The Ultimate Cord Cutter's Guide

Cable TV was once considered the ultimate entertainment necessity, but no longer. Thanks to Internet-based services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Instant Video, you can do away with pay TV altogether. If you have a 5Mbps Internet connection, you can cut the cable easily and efficiently. Here's our most up-to-date look at the best ways to get your favorite TV programming without needing a cable company.

- Eric Griffith

HARDWARE SOLUTIONS

Because most of the major networks are still broadcasting over the airwaves, an HD antenna may be all you need. Start by determining if over-the-air HD is an option where you live by visiting AntennaWeb.org or tvfool.com. If you qualify, buy an antenna—our favorites are the Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amplified Razor Thin HDTV Indoor Antenna ($59.99) and the Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna ($69.88). Setup for both is easy—you can typically just place the antenna next to your TV—though you may have to play with the position to maximize reception. If you want a DVR for recording, the TiVo Roamio ($144.88) is our Editors’ Choice.

Many of today’s HDTVs are “smart TVs,” which have built-in apps, app stores, and networking that let you get on the Internet and easily download the apps you want. If you don’t have a smart TV, there are many media hub options, ranging from game consoles (any of the recent Xbox, PlayStation, or Wii models) and Bluray players to thumb-drive-size units that plug into an HDMI port on your HDTV (such as the $35 Google Chromecast, the $44.99 Roku Streaming Stick, or the $39 Amazon Fire TV Stick). Larger units provide even faster performance and in some cases onboard storage: The Amazon Fire TV ($99) or the Apple TV ($69) are the best of your choices here. Just remember that not every hub guarantees access to every service.

KNOW YOUR CORD-CUTTING SERVICES