Cable bills have a way of creeping up: an introductory price, then box rental fees, broadcast TV fees, regional sports fees, taxes… Let's compare what a year of cable typically costs against a year of IPTV.
What's actually on a cable bill
- Base package price (often promotional for the first 12 months)
- Set-top box or DVR rental per TV
- Broadcast TV fee and regional sports fee
- Taxes and surcharges
- Installation or activation charges
- Early termination fees if you leave a contract
Once all of these are included, a mid-tier cable package with a couple of boxes commonly lands above $100 a month in the US. Check your own bill—the total line is the number that matters.
Yearly cost comparison
| Typical cable (example) | IPTV Prime US (12 months, Standard 4K) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total | ~$100–$150 | ~$6.67 |
| Yearly total | ~$1,200–$1,800 | $80 |
| Equipment | Rented boxes | Device you own (or a $30–$60 stick) |
| Contract | Often 12–24 months | None—pay per period |
Cable figures are illustrative ranges; use your own bill to calculate exact savings. See also how much you save switching.
What you gain with IPTV
- Much lower cost
- Watch on phones, tablets and laptops, not just the TV
- No technician visits or box returns
- Movies and series on demand in the same app
What you might miss
- Cable's reliability doesn't depend on your home internet—IPTV does.
- Cable DVRs are simple; IPTV recording depends on your app and provider.
- Some households prefer one bill for internet + TV.
Make sure your connection is ready: internet speed for IPTV. Thinking about cutting the cord? Use our cord-cutting checklist. Background reading: cord-cutting on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need internet from my cable company?
You need home internet from any provider. Many people keep internet and cancel only the TV part.
Will I lose local channels?
Check which local channels your IPTV plan offers, and consider an antenna for free over-the-air broadcasts.
Can I try IPTV before canceling cable?
Yes—run both for a few weeks. Ask us about a trial or start with one month.
Ready to try IPTV Prime US?
Plans for our IPTV service start at $15 for one month. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you pick a plan and set up your device.