Updated on February 19, 2023
The truth is, cable TV is rather pricey. After a long day at work, there’s nothing better than vegging out on the sofa with some food and a good show. One of my favourite things to do every day after work, and it could be one of yours too, but the astronomical bill I get at the end of the month puts a damper on the experience. That’s why it’s great to have alternatives to Cable TV.
So, what exactly are we going to discuss?
Some of the most viable alternatives to Cable TV are live streaming services like Hulu or YouTube.
TV episodes and movies may be streamed or downloaded for free from the internet.
If you switch to one of these options, you can save yourself $150 monthly.
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in Addition to So Much More
Cable TV Alternatives – Why You Should Be Looking Into Them?
Very high price hikes in the cable TV industry over the past decade have resulted in absurd monthly bills for certain households that now exceed $100. Since we stopped paying for cable two years ago, we’ve managed to put away well over a thousand dollars annually. Thanks to technological progress, we now have access to a wide variety of services that can replace cable television.
These services are great alternatives to cable TV since they allow you to keep up with your favourite shows, movies, news, and sports without breaking the bank.
In 2020, we’ve been cutting the cord by utilising an antenna for local channels and a mix of a live streaming service and Netflix for movies and TV shows and sports.
The once-astronomical monthly fee for internet and cable TV was slashed to a more reasonable $58. The savings are substantial, to say the least!
For this very reason, many individuals today are forgoing traditional cable TV in favour of cheaper, more flexible options. The money saved may be used towards a better standard of living or even a vacation.
Several viable substitutes to cable TV now exist. On the other hand, having a plethora of alternatives might make making a decision an overwhelming task.
As a result, I’ve written this comprehensive report on the most effective alternatives to cable TV currently available.
But, you should be aware that most of these choices require a constant connection to the internet.
Best Alternatives to Cable
Substitutes to local cable channels
Streaming Video on Demand
In the neighbourhood Bookstore
YouTube
TV series and movies available for viewing online at no cost
There are several alternatives to cable television, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You may watch local news and sports, as well as more than double the channels available on cable, with these selections.
Cable TV Alternatives for Local Channels – Tips
Those who consume just local programming are the least likely to ditch their cable subscriptions.
Due to the widespread misconception that non-cable viewers are unable to access local programming. That’s one strategy employed by cable TV providers to discourage cord-cutting.
Without cable and for almost nothing, you may get your local channels by using an antenna. Not the bulky, unsightly kind that requires mounting on the roof in order to pick up broadcasts.
Using an antenna, you can get almost all of your channels for free. Not the bulky, unsightly kind that requires mounting on the roof in order to pick up broadcasts.
You read “antenna” and instantly see a fuzzy, loud screen in your mind. To put your mind at ease, however, modern digital antennas are tiny and compact enough to be set up next to your TV.
Just plug them in, and you may start enjoying crystal-clear local channels at no monthly expense.
After you’ve purchased the antenna, you’ll never have to pay for it again. An external antenna with strong reception can provide TV signals to those who live in remote places or a great distance from broadcast towers.
Mohu, 1byone, Wsky, Antennas Direct, etc. are just a few of the many reputable companies selling high-quality digital antennas.
Local news, sports, and entertainment programming from networks including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and independent stations are all accessible.
To what extent would this “once-off antenna purchase” set you back?
Note In order to connect more than one television to an antenna, you will need to purchase additional antennas.
2-Live Streaming Services
It’s true that an antenna is all you need to see local programming, but most people who consider ditching cable want access to a far wider selection of channels.
Live streaming services are preferable since they are cheaper than cable TV but still provide a wide variety of channels (sports, entertainment, and local news). Hence, if sports are an absolute must-watch in your household, live streaming services may be your best bet.
All the live TV streaming options vary in the list of channels they offer, price and cloud recording service.
It is crucial that you examine the channel lineup carefully to ensure that your preferred stations are included.
We’ve provided a quick rundown of the finest live TV streaming services, including the channels they provide and how much they cost.
Best Alternatives to Cable: (Live Streaming Services )
- best value Philo
- customizable Hulu Live
- fuboTV
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- AT&T TV Now
Hulu Live :
Hulu offers two distinct subscription plans. Hulu with Live TV or Hulu Plus.
The most basic Hulu service, just called “Hulu,” is quite similar to Netflix in that it provides access to original Hulu programming in addition to series from other big networks including ABC, CBS, Fox, and a few cable networks.
Considering all this, the $5.99 monthly price tag is very reasonable.
What You Get With Hulu’s Free Tier
Hulu’s only real downside is that you can’t see an episode until at least 24 hours after it originally airs.
There is no need to wait 24 hours if you view the original episodes of shows on Hulu, which are accessible immediately, or if you subscribe to Hulu Live.
In layman’s terms, Hulu Live is simply Hulu with live TV stations. It’s much like cable, but without the long-term commitment and hefty monthly costs.
Hulu Live delivers twice as much programming for a fraction of the cost of traditional cable television. Hulu Live’s monthly fee of $54.99 includes the following features:
Here’s a look at the various tiers of Hulu and their respective prices, including a comparison to Hulu’s Hulu Without Commercials Hulu Without Commercials
Price $5.99 $11.99 $54.99 $60.99
Hulu’s ad-supported library, Hulu’s ad-free library, Hulu’s 65+ channel library, and Hulu’s ad-supported library
Screens
1 2 4 3 Free Sample
Dates: 30/30
The cloud DVR service and the option to watch on two screens are the features of Hulu live that have been the most popular with my family.
Now that my brother has finished his daily dose of football, my sisters and I can watch our favourite shows on the lounge TV.
Because our DVR data is stored in the cloud, we can catch up on the episodes we missed while at work.
Whether you’re looking for news, entertainment, or sports, you’ll find it on Hulu’s enormous channel selection. Hulu Live also has the option of purchasing further add-ons to include content that is currently unavailable.
Pros
Cons
Compatible devices
In contrast to cable television, Hulu may be accessed from nearly any electronic gadget, even a mobile phone. Samsung, LCD, and other smart TVs, tablets, laptops, desktops, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire stick, and a plethora of other devices are all Hulu-
Drawback
Hulu features advertisements, which is a major downside. You probably won’t mind too much if you watch cable TV often. In addition, Hulu offers a Hulu without advertisements subscription, which is also not entirely ad-free.
Hulu Live is superior to cable TV since it provides both live TV and On-Demand programming from some of the greatest networks on cable.
Streaming options include 65+ channels and exclusive Hulu series. Prices are $54.99 monthly with advertisements and $60.99 without them.
Affiliation Disguising Technology: Sling TV
Of the many alternatives to cable television, Sling offers some of the most flexible and adaptable settings. Many individuals are reluctant to make the switch because they want to continue watching live sports, but doing so might be expensive if they don’t have access to a streaming service.
Live TV is exactly what Sling TV is like, except that it is streamed online. The Sling bundles offered by Dish Network consist of Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and sling Orange/Blue.
For $30 a month, you can have access to the Sling Orange Package, which includes 33 channels including Food Network, ESPN, Disney, and Cartoon Network.
Sling orange, on the other hand, limits you to a single stream at a time. ESPN is the highlight of this bundle, but there are also many other wonderful entertainment and lifestyle channels to enjoy.
Sling Blue, which costs $30 monthly but has 48 channels, is another option. Fox, NBC, Bloomberg TV, etc., are among the most popular broadcast networks.
Similar to how Sling Orange doesn’t include Fox or NBC, this package lacks ESPN, Disney, and other popular sling orange channels.
Furthermore, it includes not only Fox Sports but also NBC Sports and NFL Sports, making it an excellent option for sports fans. You and your siblings won’t have to compete for the remote because this package comes with three screens at once.
Sling’s Orange/Blue package, which costs $45 per month, includes all of the channels from both the orange and blue packages (total 53). Four simultaneous streams are possible.
With Sling TV, you can record up to 10 hours of TV in the cloud and watch it on any of your devices at any time.
Sling Extras let Sling TV live up to its billing as the most adaptable live streaming service available. These add-ons will allow you to tailor your TV experience to your preferences.
Sports extra (including NBA TV, NHL RedZone, and ESPN’s RedZone and RedZone Xtra channels), comedy extra (including CMT, Logo, MTV, and others), kids extra (including Cartoon Network and Nick Jr.), news extra (including CNN and Fox News), lifestyle extra (including HBO and Showtime), and more are among the most popular add-ons.
Sling TV offers a free 7-day trial if you are still unsure about which bundle will best suit your needs.
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and televisions are all viable options.
Packages of Orange and Blue are $30 per month, while the Orange/Blue bundle is $45 per month.
YouTube TV
TV networks such as CBS, ESPN, HGTV, ABC, Fox, MLB Network, CNN, Disney, etc. are available. In 2019, YouTube expanded its Lineup of TV channels to include PBS and PBS Kids, two children’s networks.The layout of YouTube Tv is just as straightforward and intuitive as that of YouTube, making it a breeze to browse for and select a programme to watch. With an infinite cloud DVR, you can record as many episodes as you like and view them whenever you choose.
The data is stored for a period of nine months. In addition, YouTube TV allows simultaneous streaming on three devices, making it a cost-effective option for families with several viewers.
There is a free trial that lasts for 5 days.
Monthly fee of $50.00 USD applies.
Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, iOS, iOS Devices, iPad, Tablets, Samsung, LG, and more are all compatible.
Philo
Philo is not for you if you enjoy watching sports or if your children enjoy Disney programming that is not included in the Philo bundle.
Yet for roughly half the price of competitors like Hulu Live, Sling TV, and YouTube TV, Philo provides a wealth of benefits.
It has 59 different channels to choose from.
Video Recorder Storage Capacity in the Cloud, No Limits
You’ll have access to your recorded shows for a month.
There are three displays.
A suitable gadget and a reliable internet connection are all you need to stream Philo.
Devices that may access the service include those running Mac OS X or Windows (through a web browser), as well as iOS and Android mobile devices, set-top boxes, and streaming media players (including Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV).
The monthly fee is $20.
Philo also provides a 7-day free trial that requires only your cell phone number to activate. On the second day of the trial, you’ll need to supply payment information so that the process can continue.
foboTV
Some sports fans may be dismayed to learn that, despite the inclusion of several sports channels, ESPN is not part of any of the packages.
There are four Fubo subscription options:
Fubo has 4 pricing tiers, which are as follows:
The base package is $55 per month and has 103 channels, 30 hours of cloud DVR storage, and dual-screen sharing.
There are 103 channels available, and you get 500 hours of Cloud DVR storage and three screens for your $60 monthly fee.
Ultra: $75 for the first three months, then $80 per month; includes 169 channels, 37 entertainment channels, SHOWTIME, Sports Plus, 500 hours of Cloud DVR storage, and 3 screens.
Latino Quarterly: For $20 a month, you get 2 screens, 500 hours of cloud DVR storage, and 30 Latin channels.
Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android, Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire tablets are all supported.
To begin your 7-day free trial, enter your payment information.
AT&T TV Now
Today, a month of the service will set you back $65 — far more than what you’d pay for the bare minimum elsewhere.
There are a lot of options, but the two most common ones are:
For $65 a month, you can get AT&T TV Now Plus, which includes 45+ channels and HBO. The Ultimate Bundle of AT&T’s Streaming TV Service, TV Now Max You get access to 60+ channels, including live sports, premium movie networks, and more for just $80 a month.
Both plans allow for simultaneous streaming on three devices and come with 500 hours of cloud DVR storage. Customers are willing to pay a premium for AT &T TV Now because of the extensive channel lineup and the inclusion of HBO, neither of which are offered by its rivals.
Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Smart TV, iOS, Android, Tablets, and PCs are all compatible.
Seven days of free use are included in the trial period.
Pros
Cons
That Which Is New! Peacock, yet another streaming service, has emerged recently. A valid email address is all that’s required for this absolutely no cost service. Substitute Peacock TV for NBC. It also allows you to watch the latest episodes of several popular television series and stream famous Hollywood films. If you want to completely avoid ads, you may sign up for a premium subscription.
Where Do I Find Out About the Latest Developments? Peacock, yet another streaming service, has emerged recently. All you have to do is enter your email address to join for FREE. NBC’s competition, Peacock TV, is excellent. It also provides access to the most recent episodes of several popular television series, as well as the latest major Hollywood releases. In addition, a premium plan may be subscribed to for just $5 monthly to completely remove advertisements.
3-On Demand Streaming
Besides live TV, there are on-demand services that offer exclusive programming that may not be available elsewhere.
Today’s most popular on-demand streaming service, Netflix, offers both original programming and previously-aired TV episodes and movies.
Using a digital antenna in conjunction with an on-demand streaming service might be the finest alternative to cable TV. Here are the top three On-Demand providers:
Best Alternatives to Cable
- Netflix”
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
Netflix’s lack of ads is a major selling factor, since people prefer it over live streaming alternatives and cable TV. All this may be yours for as little as $9 per month (or as much as $16 per month with premium features) depending on the plan you select.
For just $8.99 a month, you can watch everything on Netflix in standard definition on a single device.
Two high-definition displays are included in the base monthly price of $12.99.
Price: $16.99 a month for 4 screens of Ultra HD resolution
Many types of individuals, from singles to families to students, may benefit from Netflix. You may get your hands on it for a reasonable price, and the material is high-quality to House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Stranger Things are some of their most well-known original shows.
They also have an extensive collection of other media for children to enjoy, including both new and classic series, movies, documentaries, and cartoons.
If viewing the news or a sporting event is a regular part of your routine, however, you should seriously consider investing in either an HD antenna to stream local stations, or another streaming service.
Laptops, desktops, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, iOS, Android, and Apple TV are all supported.
Netflix offers a free trial if you’re still on the fence about subscribing. Then, give it a go for 30 days without any risk by cancelling at any time.
Pros
Very low-priced and inexpensive compared to similar options.
Options galore; pick your package!
30 days free Pros
There will be no live broadcasts.
Their collection is always being updated.
Walt Disney Company’s (Walt Disney Company) latest arrival in the TV streaming sector, Disney+, has proven to be successful so far. For only $6.99 a month, you can watch all of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic’s programming. This includes timeless favourites like Snow White, Pinocchio, and others. Disney+ has joined Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in the originals market, and its Star Wars–based original series The Mandalorian has been a smashing hit.
Disney+ allows you to watch your favourite episodes on up to four devices at once while streaming, and you can even download them to watch offline.
Add-ons like Hulu and ESPN are available for an additional $12.99 a month for Disney+ subscribers who enjoy the service but would also like access to sports and live TV.
Amazon Fire TV, Google Cast, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, and Smart TVs are all supported.
Try it Risk-Free for 7 Days!
Cost:$6.99/month
When you sign up for Amazon Prime, you’ll have access to a wide variety of benefits, such as unlimited fast, free delivery, a plethora of digital media, and more.A wide variety of videos including television series, movies, and documentaries are available on Amazon Video. They, like Netflix, have put money into original shows including “The Boys,” “The Man in the High Castle,” and “The Return of Jack Ryan,” among others.
Until recently, Amazon Video was primarily a video streaming service, rather than a cable TV replacement, but in recent years they have added a number of sports channels.
Every Thursday night, you may watch CBS, PGA, NBA, SHOWTIME movies, and NFL games online. All of that, plus access to a massive library of material and other Amazon goodies, for such a low fee, is an attractive proposition.
Smart TVs, Amazon devices, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Windows, and PlayStation are all compatible devices.
Free Trial: Free for 30 Days
Cost:$12.99/month
Pros
Cons
The Local Library
Your local library is your best bet for finding free film viewing. Surprised?
You’re not alone in being taken aback by what you find while perusing the DVD and Blu-ray collections at your local library—I was also shocked to see a wealth of films, including several that have only recently been released.
These movies are available for no-cost checkout at your local library. The main drawback to this option is that you’ll be restricted to whatever movies your local library has in stock and will have to go visit the library to obtain the film.
Library to library, the content and channels will change.
Cost:Free
Youtube
You Tube is one of the most visited video sharing websites ever. The site has videos on a wide range of topics, including personal travelogues, cooking tutorials, reviews of popular restaurants, how-to guides, instructional videos, and whole episodes of popular television series and movies.
Several Channels Available
Cost:Free
Free Online Movies and Shows
Streaming movies and TV shows online is a great entertainment option. You just need a fast internet connection and a computer to access the various sites that provide free movies and TV episodes online.
Some sites just provide archived episodes of television series or movies, while others may even go as far as to provide brand new releases. Several television networks, including ABC, now provide free internet access to their most recent programmes.
