inclusive of Frndly channels.
Only $28/ month – no contracts.
The best option if you need Cable news or sports channels. 30-80+ news, sports and lifestyle channels including ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and lots more.
Only $40/ month – no contracts.
Live Cable Channel Providers (more $$$ – locals included)
The best alternative if you want it all. Local networks, cable channels, plus it’s the only service with both RSNs. Upgrade to the $115 “Choice” plan for part of the year to get Altitude Sports and AT&T SportsNet RM.
Starting at $87/ month + fees – no contracts.
Most like a cable tv viewing experience, YouTube TV is worth considering in the mix of cable + live TV streaming options. It’s unlimited DVR and option to add a la carte channels is better than other.
Now starting at $73/ month – no contracts.
With live local channels, Fubo TV includes 1 RSN – Altitude Sports. It’s missing some Cable channels & the base $80 is misleading. For RSNs you need the Pro tier and are forced to take a RSN fee making it almost $100 mo.
$100 month + fees – no contracts.
We rarely recommend Hulu Live due to other options in this high price range that are easier to use, plus have a real DVR with NO ads. For max savings it’s best to get local channels with an antenna.
$83/ month or $96 w/o ads – no contracts.
Streaming Media Players (SMPs)
We strongly recommend not cutting corners and buying the cheapest streaming media player – you will likely experience buffering and streaming issues. It’s also a good idea to use the same model of streaming media player on all your TVs. For ease of use, we recommend you get the newest version SMP with built in TV power and volume controls on the SMP’s remote control. All of the above ensures the most consistent and easiest to use whole-home TV watching experience. Too often homeowners jump at a deal or a discount (or get a gifted SMP), only to discover that the streaming experience can differ significantly across different players.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
A smoother 4K streaming experience across multiple Wi-Fi 6 devices. Delivers cinematic TV in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+ and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
Roku Ultra 4K
Faster and more powerful, the Roku Ultra 4K is super-charged with up to 2x the speed—exactly what you need for seamless streaming in spectacular 4K, Dolby Vision®, and HDR10+ picture.
Apple TV 4K
In the best picture and audio quality yet, enjoy Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Fitness+ and Apple Arcade plus your favorite streaming apps as well as seamless interaction with other smart home devices.
Smart TVs
When it comes to Smart TVs, there are so many options it has become too complicated to choose. And every year, there is a twist on the prior generations with some new technology. There are a number of important options which should be weighed before you decide. Consider screen size, room lighting, HDMI connections and connectivity. Read “What’s the Best Smart TV to Buy” and learn more about choosing amongst these options.
If you’re ready to charge forward, we have weighed these important options and highly recommend the following Smart TVs.
Amazon Fire TV
Omni Series 4K
Probably the best Smart TV all-around. Important features include Fire TV is built-in, it’s budget friendly, it’s available in lots of screen size options, plus it has a great picture.
LG QNED80 Series
Alexa 4K 120Hz
Notably, LG manufactures most of the OLED technology used by Samsung, Sony, etc. This TV has an unbelievably clear picture for the price but requires an SMP.
SAMSUNG Crystal
AU8000 Series 4K
This is one TV that offers the greatest picture quality for the price. It is very budget friendly. And, we recommend adding a FireTV 4K Max for best smart TV functionality.
Panasonic W95 Ultra HD 4K w NextGen ATSC 3.0 tuner
While this TV is more expensive, it has a new 4K NegGen TV ATSC 3.0 TV Tuner. The picture quality is amazing and well worth the price.
Wi-Fi Network is Critical to Effectively Cut the Cord Yourself
Great streaming and other connected home devices demand a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection. The industry is rapidly shifting to Wi-Fi 6E, which is backwards compatible. We have tested most of the mesh network devices and found TP-Link to be the most reliable and cost effective. If you have Cable provided Internet (Xfinity, Spectrum, etc. we also recommend getting the Hitron DOCIS 3.1 1GB Cable Modem only to pair with any of the Mesh WiFi hardware below.
TP Link Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh
Best option for homes. Next-gen Wi-Fi 6E makes dead zones and buffering a thing of the past.
TP Link Powerline WiFi 6 Mesh
Whole-home mesh system to eliminate weak Wi-Fi for good, even in home with thick or metal walls.
TP Link WiFi 6 Mesh X20
Best for Apartments. Get a 2 puck mesh system to eliminate weak Wi-Fi, and hard wire devices for best speeds.
HD Antennas
The best way to save money for life on TV, is with a properly installed outdoor HD antenna. Indoor antennas are NOT recommended. They clutter up your home, lack the power and are rarely positioned for optimal signal strength. If you’re confident to take this project on, these are the most cost-effective and best performing outdoor antennas.
Know what you are getting into first, safely installing outdoor antennas with guaranteed signal quality is complicated. If you live in our Colorado service area, we highly recommend scheduling an install by one of our professionals. Request consultation. If you are out of state and dont have the strength, tools, time and expertise you would be better served paying extra monthly for a Live Streaming service with local networks included (see the 2nd row below “no HS Antenna”).
Televes DiNova Boss
Radome enclosed low visual impact antenna, specifically designed for locations where aesthetics play an important role. The BOSS Tech system automatically controls the level of the received signal to always provide optimal output level.
Televes Ellipse
Intelligence taken to the limit Ellipse Mix is an advanced over the air TV antenna that automatically adapts its gain in real time to optimize the reception of television signals, ensuring the optimum level of signal is delivered at all times.
Televes DAT BOSS
The DAT BOSS LR Mix is an state of the art long range over the air TV antenna that automatically adapts its gain in real time to optimize the reception of television signals, ensuring the optimum level of signal is delivered at all times.
DVR & TV Guide for Antenna
Add a network DVR with additional benefits of Grid TV Guide, ease of use integration, 1 remote and wireless. With no monthly fee, we highly recommend adding this new 4th Generation Tablo Network DVR to your antenna setup! See our Tablo DVR review.
