Best Cable TV Alternatives to Save Money
How long have you been thinking about cutting the cord and letting your finances breathe? Long enough? How do I know? Well, most U.S. households are going through this dilemma for a while now. A study has revealed that by the end of 2021, almost 51 million U.S. cable subscribers would cut the cord. Honestly, cutting the cord has become easier over time, and now switching to cable TV alternatives is rather easy as there are a number of options. However, there are certain benefits that come along with traditional pay-TV and if you are not willing to let them go just as yet, I would recommend you go through Optimum TV packages for affordable cable plans offering an extensive channel lineup without any cancellation charges so you can have all the perks without having to burn a hole in your wallet.
For people, who are adamant about replacing their cable TV with a much more dynamic approach of streaming platforms, we are glad to have come up with a rundown of the best cable TV alternatives – so read along and get a hold of your finances right away!
At a Glance
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- AT&T TV Now
- fuboTV
- Hulu plus Live TV
- Philo
Sling TV
Base price (per month): 35 USD
No. of Channels (base plan): 30
User Profiles: No
Simultaneous Streams: One (35 USD monthly); Three (35 USD monthly); Four (45 USD monthly)
DVR support: Available for 5.00 USD monthly
Free Trial: Yes
Skip commercial or Fast-forward option with DVR: Yes
Device Compatibility: Android, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, PCs, iOS, Xbox consoles, Samsung TVs, AirTV Player
Sling TV is frequently called a service designed for Kids’ entertainment in view of the huge collection of kids’ friendly stations. It has a simple UI that makes it easy to set up and use. Another reason for its immense popularity is its inexpensive plans. Sling TV offers three plans. Albeit the quantity of channels is not so extraordinary, you should realize that not all channels are needed anyway. Everybody is keen on a couple of channels and on the off chance that you get each one of those with this platform, you should not pay more for channels you do not even need. Sling Orange and Sling Blue both cost – however, 30 USD for Blue plan means 47 stations flaunting NBC and FOX while 30 USD for Orange plan means 32 channels blaring ESPN and Disney.
YouTube TV
Base price (per month): 65 USD
No. of Channels (base plan): 85
User Profiles: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: Three
DVR support: Yes
Free Trial: Yes
Skip commercial or Fast-forward option with DVR: Yes
Device Compatibility: Chromecast, iOS, Android, PCs
Perhaps the best platform with regards to live streaming, lodging in 85 major channels in its fundamental plan, YouTube TV incorporates significant international and local networks including Comedy Central, CNN, ESPN, and MTV. Furthermore, with YouTube TV, you also get some incredible sports channels including FS 1, FS 2, NFL Network, NBA TV, ESPN Network, and MLB Network.
One of the things that make this platform great is the limitless DVR storage that allows you to record content and watch it whenever you want to for almost nine months.
AT&T TV Now
Base price (per month): 70 USD
No. of Channels (base plan): More than 65
User Profiles: No
Simultaneous Streams: Twenty (in-home); Three (outside)
DVR support: Yes
Free Trial: Yes
Skip commercial or Fast-forward option with DVR: Available for 15 USD
Device Compatibility: iOS, Android, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, PCs
AT&T TV Now, previously known as DirecTV Now, is one of the platforms that house a wide scope of premium channels like FOX, CBS, ESPN, CNN, ABC, and Nickelodeon. If you are a sports fan, you can upgrade your plan to get sports channels as well. You can also find some channels with international languages in the plans.
FUBO TV
Base price (per month): 65 USD
No. of Channels (base plan): 122
User Profiles: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: Two
DVR support: Yes
Free Trial: Yes
Skip commercial or Fast-forward option with DVR: Yes
Device Compatibility: iOS, Android, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, PCs, Samsung Smart TVs, Roku, Vizio Smartcast TVs
For sports lovers, fuboTV is the ideal decision. You get more than 120 channels with the base package of fuboTV and that also including significant network channels like AMC and TLC. It practically brings each one of the well-known international and local sports networks. With fuboTV, you will also have the option to watch wide-ranged sports content like the English Premier League and German Supercup. You would likewise discover networks like ABC and Disney also.
Hulu Plus live TV
Base price (per month): 65 USD
No. of Channels (base plan): More than 60
User Profiles: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: Two
DVR support: Yes
Free Trial: Yes
Skip commercial or Fast-forward option with DVR: Available for 10 USD
Device Compatibility: iOS, Android, Chromecast, Apple TV, Xbox One
Hulu + Live TV’s channel lineup is one of the most popular with families. With sports channels, local stations, and major kids’ friendly networks like Cartoon Network and Disney, Hulu + Live TV has something to offer for everybody. In addition, with streaming permitted on two gadgets, Hulu + Live TV allows everybody to watch what they need.
Hulu additionally gets significant pats on the back for tossing in its library of on-demand content and originals. None of the other services can brag special features comparable to the much loved, The Handmaid’s Tale.
Philo
Base price (per month): 20 USD
No. of Channels (base plan): 60
User Profiles: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: Three
DVR support: Yes
Free Trial: Yes
Skip commercial or Fast-forward option with DVR: Yes
Device Compatibility: Android TV, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku
Philo is the most economical live streaming option. It is the best choice for you if you want the choice to stream wherever, at whatever point without spending an unreasonable measure of money. It offers around sixty stations in its base plan costing 20 USD. The famous network stations like BET, Discovery, Hallmark Channel, VH1, HGTV, A&E, and TLC are included in the base plan. With everything good, there is a tiny glitch for sports fans, as the service does not provide an immense range of sports channels.