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.
*Related: Do you want to cut the cord, but not sure which streaming service to choose? Try our free quiz to see which platform will best fit your needs.*
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 $25 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
*Related: Not certain of what streaming platform to choose? Read our guide on the top live TV streaming services here to compare them side-by-side.
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.
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.
Can I keep internet if I cancel cable?
Yes, it is possible to keep your internet even if you cancel cable with your ISP. Verify with your chosen cable replacement their internet speed recommendations to ensure you won’t deal with buffering.
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?
This is a great post for those looking to cut the cord.
I cut the cord almost three years ago when my promotional rate for TV + Internet expired. At that time I also cut my internet service down to a lower speed. When I did that I saved in the neighborhood of $30-40 a month when compared to the promo rate.
I now use antennas for both my TVs and also have Roku sticks. I love that I can turn my Netflix and Hulu subscriptions off and on to better fit my budget. I can also do the same with Sling TV, but I’ve also had the same issue with the buffering.
Thanks Leah! That’s a great point I hadn’t thought of in turning off your memberships to save money. If you don’t have a need for it over the course of a month that’s a great way to save some money.
As you know we cut the cord a few months back and are very happy with the savings. One thing I would add to this article is that the lower cost alternatives like Roku and Fire TV stick appear, to me at least, to be little more than user interfaces to use things like Netflix, Hulu, etc. I think of them as a different category altogether instead of an alternative to Netflix, Hulu, etc.
I see your point DC, but I’d disagree as they allow you access to a good number of services. Different than other alternatives, yes, but still viable alternatives in cutting the cord.
Thanks for this information, I have been trying to figure out for 5 years how to get rid of my high priced cable/internet/phone bill. I am a senior and I get tired of paying to see shows/movies that I watched 25 to 40 years ago. My contract ends 12/15/2017 and I plan to get rid of cable.
Happy to help Linda! Glad to hear that you’ll be cutting the cord, you’ll love the savings. 🙂
Hi Linda, I might add that I am in the same situation here whereas my contract doesn’t expire until April 2018…I am seriously thinking I’m going to cancel early anyways…cable company will charge me $10.00/mo for cancelling but I figure I’d rather pay the 90.00 than 155.00 every month until April ($1,395.00)!! Quite a savings! You may want to look into/ask exactly how much you’ll be charged if you cancel now as opposed to waiting 🙂
I have a smart tv that has the cable alternatives like roku, Netflix, hulu, etc and I’m trying to figure out if I cut both cable bundles (cable & internet) will I be able to use these features? I’m aware that I need internet to use these features but I’m trying to find a non-contract internet provider alternative. Any ideas?
Good question Cyn. To my knowledge, you wouldn’t be able to use those features. The one thing to watch out for is if you find a cheaper ISP that they might have slower service – so make sure you check out their speeds before switching.
I’ve had direct TV for less than 48 hours and am such of it already. The sales person at Sam’s did not tell us we don’t get free movies like with Dish. He claimed that we would get all of this and more. They are also hard to reach and disconnected me twice while trying to get help. I want my dish back.
Sorry to hear about the hassle Carol. Unfortunately, I don’t think Dish isn’t a much better option – both like to give you the runaround and charge way too much.
I have read many articles on cord cutters. No one discusses options and speeds required for Internet. I cancelled my cable and my options were up to 75 download for more than Internet plus my cable channels. Or a much cheaper price for up to 10 download speed. I have seen on cord cutters dot com that a good minimum is 20 download speed. What speed Internet is everyone using, who do you use and how much does it cost?
That’s a good question Carol & a lot of it goes back to each different option is going to have its own requirements for speed and not something universal, plus other issues. That being said, ours is 42.85 Mbps download speed, 6.13 Mbps upload speed and 90 ms latency which is on the higher end of what is offered by our provider – we need it as we work from home. It runs us about $75 per month and would have it regardless of having or not having cable.
Help! I read your article, and am still unsure of what will fit my needs. I want the basic channels still like CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, etc. and also be able to watch football games from the Oakland Raiders (my husbands team) and the Denver Broncos (my team) as well as some local college football (we live in Kansas). Right now I am paying $155 a month for a bundled cable/internet package (which is ridiculous). What would be the best option for my needs? This is all really confusing to me… Thank you!
Hi Amber, it really isn’t that confusing. If I can do it I’m certain you can. 🙂 That said, you’ll want an antenna to get locals – I list some of the best ones in the post. Then, you’ll want to look at either DirecTV Now or Sling TV to get access to cable channels that’ll get you sports and shows you want – they’re both easy to set up and should save you $50+ per month.
Hello, trying to help my father cut the cord. When I was a kid we had an antenna on the house and got five fuzzy local channels. What antenna do you suggest when we are over 100 miles away from nearest metropolitan area where the stations are broadcast from. Tried a window antenna in my sons room once and all we got was fuzzy qvc and Christian broadcast network. I assume it was a cheap antenna but if it wouldn’t pick up the stations at all that concerns me. Dad wants the local news and root sports. He already has a fire stick.
Thanks!
That’s a good question on the antenna. We’ve had really good service with Mohu Leaf and believe they have some that have that kind of radius.
We have recently gone to Amazon Fire TV. I am very green. A problem we are having is with sound when we watch various programs like Downton Abbey. We get a scratcht, cha-cha-cha noise at ghe front end of sentences actors speak and have a hard time understanding what is being said. What do you suggest?
Sorry to hear that Bonnie. I’m not certain what it could be, to be honest. It could either be the device, the TV, or the connection between the two – or the episode itself. Sorry not to be of more help.
I have Amazon Fire Stick and Spectrum cable. I have setup many channels that I get on Spectrum onto Fire Stick, all free. If I drop cable, would I lose some or all the channels I added to Fire Stick. When adding these channels to Fire Stick, I had to enter codes from Spectrum cable, that’s my concern.
It’s very possible you will Robert. Often times they require a login from your cable provider. Sometimes, some channels will allow you to bypass it with the login from your Internet provider. It’s really dependent on the channel and provider.
A note on football: Sling or Direct TV have sports channels. They get expensive, and try to lock you in if you fall for the ‘free device promo’ (sling) Fire stick and Apple TV devices have sports apps to which you might subscribe. There is one for football, hockey, tennis, golf even cricket. Your local team could perhaps be picked up by the digital local antenna. We find if reception isn’t great, it’s fun to go to the local pizza place and join the fun there.
That is a good point – they both, as well as other providers, offer add-ons that can make them more expensive. I always recommend taking advantage of any available free trial that’s offered so you don’t needlessly lock yourself into something you may find you don’t like.
HELP!!!! I LIVE IN NJ AND PAY AROUND $250 a month for bundled cable,internet and phone from COMCAST,which in my opinion, is completely unacceptable. I have a 8 and 6 year old and really only need basic cable with kids channels like Disney etc. I would like nothing more than too tell COMCAST where to put their cable TV but honestly DIRECTV AND DISH which I have already cancelled are NO better. My wife ordered the fire stick which is ok but what about the others? Any suggestions?
I’d take a look at DirecTV Now or Sling TV. Both are good replacement options, have no contracts and are a fraction of the cost. Here’s a good post on other options that can help.
Mary
I just purchased the fireTV stick with Alexa Voice
do I need to hook it up first then contac Direct TV I am paying 200.00 a month, I like Starz and LMN and Hallmark will I be able to get them.
The Fire Stick gets you access to a number of apps/channels but to get access to cable channels like that you’ll need to use either DirecTV Now or Sling TV. Either will save you $150+ per month on what you’re currently paying.
We have a dish receiver for our camper to use when camping. The Firestick will not work in the camper tv without internet or wifi or what do you suggest?
Have you tried a standalone WiFi option to have WiFi accessibility? That should be a good option.
Hi John. I have a smartTV, amazon prime, netflix. Would a fire stick be helpful? And I would love to save money — my cable/internet/phone are in a bundle. Any thoughts?
Great question Jamie. It could be helpful in two situations. Your Smart TV may not have all the apps you’d want access to and the Fire Stick could expand those apps. The other reason would be if you travel. You can use the Fire Stick in most any Smart TVs. We take ours with us all the time so we can access our apps while on vacation.
Hi! Does anyone have any ideas or opinions about providers for reasonable internet service? I really want to cut my cable but I’m not sure where to go for my wifi service. Thanks
Good question Joanne. The best we’ve seen, or at least the most we’ve heard about, is Verizon Fios and AT&T U-verse. How much are you currently paying for both internet & cable?
So, I’ve been wanting to try and save money and have thought about the fire stick. I don’t have internet right now, but I have Directv. I pay about $91 a month. If I have to pay for internet and certain apps I’m not sure if I’ll be saving any money. I do like the option of being able to cancel certain apps for when you don’t need them. We don’t usually watch as much tv during the summer months. I have certain tv shows I like to watch, but I usually dvr them right now because we are usually busy at the time. What do you suggest?
That’s a good question Lindsey. If you don’t absolutely need internet service, you may not save money. You can always see what the Internet Service Providers in your area charge and try a free trial of Hulu Live or DirecTV Now to see if that works for you.
Sorry but if i get rid of cable, and get the fire tv stick and the mohu leaf 50 will is till be able to get wifi for my ipads and laptop. or do i still have to get the wifi with spectrum or directtv?
You would still need to get WiFi for those. You can check out this post on the best ways to get Internet without cable.
Is Fox News on any of these? Before we disconnect cable.
Hi Sandy, yes, you can get Fox News on Hulu Live.
I have been with Directtv for 7 years and I thought I was getting a good deal or so they told me, I check my paper bill in the mail, it was $102.99 a month.+ $3.00 service and handling for a total $105.99/Month for a total of $1187.88 a year, I got tired of towards the end of the month they would cut me off, until bill is paid in full. so I am cutting the cable and going to hulu
Wow, sorry to hear that Anuel. They definitely like to make it seem like you’re getting a deal, but it’s not. Hulu Live is a great replacement!