15 Best Alternatives to Cable TV So You Can Finally Cut The Cord

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alternative to cable

Expensive cable packages can put a serious dent in your budget and your financial goals. Thankfully, there are several great streaming services that are excellent alternatives to cable TV.

Basic packages can be affordable. However, once you start adding in all of the bells and whistles things get costly.

Are you ready to reduce expenses and help your budget by cutting the cord to cable TV?

Top Cable TV Alternatives

Here are some of the best alternatives to Cable TV if you’re ready to cut the cord.

Many of these streaming services allow you to have a larger selection of viewing choices than with traditional TV. However, they’re a lot more affordable.

1. Sling TV

Sling TV is a great alternative to cable because you don’t need rental equipment and you won’t pay installation fees. You can stream shows from your TV, tablet phone, or computer.

Another nice thing about Sling TV is that it offers customers several viewing options. For instance, there is the Sling Orange package.

It currently costs $30 for the first month, and $40 thereafter. They offer 30+ channels. The package includes ESPN1, 2, and 3, HGTV, and one of my personal favorites: the Food Network.

They also offer the Sling Blue package. It currently provides over 45 channels and costs just $30 for the first month and $40 a month thereafter as well.

Blue offers different channels than the Orange package. Some inclusions are Fox Sports and NBC sports network, Bravo, AMC, the Cartoon Network and the History Channel. However, some channels are the same.

In addition, the company also offers a third option: Sling Orange/Blue. You can get both packages for $45 for the first month and $55 a month after that.

The package you choose will probably depend on the channel selections you’re most interested in.

Note: Local channels are only available in select markets with Sling TV.

Learn More: Sling TV Review

2. Philo

Philo is a streaming service that gives you over 60 channels for just $25 per month. They also offer unlimited DVR and no contracts.

Some of the channels Philo offers include:

  • A&E and AMC
  • BET and Comedy Central
  • The Hallmark Channel
  • MTV, MTV Classic and MTV Live
  • HGTV and The Cooking Channel

And dozens of others. You can add on movie channels like Starz for an additional monthly charge. Plus, this streaming service offers a 7-day free trial, and you can cancel anytime.

If you are evaluating multiple streaming services, Philo’s trial can help you determine if this is one of the best alternatives to cable for you.

Learn More: Philo Review

3. Hulu

Hulu is most similar to Netflix (which we’ll talk about next) when it comes to streaming service packages. But it also has some cool features that you won’t find with Netflix.

Hulu’s basic $7.99 per month package gives you the ability to view all the movies in the Hulu library. You can also watch complete episodes of many popular TV shows. It also includes Disney+.

One downfall with Hulu’s $7.99 package is that you’ll view your shows complete with commercials.

However, if you’re willing to pay $17.99 each month you can view TV episodes commercial-free. The smaller package includes current TV shows, classic favorites, kids shows, Hulu originals and more. It also includes DIsney+ and ESPN+

Hulu also offers its Hulu With Live TV package. This package includes everything Hulu basic includes. The cost? $76.99 per month. That’s getting a little closer to the cable TV package price.

This is one of the live TV streaming services that gives you the ability to stream over 50 of the top live and on-demand TV channels. This package includes sports channels, news, and entertainment.

It includes popular cable channels such as:

  • The History Channel
  • HGTV
  • The Golf Channel
  • ESPN1, 2 and ESPN News
  • Fox News, and Fox Sports 1 and 2
  • FX, FMX and FXX
  • The National Geographic channel
  • Oxygen
  • Disney and Disney Junior

Relevant article: Hulu VS Hulu Plus: Which is Better?

4. Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus is a streaming service that offers over 30,000 TV shows and movies.

You can find selections from popular cable channels such as Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., Paramount Pictures, exclusive series shows, and more.

As of this writing, Paramount Plus offers two plans: The Essential Plan and the Premium Plan.

The Essential Plan costs $5.99 per month or you can pay annually at $71.99 per year. Note that the Essential Plan does not include any CBS local channels.

However, you can watch NFL football that’s aired on CBS via a separate live feed.

Paramount Plus’ Premium Plan costs $11.99 per month or $143.89 per year. This is a commercial-free plan that does include CBS local channels.

Note that the Premium plan will air commercials when you’re watching a live TV stream.

5. Netflix

Netflix homepage

Netflix is one of the more popular streaming services available as an alternative to cable TV. They offer three packages starting at $6.99 per month. $6.99 for the Basic plan, $15.49 for the Standard, and $22.99 for the Premium plan.

Netflix is currently offering over 10,000 movies and TV shows to viewers. But, the real draw for many seems to be their Netflix original TV series offerings.

The company boasts of the more popular exclusive TV series, such as The Good Place, House of Cards, and Orange Is the New Black.

They’re also backing the Mystery Science Theater 3000 reboot that was released this year. We’ve been subscribing to Netflix for about three years now, and we’ve been fairly satisfied with our time there.

They’ve got a decent selection of movies and TV shows in a wide range of genres. So they will keep you entertained if you decide to cut the cable TV cord.

If I had anything negative to say about Netflix, it would be that the movie choices are pretty average. They don’t offer a lot of super exciting choices.

6. Peacock

When it comes to cable alternatives, Peacock TV is NBC’s answer to the streaming craze. Basic Peacock is free when you sign up with your email. They don’t even ask you for a credit card!

With Peacock’s streaming service, you can get access to streaming movies from major Hollywood studios such as DreamWorks and Universal. You can also watch thousands of episodes of current and classic TV shows.

They’ve got kids shows too, such as Where’s Waldo? and Curious George. Sports and News lineups round off your viewing options.

Peacock Premium is an upgraded plan NBC offers. For $5.99 per month, you get access to even more content and you get limited ads.

Peacock Premium Plus costs an additional $6 per month and allows you to watch ad-free.

7. YouTube TV

You’ve likely watched hundreds of videos on YouTube absolutely free of charge.

However, YouTube also has YouTube TV, one of the most popular live TV streaming services that gives you access to premium viewing.

YouTube TV is one of the best cable alternatives and offers 85+ channels of sports, entertainment, news and more.

For $50.99 for the first three months, then $72.99 thereafter, you can watch live streaming of channels such as:

  • NFL Network
  • Comedy Central
  • AFC
  • The Food Network
  • TNT
  • BET
  • Cartoon Network

Just like cable, YouTube TV allows you to record and save shows for up to nine months for your viewing pleasure.

YouTube TV is very easy to use and access allowing for all members of the family to enjoy.

8. Prime Video

Prime Video is a streaming service that is free when you purchase Amazon Prime.

What’s better is that Amazon Prime is only $139 a year. For non-prime members, you can pay $8.99 every month for just Prime Video.

You’re probably better off getting the entire Prime package. This is because it comes with a host of benefits such as free two-day shipping.

Some categories include:

  • Popular movies
  • Various sporting shows
  • Amazon original shows
  • Popular TV shows
  • Documentaries
  • Kids TV and movies
  • Classic movies
  • Exercise and fitness shows and movies

The streaming service also offers other genres such as Faith and Family movies and Award Winning Short Films. The Amazon Instant Video streaming service is currently boasting over 18,000 movies and 2,000 TV shows.

That’s a hefty offering compared to Netflix’s combined 10,000 available movies and TV shows. Amazon Prime is one of the best cable tv alternatives.

Additionally, during football season, Prime will show Thursday night football games.

Bonus: If you take advantage of Amazon Instant Video by purchasing Amazon Prime, you’ll get other benefits. For example, you’ll get on-demand, ad-free music streaming. 

9. Disney Plus

With Disney+, you can stream all things Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. Disney+ has exclusive movies, series and documentaries as well.

It costs $7.99 per month if you want to pay monthly for Disney+. Or you can save a few bucks and pay annually for just $79.99.

One cool thing about Disney+ is that it’ll let you download titles and keep them downloaded for as long as you’re an active member.

The streaming service also grants unlimited downloads for up to ten devices as long as you’ve got the space on your devices. And you can stream up to four devices at a time while using Disney+.

Disney+ is compatible with several devices, including Apple and Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, and Sony PlayStation 4.

Note: As of this writing, Disney+ has a special where you can get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN for just $14.99 per month. If you’re a sports fan and are looking for cable alternatives, this could be a great family package.

10. fuboTV

fuboTV homepage

fuboTV offers cable channel options without the cable TV price. The streaming giant calls itself “the perfect mix of sports and entertainment.”

fuboTV has three plans to choose from. The fuboTV Pro package offers 124 channels plus hundreds of sporting events and costs just $74.99 per month.

Fubo has four packages, offering the first month free:

  • Pro ($74.99 per month) – Includes 169 channels
  • Elite ($84.99 per month) – Includes 244 channels, plus extra News and Fubo channels
  • Ultimate ($99.99 per month) – Includes 287 channels, plus extra News and Fubo channels, Showtime, and Sports Plus
  • Latino ($24.99 per month) – 58 channels

11. ESPN+

If you’re a sports fan you might want to sign up for ESPN+. EPSN+ offers live sports viewing as well as ESPN originals.

With ESPN+ you can watch football, baseball, golf, basketball, soccer, tennis, combat, and more.

ESPN+ is priced at $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.

Sporadic bundle offerings can get you streaming on Hulu, Disney, or other partners for a slightly higher monthly premium.

This is the perfect cable TV alternative for the avid sports fans in your house.

12. DirecTV

DirecTV is a pioneer in satellite TV but now offers streaming services. For $69.99 per month (The Entertainment Package) you can get access to many offerings from DirecTV.

You can choose live viewing of up to 160 channels and choose from over 80,000 streaming titles.

Choose from popular cable channels such as:

  • A&E
  • FXM and FXX
  • Game Show Network
  • Hallmark Channel
  • Golf Channel

And a long list of sports channels as well. If you sign up at the right time, you can get discounted prices and cash bonuses.

DirecTV offers three other packages as well which offer you a larger viewing selection, but the prices are steeper and you could pay as much as $150 a month.

13. Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is a cable TV alternative for those who enjoy Apple Originals. The Apple Originals collection of shows is limited to several dozen.

A far cry from Netflix and Hulu’s thousands of selections. However, Apple promises a new series of shows every month.

In its newest venture, Apple TV+ is offering live streaming of Friday night MLB baseball.

And at $9.99 per month ad-free, it’s an affordable luxury. You can watch Apple TV+ on any Apple device.

Apple TV+ comes with a free 7-day trial. Look for specials for three-month free trials when you buy a new Apple device.

14. Frndly TV

Frndly TV claims they offer some of the most affordable live TV programming, and at only $6.99/month, we can’t argue.

It offers 40+ LIVE streaming channels and many on-demand services and DVR services. Some of the most popular channels include:

  • A&E
  • Hallmark Channel
  • The HISTORY channel
  • The Weather Channel
  • Outdoor channel
  • Sportsman Channel
  • QVC
  • Many more

There are 1,000+ on-demand movies and shows, plus the LIVE streaming options. You can watch Frndly TV on most devices, including FireTV, Roku, Android TV, Apple TV, and IOS mobile apps.

Frndly TV also offers unlimited DVR hours and 72-hour lookback, giving you 72 hours to watch a show after it’s aired. With the premium plan, you can keep any shows you record for nine months and multiple movies and shows at once.

It offers three services:

  • Basic – $6.99/month – Live and on-demand TV and watch on a single TV
  • Classic – $8.99/month – HD TV, watch on two screens simultaneously, unlimited DVR, recordings stay for three months
  • Premium – $10.99/month – Watch on four screens at once, have unlimited DVR, and keep recordings for nine months

15. HD Antenna

Along with all of the streaming options mentioned above, there are other cable tv alternatives.

You might be amazed at how many channels you can view without a cable package by simply hooking up an HD antenna in your home.

Using a site called Antenna Web, I looked up our rural area address. I found out that we could get access to up to 55 channels if we installed an HD antenna at least 30 feet above the ground. For free!

Then I checked an urban zip code in our state. Antenna Web said they could get 73 channels by installing an HD antenna!

Not everyone can install an HD antenna 30 feet above their house or apartment. However, even lower-level apartment TV viewers can add several channels to their viewing choices. They can do this by using other types of high-definition antennas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions when it comes to alternatives to cable.

What is the right antenna to use?

When you shop for antennas, you’ll find three descriptions: directional, multi-directional, or omnidirectional. A directional antenna works best if all of the broadcasting stations near you are near each other.

Most of the time indoor models work fine as long as you meet one criterion. Your home must be located within twenty miles of broadcasting stations.

If you are further away than that, an outdoor antenna would be best. An outdoor antenna will likely give you the best viewing results even if you’re close to stations.

What is the cheapest way to watch TV?

The least expensive way to watch TV is at your local library (100% free). Your next best option, after the cost of hardware installation, is a digital antenna. Other options that have minimal costs are inexpensive streaming services.

Depending on the sports season and what you’re currently binge watching, you can mix and match subscriptions to keep costs down.

Is there a substitute for cable TV?

Yes, there are options. Streaming devices and sticks offer viable cable TV alternatives. Most popular are Roku, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.

See what works best for the shows and needs you have by comparing prices and offers. HD Antennas offer a great option as well.

Summary

If you want to watch your favorite shows or movies without having a cable or satellite package, there are many alternatives to cable TV.

Consider checking out your favorite TV stations online at their channel websites or by browsing YouTube. You may find episodes and movies that they broadcast for free or for a small fee online.

Or for a more substantial viewing menu, consider signing up for one of the streaming services mentioned above.

Most of them come with a free trial – anywhere from seven days to thirty days long. And many don’t require you to sign a contract. You can stop or start the service as you please. Free trials are a great start to finding alternatives to cable tv.

We’ve been using streaming services like Netflix and Hulu for nearly six years now. We find they fit our viewing needs. And we have no desire whatsoever to go back to paying for a cable TV or satellite package.

Are you considering canceling your cable TV subscription to find cheaper ways to watch your favorite shows and movies? If so, there is a good chance that one of the best cable tv alternatives mentioned above will be right for you.

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59 Comments

  1. I’d like to compare costs on 10-15 channels. Love DVRs, voice remotes.

    1. Deacon Hayes says:

      You’re best bet is to look at a service like Sling or Philo and get a package that has the channels you’re looking for. I wish there was a service where you could just buy the channels you want, that would be amazing!

  2. We’re seniors, have Xfinity, but only watch 10-15 channels. Is it possible to talk directly to someone over the phone?

  3. All my TVs are old I have cable .I have Wi-Fi but I was trying not to buy a brand new TV set, however I would like to cut back on cable even more than what I did and use a streaming device on my old TV sets, but so far it doesn’t seem to be working ,I have Roku streaming stick . My old TVs are the ones from the 90s do you know the ones that are really big like cars I don’t have a flat screen yet.my old TV sets just won’t break but I have to buy so many extras to make anything work on them and I have to keep Cable in order to get cable channels.I have computer and a cell phone and the tablet but I don’t usually watch TV on those I just stream a little bit and then run off to either one of my jobs.is there a streaming device that works on old TV sets that have Wi-Fi in the house where I don’t have to get rid of my big TV sets anymore or should I just junk them and get a flat screen and solve the problem that way. Money doesn’t seem to be grown on trees these days.

    1. Hi there Dana! I’m not sure that there are any other devices that would work with older TVs. Sorry.

  4. Rena Wiggins says:

    My husband and I know know nothing about these services for cutting the cable cord. I have been looking at Hulu (all of them are a mystery to me) and the info given makes me think this might work for us. We have at&t and the ripe us off continually. We bundle tv, internet and land-line phone service, and still the prices are more than we can pay on a fixed income. TV is more important to my husband than it is to me, but I do like the documentary channels like Smithsonian, history, ahc, mhc; I also like the starz encore westerns and the Olympic channel. In downgrading our service, we lost the Western, Olympic, NBA, Smithsonian channels, and I believe I saw that Hulu offers all these, but for how much, and since we don’t know what we need to get started with such services, in the way of devices, nor do we know anything about how to install them, since we are not tech savvy, my husband knows nothing, we would need a service person just to install these devices on our tvs (2). Other than the Starz which gives enough movies, if we can to watch them, we have no interest in movie channels like HBO, etc., or music channels (we never listen to music on tv). How do we go about getting this HULU or something similar? We also need local channels so that we get local news – all of which is with hulu, as far as I could see. I’m writing a lot because I’m frustrated with at&t and their constant lies and changes (there is no competition here on the gulf coast of Mississippi). I am so ignorant when it comes to technology and I feel so ashamed when I hear the comments of others using expressions regarding technology and I don’t even understand what they are talking about. I just know that I’m tired of all this and if it was not for my husband, I probably would not have tv at all, news or not! Can you please help an older couple who just want a little more tv than at&t U-verse 200 gives us, most being channels of cooking, selling products and music. Is there anyone in our area of Biloxi, Ms that if we would get Hulu, who could help us with installation? Thanks for any help you can give.

    1. For Hulu, all you would need is a WiFi connection and a TV or TV device like a gaming system or Smart TV that can access Hulu! You don’t need anyone to help install anything for Hulu, as long as you already have internet. If you have WiFi or an internet connection on a Smart TV than you can just sign up for a Hulu or Hulu Live TV subscription through their website to get started! Hope this helps!

  5. Do any of these alternatives include the ability to record shows?
    thanks.

  6. Daniel Vargas says:

    I have been tempted to cut the cord but WiFi alone is 100.00 plus and is not unlimited data I believe. I have 2 kids always playing games and by the time I find other alternatives I’ll be in the same boat.
    Xfinity knows what they are doing to keep you.

  7. Does anyone have any experience with ORBY?

  8. Cathy Matamoros says:

    There are only a half dozen channels I regularly watch and I like watching videos on YouTube as well. My husband likes watching Univision and Telemundo Spanish channels mostly for news from back home. I have not seen in of the streaming services list those channels. We both want to kick Dish to the curb. Any advice?

  9. Betty Wilson says:

    I know nothing about streaming but we pay over $300.00 a month for cable. If I get a streaming device, it looks like I also need to keep Comcast Cable for my internet & landline, correct? Also, if I decide on a package, can I use it for 3 tv’s or do I need a package for each tv? I’m assuming I’ll need a streaming device for each t.v. Help! Thank you!!!

    1. It’s true that you will need internet service as well for your streaming! If you still have a landline and are paying for the internet, you may be getting a better deal from bundling all that together. If you own a cell phone, you might be able to save by ditching the landline and just keeping the cell phone and then you’ll only have to pay for the internet service. This can bring your cost down a lot and make it so you’re saving money by using a streaming service. It depends a lot on what you want, such as certain channels, or if you need a landline, or what speed you need your internet to be. If you find that it is cheaper to go with a streaming service, (depending on which one you go with), you will NOT need a different one for each TV. Services such as Hulu with Live TV and Netflix will only cost you one price for the month, and then you will just have one login that you can use on any TV! I hope that this helps!

  10. Any of these offers give you Hallmark?

    1. Yes! If that’s the channel that you’re wanting, do a little research and figure out which option can work best for you! Some offer all channels, and some give you more specific channels based on what you like to watch.

  11. YouTube tv , everyone, all live channels that cable has for $50 a month. You can use 3 simultaneous devices and have 5 separate accounts in your household.

    1. Good to know! Thanks for the suggestion!

    2. Karen McKee says:

      I’ve had YouTube tv for six months to try it, and am very happy. Many programs stream live! I’ve been paying both cable and YouTube trying to wean us off cable slowly. But I don’t miss my cable at all so now going to cut cable altogether. Wish I didn’t need WiFi so wouldn’t need the cable co.

  12. Kathleen Malandrucca says:

    I want to change from cable because it is just too expensive. My concern is my son that is a big hockey fan. He watches a lot of sports but more hockey. I need the sports channels that he would watch. I want basic TV, don’t need HBO or Showtime or any other pay channels. Need advice for the best on to get.

    1. Hey Kathleen! Check some of the different options in the article. Some of the sites, e.i. SlingTV, offer live TV and give the option to select different tv channel bundles so you are getting channels that you specifically would want to watch! You can try to find a bundle that includes channels like ESPN or similar that would have hockey! I hope you find something that works for you!

      1. MARYELLEN BROWN says:

        We all are in a quandary regarding cable. I have talked with several people who have gone to Sling, or whatever, and are thoroughly disenchanted with that as well. As many have mentioned you are up to cable prices with all the add ons but still no internet or phone which Comcast offers on their triple play. Believe me, I hate, just hate Comcast. In lowering my cost by $20.00 the computer is slow and will not rip roms. Also, the cut in channels is horrible. On Demand is still viable. It is just so sad we all need these electronics and industries are slapping us to death.

  13. I have Playstation Vue and love it. There have been no issues at all. They have raised the price twice since I started 2 years ago (from 34.99 to 44.99) and of course I still have internet through Cox Cable. But with the weather in Oklahoma, cable was always going out and I don’t have that problem with PSV.

    1. That’s great to hear! Thanks for sharing your experience!

  14. Laurie and Deacon,
    Just a note of thanks for the information you’ve provided. This comes on the heels of being on a Comcast Tech Support phone call last night which, again, just wasted precious time and left me more aggravated than prior to the call. I’ve felt so helpless, and strong-armed by Comcast for many years now, receiving subpar service despite countless attempts to have issues resolved. I pay over $200/month for this and I just can’t stand it a moment longer. To me, it doesn’t even matter which channels I want to watch because all too often I’m not able to watch them anyway due to mysterious cable TV problems (the Comcast Tech staff call them “glitches” I guess to make them sound less serious or annoying – WRONG!). Next month my 2 year contract will end (and who knows what kind of outlandish price they will then try to charge me) but I am going to do some homework now so I’m prepared and can drop them like a hot potato. Thanks again.

    1. So glad this article was able to help! Cable provider’s customer service is definitely known to be less than stellar. I hope you find something that works for you!

    2. Brenda N. says:

      Same story with Dish

  15. Marcia Lawson says:

    OMG… it is so overwhelming to try to save $50 a month!

    1. It’s up to you if you want to give it a shot or not. 🙂

  16. Edie Dumas says:

    Nothing I saw addressed getting the WiFi signal to stream. I have Roku and blu-rays, but I have to use a modem or my mobile phone to stream. Please let me know how to bring in the signal.
    Thank you,
    Edie

    1. Edie, you will probably have to have internet in most, if not all, cases. In addition, some options may require additional equipment. Check out each website you are interested in to make sure of what the requirements are before settling on one. Then, to get internet, you’ll need to call a provider in your area.

  17. I live in an apartment on the ground floor. Is there an alternative to cable? I’m on a fixed income and my Spectrum bill keeps going up and up. I get no premium channels and I pay almost $150 a month. Also, what about a DVR with these alternatives?

    1. If you’re thinking about streaming content, I don’t think you are required to get a DVR. However, the absolute best way to know about any equipment requirements is to check it out on the sites you are interested in. That way you have no surprises after having already signed up.

  18. For Joan who was looking for MSNBC and PBS: I watch both and have found after cutting the cord that I can have both. MSNBC is live on an app called Pluto TV, which I watch thru my Apple TV or just on my iPad. As far as PBS, I watch it thru the PBS app with the Apple TV also. If you don’t have, or don’t want, Apple TV, I’m sure both are available thru Amazon Fire Stick which is more reasonably priced. I hope this helps!

  19. I live on the NC coast and have tried about every type of antennae …including putting the antennas on a pole 20 feet above our roof line…and still cannot get even the basic local channels which are within 50 – 60 miles as the crow flies! I would love to cut cable ties! I would even be happy to receive ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, Ion, and PBS without other channels, but cannot even get those! Do you have any suggestions? PLEASE!

    1. Do you have internet? If so, you may be able to stream some of those shows. I don’t know for sure if you can get local channels, but you might be able to get ABC, NBC, CBS, etc. that way with Hulu or Sling. Check them out with the links in this post.

  20. Jacqueline says:

    If you have internet you can purchase an android box from Ebay and download several different apps to watch free live cable TV channels, such as Live NetTV 4.7. New Cloud TV has free channels, or you can get a plan with 120 channels for $7 a month. Mobdro has free cable channels. The Black Panther app has free TV shows and new movies.

    1. Thanks for those additional options.

  21. As someone who has to watch MSNBC Live, none of these options work for me. I also love PBS and that’s not available either. I do have a fixed income, but all of these other channels are not as important to me. Do you have any advice?

    Thank you!

    1. Unfortunately I don’t think there is a magic formula to get every channel you want. You just have to look over what is offered and decide which option gives you the most of what you want. But, if you want to drop cable and pay less each month, there are some ways you can and, hopefully, still get most of what you want to watch.

      1. Granville says:

        One alternative to watching MSNBC live is to subscribe to the live AUDIO feed SiriusXM offers. Offers can be as low as $25 for six months.

    2. As for PBS this is available on ROKU and on the Internet through WiFI.

  22. disgusted in Michigan says:

    I take it you have done your homework and it sounds as though you know your stuff! However, I do not know who you are or if you are a “plant” by the cable industry to down talk these alternative methods to cable. Having said that, I need to do my own research and I know I have to start somewhere, so I consider your remarks and opinions as that start. The problem I see in doing research is “who to trust”! Call me cynical if you wish. However, I detest these things about cable: 1) The major cable companies (Comcast, Spectrum, et al) control the perimeters of choice for consumers by, as you stated, “blocking” given areas; 2) If you want to watch a given number of channels, the cable companies mentioned control the “plans” for the channels that include my favorites like sports, local channels, documentaries, etc… I could not care less for the so-called movie channels that show hardly anything but smut movies. I have to pay an astronomical monthly fee to get the preferred channels and pay for channels I do not want or watch. I suppose I could list much more disgust that I have for cable. However, all I would be doing is frustrating myself more. The task of searching for the best solution is to me, much too tedious and not as trustworthy as is being touted by these “cable cutting” enterprises. So, until I can find a more realistic alternative, I will stay with the blood-sucking cable company which I currently have.

    1. I’m sorry that you are disgusted, but I understand why you are wary. Keep in mind that some of these options let you try their services for free before you commit to anything. Also, if you have a few friends, as most people do, there’s a possibility one or more of them is already using one of these cable alternatives. Why not ask around to see if any of them do? That would give you the opportunity to receive a review from someone you know and trust to tell you how things really are. I wish you luck and encourage you not to give up on finding a replacement for cable.

      1. Brenda N. says:

        This is what I have done. I actually took a poll from my Facebook friends ( real friends ) and got each ones opinion of what they use, what they like about it and what they don’t like. It actually helped me learn a bit about the alternative TV industry and helpful to make my own informed decision.

  23. It’s not uncommon for people to pay $100 a month, $200 a month, or more for their cable or satellite TV packages? Are you kidding? Do you think these alternatives are any better?

    By the time you factor in functionality, premium channels, etc., most of these cord cutting options fall short in their ability to even keep up with what Comcast can provide a household. People paying over $200 for cable are also paying for their voice lines as well as their high speed internet, which, mind you, is required to even sustain these cord cutting offerings.

    Also, all of the channels available from any of these cord cutting options are not offered by Comcast. The premium line-ups have to be purchased separately. So, trying to get multiple TVs with full DVR functionality, as well as keeping enough bandwidth for those times when a household is very busy, means not one of these cord cutting choices make any sense. They are over-priced, unless you are a single TV household or live in an area where OTA TV, cable, and phone service is very limited. I hate that Comcast has the upper hand. Verizon was blocked from putting FIOS in my area because I live in Comcast’s backyard. They have all the local politicians in their pocket. These companies like Sling, VUE, and the rest of them, want to see more cord cutting. They need to start putting all the preferred channels in their line-ups and making some offers where packaging premium stations gives a discount. This ala-cart pricing sucks to high heaven. It only benefits those who NEED a cord cutting option. But, it does nothing special for those who are using Comcast.

  24. If any of these options think they are worthy to cause one to cut the cord they are all sadly mistaken. Once you add the total cost these options charge, just to get the more highly desirable stations most people expect, you run into limitations: how many devices you can stream simultaneously, how much bandwidth you would need to even maintain stability, and how much more speed you’ll have to pay for with your internet provider to get it. It’s almost as if they are pushing potential cord cutters right back to their cable providers. Not to mention, Comcast/Xfinity, as much as I despise them, gives more reasonable offers for less cost, with anywhere DVR – both local and cloud based.

    There isn’t a single offering out there that makes any sense for most family homes. None. 5 TVs can easily get the complete Comcast lineup of TV stations, including all of their premium channels, plus anywhere DVR hardware to boot. Additionally, if the cost was itemized apart from the Comcast Voice, and GB internet they give me, I am paying WAY, WAY less than any streaming service out there. That just plain sucks because not one other provider is available where I am, so the competition is non-existent. I, for one, think Comcast is over-priced. But, based on what I would have to pay to get what I want in a cord cutting option, I would be even worst off. These alternatives are only beneficial for single TV homes.

    My take is that they are focused on the areas that get NO cable service because they know it’s a slam dunk so they charge rates that are more expensive for what they offer because they can. It’s like this, if they want my business, they have to have the same TV channels for less and they are so far from it. Also, if they do undercut any pricing, it’s marginal because they are trying to maximize their profits exponentially. Take a look at the free trials they all offer. They’re almost all the same: 1 week, or maybe 5 days, and then the monthly rate kicks in. What a joke. They’re greedy.

    1. It could be true that choosing one of these options won’t get you all of shows you could get with cable. However, if you truly want to get rid of cable, knowing what some of the options are can help you choose the BEST one. Then you can make the decision of whether or not it is worth it to spend the additional money to get the extra one or two channels through cable OR sacrifice one or two shows to save a BUNCH of money. It just depends your priorities.

  25. Kindle Owners’ Lending Library is a part of Amazon Prime membership program that costs $99 a year. KOLL lets you borrow one Kindle book a month with no due dates.

    Kindle Unlimited is separate from Amazon Prime and Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. This is a standalone ebook subscription service with a monthly fee of $9.99.

    1. Thanks for letting us know. We’ll double check and make corrections as necessary. We appreciate you telling us – not everyone would take the time. 🙂

      1. No you are correct — Amazon prime is $119.00 annually. The increase was last year. WELL WORTH IT!!

  26. Alex sandro says:

    All the alternatives that you mentioned consume a lot of data. So you must have the internet connection with unlimited data. Fortunately, Spectrum in McAllen provides internet data with NO Data Caps so you can enjoy all the alternatives completely.

    1. Good for you! I’m glad you are getting a good deal. Thanks for stopping by!

  27. Can you please help me. I live in Mexico. I have a Shaw box and get cable from Canada. They are changing so I need to change. I have no idea what to do. Some people here have Roku, others have Netflix. I have a JVC and Samsung purchased in Mexico. I like to watch the British dramas Shaw offers on my 5 PBS channels. I also watch HGTV and vet shows. I have read a lot, but am confused. What do I do?

    1. I would start by contacting those service providers to find out what is changing and how it affects you. Then you should be able to decide whether to stay with them or look for other options.

  28. I gave up cable forever ago. I live on a sailboat now, and I get all our shows and movies from the library! We don’t even go out to movies anymore. This has been an amazing way to cut back, and you’d be surprised by how many new releases there are. 😉

    1. Laurie Blank says:

      That’s awesome, Kristin! I was just at our local library yesterday and happened to walk by the DVD section for the first time. I was amazed at the large selection they had! We are definitely going to consider visiting it in the future.

    2. I was paying over $299 with Spectrum for cable tv with DVR I also paid 49 for 100 MBS internet through Spectrum. Not no more I use the internet for every thing. I told them this aint worth all this money. Ya’ll a rip off. I use Hulu Youtube Netflix

  29. My husband and I never had cable and we have been really happy with that decision! We save a ton of money and avoid the TV time suck! Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and an Antenna for 3 channels keeps us occupied when we need to chill out.

    1. Deacon Hayes says:

      I can totally relate. We cut our cable and havent looked back. We watch Netflix, primarily, but we do watch things on Amazon from time to time as well.