16 Best Alternatives to Cable TV for 2021

When it comes to services that help you save money, cable is never on that list. Most people despise that monthly bill, even if they enjoy watching television, as the cost often seems extreme compared to the value.

This general disdain for the price of television services spurred a new market of options that function as alternatives to cable tv and satellite tv.

Over time, people have adopted these cable alternatives, officially ditching cable and satellite television (cord cutters!) without having to miss out on their favorite shows.

But these days, there are so many options that it can actually be hard to choose.

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

Here are 15 alternatives to cable tv you can sign up for today:

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

1. Philo

Philo is a streaming service for all your devices (computer, phone, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire), offers personalized profiles, and lets you DVR unlimited shows to watch up to 30 days later.

A relative newcomer to the video streaming scene, Philo gives you access to live tv access to cable channels at a fraction of the cost, making it one of the best alternatives to cable around.

Philo allows you to stream 3 devices at the same time and create up to 10 different accounts. They offer one package of 63 channels for $20/month. These channels 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.

The “orange” package, available for $30, includes 30+ live channels, including popular ones like HGTV, ESPN, and Disney. Its lineup is geared towards sports and families.

The “blue” package from Sling TV contains 50+ channels and is also $30; however, it consists of more news and entertainment channels and doesn’t include ESPN. It also gives you 2 additional allowed devices for streaming. (Pro tip: Sign up for Sling TV “Blue” and ESPN+ below for only $4.99 more per month.)

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 à la carte television service available, so it’s worth exploring.

Limited Time Offer: Get a FREE TiVo Stream 4K ($49.99) when you subscribe and prepay for 2 months of SLING using the link below.

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

3. Hulu

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

Not only is there original Hulu content, but you can also view shows from local channels and some cable networks soon after they air.

The best part about Hulu is that they have options for every budget, letting you decide what features or channels you’re willing to pay for. There are many bundle options available with Hulu also, allowing you to save on other streaming apps together.

Basic	No Ads	Bundle	Live TV
ad-supported on-demand content	ad-free on-demand content	ad-supported on-demand content + Disney+ + ESPN+ (live sports)	60+ live channels + ad-supported on-demand content
$6	$12	$13	$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 over 167 channels in their “Elite” plan starting at $79.99 / 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.

They also have a “Family” plan offering 122 channels for $64.99 per month. You are granted 3 simultaneous devices and 250GB of Cloud DVR.

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: 115 – 159+
FREE TRIAL: 7-day

5. ESPN+

Are you one of the many millennials that only has Cable TV for sports? Consider ESPN+ offers a standalone service to stream thousands of live sports, commentary shows and ESPN+ originals for only $5.99 per month.

Need a little more? Bundle with Hulu and Disney+ for only $12.99 per month. For many, this is the cordcutter’s dream, offering access to a wide range of shows for just a fraction of typical cable or satellite service providers.

Pro Tip: Save with a yearly plan at $49.99 (That’s less than $4.17 per month).

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: $6 (bundled options may add to price)

6. 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

7. Paramount+

Paramount+ is a TV streaming service that replaced CBS All Access in March 2021. For only $6 per month, you can stream 100+ channels including CBS, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and Paramount Network, plus the Paramount Pictures movie studio.

Paramount+ offer a slightly higher premium membership for $10, which removes all advertisements.  Since Paramount is still a relatively new live streaming, 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 Plus
PRICE: $6
CHANNELS: 100+
FREE TRIAL: 7-day

8. 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 that is supported by showing short ads.

This applies to both movies and full seasons of television shows. Both in 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 are a person that likes 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

9. Local Networks with an Antenna

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

HDTV antennas are fairly affordable (for example: this one on Amazon has great reviews, 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.

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

10. 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

11. 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.

The price tag for Youtube Premium service 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

12. YouTube TV

YouTube TV lets you stream live & 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.

YouTube TV is available anywhere you go, on any device, and allows you to have 3 concurrent watching sessions. This is perfect if you have multiple TVs in the family, or multiple devices that are in use at the same time. Perfect for family sharing!

A couple other awesome features that YouTube TV offer is the unlimited ability to DVR and save recordings for up to 1 year (or more if renewed), and you can also set up a personal library of your favorite tv shows and movies. You can even custom-sort the listings in your channel guide so your favorite channels are grouped how you want.

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

13. Netflix

Netflix is both highly affordable and incredibly accessible. Nearly any internet-connected device can be used to watch Netflix, so it’s about as convenient as possible.

There are multiple pricing plans to choose from, starting around $9 a month. However, every option is commercial-free, which is certainly a bonus.

Along with a massive library of movies and television shows, you also gain access to original series and movies.

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.

SERVICE: Netflix
PRICE: $14 – $18
CHANNELS: On-Demand Content
FREE TRIAL: 30-day

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 alternative to cable 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. AT&T TV Now

Once DirecTV figured out that the best way to beat the streaming services was actually to join them, AT&T TV Now entered the mix.

The service, which runs between $65 and $135, depending on your package, is a no-contract alternative to satellite television (though priced about the same).

In total, you gain access to between 45 and 125 channels – including some premiums like HBO – making it one of the largest offerings that most closely mimics genuine cable.

SERVICE: AT&T TV
PRICE: $65 – $135
CHANNELS: 45 – 125
FREE TRIAL: 7-day

16. Your Local Library

Many local libraries have movies and television shows on DVD, and some even offer BluRay. 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 are 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
Amazon Prime Video	$9	On-demand content	30 days
Paramount Plus	$6	100+	7 days
Vudu	Varies	On-demand content	None
Digital Antenna	None	Varies locally	None
YouTube Premium	$12	On-demand content	30 days
YouTube TV	$65	85+	2 weeks
Netflix	$14 – $18	On-demand content	30 days
Premium Channel Online Subscriptions	$9 – $15	On-demand content	Varies
AT&T TV Now	$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 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.

Just be aware that cable and satellite companies will tout their service bundles to try and convince you to commit to multiple services.

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.