There are several reasons why you should try streaming TV whether that’s an annoying cable plan bill or the last season of a new Hit Show available only on Netflix.

Nowadays it’s even more and more difficult to get TV content without streaming them. In 2018, there were more original titles from streaming platforms compared to basic and broadcast cable. A Deloitte study reported that more Americans are subscribed to a streaming platform instead of traditional cable TV.

If you haven’t switched to a streaming platform yet, the abundance of options might overwhelm you. In the U.S, there are over 200 streaming platforms available. And you might even ask, what exactly is streaming. Well, let’s fill you in with what you should know.

Streaming TV is not a complicated process. It’s most likely that you already have everything you’ll need. And if you’re missing some of the items on this list, you’ll need less than $50 to get started.

What You Need for Streaming?

Fast and Stable Wi-Fi

A great streaming experience comes from a stable internet connection. The quality of the video depends on the speed of your Wi-Fi.

• For standard definition videos, the recommended speed is 3 Mbps

• For high definition videos, the recommended speed is 5 Mbps

• For 4k or HDR videos, the recommended speed is 25 Mbps

If you don’t know what video quality you’re streaming, it’s probably HD. Standard definition isn’t as common today and the last time that they used SD for a TV broadcast was in 2014. Around 2009, the FCC released a mandate that TV signals should be digitally transmitted. This means that starting in 2009, TVs were manufactured with high definition.

Netflix is the only major platform that currently offers an SD subscription and it’s mostly a way to offer a plan at a lower cost. At the other end of the field are 4K TVs. These will give you the best video quality but also take a huge toll on your internet speed.

Many new TVs will be manufactured in HD. Given this, you should have a minimum speed of 5 Mbps to enjoy uninterrupted streaming. Try a speed test to find out your internet connection speed.

Preferred streaming device

Once you’re satisfied with your Wi-Fi speed, you need a device where you can access the streaming platform. The three most common methods are:

Smart TV – The most popular device in the US for streaming are Smart TVs. 31% of Americans who stream use their Smart TVs. If your TV can connect to the internet and has built-in apps, then you have a Smart TV. However, it might now be able to support every app you want to use and you’re limited in what apps you can add.

Streaming Device – Amazon and Roku TVs cost $40 on average and you can plug these into a TV’s HDMI port to access streaming services. There are several apps available for download. If your Smart TV doesn’t have HBO Now, adding a streaming device will allow you to access more platforms. These devices also have a user-friendly interface and allow you to search titles across different streaming platforms.

Gaming Console – although gaming consoles are also popular for streaming, it’s mainly for secondary use. It’s not worth dropping hundreds of dollars on a console if you’re only going to stream shows.

Do I need a streaming device?

Well, a streaming device will give you more options if you’re not satisfied with the built-in apps on your smart TV. You’ll also have a friendlier search system and user interface. Smart TVs usually come with a set of pre-installed apps and there’s no option to add new ones. If you want to watch WandaVision but don’t have Disney+ installed, then you’ll need something else to access the content.

A streaming device gives you more choices in terms of streaming apps you can access. It’s also easier to switch between different platforms. For example, if you search the movie Jaws, you’ll get a free option with an HBO Max subscription or rent it through Vudu or Amazon Video. You save a lot of time searching each app to see if the title is available and you also get more use out of your current subscriptions.

What about TVs with no HDMI port?

If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can still stream using the right tools. As of the moment, Roku is the only manufacturer of devices that are compatible with the red, white, and yellow jacks on SD TVs. You can also get an HDM to RCA adapter if you already own another streaming device. However, there are users who experienced issues with using an adapter with their streaming devices.

Getting Started

1. Plug the streaming device

If you’re not using a streaming device, you can start with step two below. Most streaming devices are plugged into an HDMI port and a power outlet. Once you have that in, switch the TV to HDMI input and follow the steps that appear on your screen.

2. Connect to your Wi-Fi

After plugging the streaming device into your TV, you need to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Devices such as Google Chromecast Ultra and Amazon Fire TV Stick can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable. This allows you to get a more stable connection and enjoy a smoother streaming experience.

3. Log in to the streaming service

Smart TVs and streaming devices often have popular platforms such as Hulu and Netflix pre-installed. If you’re interested in more specific content like The Criterion Channel and Shudder from niche providers, you’ll need to download this onto the device.

Find content to enjoy

There are two types of services that are available for streaming TV – on-demand and live. On-demand streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu do not broadcast live content so you can watch their movies and TV shows anytime you want to. Live TV streaming is often cited as an alternative to cable TV. They broadcast the same channels, commercials, and pay more compared to other platforms.

On-demand Streaming Platforms

The list below contains some of the most popular services. On average, a subscription will cost you $10 a month. These usually provide a 7-day free trial that allows you to access their complete library. Here we have some of the most popular bundles

Streaming combo	Price
Netflix + Hulu (with ads)	$19 monthly
Netflix + Prime Video + Hulu (with ads)	$28 monthly
Netflix + Disney Plus	$20 monthly
Netflix + HBO Max + Prime Video	$37 monthly
Disney Plus + ESPN + Hulu +bundle	$13 monthly

Live Streaming

Alternative to cable plans that stream live content typically cost $50 per month. Although the rates are higher than on-demand subscriptions, you still get to save money when you compare it to traditional cable TV.