- TV
- Streaming
The Top 5 Cable TV Alternatives
Cutting the cord from cable TV can seem like a daunting decision, but it doesn’t have to be. Live TV streaming services offer consumers the same viewing experience as cable, but at lower prices and with easy-to-end-subscriptions. Most of these streaming services offer local and national news, Primetime entertainment, your favorite team rivalries, and the latest on-demand movies. Check out some of the best cable TV alternatives that will make cutting the cord a no-brainer.
Cable TV Alternatives in 2020
AT&T TV Now
Starting Price (per month): $55
Free Trial: Yes
Channels (in entry-level package): 45+
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Yes, in most locations
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 3
User Profiles: No
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
AT&T TV Now is a live streaming service that lets you watch primetime favorites, breaking news, sports, and on-demand titles. The PLUS package is $55/month with the option to add HBO Max for $14.99/month and Cinemax for $11/month. The MAX package is $80/month and comes with 60+ channels, HBO Max, and Cinemax.
Cloud DVR is included in both packages and lets you record live TV, fast forward, rewind, and skip through commercials. AT&T TV Now is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, web, iPhone/iPad, Android phone/tablet, and Samsung Smart TV.
Most Popular AT&T TV Now Channels: ESPN, NBC Sports Network, TNT, TBS, BET, Bravo, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, FX, and Nickelodeon
Popular Channels Missing: A&E, AMC, Food Network, HGTV, Lifetime, and TLC
Hulu + Live TV
Starting Price (per month): $54.99
Free Trial: Yes
Channels (in entry-level package): 65+
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Yes, in most locations
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 2 ($15 for unlimited)
User Profiles: Yes
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
Hulu + Live TV is a streaming platform for watching live sports, news, and entertainment with unlimited access to the entire Hulu streaming library. Hulu + Live TV comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR with the option to upgrade to 200 hours. Additional paid add-ons include unlimited streams, HBO Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and Starz.
Hulu + Live TV is compatible with iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV & Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One & Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Samsung (select TV models), LG (select TV models), and Nintendo Switch.
Most Popular Hulu Channels: ESPN, TNT, E!, Disney Channel, CNN, Cartoon Network, HGTV, TLC, and Bravo
Popular Channels Missing: AMC, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, and VH1
Learn More About Hulu + Live TV
YouTube TV
Starting Price (per month): $64.99
Free Trial: Yes
Channels (in entry-level package): 70+
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Yes, in most locations
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 3
User Profiles: Yes
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
YouTube TV is one of the more popular streaming services that allows you to watch live TV from major broadcast and popular cable networks, including local and national live sports and breaking news. YouTube TV offers unlimited Cloud DVR storage space and six user accounts included with your subscription.
YouTube TV is compatible with Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Vizio SmartCast TV, Samsung & LG smart TVs, HiSense TV, Xbox One, iPhone/iPad, Android phone/tablet, and web.
Most Popular YouTube TV Channels: ESPN, HGTV, TNT, Bravo, Freeform, FX, E!, TBS, and USA
Popular Channels Missing: A&E, BET, Hallmark, and Lifetime
Sling TV Packages
Sling TV is an app-based streaming service for watching live television and on-demand content online, at home, or on the go. There are two different Sling packages for $30. Sling Blue has over 50 channels and is good for people who like news and entertainment channels. Sling orange has over 30 channels and is more geared towards sports fans and family programming.
Sling TV is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, TiVo, iPhone/iPad, Android phone/tablet, Android TV, Xbox, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, and web.
Sling Blue
Starting Price (per month): $30
Free Trial: Yes
Channels (in entry-level package): 50
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Fox and NBC
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 3
User Profiles: No
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
Most Popular Sling Blue Channels: TBS, TNT, Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, Bravo, FS1, TLC, and HGTV
Popular Channels Missing: ABC, CBS, Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, and Nickelodeon
Sling Orange
Starting Price (per month): $30
Free Trial: Yes
Channels (in entry-level package): 30
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: No
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 1
User Profiles: No
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
Most Popular Sling Orange Channels: TBS, TNT, ESPN, ESPN 2, HGTV, A&E, CNN, AMC, and Food Network
Popular Channels Missing: Local channels, Bravo, Discovery, Fox News, MSNBC, TLC, and USA
Philo TV
Starting Price (per month): $20
Free Trial: Yes
Channels (in entry-level package): 58
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: No
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 3
User Profiles: Yes
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
Philo is a live TV streaming service with 58 major entertainment channels, but does not include local stations, news, or popular sports channels. With Philo you can stream on three different devices at a time and create 10 different user profiles. Available paid add-ons include Epix and Starz.
Philo streaming is compatible with iPhone/iPad, Android phone/tablet, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and web.
Most Popular Philo TV Channels: A&E, AMC, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery, HGTV, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network
Popular Channels Missing: Local channels, TNT, ESPN, Bravo, CNN, FX, Disney Channel, and Freeform
In Conclusion
There’s no shortage of live TV streaming services for cord cutters to choose from. But what is the best alternative to cable TV? The best one will depend on your budget, desired channels, favorite shows, and streaming logistics (device type, number of users, DVR needs, etc.). If you’re ready to save money and ditch your cable TV contract, cut the cord today! Find more information about cable TV alternatives here.
Anna Ellison
Anna is a writer for the HighSpeedOptions team focusing on streaming. She started her career as a content writer in 2017, working one year in the fintech industry before joining the mobile ad tech space with HighSpeedOptions’ parent company, AdAction. In the wild, you can find Anna hiking in the Rocky Mountains, or working on her hot dog travel blog.