✂️ Cord Cutting — Replace Cable TV with IPTV
Stop paying for an expensive cable or satellite TV package and switch to IPTV + streaming. A complete migration guide.
💰 Cost comparison
| Setup | Monthly | Up-front | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional cable + box | $60-100 | $0 | $720-1200 |
| Satellite TV package | $70-110 | $0 | $840-1320 |
| Slimmed-down skinny bundle | $25-40 | $0 | $300-480 |
| Live TV streaming (YouTube TV / Sling) | $30-75 | $0 | $360-900 |
| Free IPTV + Fire TV | $0 | $50-70 | $50-70 (year 1), $0 after |
| 2-3 on-demand apps + free FAST channels | $15-30 | $50-70 | ~$230-430 year 1 |
📋 Migration step plan
Step 1: Inventory what you actually watch
- Which channels do you really watch? (usually 10-20 out of 100+)
- Local/national broadcast networks → often free over the air (an antenna) or via a free app
- News & entertainment → frequently free on FAST channels (Pluto TV, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus)
- Sport? See our legal sports streaming guide — usually needs its own subscription
- HBO / Disney+ / Netflix → their own subscriptions
Step 2: Check your internet
- Fibre or fast cable internet? Great.
- Internet speed: at least 50 Mbps for stable 4K streaming
- With most providers, TV and internet are separate products — you only need to cancel the TV part
- See our router optimisation guide first
Step 3: Buy the hardware
- Smart TV: already capable? Use the browser or a Smart IPTV app
- Otherwise: Fire TV Stick 4K Max (~$50-70) or Apple TV 4K (~$130-170)
- Premium: NVIDIA Shield TV (~$200) for the best 4K + Plex
- For free over-the-air local channels: a digital antenna ($20-40)
Step 4: Install the apps
- Free FAST apps: Pluto TV, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, Plex Live TV
- On-demand: Netflix / Disney+ / Max / Prime Video (whatever you already had)
- Live TV streaming: YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV (if you want a cable-like bundle)
- An IPTV app (TiviMate / IPTV Smarters) for M3U/Xtream playlists
Step 5: Test for one month
Before you cancel: run your new setup in parallel with cable for a month. Missing something? Time to tweak.
Step 6: Cancel
- Check the notice period in your contract — cancel in writing/online where possible
- Keep your internet — only cancel the TV portion
- Return the cable/satellite box and equipment (or you'll be charged for it)
- Watch for early-termination fees if you're still in contract
📺 What you lose (and the alternative)
| Loss | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Premium sports channels | ESPN+, DAZN, Sky / a standalone sports sub |
| Eurosport / cycling & tennis | Discovery+ / Peacock |
| Discovery, History, etc. | Discovery+, Max |
| HBO premium channels | Max |
| Instant channel zapping | Not identical — IPTV has 1-3 sec channel-change time |
| Set-top box with a DVR | TiviMate Premium DVR feels almost the same |
📚 Read more
- → Free legal IPTV sources
- → Best IPTV apps
- → Fire TV Stick setup
- → Watch sports legally
- → Dutch version (NL market)
❓ Frequently asked questions about cord cutting
What is cord cutting?
Cord cutting means cancelling traditional cable or satellite TV and replacing it with internet-based options like IPTV and streaming services.
How do I replace cable TV?
Use IPTV for live channels and streaming services for on-demand films and series. You keep your internet connection and add a streaming box.
Will I save money by cord cutting?
Usually yes, especially compared to an expensive cable bundle — though it depends on how many streaming services you add.
Will I lose any channels if I cut the cord?
Possibly some specific channels. Make a list of your must-have channels and check they're available via IPTV or streaming first.