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The Complete Guide to Cutting Cable in 2025

Save $1,200-1,800/year by ditching cable. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to cut the cord without sacrificing your favorite shows, sports, and local news.

The Complete Guide to Cutting Cable in 2025

Are you tired of paying $150+ per month for cable channels you never watch? You're not alone. Millions of Americans are cutting the cord and saving thousands of dollars per year while still enjoying all their favorite content—including local news, sports, and premium shows.

This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to ditch cable without sacrificing the TV experience you love.

Ready to find out exactly what YOU need? Get your personalized cord-cutting recommendation →

Why Cut Cable in 2025?

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • Average cable bill: $150-200/month ($1,800-2,400/year)
  • Average cord-cutter cost: $50-80/month ($600-960/year)
  • Annual savings: $1,200-1,800

But it's not just about money. Cable packages force you to pay for hundreds of channels you'll never watch, lock you into multi-year contracts, and hide fees in confusing bills.

Meanwhile, cord-cutters enjoy:

  • Free local channels in stunning HD (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS)
  • Only the streaming services they actually want
  • Better picture quality (4K streaming vs compressed cable)
  • No contracts, no hidden fees, no hassle

Understanding Over-the-Air (OTA) Television

Here's what most people don't know: All major networks broadcast their content for FREE over the air in high definition.

Yes, seriously. FREE.

ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and many local channels are required by law to broadcast over the air. All you need is a TV antenna to receive them.

What Can You Watch with an Antenna?

  • Local news and weather (often better quality than cable)
  • NFL games (70%+ air on FOX, CBS, and NBC)
  • Network TV shows (same shows, same time as cable)
  • PBS (children's programming, documentaries, Masterpiece)
  • Local sports teams (depending on your market)
  • Special events (Oscars, Super Bowl, Olympics, etc.)

How Good is the Picture Quality?

Better than cable, actually. Cable compresses the video signal. Over-the-air broadcasts are uncompressed HD—some markets even broadcast in 4K.

The 3-Device Setup: Everything You Need

Cutting cable doesn't mean buying a dozen gadgets. You only need three types of devices:

  1. TV Antenna (captures free broadcast channels)
  2. Network Tuner (optional but recommended—distributes antenna signal to all TVs)
  3. Streaming Device (access to apps + DVR capabilities)

Let's break down each component.

1. TV Antennas: Choosing the Right One

The antenna you need depends on how far you are from broadcast towers.

Find Your Tower Distance

Visit rabbitears.info and enter your address. You'll see:

  • Which channels are available in your area
  • How far away the broadcast towers are
  • What type of antenna you need

Antenna Recommendations by Distance

Close to Towers (0-20 miles): Indoor Antenna

If you live in or near a major city, a simple indoor antenna will work great.

Best Indoor Antenna: Mohu Leaf 50 - $59.99

  • 60-mile range
  • Amplified for better reception
  • Flat, paintable design
  • Easy setup—just place near window

Budget Option: 1byone Amplified Indoor Antenna - $29.99

  • 35-mile range
  • Great value for urban/suburban areas

Medium Distance (20-50 miles): Outdoor/Attic Antenna

For suburban homes, you'll need a more powerful antenna, ideally mounted outdoors or in your attic.

Best Medium-Range: Antennas Direct ClearStream 2MAX - $99.99

  • 60-mile range
  • Indoor/outdoor versatile design
  • UHF and VHF reception
  • Weather-resistant

Versatile Option: ClearStream FLEX - $49.99

  • 50-mile range
  • Mount indoors, outdoors, or in attic
  • Amplified for challenging environments

Long Distance (50+ miles): Outdoor Antenna

Rural homes far from towers need a powerful outdoor antenna mounted on the roof or side of the house.

Best Long-Range: Antennas Direct DB8e - $129.99

  • 70+ mile range
  • Multi-directional (no constant repositioning)
  • Powerful UHF reception
  • Weather-resistant, durable build

Best Value: RCA Outdoor Yagi Antenna - $39.99

  • 70-mile range
  • Budget-friendly long-range option
  • Compact design

Antenna Installation Accessories

If you're installing an outdoor antenna, you'll need:

2. Network Tuners: Whole-Home Antenna Distribution

Here's where cord-cutting gets amazing: You can use ONE antenna for your entire house.

Instead of running coaxial cable to every TV, a network tuner connects your antenna to your home network (WiFi/Ethernet). Then any TV with a streaming device can access the antenna.

How Network Tuners Work

  1. Antenna captures broadcast signals
  2. Antenna connects to network tuner via coaxial cable
  3. Network tuner connects to your router via Ethernet cable
  4. All streaming devices on your network can watch live TV
  5. Multiple people can watch different channels simultaneously

Network Tuner Recommendations

Best Overall: HDHomeRun Flex 4K - $199.99

  • 4 tuners (4 people can watch/record different channels at once)
  • ATSC 3.0 ready (future-proof for 4K broadcasts)
  • Works seamlessly with Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV
  • DVR-ready with apps like Channels or Plex
  • No monthly fees for basic functionality

Why we recommend it: If you have 3+ TVs and want DVR capabilities, this is the best investment. The 4 tuners mean your family won't fight over who gets to watch or record what.

Best Value: HDHomeRun Flex Duo - $149.99

  • 2 tuners (2 simultaneous streams)
  • Same great compatibility
  • Perfect for 1-2 TV households

Best Built-In DVR: HDHomeRun Scribe Duo - $229.99

  • 2 tuners + 150GB DVR storage included
  • No additional DVR software needed
  • Records up to 75 hours of HD content
  • Simple, all-in-one solution

3. Streaming Devices: Apps, DVR, and More

Your streaming device is what you'll use daily to watch TV. It needs to:

  • Access your network tuner for antenna channels
  • Run streaming apps (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
  • Provide DVR functionality (with compatible apps)

Streaming Device Recommendations

Best Premium Experience: Apple TV 4K - $129.99

  • Why it's best: Smoothest interface with HDHomeRun, best DVR experience with Channels app
  • 4K HDR support
  • Ethernet + WiFi
  • Siri voice control
  • Free HDHomeRun app, premium Channels DVR app available

For DVR users, get the 128GB model: Apple TV 4K (128GB) - $149.99

  • More storage for downloaded DVR content
  • Worth the extra $20 if you record a lot

Best Value: Roku Streaming Stick 4K - $49.99

  • Great HDHomeRun app
  • 4K support
  • Thousands of streaming apps
  • Simple remote
  • Perfect for budget-conscious cord-cutters

Best Features: Roku Ultra - $99.99

  • Ethernet port (better than WiFi for streaming)
  • USB port for local media
  • Premium remote with headphone jack
  • 4K HDR support

Best for Alexa Users: Fire TV Stick 4K Max - $59.99

  • Built-in Alexa voice control
  • 4K support
  • WiFi 6 for faster streaming
  • Works with HDHomeRun

Budget-Tier Setups: Choose Your Path

Budget Setup: Under $200 (Single TV)

Perfect for: Renters, small apartments, budget-conscious cord-cutters

Equipment:

Total: $101.97

What you get:

  • Free local channels in HD
  • All major streaming apps
  • No monthly equipment fees

What you sacrifice:

  • No whole-home distribution (one TV only)
  • No DVR capability (unless you pay for streaming DVR services)

Mid-Range Setup: $400-600 (Whole Home)

Perfect for: 2-3 TV households, families, sports fans

Equipment:

Total: $624.93

What you get:

  • Whole-home antenna distribution
  • Premium streaming experience on 2 TVs
  • DVR-ready (add Channels app for $79.99/year)
  • 4 simultaneous tuners (watch/record 4 channels at once)

Monthly savings vs cable: ~$120/month = $1,440/year Break-even point: 5 months

Premium Setup: $700+ (Ultimate Experience)

Perfect for: 3+ TV households, serious cord-cutters, sports families

Equipment:

Total: $1,015.88

Add Channels DVR software: $79.99/year

What you get:

  • Maximum range antenna (70+ miles)
  • Premium streaming on 3 TVs
  • Professional-grade DVR with commercial skipping
  • Whole-home distribution
  • 4TB of DVR storage (hundreds of hours)

Monthly savings vs cable: ~$140/month = $1,680/year Break-even point: 7 months 3-year savings: $5,040 - $1,015.88 setup = $4,024.12

Adding DVR Capabilities

One of the biggest concerns people have about cutting cable: "Can I still record my shows?"

Absolutely yes. And it's better than cable DVR.

DVR Option 1: Channels DVR (Best for HDHomeRun + Apple TV)

Cost: $79.99/year (or $239.99 lifetime)

How it works:

  1. Install Channels DVR Server on a computer, NAS, or dedicated device
  2. Connect to your HDHomeRun network tuner
  3. Use Channels app on Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV to watch and record
  4. Add external storage for recordings: WD Elements 4TB ($89.99)

Features:

  • Unlimited recording (limited only by storage)
  • Commercial skipping (automatic!)
  • Beautiful interface
  • Works with streaming services too (via TV Everywhere)
  • Remote access (watch recordings anywhere)

DVR Option 2: HDHomeRun Scribe (Built-In DVR)

Cost: $229.99 (one-time, 150GB included)

How it works:

  • DVR functionality built into the network tuner
  • No additional software needed
  • 150GB = ~75 hours of HD recording
  • Simple, all-in-one solution

Best for: People who want simplicity over advanced features

DVR Option 3: Tablo (All-in-One)

Cost: Tablo Dual HDMI ($249.99) or Tablo Quad HDMI ($299.99)

How it works:

  • Replace HDHomeRun with Tablo (antenna tuner + DVR in one)
  • Add your own storage: WD Elements 2TB ($64.99)
  • Connect to streaming devices
  • Optional subscription for advanced guide data

Best for: People who want a single device instead of separate tuner + DVR software

Streaming Services: Only Pay for What You Watch

The beauty of cord-cutting is choosing ONLY the streaming services you actually want.

Most Popular Combinations

For Local News + Casual Viewers:

  • Antenna (free local channels)
  • Netflix ($15.49/month)
  • Total: $15.49/month vs $150+ cable

For Sports Fans:

  • Antenna (free NFL, local sports)
  • Paramount+ ($5.99/month - CBS sports)
  • Peacock Premium ($5.99/month - Sunday Night Football)
  • ESPN+ ($10.99/month - lots of live sports)
  • Total: $22.97/month vs $150+ cable

For Families:

  • Antenna (free PBS Kids, local channels)
  • Disney+ ($7.99/month)
  • Netflix ($15.49/month)
  • Total: $23.48/month vs $150+ cable

For Complete Cord-Cutters:

  • Antenna (free local channels)
  • Netflix ($15.49/month)
  • Hulu ($7.99/month)
  • Disney+ ($7.99/month)
  • Max ($9.99/month)
  • Peacock ($5.99/month)
  • Paramount+ ($5.99/month)
  • Total: $53.44/month vs $150+ cable
  • Savings: $96.56/month = $1,158.72/year

Installation Overview

For Indoor Antennas:

  1. Unbox antenna
  2. Place near window facing broadcast towers
  3. Connect coax cable to TV or network tuner
  4. Scan for channels
  5. Done! (15 minutes)

For Outdoor Antennas:

  1. Install mount on roof or side of house
  2. Assemble and attach antenna to mount
  3. Point antenna toward broadcast towers (use rabbitears.info)
  4. Run coax cable into house
  5. Ground the system (use grounding block)
  6. Connect to network tuner
  7. Scan for channels
  8. Done! (1-2 hours for DIY, or hire a pro)

For Network Tuner Setup:

  1. Connect antenna coax to HDHomeRun
  2. Connect HDHomeRun to router with ethernet cable
  3. Plug in power
  4. Download HDHomeRun app on streaming devices
  5. Scan for channels
  6. Done! (10 minutes)

Real-World Example: The Johnson Family

Location: Hartland, WI (25 miles from Milwaukee broadcast towers)

Needs:

  • 5 TVs
  • Watch Green Bay Packers games
  • Local news and weather
  • Kids' shows (PBS, Disney+)
  • DVR capability

Their Setup:

Equipment Total: $953.90 (one-time) Annual DVR Cost: $79.99

Streaming Services:

  • Disney+ - $7.99/month
  • Paramount+ - $5.99/month (for additional NFL coverage)

Monthly Cost: $13.98 (streaming only, no equipment fees)

Previous Cable Bill: $165/month New Monthly Cost: $13.98/month Monthly Savings: $151.02 Annual Savings: $1,812.24

Break-even Point: 6.3 months

Common Concerns Answered

"Will I lose sports?"

No. Most NFL games air on FOX, CBS, and NBC—all free with an antenna. Add Peacock ($5.99/month) for Sunday Night Football and Paramount+ ($5.99/month) for additional CBS games. You'll actually see MORE local games than cable subscribers in some cases.

Find out which sports you can watch in your area →

"What about news?"

All local news (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) is broadcast free over the air. You'll get the SAME local news you had with cable, often in better quality.

"Is this hard to set up?"

Indoor antenna: 15 minutes Outdoor antenna + network tuner: 1-2 hours (or hire an installer)

Most people are surprised how simple it is.

"What if my internet goes down?"

Your antenna channels will still work! They don't require internet. Only your streaming apps need internet.

"Can I still watch on multiple TVs?"

Yes! That's exactly what the network tuner does. One antenna serves your entire house.

Your Next Steps

Option 1: DIY with This Guide

Use the setup recommendations above based on your budget and needs:

  • Measure your tower distance at rabbitears.info
  • Choose your antenna from our recommendations
  • Add a network tuner if you have multiple TVs
  • Select streaming devices for each TV
  • Install and enjoy your savings!

Option 2: Get a Personalized Recommendation

Not sure which equipment is right for YOUR specific situation?

Use our free AI tool to get a custom cord-cutting plan →

Just enter:

  • Your location (to calculate tower distance)
  • Your content preferences (sports, news, movies, etc.)
  • Number of TVs
  • Whether you want DVR

You'll get a complete equipment list with exact products, installation guide, and cost breakdown tailored to your home.

Start Saving Today

The average American will spend over $20,000 on cable TV over 10 years.

Or you can spend $200-1,000 once and save $1,200-1,800 every single year.

That's a family vacation. A reliable used car. A college fund starter. Your money, back in your pocket.

Ready to see your exact savings?

Get Your Free Personalized Cord-Cutting Plan →

Complete Shopping Lists

Budget Single-TV Setup ($102)

Total: $101.97

Mid-Range Whole-Home Setup ($625)

Total: $624.93

Premium Ultimate Setup ($1,016)

Total: $1,015.88

Plus Channels DVR software: $79.99/year

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission from purchases made through links on this page at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we've personally tested or thoroughly researched.

Still not sure which setup is right for you?

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