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.

DIRECTV STREAM

Starting Price (per month): $69.99
Free Trial: No
Channels (in entry-level package): 65+
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Yes, in most locations
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 20
User Profiles: No
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes

DIRECTV STREAM, formerly known as AT&T TV Now, is a live tv streaming service that lets you watch primetime favorites, breaking news, sports, and on-demand titles. While there is no set free trial, you can get your money back if you cancel the service within 14 days. There are four packages to choose from: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. HBO Max is included with Premier, but the Choice and Ultimate packages come with three free months.

20 hours of Cloud DVR storage are included in each package, but you can upgrade to unlimited storage for $10 per month. DIRECTV STREAM is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, web, iPhone/iPad, Android phone/tablet, and Samsung Smart TV.

Most Popular DIRECTV STREAM Channels: ESPN, NBC Sports Network, TNT, TBS, BET, Bravo, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, FX, and Nickelodeon

Popular Channels Missing: Oxygen, Universal Kids, CBS Sports Network, Golf Channel, and FX Movie Channel

Hulu + Live TV

Starting Price (per month): $64.99
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

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 allow 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!