The average American household is spending $83–$120 per month on cable TV in 2026. That's up to $1,440 per year for channels you largely don't watch, equipment rental fees you never asked for, and the privilege of being locked into a contract that auto-renews. The good news? You can get every channel you actually watch — including live sports, local news, premium content, and international TV — for as little as $14.99/month through IPTV. Here's exactly how to make the switch.
What Does "Cutting the Cord" Actually Mean?
"Cutting the cord" refers to canceling a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription and replacing it with internet-based alternatives. The term originated from the physical cable that connected your home to the cable company's infrastructure — and in 2026, millions of Americans are cutting it for good.
The cord-cutting movement began gaining serious momentum around 2015 and has accelerated every year since. According to industry research, more than 6 million US households canceled cable in 2025 alone — and IPTV services have been one of the primary beneficiaries, offering live TV with the depth of a cable package at internet-streaming prices.
The True Cost of Cable TV vs. IPTV in 2026
Let's look at the real numbers. This isn't about the introductory promotional rate your cable company advertised — it's about what you actually end up paying once the promo period ends.
| Cost Item | Cable TV | Apollo Group TV (IPTV) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $83–$120/mo | $14.99–$39.99/mo |
| Set-Top Box Rental | $10–$20/mo per box | $0 (use any device) |
| DVR Service | $10–$15/mo | Included (VOD library) |
| Installation / Activation Fee | $50–$100 (one-time) | $0 |
| Contract Requirement | 12–24 months | None — cancel anytime |
| Estimated Annual Cost | $1,116–$1,740 | $179.88–$479.88 |
The annual savings range from $636 to over $1,260 per year depending on your current cable plan and the Apollo Group TV subscription you choose. Over three years, that's potentially $3,780 back in your pocket.
What Channels Will You Miss When You Cancel Cable?
This is the #1 concern people have before cutting the cord. The honest answer: almost nothing, if you choose the right IPTV service. Let's address the most common worries:
Live Sports — Including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC
Apollo Group TV includes 500+ sports channels featuring NFL games (including NFL RedZone and NFL Network), all NBA games via multiple regional networks, MLB, NHL, UFC, boxing PPV events, WWE, FIFA, and more. Every major US sports event is covered — often in 4K.
Local News and Network TV
Apollo Group TV includes local channels from all major US markets, including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS affiliates. You get local evening news, morning shows, and network primetime programming just like cable. For the most reliable local TV experience, you can also pair IPTV with a free over-the-air antenna ($15–$30 one-time investment).
Kids and Family Channels
Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Disney Junior, PBS Kids, Discovery Family — all included. Your children won't notice the difference, and you'll save over $1,000 a year.
Premium Channels (HBO, Showtime, etc.)
Apollo Group TV includes premium channels as part of your subscription at no additional cost. There are no separate add-on packages required — everything is included in your monthly plan.
The Hardware You Need to Get Started
One of the hidden costs of cable TV is equipment. Most providers charge $10–$20/month per set-top box rental. With IPTV, you use devices you likely already own — or invest a small amount once for permanent ownership:
- Amazon Firestick 4K Max — $54.99 one-time (replaces $10–$20/month cable box). See our Firestick setup guide.
- Smart TV — If you have a modern Samsung, LG, or Sony TV, you can often install IPTV apps directly with no additional hardware.
- Android TV Box — $40–$80 one-time, an excellent option for older TVs that you want to make "smart".
- Existing Devices — Your existing Android or iOS phone or tablet can stream Apollo Group TV right now, with no new hardware purchase required at all.
Step-by-Step: How to Cancel Cable and Switch to IPTV
- Check your cable contract for early termination fees. Log in to your cable provider's account portal or call them directly. If you're month-to-month, there's no penalty. If you're under contract, calculate the early termination fee and factor it into your savings timeline.
- Subscribe to Apollo Group TV. Choose your plan at apollo-group.tv. You'll receive your streaming credentials within minutes of payment. Start with a 7-day trial period before canceling cable to ensure everything works perfectly for your household.
- Set up Apollo Group TV on your devices. Follow the setup guides for your specific devices. Most setups take under 5 minutes. Our Firestick setup guide is a great starting point.
- Run IPTV alongside cable for one week. Apollo Group TV's 7-day money-back guarantee means you can test it risk-free while still having cable as a backup. Use this week to verify all your must-have channels are working perfectly.
- Call your cable provider and cancel. Once you're satisfied with IPTV, call your cable company's cancellation line. Be prepared for retention offers (they'll likely offer you a discounted rate to stay) — stick to your decision, confirm the final cancellation date in writing, and return any rented equipment within the required timeframe.
Start Your 7-Day Risk-Free Trial
Test Apollo Group TV for a full week before canceling cable. 20,000+ channels from $14.99/month.
View Plans & Start TodayFrequently Asked Questions
Will I lose local channels if I cancel cable?
No. Apollo Group TV includes local channels for all major US markets — ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS affiliates for most cities. For absolute reliability on local channels during severe weather or major local events, you can supplement with a free over-the-air antenna (one-time purchase of $15–$30) which picks up free HD local broadcasts.
What internet speed do I need to replace cable with IPTV?
We recommend a minimum of 25 Mbps download speed for a comfortable HD streaming experience. For households with 2–3 simultaneous streams, aim for 50 Mbps. For 4K streaming on multiple devices, 100 Mbps is ideal. Most US broadband plans in 2026 exceed these requirements. Note that you do not need to pay for your cable company's internet and TV bundle — you can keep just the internet portion of your plan.
Are there early termination fees when canceling cable?
It depends on whether you're under a contract. Month-to-month customers can cancel at any time with no penalty. If you signed a 1- or 2-year promotional agreement, early termination fees typically range from $10 to $20 per remaining month (for example, $150 if you have 10 months left on a $15/month fee). Even accounting for this fee, the long-term savings from switching to IPTV make it worthwhile in most cases.