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Cord-cutting in 2026: the complete beginner's guide

Everything a first-time cord-cutter needs to know to drop cable in 2026, without losing live TV or sports.

The short version: keep your internet, drop the TV package, and replace it with streaming apps for on-demand plus one IPTV service for live channels and sports. Set up the new service before you cancel cable.

Cord-cutting just means replacing your cable package with internet-based services. Done right, you keep live TV and sports and pay a fraction of the price. Here is how to start.

The 5 steps to cut the cord

  1. Check your internet. You only need your existing broadband, aim for about 25 Mbps per HD stream and 50+ for 4K. Keep your internet plan and drop only the TV package.
  2. Pick how you will watch. Streaming apps for on-demand, plus a live-TV or IPTV service for channels, news and sports. Most people use one IPTV service for everything.
  3. Keep your sports. This is where people get stuck. A full IPTV service carries live sports and PPV that apps charge extra for, including games that get blacked out in Canada.
  4. Do the math. Cable runs $95-$147/month and four streaming apps average $69/month. One IPTV plan starts at $20/month for all of it.
  5. Switch without missing a beat. Set up your new service before you cancel cable, test it for a day, then cancel once you are happy.

What each option costs

OptionTypical monthlyLive sports
Cable$95-$147Included, plus fees
4 streaming apps~$69Usually extra
One IPTV planFrom $20Included
✓ Pro tip: do not cancel cable first. Start a free 24-hour IPTV trial, get it working on your main TV, then cancel, so you never miss a game during the switch.
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Your cord-cutting checklist

Confirmed your internet is 25+ Mbps
Chose your on-demand and live-TV mix
Confirmed your sports are covered
Compared the real monthly cost
Set up the new service before cancelling cable
Related
How to fix IPTV buffering in 2026 (9 proven fixes)Is IPTV legal in Canada in 2026?How much does cable really cost in 2026 (and how to cut it to $20/month)
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Frequently asked questions

What do I need to cut the cord in 2026?+
Just your existing internet connection and a streaming device you likely already own, such as a Firestick, Smart TV or phone. Keep the broadband, drop the TV package, and add streaming apps or an IPTV service.
Can I keep live sports after cutting cable?+
Yes. A comprehensive IPTV service carries live sports and PPV, including regionally blacked-out games, in one subscription, so you do not lose sports when you drop cable.
How much can I save by cord-cutting?+
Cable averages $95 to $147 per month. Replacing it with one IPTV plan from $20 per month can save well over $100 a month, even if you keep one or two streaming apps.
Will I lose channels when I cut cable?+
Not with the right setup. A full IPTV service carries tens of thousands of live channels plus a huge on-demand library, typically far more than a cable package, for a fraction of the price.