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TV Streaming Services That Are Better and Cheaper Than Cable

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According to AllConnect, the average cable bill in 2022 was over $215/mo, and there is no indication that the upward trend is slowing. But thanks to the numerous cable TV alternatives available today, you can now get same or similar services as cable at a fraction of the price. What would you do with an extra $100 or more every month?

In a hurry? Here are our top three choices for general streaming services that provide lots of channels for far less money than cable:

  • Fubo: With 150+ channels, it offers something for everyone. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial!
  • Philo: Super inexpensive live TV streaming service with 7-day free trial.
  • Sling TV: Probably the best streaming service in terms of customization with a 50% discount your first month.

If you can’t watch your favorite sports, TV and movies because of your location, try ExpressVPN to get access to the content you deserve. Signup now.

In a hurry? Unfortunately, we don’t know a streaming service in that offers this TV channel/sport. But if you’ve already paid for the right service, and just can’t watch because of your location, there is an easy way to get the sports, movies, and TV you deserve. You need a VPN, like one of the following.

ExpressVPN

1. ExpressVPN: Established VPN provider in 105 countries. Smart DNS, a built-in ad-blocker, and unlimited bandwidth. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access

3. Private Internet Access: The only no-logs VPN with a location for every US state. Get 82% off + 2 months free.

If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, you’ll find all the answers in our full VPN guide.

Now, we know that cutting the cord might seem a little intimidating. With all the different cord cutting options available today, from on-demand streaming services like Netflix to live streaming services like Fubo and Sling that offer your favorite channels from ESPN and HGTV, it can be a bit overwhelming at first.

Excited about the new NFL season? Read our viewer’s guide!

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. As one of the first cord-cutting websites ever created, we’ve shown thousands of people how to get rid of cable and helped save our visitors tens of thousands of dollars over the years. So here we go…

What Is Cord-Cutting?

Cord-cutting is cancelling your cable TV service. Over the years, it’s come to cover cancelling all traditional high-priced, contract-based monopolized TV provider services, such as satellite and DSL, in addition to cable. The name is symbolic — no cutting of any physical cords in your home is required.

Cutting the cord can also refer to getting rid of your cable internet service, though this is trickier because there are typically fewer alternatives, depending on your area. We’ve written a starter guide to the different types of internet providers, if you care to check it out.

Three Steps to Cord Cutting

If you’re wondering how to cut the cord in 2021 using cable TV alternatives, it only takes 3 (and maybe only 2) simple steps. Feel free to click a step to be taken directly to it. Good luck on getting rid of cable TV!

  1. Choose a Video Streaming Service
  2. Get a Video Streaming Device
  3. Use an Antenna for free local TV

Bonus: Learn how to get internet without cable!

Step 1: Choose a Video Streaming Service

Choose Your Streaming Service

A streaming service is a simple application or website that allows you to watch movies and television shows using your internet connection. You can watch on a variety of devices, from your TV (by using a connected device like Roku or Apple TV or smart features already built into your television), gaming device, phone, tablet, or computer. This is a great option to get rid of cable TV.

There are two basic types of streaming services:

  • Live Streaming Services: These are true cable TV alternatives as they offer the same channels you get with cable- or satellite-delivered services but using your internet connection. These streaming services are a fraction of the price of cable (starting as low as $25/mo), require no contract, and many offer free trials. Some of the most popular live streaming services are  Fubo (review), DIRECTV STREAM (review), Sling TV (review), Hulu Live (review), Vidgo (review), and Philo (review), and YouTube TV.
  • On-Demand Streaming Services: Binge shows on your own schedule with popular on-demand streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu classic, etc. Many of these, like Paramount+, and blurring the line between live and on-demand services.

There are countless online streaming services to choose from, so knowing what you want is the first step toward finding the best cord-cutting options for your particular needs.

Here is my advice before you get rid of cable: make a list of all the shows, sports, and other entertainment that you cannot live without, and find out which channels they typically air on. Then use our TV Matrix to figure out which services are best for you.

Be sure to use free trials to try out the ones that look the best. So this is really a no-risk, all-reward proposition; and you don’t have to cancel your Cable TV subscription before you test out these alternatives.

What About Streaming Video Scams?

With cybercriminals running rampant, knowing what to avoid is even more important than knowing what you want or need. The old saying “if it seems too good to be true it probably is” are words to live by when piecing together your cable TV alternatives.

To help you stay out of harm’s way, I built the most comprehensive list of “Stream TV Scam” sites available. Please take some time to read this page before you get rid of cable, as it could save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

Step 2: Get a Video Streaming Device

Now that you have your streaming service(s) all picked out, and you know what to avoid; you’ll need a streaming device that will let you stream these apps on your TV. If you’re somebody who already watches Netflix on your TV, you’re probably all set. If not, don’t worry, you don’t need any technical know-how to get setup.

A streaming device is exactly what it sounds like, a set-top box that allows you to stream television and movies to your TV, with the help of your favorite streaming services. They’re usually very small, no larger than a WiFi router and will connect directly to your TV. The easiest way to understand this is to think of your streaming device as a replacement for your cable box.

As far as streaming devices go, there are more than I could ever name. The most popular brands are Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast. If you stick with any of those brands, you should be fine.

We’ve put together a complete list of the most talked-about streaming devices on the market, along with snippet reviews, places to buy, and links to full-length feature articles.

Step 3: Use an HD Antenna for Free Local TV

This step is optional because a number of live TV streaming services now offer near-universal support for local channels. But having an antenna gives you more options and allows you to go with cheaper services.

You can get dozens of free channels with an antenna? Yeah, we know it sounds old school, but antennas still deliver some of the most popular TV shows and sports. Simply put, the antenna is a great piece of equipment to have if you want to cut the cord and cancel cable.

An HDTV antenna is the modern iteration of the old trusty rabbit ears that you grew up with as a kid; the only difference is that it’s capable of picking up high definition over-the-air television signals, from much farther distances. A modern HD Antenna will run you between $30 and $150 on average, depending on your needs.

Every antenna and living situation is a little bit different, but at a high level, connecting an HD Antenna consists of 5 steps.

  1. Figuring out if you need an Indoor Antenna or an Outdoor Antenna (hint: you always want to go with an Outdoor Antenna if possible).
  2. Determining the best location for the Antenna, given varying signal strengths. (signal meters on your TV will help you optimize placement)
  3. Installing the Antenna, either indoors or outdoors.
  4. Running the cabling from the Antenna to your TV, and connecting the coaxial cables.
  5. Running an Antenna Channel Scan on your TV.

For most, this is fairly easy to do. Some antennas today literally stick to your wall and require no hardware to mount. Not a big deal to set up an antenna and well worth the effort when cutting the cord.

Once you have your antenna hooked up, you will be able to pick up all of the broadcast networks in your area; such as ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, and CW. These broadcasts are 100% FREE, in 1080p HD and completely legal.

Once your antenna is set up, you’ll be surprised by how many of your favorite shows, sports (you can even watch NFL without cable), news, and other entertainment are available on network television, and you will wish you had decided to get rid of cable much sooner.

How to Watch TV Without Cable

It’s easier than ever to watch TV without cable. Whether you want to watch a local channel or something that’s offered through cable, you can bet that you’ll find a streaming service that offers that channel and a lot more.

That said, you have a few options for how you can stream TV without cable and all of the options are listed below. Before we get into specific services let’s break down the main options available to you.

Live TV without Cable: Several services are available that will allow you to watch live TV. These services function a lot like cable, but they are cheaper and give you more options than cable usually does. These services offer TV live and on-demand with a set number of channels and perks like cloud-DVR space and the ability to stream on multiple devices at the same time.

Local Channels without Cable: Many streaming services also offer local channels live. Local channels are based on location, so just because a service offers a channel like ABC, doesn’t mean it will be in your package. Luckily, you can find out what local channels are available in your area before you sign up to any service. You can learn more about streaming local channels in our guide to watching local channels without cable.

On-Demand TV: Another option is to choose an on-demand service. While content isn’t live, it’s always there waiting for you when you’re ready to start binging. TV and movies are available with most on-demand services. Most services also offer original content that is exclusive to their service. The benefit to on-demand TV is that you receive a wide range of content for a small monthly fee.

You can learn more about how to watch TV live and on-demand in the sections below.

Using a Streaming Services

If you’ve made it to this article, it’s clear you’re ready to be one of the thousands of consumers walking away from cable every single day. Whether you’re completely new to streaming or looking for new ways to watch your favorite shows, this section will offer the many benefits of streaming TV without cable.

Cheaper Prices: The best part of streaming TV for most people is that it’s much cheaper than cable. Cable is typically around $100 per month. In contrast, streaming services average $45 per month. Some plans do cost more, but it depends on the plan. There are even a couple plans that start as low as $25 per month. Just imagine how much money you’ll save and what you can do with all that extra cash!

Risk-Free Sign-Ups: First off, there aren’t any contracts in streaming. If you sign up, you can remain a member for as long as you want. You can cancel on your own, through your online account, without talking to any customer service agent. The goal is to make sure that you have the service you want and that’s it. What’s even better is that streaming services usually include a free trial. Most of them offer the first week free, though it does vary. Still, if you find you don’t like the service you’ve picked during the trial, you can cancel before you have to pay for something that’s not working for you.

More Viewing Options: You’ll learn more about streaming devices in the section below, but it’s worth mentioning that streaming devices allow you to watch TV live and on-demand pretty much wherever you want. As you sign into the streaming services you use, you have the freedom to hook up your streaming devices pretty much anywhere that you have an Internet connection. That means you can take your streaming devices to a hotel when you’re on vacation or to a friend’s house to watch the game. With mobile devices, you can stream on the go, too.

Added Perks: Being able to watch TV without cable is great, but streaming services offer more than just live TV. Some popular features include:

  • Make user profiles for family members or roommates if you share your streaming accounts
  • You can add HBO and other movie channels or depending on the service, you can add bundles of channels for a small fee
  • Watch TV on your schedule in the on-demand library
  • TV Everywhere apps give you new ways to watch TV live and on-demand
  • Most services offer a cloud-DVR and many services allow you to upgrade the space, as needed
  • You can stream on multiple devices simultaneously and some services allow you to upgrade to stream on more devices at once.

Streaming services tend to offer more features and benefits for less money, which makes them worth trying out if you like watching TV and you don’t want cable.

Using a Streaming Device

While you use a cable box for watching TV with cable, you use a streaming device for streaming TV without cable. These devices are portable and easy to use.

Most of them, if connected to your TV, work as “plug and play” devices. This means you usually only have to connect one or two cords to get things working. This makes it easy to plug and unplug your streaming devices from your TVs, allowing you to move devices to different TVs, whether in your own home or when you take your device with you on vacation.

Most streaming services allow you to use as many devices as possible, as that offers you more ways to stream TV without cable using their service. That said, device availability will vary based on the service you choose. Some popular device options include:

  • Mobile devices (iOS and Android mobile phones and/or tablets)
  • Apple TV
  • Amazon Fire TV devices (Fire TVs, Fire Stick, etc.)
  • Chromecast
  • Roku
  • Gaming consoles (Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, Nintendo Switch)
  • Computers
  • Smart TVs
  • And more!

You can also check our guide to streaming devices to learn more about available device options. Now let’s look at the specific services that you can use to watch TV without cable.

Streaming Services

There there are more or less two kinds of streaming services: live and on-demand.

Live TV Streaming Services

Most cord-cutters use a live TV streaming service as the core of their viewing. Here the most popular.

Fubo

Fubo started as a sports streaming service, but now they offer 110+ channels in their main package. Depending on your area, you could have NBC, FOX, and other local and regional channels. You’ll also have 35+ sports channels, AMC, Hallmark, Food Network, USA, and many other channels.

Make no mistake, however, Fubo is still the best way to watch sports without cable. You can watch MLB, NBA, NFL, soccer, and all of the Olympics with Fubo.

You’ll also have an on-demand library and access to TV Everywhere apps. A cloud-based DVR is included. You can watch TV without cable on Fubo with mobile devices, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and other devices. Plans start at $79.99/mo. Check out more on Fubo:

  • $79.99/mo
  • No contracts – cancel anytime you want
  • 110+ channels including 35+ sports channels
  • Some local channels are offered live in select cities
  • 3-Day Replay is part of the on-demand library
  • Stream on iOS/Android apps, Apple TV, computers, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and more
  • A cloud-DVR.

Don’t forget, you can try Fubo for yourself risk-free. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.

You should be able to answer any additional questions with our Fubo review.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Philo

Philo offers the best prices you’ll find if you want to watch TV without cable. Prices start at just $25/mo. You won’t get local or sports channels, but if you’re looking for a package with basic cable networks, Philo offers the cheapest option.

Despite the low price, you still get the same features common in streaming including an on-demand library and a cloud-DVR with unlimited space. You can stream TV without cable on Philo with Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, mobile devices, and more. Here are some package highlights:

  • Stream TV without cable for just $25/mo
  • Watch 60 channels without cable
  • Prices are lower because local and sports channels are not available
  • Watch AMC, Hallmark, A&E, History, Comedy Central, Discovery, and more
  • All plans come with an on-demand library
  • Unlimited space is available with the cloud-DVR
  • No contracts or hidden fees!
  • Try Philo free for 7 days.
  • Watch on iOS and Android devices, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, and more.

If you’re new to Philo, the best way to learn more is to sign up. Our Philo review has more info.

Try Philo Free for 7 Days

Sling TV

Sling TV is one of the cheapest ways to watch TV without cable. Two package options are available for $40.00/mo or you can combine those two packages into one larger package for $55.00/mo.

Packages start with around 30+ channels, but you can add additional channels for a small fee. An on-demand library is included and some TV Everywhere apps can be used. If you want a cloud-based DVR that will cost you more.

You can watch TV with Sling TV on Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV devices, Apple TV, mobile devices, and more. It comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR.

Here is more on Sling TV:

  • The channel lineup will depend on the package you choose
  • Two package options starting at $40.00/mo
  • Additional add-on channels are available either in single channels or bundle packs
  • Channels can include AMC, FX, USA, ESPN, TNT, Comedy Central, and more
  • Cloud DVR comes with 50 hours of storage
  • Save 50% on your first month of Sling TV.
  • An on-demand library offers content you might have missed live
  • TV Everywhere apps offer added live and on-demand content
  • Stream on iOS/Android mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, gaming consoles, Apple TV, and more.

Sling TV won’t force you to sign a contract, so every part of your subscription can be modified or canceled on your terms.

You can learn more in our Sling TV review.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) gives you the choice between multiple packages. You can enjoy local channels in most areas, though it will ultimately depend on your location. You’ll also have channels like ESPN, USA, TNT, TBS, Freeform, FX, and others. The actual channel lineup will depend on the package you choose.

Prices start at $79.99/mo and that includes 75+ channels. All packages also include a cloud-DVR with limited space and an on-demand library filled with previously aired content. Here’s more on DIRECTV STREAM:

  • Multiple package options starting at $79.99/mo
  • 75+ channels are included in the smallest package
  • The best selection of regional sports networks starting at $108.99/mo
  • Local channels are available in each package
  • Unlimited cloud-based DVR as long as you sign-up online
  • You can also use TV Everywhere apps for more content
  • Watch on Apple TV, computers, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, iOS/Android apps, etc.

Additional details are also available in our DIRECTV STREAM review. (Black Friday details)

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is a popular way to watch TV without cable. You get 85+ live channels and Hulu’s on-demand service for just $76.99/mo. The channel lineup includes local channels in most areas. You’ll also have FX, ESPN, Syfy, USA, TNT, CNN, FXX, Freeform, CW, and many other channels. You can use TV Everywhere apps for many of the networks in your package.

Also included is a cloud-DVR with upgradeable space. Movie channels are available for an additional fee. You can stream TV without cable on Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV, gaming consoles, mobile devices, and more. Here are some more highlights:

  • 85+ channels are included for $76.99/mo
  • Hulu on-demand is included with this package
  • Cable channels include ESPN, Food Network, Freeform, TNT, USA, CNN, Disney, Syfy, FX, and others
  • Hulu Live offers local channels to more homes than any other streaming service
  • Watch Hulu Live on computers, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, iOS and Android, Amazon Fire TV devices, and more
  • The unlimited cloud-DVR includes 9 month storage space.

Our Hulu + Live TV review can tell you more.

Try Hulu + Live TV Today!

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is newer than some services, but the service already offers plenty of ways to watch TV without cable. In fact, many of your favorite channels are probably available here. YouTube TV is $72.99/mo for 85+ channels. You’ll have the ability to simultaneously stream on multiple devices and you can make user profiles for the family.

On-demand content is available in the library or through a variety of available TV Everywhere apps. You can also watch shows you save to your cloud-based DVR. Each recording is held for up to nine months and with unlimited space, you can record as much as you want. Streaming TV on YouTube TV is simple.

You can watch TV on Roku, Chromecast, mobile devices, computers, Apple TV, and more.

Here are some highlights on YouTube TV:

  • Over 85 channels are available
  • Local channels are available in many areas
  • Watch BET, USA, FX, MSNBC, CNN, Food Network, AMC, TNT, ESPN, Freeform, and more
  • $72.99/mo with no contracts
  • An on-demand library is included
  • Watch TV without cable using computers, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, and mobile devices
  • The cloud-based DVR features unlimited space.

Don’t forget, you can cancel at any point as YouTube TV is contract-free. If you’re new to this service, you’re eligible for the free one-week trial offer. Our YouTube TV review has more details.

On-Demand Streaming Services

Live TV is always going to be the priority for some people, but if you don’t have to watch something the moment it airs, on-demand services offer a cheap and effective way to watch all of your favorite shows whenever you want to watch them. With that in mind here are a few good ways to watch TV without cable on-demand.

Some options include:

Paramount+: This service offers you CBS and a lot more. About 90% of the country will receive the CBS live stream. This allows you to watch whatever is airing on CBS at times. An on-demand library is available nationwide and it includes over 10,000 episodes of new and old CBS shows, sports, news, and more! CBS All Access originals are included exclusively, as well, including The Twilight Zone reboot, The Good Fight, and Star Trek Discovery. Prices for Paramount+ (review) start at $4.99 per month and there’s a one-week trial available.

Try Paramount+ for Free!

ESPN+: This standalone streaming service may be owned by ESPN, but they offer their own exclusive content. Plans start at $10.99/mo, but you can save money with the annual plan at $109.99/yr. Sports coverage includes a mix of sporting events and sports-related shows like Draft Academy and Detail: Kobe Bryant. You’ll be able to watch PGA golf, cricket, MLS, MLB, NHL, Grand Slam tennis, college sports, and around 100 UFC Fight Nights per year. You can enjoy a free one-week trial when you sign up. Check out our ESPN+ review for more info.

Sign Up for ESPN+ Now!

Amazon Prime: The great thing about Amazon Prime is all of the entertainment options included in one membership. The Prime Video library offers thousands of hours of TV shows, movies, and Amazon Prime Originals like The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and The Man in the High Castle. Other popular membership features include free 2-day shipping at Amazon, a music library, free e-books, and much more. You can choose between an annual membership that’s $119 (less than $10 per month) or you can get the Prime membership monthly for $12.99 per month.

Amazon Channels: While Amazon Prime isn’t a niche service, if you’re a Prime member you can subscribe to various niche services under Amazon Channels. This gives you on-demand content and in some cases, you’ll also get live streams for channels like HBO, Starz, and Showtime. Each Amazon Channel comes at a different cost and is billed monthly after a free trial. For example, HBO is $14.99, and Starz is $8.99. You can also get Channels offering everything from Lifetime movies to Boomerang cartoons. Remember, you need Amazon Prime to sign up for Amazon Channels, but if you’re a member subscribing allows you to have many of your favorite channels all in one spot.

Netflix: Before streaming was popular, Netflix was making a killing starting off the streaming revolution. Netflix offers a steady stream of on-demand content from several networks and movie studios. You’ll have access to thousands of TV shows and movies. You’ll also be able to binge all of your favorite Netflix Originals. Multiple package plans are available, including $8.99/month (non-HD), $13.99/month (HD), and $17.99/month (ultra-HD). Netflix no longer offers a free trial.

Hulu: We previously mentioned Hulu Live, but before live TV was offered, Hulu was killing it offering on-demand TV. Packages include next-day episodes for many popular networks including FOX and ABC. Many full season shows are available, as well as a large selection of movies. Hulu Original content is also including offering hits like The Handmaid’s Tale and others. Plans vary in price, but if you don’t mind a few commercials, you can get Hulu for just $7.99/mo. See our Hulu review. A free one-week trial is available.

Try Hulu Free for 30 Days!

Wrapping Up

Every day there are more and more options that allow you to watch TV without cable! Most of them are extremely easy to use, are cheaper than cable, and are available contract-free, so you can cancel any of them at any time.

You can even pick between ways to watch TV without cable live or on-demand. There are several good options for both types of services and with prices so low, it’s not uncommon for people to subscribe to a live streaming service, as well as on-demand services like Hulu or Netflix.

You can check out other cable TV alternatives that will give you added ways to watch TV without cable. If you have any questions about the best ways for you to watch TV without cable, make sure to let us know.

FAQs

Need more information about cutting the cord? Below, we answer some common questions about quitting cable!

How do I actually cancel cable TV and get rid of cable for good?

The process of canceling cable or satellite TV depends on your provider. You may be under contract. If so, there may be penalties for canceling early (check when your contract expires). In most cases, you will need to call in to get rid of service. They will do their best to keep you from canceling. Just stick with your plan — be friendly but firm.

Follow the links below to learn more about canceling specific provider’s cable services:

What about internet? Do I still need an ISP to get online streaming services?

You will still need a high-speed internet connection in order to watch online video from streaming services. If your internet is currently bundled with your cable, you’ll want to shop around for cheap internet providers in your area. Try to find a low-priced internet that still meets the speed needs of online streaming. We recommend at least 5-10mbps speeds in order to stream in HD (some streaming services recommend 15+ mbps).

Can I get rid of cable TV and keep internet?

If your cable is currently bundled with your internet, you may be wondering if it’s possible to cancel cable and keep internet services. Generally, this is possible, although it depends on the package you have. If you are under contract, it may be difficult to get out of it without paying a fee.

The best thing to do in this situation is to call your cable/internet provider and ask what your options are. In some cases, supervisors may be able to waive early termination fees. Remember to remain firm but respectful on the phone call for the best results!

How much money can I save?

You can save quite a bit, as it turns out! According to Fortune, the average cable bill is now $107 per month, so we’ll take that as the baseline. How much can you save with online streaming? Well, most of our top recommendations are $40-$50 a month for a balanced package of channels. Let’s call it $50 to be conservative.

In this example, you would save $57 per month by canceling cable TV. Over the course of a year, that’s $684 in savings! And if you go with a budget service like Philo, you could save even more. Philo is just $25 a month, representing a more than 80% savings over cable TV!

Do I need a special device to watch TV online?

You won’t necessarily need to purchase a new device. Most internet streaming services work on computers and smartphones/tablets. So you surely have something you could use! Additionally, if you have a smart TV you may be able to use your TV’s apps to stream video.

With that said, if you want an easy way to watch on your actual TV, you may want to get a streaming device. Rokus, Apple TVs, and Amazon Fire TVs are all popular options. These devices hook up to your TV and allow you to stream content from a wide variety of apps and services, directly on your big screen. See our guide to video streaming devices to learn more.

Can I watch live TV while away from home?

Yes! This is one of the big perks of online streaming – you’re not tied down to a specific location, and you can stream from anywhere in the United States. Keep in mind that most services restrict international use outside the US. Also, the local content you get may be slightly different if you’re away from home.

Most online streaming services work on mobile phones and tablets, so you can watch on the go. And if you’re staying with friends or relatives, you can simply log into your account on one of their streaming devices to watch.

Can’t I just use an antenna to watch TV for free?

Yes, you can! But you will be limited in the channels you get. As we explain in the antenna section above, antennas provide access to broadcast TV channels, NOT cable channels. So while a good antenna may pick up NBC, FOX, CBS, etc. it won’t get ESPN, TNT, Comedy Central, etc.

So, while antennas are a free way to watch live TV, they’re not a complete solution if you want a lot of channels. Also, keep in mind that the channels you pick up will vary depending on where you live and how far away you are from the closest broadcasting center.

Can I watch sports without cable TV?

Yes! One of the biggest things holding people back from finally canceling cable is concern over access to live sports. However, you no longer need to worry – several online streaming services offer access to live sports! A few top options are Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. See our guide on how to watch sports without cable for more details.

Can I watch news without cable?

Yes, you can! Networks like CNN, FOX News, BBC News, Cheddar News, MSNBC, NBC, FOX, CBS and many more are all available without cable. Keep in mind that each service offers a different selection of channels, so you’ll want to check the channel lists before picking a service.

Can the whole family watch at once?

It depends on the service, but generally, yes. Most services provide 2 or 3 simultaneous streams, meaning 2 or 3 devices can be watching at once. Some provide even more than that — or offer an extra-cost option to add additional streams. Some services only have 1 stream, so make sure to understand their rules before signing up.

Do online streaming services have ads?

Generally speaking, live streaming services do have ads, while most on-demand services do not. So for example, Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, etc. all have ads, because they essentially mimic cable TV. These services have a similar user experience to cable — they’re just a lot cheaper (and non-contract).

On the other hand, most on-demand services do not have ads. Netflix does not have ads, nor does Amazon Prime Video. Some other services have optional ads – so you can pay more for a no-commercial plan. For example, Paramount Plus (previously CBS All Access) is $4.99 a month with ads, or $9.99 a month for no ads.

Can I watch TV online for free?

There are a couple of legitimate free TV streaming services that are supported by advertisements. Sony Crackle is a good example. These services do provide some free on-demand TV access, but it’s pretty limited. You’ll get a few original shows, some movies, etc. but won’t be able to watch live TV. You may also be able to get free access to Kanopy, a documentary and classic film service, through your public library.

Beyond that, the only way to watch free TV online is to sign up for a free trial of a paid service. Most services offer free trials of 7 days. Click here to browse services that offer free trials

Questions About Your Cable TV Alternatives?

I have been writing for cord-cutters since 2011, and have helped thousands of people save $100+ a month. Just think of what you can do with that extra money in your pocket!

If you still have questions about how to get rid of cable in 2021, I’m always here to help.

First, I always recommend using our search bar at the top of this page to find the info you’re looking for. If you don’t see what you need, just leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help you out!

If you’re tired of spending thousands of dollars on a bad service with terrible choices, then you know what you have to do. It’s time to take the leap and cut the cord today!

For years, the only way to watch TV was with cable. Sure, you could use an antenna to watch limited local channels, but if you wanted the most popular channels you needed cable. There was no way to watch networks like AMC, BBC America, Lifetime, Hallmark, Food Network, Syfy, and ESPN other than signing up for a cable contract.

If you missed something you wanted to watch, you usually had to wait for it to come back on before you could watch it. Now things are different. Thanks to the streaming revolution there are dozens of ways to watch TV without cable.

This guide offers a complete look at how to watch TV without cable. In the following sections, you’ll learn about the benefits of streaming TV without cable, the streaming devices you can use, and the live and on-demand services that are available if you want to watch TV without cable!

Ditch “Big Cable” Now – 3 Simple Steps to Cut the Cord

  1. Pick the right streaming service
  2. Get the content you deserve with the best VPN.
  3. Supercharge your internet provider

That’s it — you’ll save money, take back control, and enjoy TV more!

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Frank Moraes
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