The Great TV Debate: IPTV vs Traditional Cable
The way we watch television has fundamentally changed. While cable TV dominated living rooms for decades, a new challenger has emerged: IPTV (Internet Protocol Television). In 2026, millions of households have already "cut the cord" - canceling their expensive cable subscriptions in favor of internet-based streaming. But is IPTV right for you? Let's break down every aspect of both options so you can make an informed decision.
Cost Comparison: The Numbers Don't Lie
What Cable TV Really Costs
What LUNOTV Costs
- 16500+ live channels
- 150000+ movies & shows
- 4K Ultra HD included
- No equipment rental
- No hidden fees
- Works on all devices
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | IPTV | Cable | Satellite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | From $$3.75/mo | $80-150/mo | $70-130/mo |
| Channel Count | 16500+ | 200-500 | 300-400 |
| Contract Required | None | 1-2 years | 2 years |
| Equipment Needed | Your existing devices | Rented box ($10-15/mo) | Dish + receiver |
| Installation | 5 minutes, DIY | Technician visit | Professional install |
| 4K Content | Included, 1000s of titles | Limited, extra cost | Very limited |
| Watch Anywhere | Yes, any device | Home only (mostly) | Home only |
| Cancel Anytime | Yes, no penalty | $150-300 ETF | $200-400 ETF |
| International Channels | 2000+ from 190 countries | Limited packages | Extra cost packages |
| Sports Coverage | All leagues + PPV | Regional + extra packages | Sunday Ticket (expensive) |
The Hidden Fees Cable Companies Don't Advertise
Cable companies advertise low prices, but your bill tells a different story. Here are the fees they don't mention:
Broadcast TV Fee
$15-25/moCharged for channels that are free over-the-air. Cable companies pay networks for content, then pass the cost to you.
Regional Sports Network Fee
$8-15/moCharged whether you watch sports or not. These fees have increased 300% in the last decade.
HD Technology Fee
$10/moCharging extra for HD in 2026 when 4K is standard. Most IPTV services include 4K for free.
DVR Service Fee
$15-20/moTo record shows. Many IPTV services include catch-up TV and cloud DVR at no extra cost.
Equipment Rental
$10-15/box/moPer TV in your house. Over 5 years, you could pay $1,800 for equipment you don't own.
Installation Fee
$50-100One-time fee for a technician to plug in a box. IPTV self-installs in 5 minutes.
Why People Are Cutting the Cord
✅ IPTV Advantages
Massive Savings
Save $1,035+ per year compared to cable. That's a family vacation or new appliance every year.
No Contracts
Cancel anytime without penalty. Try a month and see if you like it.
More Content
Access 16500+ channels vs 200-500 with cable. International, sports, movies - everything in one place.
Watch Anywhere
Take your TV with you. Watch on your phone at work, tablet on vacation, or laptop at a friend's house.
Better Technology
Anti-buffering, adaptive streaming, 4K quality, and catch-up TV. Cable technology hasn't evolved in 20 years.
No Appointment Windows
No waiting 4 hours for a technician. Install in 5 minutes yourself.
Cable's Limited Advantages
Established & Familiar
Cable has been around for decades. Some people prefer what they know.
Bundling Options
Can bundle with internet and phone (though unbundling often saves money).
Local Customer Service
Physical stores for equipment swaps (though wait times are notorious).
Your Personal Savings Calculator
See exactly how much you could save by switching from cable to IPTV.
Stop Overpaying for TV
Keep your $100+/month. Get more channels, better quality, and zero contracts.
Start Saving TodayHow to Switch from Cable to IPTV
Start Your IPTV Trial
Sign up for a free trial with LUNOTV. Test it on your devices, check your favorite channels, and make sure it works well with your internet.
Run Both Services Temporarily
Keep cable for a week while you test IPTV. This overlap ensures you're confident before canceling.
Cancel Cable (The Satisfying Part)
Call your cable company to cancel. Be prepared for retention offers - stay strong! You're about to save $1,000+/year.
Return Equipment
Return cable boxes and remotes to avoid equipment fees. Get a receipt!
Enjoy Your Savings
Celebrate your lower monthly bill and superior viewing experience. Put those savings toward something meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPTV quality as good as cable?
Modern IPTV actually offers BETTER quality than most cable. While cable compresses signals to fit bandwidth, quality IPTV services stream in true 4K. LUNOTV uses anti-freeze technology and adaptive bitrate streaming for smooth playback.
What if my favorite local channels aren't on IPTV?
IPTV typically includes all major local networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX). For truly local stations, pair IPTV with a digital antenna ($20 one-time) for free over-the-air channels.
Will IPTV work with my current TV and internet?
If you can stream Netflix or YouTube, you can use IPTV. Works on any Smart TV, streaming device (Firestick, Roku), phone, tablet, or computer. Minimum 15 Mbps internet for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K.
What about sports blackouts?
Unlike cable with regional blackouts, IPTV provides access to ALL games from around the country. No more missing your team's game because you're in the 'wrong' region.
The Verdict: IPTV Wins
The numbers don't lie. IPTV offers more channels, better quality, greater flexibility, and massive cost savings compared to traditional cable or satellite TV.
With no contracts to lock you in and free trials available, there's no risk in trying IPTV. Join the millions of cord-cutters who are enjoying better TV at a fraction of the cost.
Ready to make the switch? Start with LUNOTV's free 36-hour trial and see the difference for yourself.
Learn More
Streaming has overtaken cable viewership according to Nielsen Streaming Reports. For authoritative cable vs streaming statistics, see Pew Research Center - Media. For information on TV broadcasting regulations, visit the FCC Consumer Guides.
Read an independent IPTV service comparison.