If you’re spending close to $200 per month for cable or satellite, switching to a live TV streaming service could save you hundreds of dollars annually.
However, many people fear they’ll miss out on their favorite shows or live sports if they ditch their cable or satellite service. Luckily, that’s not the case.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cut the cord and what cable TV alternatives are available to help you watch your favorite content.
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How to Cut the Cable TV Cord and Save Money
It can be challenging to know where to begin when cutting the cable TV cord. Since cable providers don’t make it easy to leave, there are several steps you’ll need to take.
Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as it seems.
By following a few simple steps, you can get cheap TV service and break free of your contract. Here’s how to do it.
Call Your Cable Company
The first step to getting rid of your cable box is to call your provider. Tell them you want to cancel your service and ask what’s required to complete that action.
Most companies won’t allow you to cancel online, so a call is often necessary. Ask what your final bill is, if there is an early cancellation fee (like with DirecTV), and when your service will end.
The company will likely throw promotions at you or offer a temporary discount. Don’t fall for those since savings will evaporate quickly. Tell them you’re making the switch to streaming TV and no longer want their service.
Purchase Hardware
You need to purchase several pieces of hardware to replace what you’re losing when cutting the cable cord. Most are affordable and available for a one-time cost.
Here is the equipment you need to cancel cable or satellite:
- An antenna
- A streaming device
- A DVR
Additionally, you will need high-speed internet to access live TV streaming services that will replace your cable channels.
Here’s how to get internet without cable if your provider tries to keep you in a bundle.
Most antennas are affordable and necessary to get local channels. We have two Mohu Leafs that work well for us.
These are the top antennas on Amazon that can help you access local programming.
Unless you have a TV with the apps you want already installed, you will need a streaming device so you can access any of the possible alternatives to cable. We use the Amazon Fire Stick. It works well for our needs.
The Roku device is another solid choice.
A DVR is what keeps many people from cutting the cord on cable. You will want a standalone DVR if you plan on recording local channels or if you don’t plan on choosing an internet-based streaming service.
We use the Amazon TV Recast, but there are numerous choices you can find on Amazon.
You should be able to find a streaming device and antenna for no more than $100-$150 total. A DVR will cost more, but the price depends on your needs.
Choose a Cable Replacement Service
Live streaming services are essential for cord cutters to replace their favorite content. None of these providers require contracts, and you can leave whenever you want.
Most offer free trials to get a taste of their respective platforms.
Before choosing one, make a list of channels you love to watch. You can then find the service that works best for your needs.
Here are the best cable alternatives to replace your cable box.
Philo
Philo is the low-cost leader in the streaming space. At only $20 a month, you get over 60 channels. Most channels are in the lifestyle and entertainment niche.
This affordable price is because there are no sports offerings. Additionally, the streaming service is light on news networks.
However, it comes with an unlimited DVR, and you can simultaneously stream on three screens.
Read our guide on the Philo channels to learn more about the service.
Philo TV at a Glance
Sling TV
Sling TV is another low-cost leader you can use to replace cable. The service is $35 per month and has two base packages, including Orange and Blue.
Orange includes ESPN and CNN. Blue includes Fox Sports (FS1 and FS2) and more channels.
What makes Sling one of the better cord cutting options is that it provides customization features. They offer nearly a dozen different add-ons that start at $6 monthly. These enhance your viewing possibilities.
Read our guide on the Sling TV packages to learn more about the service.
Sling TV at a Glance
fuboTV
FuboTV is one of the more robust offerings and is a near-cable experience. Even though you pay for those features (the Family plan costs $65 a month), you do get access to over 100 channels.
This option is a sports-lovers dream, offering several dozen live sports channels. You also get local channels in most cities and a cloud-based DVR with 500 hours of recording space.
Read our guide on the fuboTV channel lineup to learn more about the service.
FuboTV at a Glance
Hulu Live
Hulu Live mirrors fuboTV and costs $65 per month. The live streaming service has fewer channels, with nearly 70, but it has plenty of sports, news, lifestyle, and entertainment choices.
Boasting more cities with local networks than fuboTV, it does lack in DVR space. Only 50 hours are offered as standard.
However, with a subscription to the live service, you also receive access to all Hulu original content. This includes The Handmaid’s Tale or Letterkenny.
Read our guide on the Hulu Live packages to learn more about the service.
Hulu Live at a Glance
Vidgo
Vidgo is a newer player in the space and has a lot to offer. The service provides over 80 channels for $55 a month. You can get your first two months for just $10 per month.
The streaming TV service includes a wide array of sports, lifestyle, and entertainment channels. Vidgo provides ABC and Fox for local channels.
It offers a lot of social viewing features, which makes it a bit unique. Unfortunately, Vidgo does not currently offer a DVR.
Read our review of Vidgo to learn more about the service.
Vidgo at a Glance
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is one of the most popular cable replacements and has a lot to offer. For $65 a month, you get nearly 90 live TV channels.
The service offers local channels, not to mention dozens of popular sports, lifestyle, and entertainment networks. Perhaps its biggest selling feature is its unlimited cloud-based DVR.
Read our review of YouTube TV to learn more about the service.
YouTube TV at a Glance
On-Demand Streaming Services
Not everyone who cuts the cord wants to watch live channels or programming. They may just want access to shows and movies to stream on-demand.
Here are several of the top on-demand streaming services.
Hulu
Hulu is the lower-tier version of Hulu Live. You still receive access to all of Hulu’s original programming with the on-demand service.
It also gives access to a lot of TV shows 24 hours after they air, plus back seasons of some shows as well as certain movies.
At $5.99 a month, it’s an affordable way to watch content.
Read our Hulu vs. Hulu Live review to learn about how they differ.
Disney+
Disney+ is a near must-have for Disney fans. The Disney streaming platform provides access to the entire Disney library of content. If Disney owns it, you can watch it.
This also includes original content like The Mandalorian.
There are no live shows or movies, but that’s not an issue due to the wealth of content.
The service costs $7.99 a month, or you can bundle it with ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99 per month.
Read our review of Disney+ to learn more.
Amazon Video
Amazon Video is a good resource, particularly for Prime members. A membership gives you access to all of Amazon’s original content.
You can watch some free movies on the service, but the selection is often lacking.
If you’re not a member, you can try the free trial for 30 days. You can also purchase a standalone video membership for $10.99 a month.
Netflix
Netflix is the vanguard of the on-demand streaming space. The service offers thousands of shows and movies, including all of its original content.
The company offers three plans, ranging from $8.99 to $17.99 a month.
Read our comparison of Disney+ vs. Netflix to see which option could fit your needs better.
How to Watch Local Channels Without Cable
Many would-be cord cutters decide to stick with cable because they don’t want to lose access to local networks. Don’t let that stop you.
There are three resources to resolve this issue. These include:
- An antenna
- Locast
- A streaming service
An antenna is the best way to get local networks. After a small, one-time cost, you can watch local programming for free forever. Better yet, antennas only take a few minutes to install.
If you live in one of its roughly 30 markets, Locast provides access to free local television. They do ask for a $5 monthly donation, which is negligible.
Finally, live streaming services are another good choice to watch local TV. There are a few drawbacks to this since it costs them more to carry these channels. As a result, this expense is passed onto customers.
Read our review of how to watch local TV without cable to learn more.
How to Watch Sports
Getting access to live sports plays a huge role in keeping people from cutting the cord on cable or satellite. Thanks to growth in the streaming service niche, this is no longer a significant issue.
**Additional tip: Love NFL football but don’t know how to watch your favorite team without cable? Here’s how to catch all the action!**
Several providers offer ESPN and/or FS1 and FS2 in their base packages. Some even provide the full-suite of ESPN channels, league specific channels, niche sports channels, and more.
Similar to local networks, sports channels carry a higher cost. This gets passed onto consumers. It’s important to determine which sports matter most to you so you can find the right cable alternative for your needs.
Read our guide on how to stream ESPN without a cable provider to learn about the available choices.
How to Get Premium Networks
Cable companies love it when you subscribe to premium channels since it increases your bill. Just because you cut the cord doesn’t mean you have to give those up.
Many premium networks offer standalone services, such as Starz (offering six months of service for $5 a month) or HBO Max (which costs $14.99 per month). Most streaming providers also offer premium networks as an add-on.
You might pay several dollars less each month than you would with cable in these cases, but be careful as this can reduce your overall savings.
Free Streaming Services
A super frugal way to cut the cord is to take advantage of a free streaming platform. They don’t always offer the latest tv shows and movies, but they can be a terrific supplement and enhance your savings efforts.
Content is ad-supported, but it’s 100 percent free to watch.
Here are our two favorite choices.
Pluto
Pluto TV is a huge resource for cord cutters. The service has over 250 channels and thousands of movies to watch.
These aren’t random channels. You can get anything from CNN to Comedy Central.
If you want live television but don’t need the latest episode of a super popular show or don’t mind waiting a few days after it originally airs to watch it, Pluto is worth using.
Pluto has both live and on-demand content. It works with most major streaming devices.
Read our Pluto review to learn more.
Crackle
Crackle isn’t quite as exhaustive as Pluto, but it offers many free TV shows and movies.
If you like documentaries, 90s comedies, and reality series, the platform can be a good resource to save money.
Unlike Pluto, Crackle even offers some original content.
Common Cord-Cutting Questions
Canceling cable is overwhelming for many people, but it’s actually quite simple.
Here are a few common questions people have before they cut the cord.
Do you really save money cutting the cord?
Yes, in most cases. The average cable bill is nearly $200 a month. If you can slash that in half, or more, it’s possible to save money.
Before you take action, do the math to see if you will save money and how much. Not everyone will save, but most will score savings.
Finally, ditching cable can help you avoid contracts. This means you can leave or pause service whenever you want.
For example, if you love NFL football, you can upgrade to fuboTV during the season, then switch to Sling or Philo in the off-season to save money.
What is the best way to watch TV without cable?
Your best choice is a live streaming provider. They let you watch cable TV without a contract, giving you the freedom to leave whenever you wish.
All services work on smart televisions, online, and via their respective mobile apps. These are the best options to legally get free cable TV without paying an exorbitant monthly subscription fee.
What is the best alternative to cable?
The best no-contract streaming service depends on your needs. Before leaving cable, write down the channels you must have. This will help you find the best service for you.
If you want a lot of customization with access to some sports and popular networks for an affordable cost, Sling TV is your best choice.
If you desire a near-cable experience complete with local channels, tons of sports, and other popular channels, fuboTV is your best choice.
Both services have free trials you can take advantage of to see which works best for you.
Does a Smart TV need a cable box?
No, a smart TV does not need a set-top box.
Smart TVs often have apps pre-installed for you to access various streaming platforms. You can also purchase a streaming device, such as a Roku stick, to plug into its HDMI port.
Either will let you watch no-contract services that offer cable channels.
Summary
With the number of live TV and on-demand streaming providers available, now is a great time to cut the cord. If you’re paying near $200 a month, you can save a significant amount of money.
Purchasing a few pieces of equipment is all you need to do to get started. Those will let you test free trials of different services to find what you like the best.
Once you find a platform you like, call your cable provider and cancel your service.
How much are you saving on cable each month? What’s keeping you in a contract?
