Best Alternatives to Cable TV

Find the best alternative to cable tv with this handy list. Save money with these tv alternatives you need to try.

Tips to Cutting Cable TV

For many families, one of the most outrageous monthly bills goes to the cable or satellite company. Today, I wanted to show you alternatives to cable TV and more tips to cutting cable TV.

These tips will help you save more money each month. You’ve probably heard of different options that exist to cut cable or satellite, but with so many that now exist, which is best for you?

Here’s a guide of streaming services as well as devices that are most popular.

How to get local Channels without cable:

First let’s talk about how to get local channels without cable. It is much easier than you might think.

• Antenna. All you need is an antenna to get local channels. Now, it isn’t bunny ears like you might remember using as a child. These are HD antennas.
  
  You can buy them on Amazon for a fraction of the price of local stores.
  
  This will allow you to view HD local channels for free! Plus, the HD antennas look really nice so you don’t have to worry about some metal bunny ears sticking out of your beautiful tv.
• Smart TV App. If you have a smart tv, many local channels are available via their own apps. Some examples include: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and others. It is very simple to immediately get local channels for free in HD through your Smart TV.

How to Ditch Cable TV:

Ok let’s talk about how to cut the cord from cable without missing any of your favorite shows. You now know how to get local channels without cable, so let’s talk about how to get all those other channels.

If you have a Smart TV, then you can skip this step. If you don’t have a smart TV, then you will need a small device to help you stream your favorite TV shows to your TV. 

These cable tv alternatives are simple and easy. You just need a good internet connection to watch tv with these options.

How to Cut Cable TV – Devices you need:

Now you don’t need all of these devices. You just need one to stream your favorite TV shows and help you get rid of cable TV.

These devices will help you get alternatives to cable TV so you can stream your favorite TV shows.  I wanted to give you a list of them all, so you can pick the one you like the best.

1. Amazon Fire Stick

The Amazon Fire Stick is a smaller device with less storage but it is portable. This makes it easy to take it when you visit Grandma and Grandpa or to a hotel when traveling.

It is also inexpensive. The Amazon fire stick will cost about $50 less up front but they often go on sale for much less. I have one and we love it when we travel.

2. Roku.

Roku starts as low as $25. The HDMI plug-in device will help you stream TV.

Amazon has several on sale and almost everyone loves their Roku. I bought one for my father a few years ago for Christmas and he still loves it for streaming TV.

3. Blu-ray player with WIFI

If you want to use a Blu-ray player to stream TV in addition to playing your Blu-ray discs, make sure it has Wi-Fi capabilities (not all do). There are lots of options in various price points on Amazon and it can help to stream some of your favorite TV shows.

4. Chromecast

This is a streaming device that works with Google TV. You can also use Chromecast with Netflix, Hulu, Google Play Movies, PlayStation Vue and others.

5. Apple TV

With an operating system called tvOS, you have access to streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, iTunes, etc. Apple TV 4K starts at $158.

It’s pretty neat, though, if you’re an Apple fan; it’s got a Siri remote with a touch surface, and easy access to the App store. If you are an Apple Fan, like my family, then I think you will really love this option.

What is the best streaming service?

There are numerous options available currently for streaming to your tv and other devices. Price and services vary from each option.

The best streaming service depends on what you are interested in streaming. Each service is different and one might not work for everyone.

If you are interested in watching sports channels versus movies or live tv shows versus older shows, these options would all be different. The best option is based on what you plan to use the streaming service for.

We have listed the best cord cutters and what they offer. You can choose which option is best for you and your family based on what the service offers.

Alternatives to Cable TV:

1. Netflix.

After a free one month trial to Netflix, you’ll pay as low as $6.99 depending what options you choose. There are lots of movies and shows (some which are exclusive to Netflix), but there is no live streaming (meaning you cannot watch shows as they air).

2. Sling TV

Sling TV is a live streaming TV service with OnDemand for $40/month (additional fees for package add-ons). However, your first month is only $20.

This streaming service has improved over the years and now offers DVR capabilities with certain limitations. You can record 50 hours of live tv for free.

Sling TV is flexible and you can cancel at anytime to this service.

3. HBO Max

Maybe you prefer movies and would love to be able to stream lots of movies. HBO Max gives you access to their entire library of movies. You also receive exclusive streaming access to the biggest Warner Bros. movies at no extra cost.

This service starts at $9.99 with adds or $15.99 a month without ads. The ad free option also allows users to download to watch on the go. The option to stream in 4K UHD is also available.

4. Amazon Video

If you already have a Prime subscription, make sure to take advantage of Amazon Video. It is included in your subscription and so handy. If you don’t, you can get a 30 day trial for FREE.

It is not live-streaming, but there are lots of TV shows and movies available that you need to be taking advantage of.

5. Hulu

Although it’s not a live-streaming service, one of the nice features of Hulu is that current season TV shows are available the next day. It starts as low as $7.99 a month for the limited commercial option or $14.99 for commercial-free.

There is another option for Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ for $12.99 with ads. You can also add Showtime for an additional $10.99/month.

You can cancel your subscription anytime. Hulu also allows you to watch on 2 different devices at the same time. Hulu has a free trial up to one month available.

6. Fubo TV

Fubo TV provides access to over 115 channels. It is a live tv streaming service which gives users access in real time.

This streaming option has DVR capabilities. There are 3 different plans to choose from starting from $74.99. You can sign up for a 7 day free trial to see if you like it.

7. Peacock TV

Plans start at just $4.99 and you can cancel Peacock TV anytime. Depending on which plan you select options include TV, popular movies, live sports and more.

8. Philo

Subscribers can watch at home or on the go with your TV, phone, tablet and more. Philo is perfect for those interested in watching channels including live lifestyle and entertainment channels.

Philo is $25 per month and you can sign up for a free 7 day trial.

The best alternatives to cable tv.

As you can see, there are so many alternatives to cable TV. The options are endless as to how to cut cable TV without missing your favorite TV shows.

Chances are good that one or a combination of these options will offer you at least what your current cable or satellite provider gives you. You will get the service for much less.

You can save 50% or more of what you are paying for Cable today just by following some of these easy cutting cable TV tips. Everyone will love these savings.

Let us know your tips on how to ditch cable TV without missing your favorite TV shows. Leave a comment below.

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