16 Best Alternatives to Cable TV for 2021

When it comes to services that help you save money, traditional cable is never on that list. Most people despise that monthly cable bill, even if they enjoy watching television, as the cost often seems extreme compared to the value and many feel like they’re paying for channels they don’t even use.

This general disdain for overpriced basic cable television services has spurred a new market of options and features that function as alternatives to cable TV and satellite TV. In fact, according to a recent Forbes study, the cable tv cancellation rate in 2020 was 15% and is on pace for a cancellation rate of 27% (!) in 2021. This isn’t surprising given that over 65% of viewing time is devoted to streaming services as opposed to only 28% for traditional TV.

But these days, there are so many options that it can actually be hard to choose. It’s no longer just about the channels. Other features that have a big influence are options such as parental controls, how many devices can stream at the same time, the DVR capacity, whether there is video conferencing, etc.

To be considered a great alternative to cable and satellite TV, the service needs to be affordable and offer a reasonable amount of programming for the cost. Luckily, there are quite a few options that meet those criteria. I’ve included live TV streaming services as well as those offering on-demand content.

Best Alternatives to Cable TV

Here are 16 alternatives to cable TV you can sign up for today:

1. 🏆 Philo: Best Overall
2. Sling TV
3. Hulu
4. fuboTV
5. Netflix
6. YouTube TV
7. ESPN+
8. Amazon Prime Video
9. Paramount+
10. Vudu
11. Local Networks with an Antenna
12. Television Channels Online
13. YouTube Premium
14. Premium Channel Online Subscriptions
15. DirecTV
16. The Local Library

1. Philo

Philo launched its nationwide streaming service in 2017, so it’s a relative newcomer to the video streaming scene. With a $25 monthly subscription rate for 62 channels, Philo offers one of the cheapest options as a cable TV alternative. However, Philo does not have a lot of news channels or sports channels, so you’ll want to look at other options if those are must-haves for you.

Philo allows you to stream three devices at the same time and create up to ten different accounts. There is a free 7-day trial to test the waters and also an option for special add-ons such as Reelz, Epix, and Starz for a small monthly fee.

The standard channels Philo offers include:

• A&E
• AMC
• BBC America
• Comedy Central
• Discovery Channel
• Food Network
• Hallmark Channel
• HGTV
• Lifetime
• MTV
• Nickelodeon
• … and many more!

SERVICE: Philo
PRICE: $20
CHANNELS: 60+
TRIAL: 7-day
LEARN MORE: Read our full Philo review

2. Sling TV

Sling TV is a streaming service that operates more like actual cable or satellite television, making it a great option for those looking to cut the cord. Sling offers three packages (two actually, with the third option being a combination of the first two).

The Orange package, available for $35, includes 32 live channels, including popular ones like HGTV, ESPN, and Disney. Its lineup is geared towards college sports and families. This package only allows one device to stream.

The Blue package from Sling TV contains 43 channels and is also $35; however, it consists of more news and entertainment channels and doesn’t include ESPN. It also allows you three devices for streaming.

The Orange and Blue package is a combination of both the Orange and Blue packages and includes 51 channels. The number of allowed streaming devices depends on if the channels are originally from the Orange or Blue package.

Each package includes 50 hours of DVR storage. Also note that to watch local coverage like news and sports, you’ll need to pair an HD antennae with your Sling TV subscription.

There are also several other add-ons (like Showtime) that give you the ability to customize your service a bit. Sling TV is probably the closest thing to an à la carte television service available, so it’s worth exploring.

Sling also offers the Sling Watch Party (think Netflix Party for those of you familiar with that platform). This allows you to watch live TV while video chatting with up to three friends or family members.

Limited Time Offers to Choose From:

• $10 for your first month of Sling TV, plus 200 hours of DVR storage.
• Sign up for Sling Blue + Sports Extra for only $21 for your first month. Sports Extra includes NFL Redzone, MLB Network, and NBA TV and comes with an $11 monthly fee, so the pricing after the first month is $46.
• Get a free AirTV Mini when you prepay for two months of Sling TV, plus 200 hours of DVR storage.

SERVICE: Sling TV
PRICE: $30
CHANNELS: 30+ or 50+
TRIAL: 3 days

3. Hulu

Hulu is one of the best streaming services available and an affordable alternatives to cable TV and satellite TV.

Not only is there original Hulu content (The Handmaid’s Tale, PEN15, Nine Perfect Strangers), but you can also view shows from local channels and some cable networks soon after they air on this streaming platform.

All of Hulu’s packages allow for two streaming devices, up to six user profiles, and access to all Hulu Originals. Hulu (No Ads) allows you to download any Hulu content onto your own device.

Hulu does offer parental controls by setting up a separate profile for your children. You can also set up a PIN protection for extra security.

The best part about Hulu is that they have options for every budget, letting you decide what features or channels for which you’re willing to pay. There are many bundle options available with Hulu, including HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz, allowing you to save on other streaming apps.

Basic	No Ads	Disney Bundle	Live TV
ad-supported on-demand content	ad-free on-demand content	ad-supported on-demand content + Disney+ + ESPN+ (live sports)	65+ live channels ad-supported on-demand content
$6	$12	$14	$65

It’s right in line with the original inspiration for the “cord-cutting” movement.

SERVICE: Hulu
PRICE: $6 – $65
CHANNELS: On-Demand Content Basic Service; 60+ Live
TRIAL: 30-day for basic; 7-day for Live TV

4. fuboTV

fuboTV is a cord cutting option that provides access to 155 channels in their “Elite” plan starting at $79.99 per month. This includes all the major sports, entertainment, and local channels you could want. Additional add-ons are available for those desiring more premium options like SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Regional Sports packages.

A step down from the Elite offering is the Pro package, which includes 107 channels, 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage, and 10 simultaneous devices.

Below the Pro is the Starter package, which offers the same amount of channels as the Pro package but has only 250 hours of cloud DVR storage and only three simultaneous steaming devices.

There is also a Latino Plus package which includes 33 channels, 250 hours of cloud DVR storage, and two simultaneous steaming devices.

Also note that currently, fuboTV doesn’t offer any parental controls, which is an obvious omission. We’ll keep this blog updated in case that ever changes.

The Family plan comes with a 7-day free trial option, while the Elite plan does not. There are no contracts with fuboTV and you can cancel any time.

If you’re looking for a streaming service with no contracts or hidden fees, check out fuboTV.

SERVICE: fuboTV
PRICE: $65 – $80
CHANNELS: 107 – 155
FREE TRIAL: 7-day

5. Netflix

Netflix is the new king of content. Netflix has a breadth of original content that even outshines its non-original offerings, winning 44 Emmys this year with hit shows like The Crown and The Queen’s Gambit. Netflix has increased their spending on original content by 40% over the last year and it’s showing in the award circuit.

Netflix couples its great content with a ton of great features. It’s both highly affordable and incredibly accessible. Nearly any internet-connected device can be used to watch Netflix and you can watch up to four simultaneous streams, depending on the plan you choose. The ability to download your favorite shows and watch them offline is a great feature.

There are multiple pricing plans to choose from, starting at $8.99 a month for the Basic Plan, $13.99 for the Standard Plan, and $17.99 for the Premium Plan. The Standard Plan allows you two simultaneous stream and HD resolution. The Premium Plan allows for HD and up to four simultaneous streams. And every option is commercial-free, which is certainly a bonus. Plus, you can create multiple viewer profiles on a signal account, allowing you to separate each household member’s list and recommendations from everyone else.

However, Netflix does not offer live TV or sports, so for most folks, this is an additional streaming service on top of a more traditional alternative such as YouTube TV or Sling TV.

SERVICE: Netflix
PRICE: $9 – $18
CHANNELS: On-Demand Content
FREE TRIAL: None

6. YouTube TV

YouTube TV lets you stream live and local sports, news, and shows from 85+ channels including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, HGTV, CNBC, and TNT. This service launched in 2017 and quickly became one of the best alternatives to cable TV. For you sport lovers, YouTube TV also includes the NFL, NBA, and MLB networks.

YouTube TV is available anywhere you go, on any device, and allows you to have three concurrent watching sessions. This is perfect if you have multiple TVs in the family, or multiple devices in use at the same time. Perfect for family sharing!

One feature that stands out for YouTube TV amongst other competitors is the unlimited DVR storage. This actually makes the available Library a useful tool since you can record as much as you want. The Library has categories such as Shows, Movies, and Sports that make it easy to navigate your favorite TV shows and movies.

YouTube TV also has a channel guide, similar to basic cable. What’s nice about this channel guide is the ability to custom-sort the listings so your favorite channels are grouped how you want at the top of the listings.

Another cool feature I love is the preview streaming of each channel in the channel guide, so you know exactly what is playing as you surf the guide. Also, on some devices, you can even play it live or start from the beginning of the program.

There are no hidden fees with YouTube TV. You can cut the cord and easily save $500 or more per year on cable fees.

SERVICE: YouTube TV
PRICE: $65
CHANNELS: 85+ broadcast and cable network channels
FREE TRIAL: 2 weeks

7. ESPN+

Are you one of the many millennials that only has cable TV for sports? Consider that ESPN+ offers a standalone service to stream thousands of live sports, commentary shows, and ESPN+ originals for only $6.99 per month.

Need a little more? Bundle with Hulu and Disney+ for only $13.99 per month. For many, this is the cordcutter’s dream, offering access to a wide range of shows for just a fraction of what a typical cable company or satellite service provider charges.

Pro Tip: Save with a yearly plan at $69.99 (that’s a savings of over 15%)!

There are also options for those wanting to tack on UFC pay-per-view at a deep discount for new and existing subscribers.

SERVICE: ESPN+
PRICE: $7 (bundled options may add to price)

8. Amazon Prime Video

If you pay for Amazon Prime, you already have access to their alternative to cable: Amazon Prime Video. But, if you don’t need Prime shipping, you can pay for the service on its own for about $9 per month.

Like other streaming service giants, you gain access to a giant library of content and original programming. As a bonus, if something you want isn’t on Prime but is available through Amazon, you may have the ability to rent it, including single television episodes.

SERVICE: Amazon Prime Video
PRICE: $9
CHANNELS: On-Demand Content
FREE TRIAL: 30-day

9. Paramount+

Paramount+ is a TV streaming service that replaced CBS All Access in March, 2021. For only $5 per month on the ad-supported Essential Plan, you can stream 100+ channels including CBS, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network, plus the Paramount Pictures movie studio.

Paramount+ offers a slightly higher premium membership for $10, which removes all advertisements.  Since Paramount is still a relatively new live streaming service, there may be changes in their offerings and pricing in the near future. At less than $10 per month, this is a great option compared to basic cable.

SERVICE: Paramount+
PRICE: $5 or $50/month with the Annual Plan
CHANNELS: Huge library of on-demand shows + live stream of local CBS stations
FREE TRIAL: 7-day

10. Vudu

In an attempt to get in on the movie rental and content delivery game, Walmart created Vudu.

While they were a little late to the game when compared to other online content services, Vudu has been aggressive in using Walmart’s retail backing to grow and bring a quality product to market.

There are several features that make the service unique from many of the other video streaming services. First, there is a ton of free content supported by showing short ads.

This applies to both movies and full seasons of television shows. In both the movies and television categories, the best options to watch for free seem to be at least two years old. So you are not going to get the latest and greatest options for free and will have to purchase and rent those kinds of titles.

Second, for those who like to rent and do not care so much about picture quality, you can still rent many of the movies in the “Standard Definition” format for $1 less than the HD format. This is a great way to save money on getting movies for your kids since they don’t seem to even care if the movie is in English.

If you like to physically own your movies, Walmart makes watching them amazingly easy.  If you purchase a physical copy that includes the digital copy, you can order it on the Walmart website, have it delivered to your house, and watch the movie instantly on Vudu.

That’s a pretty cool way to sync the two business models.

SERVICE: Vudu
PRICE: Varies
CHANNELS: On-Demand Content
FREE TRIAL: None

11. Local Networks with an Antenna

For those who want to scale back completely, consider an antenna.

HDTV antennas are fairly affordable (this one on Amazon has great reviews, a 130-mile range, and is less than $30) and much less intrusive than the rabbit ears of yore. Plus, thanks to digital television signals, the picture quality can be outstanding.

With an antenna, you can potentially pick up any local broadcast stations, such as:

• ABC
• CBS
• NBC
• FOX
• CW

… and more for absolutely nothing.

However, you may want to check to make sure you have a reasonable signal before making the switch, especially if you have a favorite show you don’t want to miss and live outside of a major city. From my experience, all HD antennas are tuned a little differently so you may need to try at least a couple to see which one is best in your home (and keep your receipts!).

The benefit of using an antenna as a cable TV alternative is that you don’t need internet service either. You can cut the cord entirely and still keep up with network news and shows… all for free.

SERVICE: Antenna
PRICE: $0 (after hardware purchase)
CHANNELS: Varies
FREE TRIAL: None

12. Television Channels Online

Most major television networks post recently aired episodes of their leading shows online.

Each episode may only be available for a short time, and you may have to wait for a week or so after it originally airs on television, but it does give you the ability to watch without an additional cost.

When you start exploring your options, don’t be afraid to look at cable channels as well as networks. While ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox are obvious places to begin, many cable channels also have some of their content available online.

For example, HGTV and Comedy Central both have some of their content up for free online. However, you might not have access to recent shows or episodes, and some shows aren’t available at all without a subscription.

If you have a smart TV, you may be able to download the network’s app onto your television. This allows you to watch the show on your biggest screen without a subscription, making it a great alternative to cable and satellite TV.

Usually, the apps themselves are free. However, some networks offer paid subscription options to access certain shows or old episodes.

But that doesn’t mean the cost isn’t potentially reasonable, depending on how many shows you may watch. For example, CBS All Access is available for as little as $5.99 per month (plus tax), which isn’t bad in comparison to the cost of cable.

SERVICE: CBS All Access
PRICE: $6
CHANNELS: 1
FREE TRIAL: 7-day

13. YouTube Premium

The home of everything from viral videos to how-to guides to unique content from a plethora of creators, YouTube is the quintessential destination for free video-based entertainment.

And it’s not just home videos shared by someone you’ve never met; there’s professional-quality programming in nearly every genre.

YouTube also has a paid subscription option known as YouTube Premium. It includes original series and movies, as well as YouTube Music Premium, a newer streaming service. YouTube Premium also allows for Background Play, which allows you to listen to the audio of YouTube while you use other apps. Android takes it a step further and allows picture-in-picture.

The premium service also allows you to download any videos from YouTube, so you can watch them on your phone while offline.

The price tag for YouTube Premium is around $12, which is comparable to other video streaming companies.

SERVICE: YouTube Premium
PRICE: $12
CHANNELS: On-Demand Content Premium
FREE TRIAL: 30-day for Premium

14. Premium Channel Online Subscriptions

It wasn’t long ago that the only way to watch programming from HBO, Showtime, and Starz was through add-on subscriptions on a cable package.

Now, these premium channels have their own online streaming services, usually for between $9 and $15 a month.

While you don’t get as much bang for your buck as you do with Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, it may be the only cable alternative for certain original series and movies anywhere close to their original air date.

SERVICE: Premium Channel Online Subscriptions
PRICE: $9 – $15
CHANNELS: On-Demand Content
FREE TRIAL: Varies

15. DirecTV Stream

Formerly called ATT TV Now, DirecTV Stream gives you 65+ channels, Live TV, over 40,000 on-demand titles, and 20 hours of DVR storage.

The service, which runs between $70 and $95, depending on your package, is a no-contract alternative to satellite television (though priced about the same). An extra $10 per month gets you unlimited DVR storage. There is currently an ongoing promotion for free HBO Max for your first three months.

In total, you gain access to between 65 and 130 channels—including some premiums like HBO—making it one of the largest offerings that most closely mimics genuine cable. Parental controls are also available on DirecTV Stream.

SERVICE: DirecTV Stream
PRICE: $75 – $95
CHANNELS: 45 – 125
FREE TRIAL: None

16. Your Local Library

Many local libraries have movies and television shows on DVD, and some even offer Blu-ray. But what most people don’t know is that there are apps that offer free streaming of TV shows and movies when connected to your local library account.

Borrowing and streaming is completely free as long as you’re eligible for a library card.

Hoopla is an app that can be downloaded on a streaming device such as an iPhone, iPad, Android, Fire TV, Roku, or Apple TV. Once you create a login and connect your library card, streaming available TV shows and movies is free.

Overdrive is another app for streaming videos available from your local library.

The only caveats are that your selection may be limited. These apps do not offer live TV channels like a cable subscription does. They are more for series TV and movies.

But, when the cost is $0, it isn’t as painful when that happens.

SERVICE: Local Library
PRICE: $0
CHANNELS: On-Demand Content
FREE TRIAL: Yes! Libraries are FREE!

Quick Summary: Best Alternatives to Cable TV

Service:	Cost / month	Channels	Free Trial
Philo	$20	60+	7 days
Sling TV	$30	30 or 50	3 days
Hulu	$6 – $65	60+ Live	30 day (basic), 7 day (live)
fuboTV	$65 – $80	115 – 159+	7 days
Netflix	$14 – $18	On-demand content	30 days
YouTube TV	$65	85+	2 weeks
ESPN+	$7	100+	None
Amazon Prime Video	$9	On-demand content	30 days
Paramount Plus	$6	100+	7 days
Vudu	Varies	On-demand content	None
Local Networks with an Antenna	None	Varies locally	None
Television Channels Online	Varies	Varies weekly	None
YouTube Premium	$12	On-demand content	30 days
Premium Channel Online Subscriptions	$9 – $15	On-demand content	Varies
DirecTV Stream	$65 – $135	45 – 125+	7 days
The Local Library	Free	On-demand content	Free

Do You Need Internet to Use the Best Alternatives to Cable?

Mostly, you do need the internet to use TV alternatives to cable and satellite TV.

The only exceptions on this list are using an HDTV antenna or heading to your library, both of which give you the ability to watch movies and television shows while cutting the cord entirely.

However, there are free and cheap internet options available, and you can save a ton by ditching your television service subscription for a TV streaming service.

Just be aware that cable and satellite companies will tout their service bundles to try and convince you to commit to multiple services when all you want is streaming TV.

While the promo or introductory prices may look attractive, they will go up when the initial period ends, so think long and hard about the potential consequences, especially if you have to sign a contract.

What Is the Least Expensive Way to Watch TV?

Your local library (100% free for the cost of being a taxpayer) is the least expensive way to watch TV. A digital antenna is free after the cost of hardware installation.

After that, the streaming services on this list are variously inexpensive. If you’re strategic about it, you can mix and match subscriptions to keep costs down depending on the sports season and what shows you’re currently binging.

Which Streaming Service Is Best for Live TV?

If you want to watch live TV without paying for a cable TV package your best bet is YouTube TV. YouTube TV lets you stream live and local sports, news, and shows from 85+ channels including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, HGTV, CNBC, and TNT.

On top of that, you’ll have access to all the content of the best YouTube streamers.

How Do I Get Rid of Cable and Still Watch TV?

Cutting the cord sounds deceptively simple: you call your service provider and ask to cancel your cable. In reality, cable providers are highly motivated to keep their customers. They’ll try to convince you to stay by offering extra channels, low discounts, and tempting perks.

Stay strong and just say no!

After that, it’s just a matter of doing your research and signing up for the best cable TV alternatives for your lifestyle. The list above should help with that decision!