DIY TV Options to
Cut the Cord Yourself
Now is the best time to Cut The Cord and save money!
Tour recommended services and devices:
StreamWise Solution’s 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 devices and providers below to help you on your journey, or if you need help we offer FREE expert TV Consultations.
Streaming Service Providers
Streaming is part of everyday entertainment for most households. So much so, that more people have chosen streaming instead of cable or satellite subscriptions. There are lots of options, but one challenge is to avoid stacking too many streaming subscriptions. Another is choosing which Live TV provider best fits your entertainment needs for the best price.
Best Streaming Providers (with an HD Antenna)
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 60+ lifestyle cable channels. No news or sports and is near inclusive of Frndly channels.
Only $25/ month – no contracts.
The collection of channels is closely correlated to cable / satellite services, starting at 30-80+ news, sports and lifestyle including ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and lots more.
Only $40/ month – no contracts.
Best Live + Cable Streaming Providers (no HD Antenna)
Best alternative if you want it all. Local networks, cable channels & the only service with both RSNs. $109 “Choice” plan needed for part of the year to get Altitude Sports and AT&T SportsNet RM.
Starting at $80/ 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 more channels and a full DVR. For max savings it’s best to get local channels with an antenna.
Starting at $76/ month – no contracts.
Most like a cable tv viewing experience, YouTube TV is worth considering in the mix of cable + local TV streaming. Unlimited DVR and option to add a la carte channels is better than others.
Now starting at $73/ month – no contracts.
Even with live local channels, Fubo TV only includes includes 1 RSN – Altitude Sports. So its ok for anyone wanting just Altitude Sports for Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets.
$89/ month + fees – 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 Max
The best 4K streaming experience due to a built in Wi-Fi 6 receiver. 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 than ever, the Roku Streaming Stick 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, audio outputs, pair with external sound, and connectivity. Read “What’s the Best Smart TV to Buy” and learn more about choosing amongst these options.
If you’re ready to go, we have weighed these important options and 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.
Sony X90J
BRAVIA XR 4K
While this TV is more expensive, the picture quality is amazing and well worth the price. And, we highly recommend adding a FireTV 4K Max for best smart TV functionality.
NextLight Wi-Fi Home Networking
High-speed internet everywhere you need it
In Longmont, NextLight customers have the fastest, highest quality internet rated in the nation. And, you can get high-speed coverage anywhere in the home. No more dead zones. Improve home networking security at every connection. Gain control over connected devices. Expert support for any WiFi issues. And optimize your network to your needs.
HD Antennas
The best way to save money every month for life, is with a properly installed outdoor or attic whole home HD TV antenna. Cheap indoor antennas are NOT recommended. They clutter up your home, lack the power and cant be 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 a free expert consultation with one of our professionals – Request Consultation. If you are in an apartment or 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 above).
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.
