Cutting the cord on cable TV is a smart way to save money. Luckily, there are tons of great alternatives out there. These services offer live TV, sports, news, and tons of on-demand content for less than cable.
Ditch the Pricey Cable Bill with These Alternatives
Live TV Streaming Services
Services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV act like a virtual cable provider. They offer packages with dozens of channels, including local channels in most areas.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular options:
| Service | Price | Channels | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $64.99 | 100+ | Unlimited cloud DVR, excellent channel selection |
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99 | 75+ | Includes Disney+ and ESPN+, unlimited cloud DVR |
| Sling TV | $40+ | 30+ | Affordable, customizable packages, good for sports and news |
| Fubo TV | $74.99 | 130+ | Sports-focused, lots of international channels |
| DirecTV Stream | $69.99 | 75+ | Premium service with HBO Max and a huge channel selection |
Consider a Digital Antenna
If your main goal is saving money and you primarily watch local channels, an antenna could be a great option. They are inexpensive and provide free access to over-the-air channels in your area.
On-Demand Streaming Services
If you can live without live TV, on-demand services are a super cost-effective way to watch your favorite shows and movies.
Here are some of the biggest names:
- Netflix: Massive library of movies, TV shows, and originals.
- Amazon Prime Video: Included with Prime membership, offers a mix of originals and licensed content.
- HBO Max: Features HBO content, Warner Bros. movies, and lots of great series.
- Disney+: Home to Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic.
Many Other Options Exist
These are just the most popular streaming options. There are many more niche services out there that specialize in specific types of content. For example:
- Philo: Budget-friendly service focusing on lifestyle and entertainment channels.
- Crunchyroll: The go-to place for anime fans.
- BritBox: Features British dramas, comedies, and documentaries.
Understanding Cable TV Alternatives
Choosing the right alternative to cable TV depends on your preferences for live TV, specific shows, and budget. Let’s explore the top options to help you make the switch with ease.
Evaluating Cable Alternatives
When looking for the best cable alternatives, consider factors like cost, channel lineup, and extra features. A good start is to compare prices and check for any hidden fees. Some services may offer a better value with high channel counts and unlimited DVR storage, while others might have a lower monthly cost but a more limited selection.
Services Offering Live TV
- YouTube TV: High channel count with unlimited DVR.
- Sling TV: Affordable with two base plans that can be enhanced with additional packages.
- Hulu + Live TV: Offers a combination of live channels and an extensive on-demand library.
- FuboTV: Focuses on sports with a wide variety of live sports and entertainment channels.
- DIRECTV: Provides a solid selection of live channels across various packages.
These services mimic traditional cable by providing live access to channels, but without the long-term contracts.
On-Demand Streaming Services
Aside from live TV options, on-demand services allow you to watch shows and movies anytime:
- Netflix: Broad selection of movies and shows, including originals.
- Prime Video: Included with Amazon Prime membership, featuring originals and a vast library.
- Disney Plus: Home to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
- Apple TV+: Offers original content with a focus on quality.
- HBO Max: Known for high-quality originals and a rich catalog of films and series.
These platforms provide a solid mix of original and licensed content that can be streamed at your convenience.
Streaming Services and Channels
With a shift away from traditional cable TV, streaming services have become a household staple. They offer a mix of live TV and on-demand content, spanning various genres and interests.
Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV streaming services are online platforms that stream live channels without the need for a cable or satellite subscription. Here’s a look at some of the leading live TV streaming options:
- YouTube TV: Offers a robust lineup of live channels, unlimited DVR storage, and the convenience of a no-contract service.
- Hulu + Live TV: Combines the on-demand library of Hulu with the addition of live channels and includes Disney and ESPN+ with its subscriptions.
- Sling TV: Allows for a more customizable plan with two base packages and a variety of add-ons, though it provides a smaller channel selection in its base plans.
- fuboTV: Geared towards sports fans, fuboTV offers a wide selection of sports channels along with other live TV content.
- DIRECTV STREAM: Provides a variety of channels and packages to choose from, along with options for premium channels.
Premium Streaming Platforms
Premium streaming platforms typically require a separate subscription and offer a range of exclusive, on-demand content:
- HBO Max: Known for high-quality original series and a vast library of movies.
- Disney Plus: Home to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content, making it popular for families and fans of these franchises.
- Amazon Prime Video: Comes as part of the Amazon Prime subscription, offering a variety of original series and movies.
- Apple TV+: Features Apple’s original programming and a growing content library.
- Netflix: Remains one of the top players with a massive selection of movies, series, and Netflix originals.
Network-Specific Streaming Services
Network-specific streaming services focus on content from specific networks or groups:
- ESPN+: Delivers extensive sports content, live events, and original programming specifically for sports enthusiasts.
- Peacock: NBCUniversal’s streaming service that offers a blend of original programming, classic shows, and movies.
- Paramount+: Includes content from CBS, Viacom, and Paramount Pictures, along with live sports and news.
- Showtime and Starz: Both services offer original series and movies, and they often are available as add-ons to other streaming platforms.
Premium channels and add-on options can often be bundled with live TV streaming subscriptions, allowing for a customized viewing experience that aligns with specific interests and viewing habits. With cloud DVR, some services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer the ability to record live TV to watch later, catering to the modern viewer’s need for flexibility.
Features and Benefits
Cutting the cord from traditional cable doesn’t mean sacrificing quality entertainment. The array of cable TV alternatives not only offers diverse channel lineups including news, sports, and movies, but also tucks in features that amplify viewing pleasure—all without the hefty price tag of regular cable.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Cable TV alternatives are generally more affordable than traditional cable. Users often have the freedom to choose from various plans to find one that fits their budget. For instance, Sling TV offers customizable packages, while services like YouTube TV provide a broad selection of live channels without the need for contracts.
| Service | Base Price | Channel Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | Low Cost | ESPN, TNT, AMC, CNN |
| Hulu + Live TV | Mid Range | NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC |
| YouTube TV | Mid Range | NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network |
| DirecTV | Higher End | NFL SUNDAY TICKET, Cinemax |
DVR and Ad-Skipping Features
Many services present options to record live TV, like DVR capabilities, so viewers won’t miss their favorite shows. They also allow for ad-skipping on recorded content. Hulu + Live TV, for instance, offers an enhanced DVR option, where viewers can fast-forward through ads on recorded content.
Device Compatibility and Flexibility
Streaming services are not bound by cables and satellite dishes. They offer the flexibility to watch on various devices, from smart TVs and streaming sticks to smartphones and tablets. Moreover, families appreciate the ability to use simultaneous streams, meaning different family members can watch on different devices at the same time. Here’s a comparison based on compatibility:
- Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV offer apps for most streaming devices
- Watch on game consoles, mobile phones, tablets, and more
- Many services like DirecTV and fuboTV cater to sports fans with access to regional sports networks and live sports channels for local, national, and international games
These features highlight the compelling value proposition that cable TV alternatives bring to the table. While still offering access to coveted channels like ESPN, A&E, History, and more, they also add conveniences that enhance the overall viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When considering a shift away from cable TV, people often have a series of important questions about the available options, necessary equipment, and potential costs. This section aims to address those common inquiries with concise and informative responses.
How can I watch live sports without a cable subscription?
Viewers can enjoy live sports through various streaming services such as Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV. Some services even specialize in sports content, like FuboTV, which emphasizes international sports coverage.
What options are available for streaming local channels after cutting cable?
To stream local channels without a cable subscription, one can use a digital antenna, which is a one-time purchase allowing access to free over-the-air channels. Some streaming services also include local channel offerings as part of their packages.
What are the top-rated streaming services as cable TV alternatives?
Highly-rated streaming services include Sling TV for its customization options, Hulu + Live TV for national sports coverage, and Philo as an cost-effective choice. Each service provides a distinct set of channels and features to cater to varied viewing preferences.
Which devices are necessary to stream content on my TV without cable?
To stream content, you’ll need a device like a smart TV, streaming stick (such as Roku or Amazon Fire Stick), or a gaming console. These devices connect to your TV and internet, granting access to streaming platforms.
Is there a way to watch TV without cable or internet?
Yes, one can watch TV without cable or internet by using a digital antenna. This device picks up local broadcast stations, enabling you to watch network TV for free.
What are some free services to stream TV shows and movies?
There are several free streaming services such as Pluto TV, Crackle, and Tubi, which offer a collection of TV shows and movies without any subscription fees. However, they usually include advertisements.
