Free stuff you get with your cable subscription
Here at Komando HQ, we’ve written a lot of guides about cutting the cord. Here’s a five-step plan you can follow to ditch cable and start streaming. But sticking to cable has its upsides.
In fact, some cable packages include free streaming subscriptions, which means you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, it can be time-consuming to research all the cable TV perks out there.
Good news: We did the heavy lifting for you. We found some of the most significant advantages of cable, from technical benefits like better reception to fun extra features like apps and web services. Bookmark this page so you can share it with the next person who tells you to cut the cord.
1. Cheap or free Wi-Fi
If you’re looking for ways to save on your internet connection, you may qualify for low-income internet options. There are a few good resources, like the Lifeline program or the Affordable Connectivity Program. Or you can turn to your cable TV subscription.
That’s right: One way to keep more dollars in your pocket is by double-dipping with a package deal. Some companies offer internet service as well as TV and streaming services. For example, here are a few Xfinity packages you can choose from:
Many cable providers want to turn your router into a Wi-Fi hotspot for the neighborhood. This way, other customers can get internet service no matter where they are. You might not like the idea of providing other people with free internet — but it can benefit you too.
Say you’re a Comcast customer out in the wild. You’re struggling to connect to the internet. If you’re near another Comcast customer, you may be able to connect to Xfinity Wi-Fi. Learn more about this Xfinity feature here.
You and other customers are part of the same network, but you can opt out if you want.
It’s like Amazon Sidewalk, which turns your home gadgets into a part of your neighborhood’s wireless network. Tap or click here for Kim’s take on whether or not you should opt out of Amazon Sidewalk.
2. A huge video-on-demand library is another one of the best cable TV perks
Use Roku? You may lose access to a popular streaming service
Video and music streaming services have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. The onset of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns further increased the user bases of many platforms.
Netflix, the most popular paid-for streaming service by a long shot, added 4 million new subscribers so far in 2021, bringing its total viewers to 208 million. For the same period last year, the platform added 16 million new subscribers. Tap or click here for YouTube tricks and tips you’ll wish you knew sooner.
Best ways to listen to podcasts on your iPhone
Music streaming apps are a dime a dozen. Open your App Store on your iPhone and you’ll find a ton of different music-related apps to choose from.
As with anything, though, not all music apps are created alike. Some require a pricey subscription to listen to your favorite tunes, while others have a limited catalog to choose from or force you to listen to intrusive ads to make revenue. If you’re looking for a good music app, here are the best free sites and apps to stream music.
10 insanely useful Spotify tips and tricks
Spotify is one of the biggest names in music streaming services. It’s both easy to use and works across all devices. Like its competitors, Spotify offers a few subscription options, free or premium.
Both choices come with an extensive library of podcasts, videos, and audiobooks, along with customized playlists just for you. Not sure which streaming service is best for you? Tap or click for our streaming music comparison.