Best Alternatives To Cable – 12 Options Worth Knowing

If you’re on a budget, don’t have a TV, or don’t watch many shows, getting a cable TV subscription may not be the best option. Luckily, many cable and satellite TV alternatives offer a lower price per month, local live channels, etc.

These streaming services let you watch your favorite TV shows, local networks, etc. You don’t need a large streaming device to watch your favorite channels through these live streaming services.

So, what are the best alternatives to cable? Let’s find out!

Best Alternatives To Cable

Below are the twelve best alternatives to cable TV that can give you access to local channels, all of your favorite shows, and a better alternative to pesky cable bills. Keep reading below to learn more about the best cable TV alternatives and how you can cut the cord at a low cost.

1. Hulu Live

Hulu Live TV is a great cable TV alternative for watching over 60 live channels. For $64.99 per month, Hulu Live lets you stream full seasons of shows and top movies whenever you want. With this popular streaming service, you can even create a personalized profile that recommends the latest movies and shows for you to watch.

Hulu Live lets you cancel at any time and gives you full access to their streaming library, which includes current shows, news channels, regional sports networks, and more. Hulu Live also offers a 7 or 14-day free trial for all people who request it.

If you’re searching for cable alternatives that offer a free trial, Hulu is one of the best options. So start the free trial and check out all of the details about the platform before diving into the Hulu membership.

2. Amazon Prime Video 

What doesn’t Amazon do? With Amazon Prime Video, you can stream anything at any time from anywhere! In addition, this TV streaming service provides videos on-demand that you can purchase by subscribing or pairing with your Amazon Prime subscription. Since Amazon Prime Video links with your Amazon Prime subscription, this is a great alternative to cable networks for anyone looking to save money on streaming apps.

If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll have access to thousands of more titles at no extra cost. This video streaming service is an excellent add-on to someone who already uses Amazon Prime. Before choosing a movie or show to watch, you can read the descriptions that provide all the details you need to know about each title.

Prime Video is one of the best streaming services for people who want to cut the cable TV cord, know the details about each show or movie, and try something for a more reasonable price.

3. Disney+

Disney+ is a subscription-based streaming service that offers kid-friendly and adult shows and movies. With Disney +, you can watch all Disney channel classics, original series, and even some Broadway productions at a reasonable price.

An annual subscription costs just $69.99, which is over $5 per month. So if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a monthly cable bill, Disney+ is a great option to consider. Additionally, Disney+ gives you access to many promotions that let you bundle the streaming service with other products for less money. 

If you want to combine Disney+, ESPN, and Hulu, you’ll only have to pay a monthly cost of $12.99 per month plus no additional fees. Its low price and extensive channels make it one of the best streaming options. These add ons also make it a great option for someone on a budget who still wants to stream all of their favorite shows. Also, you can watch Disney+ on various streaming devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, etc. 

Disney+ is a great platform for fans of Disney and classic movies.

4. HBO Max

HBO Max is one of the best online streaming services. It is a subscription-based video-on-demand service. This service lets you watch all of HBO for $69.99 every six months. However, you don’t need to purchase all six months at once. If you don’t purchase the six-month package, you’ll pay a higher price of $14.99 per month with no hidden fees.

With HBO Max, you can watch movies the same day they’re released at no extra cost. You can also watch TV shows, HBO originals, and iconic movies. HBO Max is suitable for just about any streaming device, including an iPad, iPhone, etc.

5. Netflix

Another best cable TV alternative is Netflix. It is a popular streaming service that lets you stream movies and shows on-demand from any device. In addition, Netflix runs much cheaper than a basic cable package, starting at only $8.99 per month.

If you’re interested in cutting cable TV out of your life, Netflix is a great service that lets you binge on your most-loved shows and movies. Netflix gives you access to many television shows and popular movies.

You don’t need to worry about getting a smart TV if you want Netflix since the app works on just about any device. With Netflix, cord-cutting has never been easier.

Although Netflix has many great movies and shows, if you want to watch channels like ABC, CBS, the NFL network, or other live entertainment channels on TV, Netflix may not be one of the best options for you. Instead of streaming cable TV channels, Netflix lets you watch shows and movies that have been released.

6. Sling TV

Sling TV offers a live TV streaming service starting at $30 per month. With Sling TV, you’ll have access to the most popular channels, including AMC, the Hallmark Channel, CNN, Food Network, CBS, Fox, Cartoon Network, sports channels, etc. If you’re willing to pay more than the $30 per month fee, you’ll have access to even more of the most popular channels.

Sling TV is a great, more budget-friendly service if you’re looking for a cable alternative that lets you watch live TV channels. With their reasonable monthly price and live TV streaming services, you’ll be able to access almost all of your cable channels, making it one of the best cable alternatives.

7. YouTube TV

Starting at $65 per month after a free one-week trial, YouTube TV lets you stream the most popular channels, including CBS, ESPN, Comedy Central, and more. Compared to other streaming services, YouTube TV’s channel list is quite extensive and lets you watch live TV whenever you want.

With YouTube TV’s unlimited cloud DVR storage option, you can record anything to watch it at a later time. Each recording can be stored in your account for up to nine months. You can stream on YouTube TV and many channels through your TV, Chromecast, etc. 

You don’t need to worry about having a large device to stream with YouTube TV. It works on just about any device with a screen, making it a great choice to replace cable.

8. Apple TV

If you have an Apple device, you can get one year free of Apple TV+. With this cable TV alternative, you can watch new Apple originals and your favorite shows or movies. After your free one-week or one-month trial, you’ll pay a small fee of $4.99 per month for this streaming service.

If you’re a fan of original series and popular channels, Apple TV is one of the best options if you want to replace watching TV with cable.

9. Philo

Philo is one of the best cable TV alternatives that lets you stream over 60 channels and hundreds of movies. For $20 per month, Philo provides live and on-demand TV with unlimited DVR storage.

With Philo, you can record any channel of choice, have simultaneous streams with up to three devices, and cancel at any time. So if you’re looking for a cable alternative best suited for families or larger groups, Philo is a service worth looking into. 

10. DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream is one of the best alternatives to cable TV. It was formerly known as ATT TV Now and gave you over 65 channels. Unlike cable channels, you have access to more than 40,000 on-demand titles. However, there is no cloud DVR, so you have to rely on 20 hours of DVR storage.

This live streaming service costs between $70 and $95, depending on your package. Paying an extra $10 monthly gives you unlimited DVR storage. There is a parental control feature on DirecTV stream, but you need good internet service to enjoy it.

11. Paramount+

Paramount+ replaced CBS All Access in March 2021. With a $50 payment plan, you can stream over 100 channels, including Paramount Network, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, CBS, and Nickelodeon.

You also have access to Paramount Pictures movie studio. The premium membership requires an additional $10, and it does away with adverts, and you get a 7-day free trial.

12. FuboTV

FuboTV gives you access to 164 channels in the Elite plan for $79.99 per month. This covers several major sports, entertainment, and local channels. You also get additional ad-ons for more premium options like SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Regional Sport Packages.

Conclusion: Best Alternatives To Cable

The twelve best cable TV alternatives above offer extensive channel lineups, many sports networks, premium channels, etc. These platforms are great options to use instead of purchasing a cable package. So, if you want to cut the cord and stop using cable or satellite service, the alternatives above are worth checking out.

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