Best Cable TV Alternatives 2025

Cutting the cord from cable TV no longer feels risky or complicated. Today, streaming services provide the same live channels, on-demand shows, and DVR features that used to lock households into expensive cable contracts–often at a lower cost and with more flexibility. But before making the switch, it’s important to remember that streaming relies entirely on your home internet connection. A fast, reliable connection ensures smooth playback, crisp HD or 4K quality, and minimal buffering.

Key Takeaways: Best Cable TV Alternatives

• Streaming services are now the top cable alternatives — with providers like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV STREAM, and Philo offering flexible plans and no contracts.
• Cost savings are real but vary — you can often save $30–$60 per month compared to traditional cable, though multiple subscriptions may offset savings.
• Internet speed matters — a reliable high-speed connection (at least 25 Mbps per stream, ideally 100 Mbps+) is essential for smooth streaming.
• Channel variety differs by service — YouTube TV and DIRECTV STREAM excel at sports and locals, while Philo and Sling are cheaper but more limited.
• Bundles add extra value — Hulu + Live TV includes Disney+ and ESPN+, while Sling lets you customize packages.
• Cord-cutting is about flexibility — with free trials, no contracts, and wide device compatibility, you can test and switch services to find your best fit.

Whether you’re a sports fan who can’t miss live games, a family that wants bundled streaming options, or a household looking to cut monthly bills, today’s streaming platforms offer choices to fit your needs. In this guide, we’ll compare the top five cable TV alternatives, highlight what each service does best, and help you decide which option—and what kind of internet connection—works best for your internet lifestyle.

Best Cable TV Alternatives Comparison

All prices are starting points. Premium subscriptions may be available at higher costs. Data sourced 8/21/25. Prices are subject to change.

DIRECTV STREAM

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. There is a 5-day free trial for new subscribers, plus 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, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax are included with the Premier package.

DIRECTV STREAM is compatible with Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Roku, popular Smart TVs, iPhone, iPad, Android, web browsers, and our exclusive Gemini device.

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

Popular Channel Missing: Oxygen

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is a streaming platform for watching live sports, news, and entertainment with unlimited access to the entire Hulu streaming library. Paid add-ons include unlimited streams, HBO Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and Starz. 

Hulu + Live TV is compatible with iOS, Android, web browsers, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Echo Show, major Smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and more.

Most Popular Hulu Channels: ESPN, TNT, E!, Disney Channel, CNN, Cartoon Network, HGTV, TLC, and Bravo

Popular Channels Missing: AMC, NBA Network

YouTube TV

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 Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Xbox, PlayStation, iPhone, Android, and all major web browsers.

Most Popular YouTube TV Channels: ESPN, HGTV, TNT, Bravo, Freeform, FX, E!, TBS, and USA

Popular Channels Missing: A&E, History,  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 primary packages, Sling Blue and Sling Orange, starting at $45.99 for each. Sling Blue has about 40 channels focused more on news and entertainment. Sling Orange has about 30 channels and is more geared towards sports fans and family programming.

Sling TV is compatible with Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, major Smart TVs, AirTV, iPhone, Android, web browsers, Xbox, Echo Show, Nest Hub, and more.

Sling Blue

Most Popular Sling Blue Channels: TBS, TNT, Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, Bravo, FS1, TLC, and HGTV

Popular Channels Missing: ABC (in some markets), CBS, Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, and Nickelodeon

Sling Orange

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

Philo is a live TV streaming service with 70 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 MGM+ and Starz.

Philo streaming is compatible with iPhone/iPad, Android phone/tablet, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, LG, Samsung, and Vizio Smart TVs, and major web browsers.

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

Is Cutting the Cord Worth It?

Now that you’ve seen what each alternative cable TV service offers, let’s see if cutting the cord is worth it. Many consumers have found it to be worthwhile, as the numbers suggest it has gone mainstream.

• As of 2025, nearly 46% of U.S. internet households have dropped cable, and another 12% are “cord-nevers” who never subscribed at all.
• Analysts project that by 2028, over 76% of homes will no longer subscribe to pay TV.

The main reasons? Cost savings and flexibility. Research shows that households that switch to streaming spend less than half of what cable customers pay monthly. On average, cord-cutters save about $44 per month (36%), with some estimates of annual savings around $1,236 per year.

But the real value depends on your viewing habits and how carefully you manage subscriptions. Add too many services and your expenses can creep back to cable-level pricing. Choose wisely, and the savings can be substantial.

Key Questions to Ask Before You Cut the Cord

• What channels do you watch?
  Make a list of your must-haves. If they’re available on a single streaming service, great—you’ll likely save. But if you need multiple services to replace your cable lineup, those savings can shrink quickly.
• How much TV do you watch?
  Light watchers may be satisfied with a single service—or even free, ad-supported apps. Heavy watchers may want premium bundles or live TV packages.
• Do you need live and local channels?
  Not every service carries them. Platforms like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV do, while Philo and Sling have limited local access.
• Who else is watching in your house?
  Consider how many streams you’ll need at the same time. Some services allow multiple devices, while others limit you to one or two.
• What is your internet speed?
  Smooth streaming requires a reliable internet connection—50 Mbps minimum for HD, 100 Mbps or more if multiple people stream in 4K. A weak internet plan can lead to buffering and frustration.

Bottom Line on Cutting the Cord

Cutting the cord can be worth it—if you choose services that fit your household’s needs and keep subscription creep in check. For many, the result is more choice, lower bills, and freedom from long-term contracts. But the smartest savings come when you balance the right mix of streaming platforms with a reliable internet connection.

Internet Considerations for Cable TV Alternatives

If you’ve weighed your alternatives and considered the pros and cons of cutting the cord, then it’s time to evaluate your internet connection.

To ensure that your internet provider is delivering at least 50 Mbps download speed, we recommend that you run an internet speed test. If it’s not up to par, consider upgrading your plan or finding a new internet provider with faster speeds.

Fiber internet is considered the best option thanks to its symmetrical upload and download speeds, low latency (signal delay), and ability to handle multiple devices streaming in 4K without buffering. Cable internet is the next strongest choice, offering broad availability and high download speeds, and acceptable internet latency. 5G home internet and fixed wireless can be solid alternatives in areas without fiber or cable, but performance can fluctuate with network congestion or signal strength. DSL and satellite internet struggle with streaming, especially at higher resolutions, due to limited bandwidth and higher latency.

Recommended Internet Providers for Cable TV Alternatives

The Best Cable TV Alternatives Start With the Right Setup

The best cable TV alternatives give you freedom to watch what you want, where you want, and often for less than a traditional cable bundle. Options like Philo provide unbeatable affordability, YouTube TV excels at live sports, and Hulu + Live TV adds value with bundled streaming services. No matter which platform you choose, though, your experience will only be as good as your internet connection.

A reliable, high-speed internet plan is essential for seamless streaming. Most households can stream in HD with 50 Mbps, but if you want smooth 4K or have multiple devices streaming at once, you’ll likely need 100 Mbps or higher. Pairing the right streaming service with the right internet plan ensures you get the full benefits of cord-cutting—smoother playback, better picture quality, and true savings.

Ready to make the switch? Test your internet connection to see if it can support the best cable TV alternatives available in your area today. Need better internet? Drop your ZIP code in the search below the FAQs to find reliable internet in your area.