Cable bills keep climbing while the channels you actually watch stay the same. In 2026, more households than ever are asking the same question: is OTT genuinely cheaper than cable, or does it just look that way? Here’s an honest, numbers-first comparison.
The monthly cost, side by side
| Traditional cable | Trex OTT | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly price | $80–$130 | From a few dollars / month |
| Equipment / box rental | $8–$15 per box | $0 (use your own device) |
| Contract | 12–24 months | None |
| Channels | 150–220 | 25,000+ live + 60,000+ VOD |
| 4K content | Limited / surcharge | Included |
Even before promotions expire, cable’s “real” cost — base package plus box rental, broadcast fees and taxes — typically lands well over $100/month. A premium OTT subscription delivers far more content for a fraction of that.
Where OTT wins
- Price: no box rental, no broadcast fees, no two-year lock-in.
- Choice: international packages, sports and 4K VOD that cable charges extra for.
- Flexibility: watch on the TV, phone, tablet or laptop — anywhere with internet.
- No installation visit: set up yourself in minutes.
Where cable still has an edge
Cable doesn’t depend on your internet speed, so in areas with poor broadband it can be more consistent. OTT needs a stable connection — roughly 15 Mbps for smooth 4K. For the vast majority of homes with decent internet, that’s a non-issue, and a quality provider’s CDN keeps streams stable even during peak sports events.
So, which saves you money?
For almost every household with reliable internet, OTT is dramatically cheaper over a year — often a saving of $1,000+ annually versus a full cable package — while delivering more channels and 4K content. The smart move is to test it risk-free before you cancel anything.
Try before you cut the cord
See the quality on your own TV with a free 24-hour Trex OTT trial — no credit card required.
Start free 24h trialOnce you’ve seen it in action, compare the plans on the Trex OTT pricing page and work out your exact yearly saving.