UMVA has learned that cable customers can slash their bills without cutting the cord by cleverly leveraging streaming apps, bundling perks, and renegotiating internet rates.
For months cable giants hesitated to let viewers bypass pricey set‑top boxes, but today most providers offer free apps that mirror the traditional experience. Using the Xfinity Stream app on a smart TV or streaming stick can save about fourteen dollars a month per device, while Spectrum’s TV app can dodge the five‑dollar monthly rental of a Xumo box.
Dish’s Anywhere app appears only on Amazon Fire TV or Google TV, yet it eliminates the seven‑dollar monthly fee for a secondary receiver. DirecTV subscribers can cut between seven and fifteen dollars a month per TV by switching from a physical receiver to the free app available on Roku, Apple TV, or Android TV.
Optimum’s Apple‑TV‑only app still requires one box, but the extra screen can be freed up for a fourteen‑dollar monthly saving. Cox’s Contour app, limited to Apple TV, offers an eight‑half‑dollar cut on every secondary device.
Before returning boxes, test the apps on your existing smart TV or streaming device. If the interface feels seamless, uninstall the bulky hardware and pocket the instant savings.
Even for those staying on cable, bundled streaming can lighten the load. Spectrum’s base plans already include Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock, AMC+, Discovery+, ESPN Unlimited, Fox One, and Vix at no extra cost, with the option to upgrade to ad‑free versions for a modest fee.
Comcast Xfinity bundles Peacock with Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, or the Disney+/Hulu duo at a discount, a deal also open to internet‑only customers. DirecTV’s core packages come with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited, removing the need for separate subscriptions.
When the temptation to cancel the internet hits, cable providers are wary of losing customers to 5G home internet. Negotiating a price guarantee—such as a five‑year, 300‑Mbps plan for fifty‑five dollars a month—can trigger a discount and sometimes a TV rebate.
If you’re not ready to ditch cable, ensure you’re not overpaying for what you already enjoy. A quick call to customer service and a willingness to threaten cancellation can unlock hidden savings on both internet and television.
