Budget Friendly Cord Cutting Apps

Blog Post

Fisher Electronics • Sep 26, 2023

These TV apps are to expensive! I want lower cost TV apps.

two logos for sling television and philo are next to each other

Over the past few years, the number of cord cutters has continued to increase. As is typical in the world of electronics, things have evolved. If you're new to this concept, we recommend reading our first blog article from a few years ago. You can access it through this link. However, if you already have a basic understanding and are seeking more detailed information, keep reading. If you're in search of TV apps that provide Sports channels, check out our blog article for some fantastic options.

Below, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions we receive, particularly regarding whether specific channels are available through streaming apps. So, without further ado, let's delve into the most common Q&A's and check out the chart displaying the streaming apps that offer the majority of sports channels (including the ones people often inquire about).

Do I keep my Internet Service?

Yes, you will either keep your exisiting providers internet, or switch to a different provider offering better speeds and better prices.
My TV Channels & Internet are with Spectrum or Buckeye. Do I still need to keep my provider for Internet?

Probably Yes. Because usually people will keep Spectrum, or Buckeye just for their internet service. You have to have an internet provider to stream any apps.

A reason why you may not keep Spectrum or Buckeye etc.. is if you find a different internet provider with faster speeds or a lower cost.
Direct TV or Cable lost a local channel. Can I get those channels in an app?

Yes, see our chart below showing the local channels from Cleveland. You will see the streaming apps we have listed carry the local channels. Most live TV streaming apps carry local channels from across the United States.
Do I need to keep my Cable or Satellite company for TV channels if I get a TV streaming app?

If you get a live TV streaming app like those below in the chart, no you do not need to keep your cable or satellite company for TV channels.

However, you may still want or need to keep them for internet. This is where people shop for the best internet provider offering the fastest speeds at the lowest cost.
How fast does my Internet need to be?

We recommend at least 200MBS download, preferably 300MBS - 600MBS download speeds.

If you have a lower speed try it out but be aware if you get buffering, pixelation, or poor focus, you probably want a faster speed. This is especially true when people are on their devices and watching multiple TV's at the same time.
Do I need to buy a DVR to record for these TV streaming apps?

No, each TV streaming app (if it offers DVR) stores it in their cloud (servers). You access these DVR programs through the providers app.
Will my "Smart TV" get these TV streaming apps?

Most likely Yes, if your TV is a newer smart TV. Especially with the older smart TV's, not all smart TV's support every streaming app.

Generally speaking a new smart TV should get the apps listed in the chart below. (not a guarantee).
What if my "Smart TV" does not get these TV apps?

If your Smart TV does not get one of these apps, your choices are either replace the TV or purchase a streaming device like a Roku, or Fire Cube.

Due to slower speeds, it is not our first recommendation to purchase the lower cost model Roku or Firesticks. We would recommend the Roku Ultra, or Firecube which offer the fastest processors, and an ethernet port to hardwire these devices to your internet.

As the cost of streaming TV apps continues to rise, we have curated a selection of TV streaming apps that offer more affordable pricing with a small trade-off. So, what's the catch? If sports channels or local TV channels are of little importance to you, these alternatives may be the perfect solution.

Sling TV, Philo, and Frndly TV are just a few options worth considering. For further information, please consult the comparison chart provided below. While the cost is significantly reduced, it's important to note that you will not have access to certain sports programs and local Cleveland channels (or local channels specific to your area).

Please take note of the following information. The data presented in the chart is accurate as of September 2023. However, if you are reading this in late 2023 or 2024, there is a possibility that it may have changed. This could be due to alterations in the channel lineup or cost by the provider.

The electronics industry is constantly evolving, after all. Additionally, you will observe that Sling TV & Frndly TV offer various TV plans. I have indicated in the chart which plans are required to access the listed channels.

Channel	Sling TV Orange	Sling TV Blue	Philo TV	Frndly TV
Bally Sports	No	No	No	No
Big 10 Network	No	No	No	No
ESPN	Yes	No	No	No
ESPN 2	Yes	No	No	No
NFL Network	No	Yes	No	No
3 NBC Cleveland	No	No	No	No
5 ABC Cleveland	No	No	No	No
8 Fox Cleveland	No	No	No	No
19 CBS Cleveland	No	No	No	No
Total Channels	32	40	70+	40+
DVR	Yes 50 Hours - 200 Hours add on	Yes 50 Hours - 200 Hours add on	Yes - Unlimited	Yes - Unlimited
Screens	1	3	3	4
Cost	$40	$40	$25	$9.17 (Premium Plan)

When you're prepared to venture into the realm of cord cutting, simply inform us. If you're ready to upgrade your TV for a smart TV, we're here to assist you (with price matching for comparable models). We frequently install these applications on clients' TVs, set up their app accounts, and provide and install streaming devices to keep you up-to-date with the latest trends.

Understanding the ever-changing nature of this industry, we hope this provides you with some valuable perspective on the cord cutting world. Get in touch with us when you're prepared for an electronics enhancement. We would be delighted to provide you with exceptional service.

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