Cable Cutting Penalty Visualizer
Cable Early Termination Fee Breakeven Calculator
What this calculator does
Cable contracts charge early termination fees. This calculator shows how many months of streaming savings it takes to break even.
The math, with a worked example
Months to break even = ETF ÷ monthly savings. A $180 ETF with $80 monthly streaming savings breaks even in 2.25 months.
Why this matters
An early termination fee is a wall exactly as tall as a few months of savings: $180 against $80 a month of cheaper streaming falls in 2.25 months. People stay in overpriced contracts for years to avoid a fee the switch repays in a season.
Methodology and transparency
Months to break even = ETF ÷ monthly savings after the switch. The savings input deserves honesty: add up the replacement services you'll actually subscribe to, plus any internet-only price increase from unbundling — the 'streaming is cheaper' gap narrows fast with 4 subscriptions. Some ETFs also prorate down monthly, so the wall may already be shorter than the contract says. Everything runs in your browser; no data is sent or stored.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-08
Common questions
Can I negotiate the ETF?
Sometimes providers reduce or waive it if you complain or switch promotions.
What about streaming subscriptions?
Include only the net savings after paying for any streaming services.