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IPTV vs Cable in the USA: The Ultimate Guide to Cutting the Cord and Saving Big in 2024

Updated December 18, 2024 | Reading time: 12 minutes

IPTV vs Traditional Cable comparison in the USA

Are you still paying more than $100 per month for Xfinity, Spectrum, DirecTV, or another traditional cable subscription? You're not alone. Millions of Americans are discovering IPTV every year, an alternative that offers 10 times more content for 5 times less money. In this comprehensive guide, we objectively compare IPTV to US cable offerings to help you make the best choice.

Whether you're frustrated by rising cable bills or the endless bundle upsells from your provider, this comparison will give you all the information you need. Discover how American families are saving over $1,000 per year by cutting the cord, without sacrificing quality or content.

In this article:

Comparison Table: IPTV vs Traditional Cable

Before we dive into the details, here's a comprehensive overview of the differences between IPTV and traditional cable offerings in the US:

Criteria IPTV StreamPro Traditional Cable
Monthly price From $9.99 $50 - $200
Number of channels 40,000+ 100 - 300
Picture quality HD / 4K Ultra HD HD / 4K (package dependent)
VOD / Movies and Series 160,000+ included Limited or paid extra
Sports channels All included (NFL, NBA, MLB) +$15 to +$50/month
Compatible devices Unlimited (TV, mobile, PC) 1-2 cable boxes
Contract No contract 12-24 months
Installation Instant (5 min) Technician required
Installation fees $0 $50 - $150
DVR / Catch-up 7 days included +$10-20/month
Customer support 24/7 WhatsApp Limited hours, long waits

US Price Comparison: IPTV vs Cable Providers

Let's examine in detail what the different TV options actually cost in the United States. These prices include complete packages with sports channels, which often represent the main expense for households.

Xfinity (Comcast): The Largest Cable Provider

Popular TV: $60/month (promotional, then $90+)

Ultimate TV: $80/month (promotional, then $120+)

With Sports & Premium: $120-180/month

Annual cost: $1,080 to $2,160

Note: Prices increase significantly after promotional period. Equipment rental and regional sports fees add $15-25/month extra.

Spectrum (Charter): No-Contract Cable

Spectrum TV Select: $59.99/month

TV Select + Sports: $89.99/month

TV Gold: $109.99/month

Annual cost: $720 to $1,320

No contracts, but broadcast TV fees ($21.50) and regional sports fees add up. Equipment rental is $8.99/month per box.

DirecTV: Satellite TV Leader

Entertainment: $64.99/month

Choice (with sports): $84.99/month

Ultimate: $109.99/month

Premier: $154.99/month

Annual cost: $780 to $1,860

Prices shown are after autopay discount. Equipment fees, regional sports networks, and HD access add $20-40/month.

AT&T TV / DirecTV Stream

Entertainment: $79.99/month

Choice: $108.99/month

Ultimate: $119.99/month

Premier: $154.99/month

Annual cost: $960 to $1,860

Streaming service with no equipment fees, but regional sports fees still apply in most markets.

StreamPro IPTV: The Money-Saving Alternative

Premium Subscription: $9.99/month

Annual Subscription: $49.99/year (just $4.17/month)

Annual cost: $50 to $120

Includes: 40,000+ channels, ALL sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, NCAA), 160,000 VOD titles, 4K quality, NO hidden fees

Average Savings with StreamPro

$1,140 / year

Compared to a standard Xfinity cable package

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Advantages and Disadvantages: IPTV vs Cable

Advantages of IPTV

  • Massive savings: Up to 90% cheaper than traditional cable
  • Enormous channel selection: Over 40,000 channels worldwide vs 100-300 for cable
  • Total flexibility: Watch on TV, smartphone, tablet, computer - anywhere in the world
  • No contract: Cancel anytime, no early termination fees
  • Instant setup: Configure in 5 minutes, no technician needed
  • All sports included: NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, MLB, NHL - no extra charges
  • Unlimited VOD: 160,000+ movies and series included in subscription
  • Multi-screen: Up to 4 simultaneous connections
  • 4K Ultra HD quality: On all compatible channels
  • 24/7 support: Assistance available via WhatsApp anytime
  • No hidden fees: No equipment rental, broadcast TV fees, or regional sports fees

Disadvantages of IPTV

  • Internet connection required: Needs minimum 10 Mbps (25 Mbps for 4K)
  • Initial setup: May require a few minutes of configuration
  • Variable stability: Depends on the quality of your internet connection

Advantages of Traditional Cable

  • Professional installation: Everything is set up for you
  • Dedicated connection: Doesn't depend on your internet bandwidth
  • Familiar interface: Standard remote controls and channel guides
  • Local support: Physical service centers for assistance

Disadvantages of Traditional Cable

  • Extremely high prices: $80 to $200/month for limited content
  • Hidden fees galore: Equipment rental, broadcast fees, regional sports fees, HD fees
  • Binding contracts: 12 to 24 months minimum, hefty early termination fees
  • Limited channels: Little international choice
  • Paid extras: Sports packages, premium channels = expensive add-ons
  • No mobility: Limited to your home and cable boxes
  • Long installation waits: Schedule appointments weeks in advance
  • Price increases: Promotional rates expire, prices jump significantly

Why Americans Are Cutting the Cord for IPTV

The "cord-cutting" movement has become a full-blown revolution in America. According to recent studies, over 50 million US households have already cancelled their traditional cable subscriptions. Here are the main reasons:

1. Out-of-control cable prices

The average American cable bill has increased from $48 in 2010 to over $120 in 2024 - a 150% increase! Between equipment rental fees ($10-15/box), broadcast TV fees ($20+), regional sports fees ($10-15), and HD access charges, the hidden costs are astronomical. To watch NFL Sunday Ticket and NBA League Pass, you could easily spend $250+/month.

2. Modern IPTV reliability

Today's IPTV is nothing like the unreliable services of the past. Premium providers like IPTV SMARTERS offer 4K Ultra HD quality with stability that rivals or exceeds traditional cable.

3. Freedom from contracts

Americans are tired of being locked into 2-year contracts with $200+ early termination fees. IPTV offers month-to-month flexibility with the ability to cancel anytime.

4. International content access

With America's diverse population, access to international channels in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, and dozens of other languages has become essential. IPTV offers channels from over 100 countries.

5. Watch anywhere, anytime

Whether you're commuting, traveling for work, or on vacation, IPTV lets you watch your favorite content on any device. Traditional cable keeps you tethered to your living room.

Calculate Your Savings: Cable vs IPTV

Here's a real-world example of what an average American family could save by switching to IPTV:

Example: Family with complete sports package

Current Cable Cost

  • Xfinity Ultimate TV: $90
  • Sports package: $15
  • Equipment rental (2 boxes): $17
  • Broadcast TV fee: $21
  • Regional sports fee: $12

Total: $155/month

That's $1,860/year

StreamPro IPTV Cost

  • Premium subscription: $9.99
  • All channels included
  • No equipment fees
  • No hidden charges
  • 4K included free

Total: $9.99/month

That's $120/year

Annual saving

$1,740

These savings are real and verifiable. With IPTV, there are no nasty surprises: no promotional pricing that expires, no hidden fees, no equipment rental charges, and no early termination penalties.

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Frequently Asked Questions: IPTV vs Cable

Is IPTV legal in the United States?

IPTV as a technology is perfectly legal. IPTV SMARTERS operates within a legal framework and provides a quality service. For more information, read our article on IPTV legality in the USA.

What internet speed do I need for IPTV?

A speed of 10 Mbps is sufficient for HD streaming. For 4K, we recommend 25 Mbps minimum. Most American broadband connections easily exceed these requirements. Check our guide on internet requirements for IPTV.

Can I watch IPTV on my Smart TV?

Absolutely! IPTV works on all Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, etc.), Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, smartphones, tablets, and computers. Learn how to set up your Smart TV for IPTV.

What happens if I'm not satisfied?

We offer a 24-hour free trial so you can test the service before committing. If you're not satisfied, simply don't continue - no questions asked, no credit card required for the trial.

Can I watch NFL, NBA, and MLB games?

Yes! StreamPro includes all major sports networks: ESPN, Fox Sports, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, NHL Network, plus regional sports networks. Watch NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, and more - all included. See our NFL and NBA streaming guide.

How do I install IPTV on Fire Stick?

Fire Stick is one of the most popular and easiest devices to set up for IPTV. Installation takes about 5 minutes. Follow our complete Fire Stick IPTV setup guide.

What is IPTV exactly?

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) delivers TV content over the internet rather than through traditional cable or satellite infrastructure. This allows for more channels, better flexibility, and dramatically lower costs. Read our complete guide: What is IPTV?

Is the picture quality as good as Xfinity or DirecTV?

Modern IPTV services like StreamPro offer HD and 4K Ultra HD quality that matches or exceeds traditional cable and satellite providers. With a stable internet connection, you'll enjoy crystal-clear picture quality.

Conclusion: Is IPTV Right for You?

If you value flexibility, massive content choice, and significant savings, IPTV is the clear winner. The average American household can save over $1,000 per year while accessing 100 times more content than traditional cable.

The transition is easier than ever: no technicians, no waiting, no contracts, no hidden fees. Simply sign up, download the app, and start watching within minutes. And with our 24-hour free trial, there's absolutely no risk.

Join the millions of Americans who have already cut the cord. Still have questions? Our support team is available 24/7 via WhatsApp, or visit our contact page to get in touch.

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