Over-the-Air Antenna vs Streaming Cost Calculator

Cut the cord with clearer math

Many households weigh an over-the-air (OTA) antenna against a streaming subscription, but the decision often comes down to one simple question: how long until the antenna “pays for itself”? This calculator estimates the break-even point by comparing a one-time upfront antenna/equipment cost to the monthly cost of streaming, while also accounting for an optional monthly DVR service fee some antenna users pay for recording and time-shifting live broadcasts.

The result is an estimate of the number of months it takes for your cumulative savings from switching away from streaming (or reducing it) to offset what you spent upfront on the antenna setup. After that break-even month, the antenna path is estimated to be cheaper on an ongoing basis, assuming prices stay the same.

What to enter (and what each input means)

Antenna and equipment cost ($)

Enter the total one-time out-of-pocket cost to start using OTA. This can include the antenna itself plus any accessories you actually paid for, such as a mast, mounting hardware, coaxial cable, splitters, an LTE filter, a preamp, or a network tuner. If you already own some items, only include what you’d buy specifically for this switch.

Streaming subscription monthly cost ($/mo)

Enter what you typically pay each month for the streaming service you would cancel or avoid because OTA covers your needs. If you’re comparing against a bundle, use the portion of the bundle you’d truly stop paying. If your streaming price is promotional, decide whether you want to enter the promo price (short-term reality) or the regular price (long-term planning).

Optional DVR subscription monthly cost ($/mo)

Some OTA setups have a recurring fee for guide data, DVR storage, or recording features. If you will not pay an ongoing DVR fee, enter $0. If you will pay monthly, enter that amount here.

How the calculator works (break-even math)

The calculator compares:

• Upfront cost: antenna/equipment cost (paid once)
• Monthly savings: streaming monthly cost you avoid minus any monthly DVR fee you add

Core formula

Monthly net savings is:

net_savings = streaming_monthly − dvr_monthly

Then the break-even time in months is:

months_to_break_even = antenna_cost ÷ net_savings

MathML version

Where:

• t = break-even time (months)
• A = antenna/equipment cost (one-time)
• S = streaming monthly cost
• D = DVR monthly cost (if any)

When there is no break-even

If streaming_monthly ≤ dvr_monthly, then net_savings ≤ 0. In that case, an antenna setup with that DVR fee does not become cheaper than streaming under these inputs, because you are not saving money each month (you are saving nothing, or paying more). The calculator should be interpreted as no break-even rather than a negative or infinite month count.

How to interpret your result

• Smaller break-even months means the antenna cost is recovered quickly. This typically happens when streaming is expensive and/or your antenna setup is modest.
• Larger break-even months means it takes longer to recover the upfront purchase. This often happens with higher-end equipment, installation costs, or when streaming is already cheap.
• No break-even means your ongoing OTA-related monthly costs (like a DVR fee) erase the savings versus streaming at the prices you entered.

Worked example

Suppose you’re considering an attic antenna plus accessories that total $90. You currently pay $30/month for a streaming subscription you plan to replace with OTA for live channels. You also want a DVR subscription that costs $6/month.

1. Compute net savings: $30 − $6 = $24/month
2. Compute break-even: $90 ÷ $24 = 3.75 months

Interpretation: after about 4 months, the upfront antenna purchase is estimated to be paid back. After that, you’d save about $24/month as long as prices remain stable.

Scenario comparison table

The examples below illustrate how payback changes as streaming prices and DVR fees change. Values are simplified and assume constant monthly costs.

Assumptions and limitations (important)

• Prices are assumed constant. The calculator does not automatically model streaming price increases, promo expiration, annual plan discounts, or taxes and fees unless you include them in your inputs.
• Taxes/fees are only included if you include them. If your streaming bill includes tax or regional sports fees, decide whether to enter the total billed amount for a more realistic comparison.
• Upfront costs can vary widely. Installation (roof mount, electrician time, running cable through walls) can dominate the antenna cost. Include those if you expect to pay them.
• Reception is not guaranteed. Terrain, building materials, interference, distance from broadcast towers, and antenna placement can affect whether OTA will meet your needs. A “break-even” number is only meaningful if you can reliably receive the channels you care about.
• Channel availability differs by location. OTA may not include certain cable networks or out-of-market sports; you might still keep some streaming subscriptions, which would reduce savings.
• Equipment lifespan and replacements aren’t modeled. Antennas often last many years, but amplifiers, tuners, cables, and DVR hardware can fail or become obsolete.
• No break-even cases. If your DVR monthly fee is equal to or higher than the streaming monthly cost you’re replacing, there may be no payback under this simple model.

Practical decision tips

• If you mainly watch local news, major networks, or live events available OTA, antennas often deliver the biggest savings.
• If you need specific cable channels, you may treat OTA as a supplement rather than a replacement—enter only the streaming cost you’d truly eliminate.
• If you’re unsure about reception, consider testing with a low-cost indoor antenna first before investing in a larger rooftop setup.