In the digital age, moving away from traditional cable TV to embrace streaming services is not just a trend but a smart financial decision. Streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu, Philo, DirecTV Stream, and FuboTV offer a rich array of live TV services at a fraction of the cost of cable subscriptions. For years, cable was the go-to for programming. However, this content is now widely available online, which is a more affordable and convenient viewing experience without sacrificing quality.
Here’s a comprehensive list of options Explore these links to discover what each service has to offer!
Online Guides
Tom Guide – Cut the cord: Your guide to canceling cable and streaming TV online
CNET – How to Cut the Cable TV Cord With Streaming Services
Consumer Reports – Video Streaming Services That Let You Cut Cable TV
Streaming Services
Dive into a vast selection of on-demand movies, TV shows, and original series with these popular platforms:
- Netflix: netflix.com – Offers an extensive library of movies, documentaries, and original content.
- Amazon Prime Video: primevideo.com – Enjoy movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals.
- Hulu: hulu.com – Watch current-season TV, movies, and original series.
- Disney+: disneyplus.com – The home for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
Live TV Streaming Services
Prefer live TV without the high cable bill? These services provide live channels, including news, sports, and entertainment:
- YouTube TV: tv.youtube.com – A broad selection of live channels with cloud DVR.
- Sling TV: sling.com – Customizable live TV with no contracts.
- Hulu + Live TV: hulu.com/live-tv – Combines Hulu’s on-demand service with live TV channels.
- Philo: philo.com – A budget-friendly option for entertainment and lifestyle channels.
Digital Antennas
For free access to local broadcast channels in high definition, consider a one-time purchase of a digital antenna. Check product listings on sites like Amazon for options. Here is a list of favorites from Wirecutter.
Sports Streaming Services
Don’t miss out on your favorite sports with these dedicated platforms:
- ESPN+: plus.espn.com – Stream live sports, exclusive originals, and more.
- DAZN: dazn.com – Boxing, MMA, and more for fight fans.
Specialty and Free Streaming Platforms
Explore niche interests or enjoy free content with ad support on these platforms:
- Crunchyroll: crunchyroll.com – Anime and manga streaming.
- Pluto TV: pluto.tv – Free live TV and movies.
- Tubi: tubi.tv – Thousands of free movies and TV shows.
Satellite TV Services
Satellite TV provides extensive channel lineups and specialized packages much like Cable TV:
- DirecTV: directv.com – Wide range of channels with exclusive access to NFL Sunday Ticket.