Streaming is quickly becoming the most preferred way of watching TV, with many people leaving their cable and satellite providers in a trend known as “cutting the cord”. Some people may be skeptical about cutting the cord because cable and satellite have been the main ways to consume video entertainment for decades.
Fortunately, streaming TV isn’t as hard as it may seem. Of course, you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription to whichever streaming service you choose to watch— but that’s what you’re already doing with cable and satellite. Next, you’ll need some type of device to actually watch your shows, and here are the options you have.
#1: Smart TV
It’s safe to say that the majority of people use a smart TV to stream their favorite shows, as opposed to other devices. These TVs already have all of the most popular (and some not so popular) streaming apps available on them. All you need is your paid monthly subscription to begin watching all of your favorite shows.
Many smart TV owners enjoy subscriptions to YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and other platforms that allow for streaming live television. This gives the same experience as watching cable or satellite television— for half the price in some cases.
#2: Computers
Laptop
Streaming your favorite shows from your laptop is a more convenient way of watching television, say if you’re on a long flight. This convenience is a reason many people have switched from cable/satellite TV to streaming. All you have to do to stream from your laptop is to open your web browser, type in the website address to the platform(s) you’re subscribed to, login in, and begin watching.
Desktop
Desktop computers aren’t as common as laptop computers, mostly due to the fact that they have to remain stationary so they’re not as mobile as a laptop. Still, you’ll be able to access streaming platforms the same way you would with a laptop computer.
#3: Mobile Devices
Smartphones
The most portable and convenient way to stream your favorite shows is right from your smartphone. All of the major streaming platforms have mobile apps available in your phone’s app store that you can download right to your mobile device. Once you download the app and sign into your account, you’re able to start watching all of your favorite shows right from your phone.
Tablets
Tablets can be described as mini laptops without keyboards, or larger versions of smartphones. They function in many ways similar to smartphones, and watching your favorite shows is done in the same way: download the app to your tablet, login, and begin watching. You can also use the web browser if you don’t have enough storage space on your tablet to download multiple apps.
#4: External Devices
Not everyone has a smart TV, so they have to use one of the other devices listed above. However, there are a few ways to stream television on a TV that isn’t a smart TV. One way is to connect your laptop via USB to your TV, turning your TV into a monitor essentially, while you control from your laptop. There are also a few other devices that can turn your TV into a smart TV.
Game Consoles
If you have a PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, or Xbox Series X, then you’ll be able to access some streaming platforms from any one of these game consoles.
Streaming Sticks
The Roku streaming stick and the Amazon Fire Stick work via USB, allowing you to turn your regular TV into a smart TV. Like your game consoles, these devices have certain streaming platforms built into them. However, they may not have all of the same apps as the latest smart TVs, but you can jailbreak your Fire Stick to get access to more media. You can also install the Kodi app on your Fire Stick to store all of your media in one place.
So you have quite a few options when it comes to streaming TV shows and movies— as opposed to being confined to your television when using cable or satellite. Streaming gives you more options, more flexibility, and saves you more money in the long run. There’s a device for everyone to enjoy streaming their favorite TV shows and movies, so don’t worry if you can’t afford a smart TV. Chances are, you already have a device that will allow you to stream.
