Ah, cable TV. Remember the days when flipping through countless channels just to find “there’s nothing on” was the height of our entertainment woes?
Those days are long gone! With the explosion of streaming services, apps, and other technologies, saying goodbye to cable is easier—and more satisfying—than ever.
Whether you’re looking to save money, access more diverse content, or just avoid the hassle of dealing with a cable company, here are the best alternatives to cable TV that will have you wondering why you didn’t cut the cord sooner.
Alternatives to Cable TV
1) Streaming Services: TV Titans
Netflix:
If you’re thinking about cutting the cord, Netflix is probably the first name that pops into your head.
With its vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, Netflix has something for everyone.
From binge-worthy series like “Stranger Things” to critically acclaimed films like “The Irishman,” Netflix’s offerings are vast and varied.
Plus, their user interface is super intuitive, making it easy to find something to watch in a pinch.
Price: Plans start at $9.99/month for basic, $15.49/month for standard, and $19.99/month for premium.
Hulu:
Hulu is perfect for those who love keeping up with the latest TV shows but don’t want to wait for them to hit Netflix.
With Hulu, you can watch episodes of many current TV shows the day after they air.
It also has a solid library of movies, classic shows, and original content like “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
For sports fans, Hulu + Live TV is an excellent option, offering live sports, news, and events.
Price: Plans start at $5.99/month for basic (with ads), $11.99/month for ad-free, and $64.99/month for Hulu + Live TV.
Disney+:
Disney+ is the dream for anyone who loves Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
With exclusive access to new releases, beloved classics, and original series like “The Mandalorian,” it’s a fantastic option for families and fans of high-quality entertainment.
Price: $7.99/month or $79.99/year.
Amazon Prime Video:
Amazon Prime Video is a heavy hitter, offering a wide range of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Boys.”
If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, Prime Video is included at no extra cost, making it a budget-friendly option with tons of perks.
Price: Included with Amazon Prime membership ($12.99/month or $119/year).
HBO Max:
For those who love premium content, HBO Max is a must-have.
It combines all of HBO’s acclaimed series (think “Game of Thrones,” “Succession,” and “Euphoria”) with an extensive library of movies, shows, and exclusive Max Originals.
Plus, it’s the go-to place for new Warner Bros. movie releases.
Price: $14.99/month.
2) Live TV Streaming Services: For the Channel Surfers
Sling TV:
Sling TV is a great choice for those who want a more traditional TV experience without the hefty cable bill.
With Sling, you can customize your channel lineup, picking from various packages to get just what you want.
It’s perfect for sports enthusiasts and news junkies alike, with packages starting at a much lower cost than cable.
Price: Plans start at $35/month for Sling Orange or Sling Blue, or $50/month for both.
YouTube TV:
YouTube TV offers an impressive selection of live channels, including sports, news, and entertainment.
It also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, so you can record your favorite shows and watch them on your own schedule.
The user-friendly interface and the ability to stream on multiple devices at once make it a popular choice for families.
Price: $72.99/month.
fuboTV:
fuboTV is the go-to for sports lovers.
It offers a comprehensive line-up of sports channels, including those hard-to-find international sports networks.
But it’s not just about sports—fuboTV also provides a solid selection of news, entertainment, and kids’ channels.
Price: Plans start at $64.99/month.
3) Free Streaming Services: Because Who Doesn’t Love Free?
Pluto TV:
Pluto TV is a fantastic free option that offers a mix of live TV channels and on-demand content.
Whilst you obviously won’t get access to all your favorite shows, with channels ranging from news and sports to classic movies and TV shows, there’s something for everyone.
The best part? It’s completely free, supported by ads.
Price: Free (ad-supported).
Tubi:
Tubi offers a decent library of movies and TV shows that you can watch for free.
While you won’t find the latest releases, Tubi is perfect for discovering hidden gems and classic films.
It’s ad-supported, but the ads are minimal compared to traditional TV.
Price: Free (ad-supported).
Crackle:
Crackle is another excellent free service, offering a good mix of movies, TV shows, and original content.
It’s a great way to enjoy some quality entertainment without spending a dime.
Plus, it has a decent selection of action, thriller, and comedy genres.
Price: Free (ad-supported).
4) Niche Streaming Services: For the Fans
Crunchyroll:
Anime fans, rejoice! Crunchyroll is the ultimate destination for all things anime.
With thousands of episodes from top series and a robust selection of simulcasts straight from Japan, Crunchyroll is a must-have for anime enthusiasts.
Price: Plans start at $7.99/month for ad-supported, or $9.99/month for ad-free.
Shudder:
Horror aficionados will love Shudder, a streaming service dedicated to all things scary.
From classic horror films to original series and exclusive releases, Shudder offers a curated collection that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Price: Plans start at $4.75/month or $56.99/year.
Criterion Channel:
For the cinephiles out there, the Criterion Channel is a treasure trove of classic and contemporary films.
Featuring a carefully curated selection of movies from the Criterion Collection, it’s the perfect place to discover and explore the best of cinema.
Price: $10.99/month or $99.99/year.
5) Over-the-Air Antennas: The Old School Cool
Believe it or not, the humble antenna is still a fantastic way to access free TV.
With a good digital antenna, you can pick up local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS in high definition.
This means you can watch live sports, local news, and prime-time shows without any subscription fees.
Modern antennas are sleek and easy to install, making them a great addition to any cord-cutter’s setup.
Price: Antennas range from $20 to $200 depending on quality and range.
6) Smart TV Apps: The All-in-One Solution
Many smart TVs come pre-loaded with a variety of streaming apps, allowing you to access multiple services from one device.
Brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony offer smart TVs with user-friendly interfaces and access to popular streaming platforms.
If you already have a smart TV, you’re likely already equipped with everything you need to start streaming.
Price: Included with smart TV purchase.
7) Streaming Devices: Making Your TV Smarter
Roku:
Roku offers a range of affordable streaming devices that can turn any TV into a smart TV.
With a simple interface and access to thousands of streaming channels, including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, Roku is a versatile and user-friendly option.
Price: Devices range from $29.99 to $99.99.
Amazon Fire TV:
Amazon’s Fire TV devices are another great choice, providing access to a vast array of streaming services.
With Alexa integration, you can control your TV with voice commands, making it easier than ever to find something to watch.
Price: Devices range from $29.99 to $119.99.
Apple TV:
Apple TV is perfect for those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
It offers a sleek interface, access to Apple’s own streaming service (Apple TV+), and the ability to stream from other popular platforms.
Plus, with AirPlay, you can easily share content from your iPhone or iPad to your TV.
Price: Devices start at $149 for HD and $179 for 4K.
Google Chromecast:
Google Chromecast allows you to stream content directly from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV.
It’s a simple and affordable option that works well with Google’s ecosystem and supports a wide range of streaming services.
Price: $29.99 for Chromecast with Google TV.
8) Hybrid Services: The Best of Both Worlds
Peacock:
Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, offers a hybrid model with both free and premium tiers.
The free tier includes a robust selection of movies, TV shows, and even some live sports.
For even more content and fewer ads, you can upgrade to a premium plan.
Price: Free with ads, or $4.99/month for Peacock Premium (with ads) or $9.99/month for ad-free.
Paramount+:
Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) combines live TV with on-demand content, offering access to CBS live broadcasts, sports events, and a library of movies and TV shows.
With both ad-supported and ad-free plans, it’s a flexible option for those looking to replace their cable subscription.
Price: Plans start at $4.99/month for ad-supported, or $9.99/month for ad-free.
