The Best Cable TV Alternatives of 2024 | Options for Cord Cutting (2024)

How to watch TV without cable

Considering cutting the cord? You’re not alone. The number of surveyed Americans who watch TV with a cable or satellite service provider dropped from 76% in 2015 to 56% in 2021, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Their reasons vary for this: the monthly costs are too high, they can access anything they want online and nearly half of those surveyed said they just don’t watch much TV anymore.

Several streaming services have stepped in to fill the void as alternatives to cable TV. Each offers a slightly different viewing experience, from the channels and programming you get to how you watch and how much you pay. With some services, you can get local channels without cable as well. Here’s our breakdown of the best streaming cable alternative services.

Best streaming providers for 2024

• YouTube TV– Best overall
• DIRECTV– Best channel selection
• Hulu + Live TV– Best national sports
• Philo– Cheapest TV streaming service
• Fubo– Best for international sports
• Sling– Best for customization
• Digital antenna– Best for local channels

Compare the best alternatives to cable

There are several popular streaming services that each offer something a little different. YouTube TV is the best overall choice for a streaming service offering live TV, and it’s the only place to get the NFL SUNDAY TICKET. DIRECTV has the best channel selection and Hulu + Live TV is the best option for live national sports. fuboTV is the best option for fans of international sports. Philo is a solid choice for customization, with a skinny bundle for $25/mo. Sling TV is a good plan for local channel affiliates like FOX and NBC.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 01/02/24.
**Channel selection varies by location

YouTube TV – Best overall

Although it’s one of the most expensive streaming and live TV services available, YouTube TV is hard to beat with over 100 channels, a free week’s trial, unlimited DVR storage, no contract requirement and, for an extra fee, access to the NFL Sunday Ticket.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 03/20/24.

DIRECTV – Best channel selection

DIRECTV offers over 150 channels, flexible entertainment add-ons and premium channels like Max, SHOWTIME, MGM+ and more.

*First 3 months of HBO MaxTM, Cinemax®, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, and EPIX® included HBO MaxTM, Cinemax®, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, and EPIX® auto renew after 3 months at then prevailing rates (currently $14.99/mo. for HBO Max, $10.99/mo. each for Cinemax, SHOWTIME and STARZ and $5.99/mo. for EPIX), unless you call to change or cancel. Req’s you to select offers. Offer subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.
EPIX® auto-renews after 3 months at then prevailing rate (currently $6/mo.), unless you change or cancel. Req’s you to select offer. Offer subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.

Hulu + Live TV – Best perks

Hulu + Live TV offers several options for TV with or without ads, 50 hours of cloud DVR storage and you can run two simultaneous streams. There are 75 channels available, with lots of game coverage for any sports lover.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 03/20/24.

Philo – Cheapest TV streaming service

Philo offers a free seven-day trial period, and if you decide to keep it, it is one of the cheapest service available at $25/mo. It offers 70+ channels and includes a DVR.

Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 03/20/24.

FuboTV – Best for international sports

FuboTV is a great alternative to cable TV if you want access to all popular TV channels, plus options to add on less common channels and even some Premium Channels, such as SHOWTIME. None of FuboTV’s packages or add ons require a contract and there are no hidden fees.

Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 03/20/23.

Sling TV- Best for customization

Sling TV allows you to customize your viewing with flexible streaming and the ability to pick a channel lineup that you really want. Packages range from 30 to 40 channels.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 03/20/23.

Best ways to watch local channels without cable

Depending on where you live, a digital antenna could connect you to dozens of live channels including your local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC affiliates. Like any alternative to cable TV, a digital antenna comes with its advantages and disadvantages.

Digital antennas are available in either indoor or outdoor models. Indoor antennas are typically cheaper and easier to install but will have a more limited channel selection. Outdoor antennas will get better reception and likely more channels, but maybe a bit pricier and harder to install.

Additional on-demand streaming services

As streaming services have become popular alternatives to cable TV service, more streaming services have entered the market. Some of the biggest on-demand services include:

• Apple TV+ – Apple joined the streaming party in November 2019. While Apple continues to roll out new content every month, the early titles have featured some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry
• Disney Plus – Disney Plus launched in November 2019 and features many favorite Disney movies and shows. Adding to the Disney library you know and love, Disney Plus also has original series (including The Mandalorian and WandaVision) and new movies.
• ESPN+ – ESPN’s new streaming service gives you access to many sporting events, including some you won’t find on ESPN or ESPN 2. Most notably, UFC Fight Night events will air exclusively on ESPN+. And if you want to order a UFC PPV Main Event, you’ll have to do it through ESPN+ as well.
• Peacock – Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service and it launched in April 2020. Peacock offers three plans: Peacock Free, Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus. The service gained attention in January 2021 when The Office moved from Netflix to Peacock.
• Paramount Plus – Paramount Plus is the rebranding of CBS All Access. This new version of the CBS streaming service will be available beginning March 2021.
• Facebook Watch – Facebook is bringing free content to its more than 2.3 billion users with Facebook Watch. The new streaming service features original series, select live sporting events and, of course, lots of user-generated content.
• Amazon Prime Video – Access to Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership. You can also rent new releases and select TV shows, an option you can’t get with many other streaming services.
• Hulu – Hulu is one of the cheaper streaming services per month if you don’t do with the live TV option, but it features a lot of content you would find on Cable TV. In addition to popular shows from major networks, Hulu features many original series, though most are not as popular as ones on Amazon Prime Video or Netflix.
• Max – Max launched in 2020 and combines all of HBO content with additional TV shows, movies and HBO originals. Its collection of content makes it one of the most popular streaming services on the market.
• Netflix: Netflix started its run over 20 years ago as a DVD rental service and has since become a leading streaming service. It offers thousands of TV shows, movies and Netflix originals to its 200 million + worldwide subscribers.

Cord cutting FAQs

Which streaming service is best for live TV?

It depends on what you’re looking for, but perhaps the best all-around alternative to cable is YouTube TV. It gives you access to local channels, popular sports networks and more. Plus you can save an unlimited amount of recordings on your DVR.

How do I get rid of cable TV?

First, you’ll want to make sure you’re not under a contract with your current cable provider. Then read our streaming reviews and see which works with your lifestyle.

Can you get local channels without cable?

Many cable alternatives include your local networks at no extra cost, including DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. Or, if you want to pick up your local channels over the air choose the best digital TV antenna. You can also use the Locast app if it’s available in your area.

Is there a website to watch TV shows for free?

There are several free streaming services and apps available on Roku TV, Fire TV and other streaming devices. These services, such asHoopla and Tubi TV, give you free access to thousands of movies and shows. You can also stream YouTube videos for free, if you can make it past the ads.