Cable TV bills have been steadily rising over the past decade, with the average cost now over $215 a month according to recent stats. Understandably, this has led droves of consumers to "cut the cord" and seek out more budget-friendly live TV options.
Enter cable alternatives – online streaming services that offer live channels without the high costs of traditional pay TV. The market has exploded with choices catering to different needs and preferences. In this guide, we‘ll overview the 9 best cable alternatives for cord-cutters.
What Exactly Are Cable Alternatives?
In short, cable alternatives provide live TV channel packages/bundles streamed over the internet. They give you the experience of "channel surfing" without requiring a cable box or satellite dish.
There are a few core types of cable alternatives:
Streaming Service Add-Ons: Services like Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling TV that offer live TV channels in addition to (or bundled with) their regular on-demand streaming libraries.
Internet Company Add-Ons: Your home internet provider offering a live TV option as an add-on. For example, Spectrum TV Stream for Spectrum internet customers.
Designated Streaming Services: Standalone services focused specifically on live TV streaming, such as FuboTV, Philo or DIRECTV Stream.
Hardware: Over-the-air antenna devices that let you access broadcast channels in your area for free.
Now let‘s dive into the 9 best options across these categories.
9. Spectrum TV Stream
- Type: Internet Company Add-On
- Parent Company: Charter Communications
- Released: 2021
- Channels: 25+
- Price: $25/month add-on
Spectrum TV Stream offers Spectrum internet subscribers a low-cost live TV option with top cable channels like FOX, NBC, ESPN, and more. For only $25 extra per month, it nicely complements Spectrum internet. Streaming is via the Spectrum TV app and limited to in-home use.
An affordable way for Spectrum internet users to avoid high cable package costs. But channel selection is quite limited compared to other picks.
8. Pluto TV
- Type: Designated Streaming Service
- Parent Company: Paramount Global
- Released: 2013
- Channels: 250+
- Price: Free
Pluto TV is a free live TV streaming service with over 250 channels from major networks like CNN, Bloomberg, CNET and more. You can access it via apps on various devices without any subscription.
The obvious appeal is the $0 price tag. Video quality and channel stability/reliability are not as good as paid options. But it‘s an easy way to casually access live TV programming for free.
7. Vidgo
- Type: Designated Streaming Service
- Parent Company: Gotham Media Group
- Released: 2019
- Channels: 110+
- Price: $60/month
Vidgo is one of the best cable alternatives for sports fans thanks to its extensive lineup of sports channels from ESPN to NFL Network and beyond. Packages start at $60/month with solid streaming quality.
No local or premium channels are available. So sports are the main draw. But Vidgo delivers ample sporting coverage at a reasonable rate compared to the competition.
6. DIRECTV STREAM
- Type: Internet Company Add-On
- Parent Company: AT&T
- Released: 2016 (as DIRECTV Now), Rebranded 2022
- Channels: 140+
- Price: $70–$150/month
DIRECTV STREAM offers pay TV-esque bundles like Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate. There‘s a deep channel lineup with add-on extras like HBO Max, Showtime, and a cloud DVR. But costs add up quickly.
This gives you an experience extremely close to regular DIRECTV satellite TV. But the premium packages get very expensive. Lower tiers still offer good value if you want that detailed cable package mimic.
5. YouTube TV
- Type: Streaming Service Add-on
- Parent Company: Google
- Released: 2017
- Channels: 85+
- Price: $65/month
YouTube TV was an early streaming service to get into live TV aggregation back in 2017. And it‘s still a top choice with widespread app availability, unlimited DVR, and solid channel lineup including broadcast nets and regional sports.
Easy to use and reliable infrastructure backed by Google. Solid choice if you already subscribe to other YouTube or Google services. Base package lacks lifestyle channels, but you can customize with add-ons.
4. FuboTV
- Type: Designated Streaming Service
- Parent Company: FaceBank Group
- Released: 2015
- Channels: 124+ (base), 214+ (Elite)
- Price: $70–$100/month
FuboTV has evolved into a really well-rounded live TV streaming choice. Packages offer dozens of popular entertainment, news and sports channels. Even their base plan includes over 124 channels, with more premium networks and 200+ channels on the higher-tier Elite plan.
Fantastic for sports coverage, with add-ons like NBA League Pass or MLB Extra Innings. Entry-level package is solid, but Elite brings way more content. Higher video quality than competitors like Sling.
3. Hulu + Live TV
- Type: Streaming Service Add-on
- Parent Company: Disney
- Released: 2017
- Channels: 75+
- Price: $70/month
Hulu subscribers can upgrade to Hulu + Live TV and combine a robust on-demand library with live channels like ABC, FOX, ESPN, Comedy Central and more. Cloud DVR is included along with access to Hulu originals.
Gives the unique combo of Hulu‘s streaming catalog and a cable alternative. Decent pricing that falls in line with competitors. Channel count is lower than some alternatives, but Hulu‘s brand power is unmatched.
2. Philo
- Type: Designated Streaming Service
- Parent Company: A&E Networks
- Released: 2009 (as Tivli), Rebranded as Philo 2017
- Channels: 60+
- Price: $25/month
Philo keeps things simple with a low-cost live TV package focused on entertainment, lifestyle and news channels from Discovery, Viacom, AMC and more. Local broadcast networks and sports channels aren‘t included.
The obvious highlight is the super low $25 monthly rate for 60+ channels. But the absence of sports and local programming leaves some gaps in coverage. Excellent choice for budget-focused streamers looking for entertainment comfort food.
1. Sling TV
- Type: Designated Streaming Service
- Parent Company: Dish Network
- Released: 2015
- Channels: 31+ (Sling Orange), 41+ (Sling Blue)
- Price: $35/month (Sling Orange), $35/month (Sling Blue), $50/month (Combined)
Sling TV is often considered the service that kicked off the current live TV streaming era when it launched in 2015. The Sling Orange and Sling Blue packages let you pick and mix content bundles at reasonable rates.
This OG live TV streamer remains a viable option versus newer competitors thanks to flexible packages and low pricing. Video quality and DVR functionality not as robust as alternatives. But channel choice feels superior despite lower totals.
Summing Up the Best Cable Alternatives
When it comes to cutting the cord, you have plenty of solid live TV options to suit different budgets and interests these days. Whether you want a premium package rivaling traditional cable or a low-cost streamlined offering, alternatives like the ones above make it easy to avoid paying pumped up rates for channels you don‘t watch.
Most of these services offer free trials, so sampling a few is recommended. Figure out your must-have channels, ideal price, features like cloud DVR/simultaneous streams etc. and use the comparisons above to zero in on the right service for your home.