5 ON YOUR SIDE: TV streaming services

Cutting the cord used to be a way to save money on cable. But today, live TV streaming services can cost just as much, or even more, once you add the channels and features you want. Consumer Reports explains how to compare the options before you switch.

Justin Krajeski cut the cord more than a decade ago. He now uses several streaming services to watch his favorite shows, local news, and sports. As a Home and Tech writer for Consumer Reports, he knows the monthly costs add up, even in his own home. Justin says, “Buying all of these streaming services and making sure that I have what I want to watch every month, it just can get really expensive.”

Live TV streaming services are designed to work more like a cable package, offering a mix of live local stations, news, sports, and cable channels. But the monthly price can vary widely. Consumer Repo...