Never Pay For Cable Again: 28 Must Have Alternatives

Updated: March 3, 2020 

Take a moment to think how it would feel to save money and never pay for cable again…

…feels pretty good, right?

It doesn’t have to just be an imaginary exercise. With the demand for streaming services rising, more and more companies are jumping on the video streaming bandwagon.

Or maybe you’ve already cut the cord and are just looking for the best alternatives to cable TV. Sure, you know about Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video…but did you know that there are literally dozens of streaming services out there?

And many of them are absolutely free!

We’re going to discuss over 2 dozen different streaming services that will help you save money and get by without cable.

We’re not doing in-depth reviews of each service. Instead, we’re just introducing you to them and what they have to offer.

Let’s get to it!

Related Post: Frugal Cell Phone Plans That Actually Save Money.

1. Digital Antenna

If you want to watch television without cable or satellite, step 1 is to get a digital antenna.

With a small initial investment in a digital antenna, you’ll get access to your local channels for free.

One thing to keep in mind with a digital antenna is that it works best when next to a window. So, reception could be an issue depending on where you setup your television.

If you’re not sure if there are broadcast towers in your area, visit Antennas Direct to find out.

2. Netflix

Netflix is the king of streaming. It’s the oldest paid streaming service and has the most subscribers.

If you’re ready to cut the cord and look for alternatives, Netflix is the #1 choice.

Netflix streams to over 190 different countries, so it’s available pretty much everywhere. It also has the most popular movies and shows outside of subscription television and is even available in Ultra HD if you’ve got a compatible device and the right plan.

You may also like: 25+ Cheap Date Ideas For Couples

3. Hulu

Hulu’s big selling point is that they primarily stream newer television series as opposed to movies (although they do have movies!)

Hulu is currently only available in the U.S. and Japan, so international availability is limited.

Unlike Netflix, Hulu shows ads while streaming and gives you the option to add on HBO, Cinemax, Showtime and Starz for an additional price.

4. Hulu Live TV

With Hulu Live, you not only get access to live sports, news, and entertainment channels, but you also get access to Hulu’s streaming library.

Hulu Live has a pretty respectable channel listing, but your location will determine exactly which channels you’ll have access to.

If you want to cut the cord but still want access to television channels, then Hulu Live is definitely worth checking out.

You may also like: Creative Ways to Save Money

5. Vudu

Vudu is another video streaming service, but this one is owned by Walmart.

You don’t have to buy a subscription with Vudu. Instead, you create a free account by entering your name and email.

They also prompt you to enter your credit card info, but you can skip that step. You’ll still have access to their free movies (with ads) with their “Movies on Us” service.

6. Amazon Prime Video

If you are an Amazon Prime member then you already have access to Amazon Prime Video. But if you are not a Prime member, you can get Prime Video for $8.99 a month.

Like Netflix and Hulu, Amazon Prime has a free trial so you can try it out before you commit.

7. Pluto TV

Pluto is a pretty cool service that offers a HUGE selection of content. While you’re not going to find all the big stations here, it’s a great FREE alternative to cable television or satellite TV. And there’s a good chance you’ll find something you’re into.

Whether it’s anime, soap operas, documentaries, westerns or almost anything else, you’ll find it at Pluto. You don’t even have to create an account!

This is the perfect option if you’re ready to cut the cord!

8. IMDb TV

You probably know IMDb. It’s that movie site you visit when you’re trying to remember which actors were in your favorite movies…

Well, IMDb also has a FREE streaming service called IMDb TV. You’re not going to find all the latest shows there, but you will find a good selection to keep you entertained.

You may also like: Save Money And Reduce Expenses With This 12 Items.

9. Tubi

Tubi is another FREE video streaming service that gives you access to a large collection of shows and movies. It’s one of the best ways to get television channels without subscription television.

The thing is, you’ll be watching a lot of unskippable ads. But that’s not so bad in exchange for free content, right?

While all of Tubi’s content is available in the U.S., international availability is limited. You can watch it in Canada and Australia, but some content is blocked.

And Tubi isn’t even available in Europe anymore.

Simply sign in with Facebook or through an email account and start watching.

10. CBS All Access

With a subscription to CBS All Access, you get access to thousands of past episodes, live television (including NFL games!) and original series.

While their catalog of original content isn’t nearly as large as other streaming services, they do have some shows you’ll want to check out…especially if you’re a Star Trek fan.

CBS All Access is a great cheap television service, but unfortunately, it’s limited to the U.S., Australia, and Canada, so international availability is limited.

11. Sony Crackle

Sonly Crackle includes movies, television series, and even some original content from Hollywood stars.

Crackle is 100% FREE and is supported by ads, so you’ll get a healthy dosing of commercials with your content.

Currently, Crackle is only available in the United States and Australia (it discontinued the service in Canada and Latin America), so international availability is limited unless you have a VPN.

With Crackle, you can cut the cord today!

You may also like: Save Money Live Better – Everything You Need to Know

12. The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is an on-demand streaming television service that offers absolutely FREE television shows, movies, news, sports.

Once you go through the free registration process, you can watch the Roku Channel on most devices.

The Roku Channel also lets you subscribe to premium channels for a price.

Some premium TV channels available on The Roku Channel are:

•  HBO
• Cinemax
• Showtime
• Starz
• Epix
• MTV Hits
• Lifetime Movie Club
• Hallmark Movies Now
• Noggin
• A&E Crime Central
• Smithsonian Channel
• History Vault

13. DC Universe

Even DC comics have jumped on the streaming bandwagon with their DC Universe service.

Watch DC movies, live-action series, animated series, and get access to over 22,000 comics when you subscribe.

DC Universe is currently only available in the United States.

14. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a niche streaming service targeting anime and live-action Asian television series.

If you’re an anime fan, then you know that you often have to wait for media importers (or bootleggers) to pick up a series before you get to watch it. But Crunchyroll gets a ton of series pretty fast.

In fact, they claim to get some new episodes within an hour after they’re broadcast in Japan.

If that sounds like it’s down your alley, then go ahead and give Crunchyroll a shot!

There’s a free and premium version.

15. Popcorn Flix

Popcorn Flix is a FREE (ad-supported) service for streaming movies, television shows, and viral videos. And you don’t even need to create an account to watch!

There’s a general version of the app and also a kid-friendly version, so you’ll find something for everyone.

One of the coolest features of Popcorn Flix is that it lets you make GIFs from videos and write comments that other viewers can read during the film.

Currently, Popcorn Flix is available in the United States and Canada.

16. Philo

Philo is a live and on-demand television service that offers 59 different networks to choose from.

You can stream on up to 3 devices at once, save as many shows as you want for 30 days and create up to 10 user profiles under one account.

Like most services, they offer a free trial. But unlike most services, they don’t ask for your credit card info upfront.

Start your trial by entering your phone number. After two days, they’ll have you enter your credit card to continue the 7-day trial.

Take a look at this one out if you’re looking for a cheap cable alternative. 

17. AT&T Watch TV

AT&T Watch offers you 35+ live channels (41 by my count) for $15 a month.

They have Food Network, Cartoon Network, AMC, TLC, History, and others, but you won’t find any sports channels if that’s what you’re looking for.

You also get access to a huge library of on-demand titles and the option to buy premium add-ons (HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz).

Check out their 7-day trial.

18. YouTube TV

YouTube needs no introduction; we all watch it. But probably not many of us have tried out YouTube TV.

With Youtube TV you’ll get access to more than 70 television channels. Including news, sports, and entertainment.

You can watch from 3 devices at the same time and will get unlimited storage space to record your favorite shows.

19. HBO NOW

HBO NOW is a standalone streaming service. It’s purely an on-demand service and doesn’t include a live television component.

They offer a 7-day free trial. But it is a bit more expensive than other purely on-demand services like Netflix or Hulu.

On the other hand, HBO is known for its amazing original content. If you’re an HBO fan then this may be for you.

HBO NOW is only available in the United States and some U.S. territories.

20. Sling TV

With a subscription to Sling, you can watch live and on-demand television from your computer, tablet or phone.

The interesting thing about Sling is that they have two plans, Blue and Orange. Both plans cost the same, but they come with different channel lineups.

Sports fans will want to opt for the Orange plan to get access to ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. While people who love politics and news may want to go with the Blue one to get access to Fox News, MSNBC, NBC.

Or if you want access to all their channels to get the Orange & Blue Plan. Either way, it’s an affordable service.

21. Disney+

Get access to classic Disney movies, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic programming when you sign up for Disney+.

And it’s not just your favorite old movies either. They actually have new original programming as well (like The Mandalorian, Marvel Hero Project, etc.)

They also have a bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ so there’s something for the whole family to watch.

Disney+ is relatively new but is quickly becoming one of the top alternatives to subscription television.

22. Peacock

Peacock is NBC Universals’ upcoming streaming service.

They are planning to release it in April 2020, and it will come with access to classic TV shows, original movies and television and even reboots of some popular series.

Peacock will have a free version but will also come with a premium option. With so many free options, you’ll never have to pay for a satellite subscription or cable again.

23. Shudder

Shudder is another niche streaming service. This one is for fans of horror, suspense, and thriller films.

Watch original movies, television series, classic movies, and even podcasts and live streaming events.

They offer a 7-day free trial so you can try it out before you commit.

24. VRV

VRV is an online streaming service that basically caters to animation lovers.

VRV features Boomerang, Crunchyroll, some of Nickelodeon’s old shows, indie cartoons, and more.

This one offers some content for free, but also has a premium version that’s ad-free

25. ESPN+

With ESPN+ you can stream thousands of live sporting events. But you’re not going to see a lot of the big American sports like the MLB, NBA, NHL or NFL…

But you will see a lot of soccer, UFC, Boxing, and international sports.

Besides sporting events, you also get a lot of sports-related shows and documentaries as well.

26. fuboTV

fuboTV was originally focused on soccer and Spanish-language television. But recently it shifted to include a wider range of live television options.

There are still a ton of sports, so sports fans won’t be disappointed. But there’s now something for everyone.

fuboTV offers a ton of live channels, but it is also one of the more expensive alternatives to cable.

27. HBO Max

HBO Max is scheduled to be released at the end of May 2020. It’ll have original content created specifically for the service, as well as

• titles from Studio Ghibli,
• several BBC series like Doctor Who
• South Park
• Adult Swim programs
• and a ton of classic shows and movies

If you’re an HBO NOW subscriber, don’t worry…you’ll get HBO Max at no extra charge once it’s launched!

28. Library

The library is your single greatest source for movies and TV shows. They have pretty much everything you could want for DVD and Blu-ray absolutely free!

If you don’t have a library card, I’d highly recommend you get one today and start taking advantage.

FAQ

What’s the best alternative to cable?

If you’re cutting the cord but want still want to watch the same channels, the best alternatives would have to be Sling, Philo, or Hulu (with Hulu being the most expensive).

Those three services offer live television with the channels and series you’d be most familiar with.

How can I get cable TV without paying

You can get something similar to subscription television without paying. But it won’t be exactly the same as what you’d get from cable companies.

PlutoTV, IMDbTV, Sony Crackle, and Tubi all offer free television, with old shows that you know. But you won’t find those big network channels you’re used to seeing.

How can I get rid of my cable bill?

You can get rid of your bill by cutting the cord immediately! Get a digital antenna (the best device for your area) and watch some free television.

Or find a streaming service that gives you what you need, make sure you have a device that service is compatible with and subscribe ASAP!

Is cutting the cord really cheaper?

If you already have a compatible device, paying for a few cheap streaming apps will definitely be cheaper than paying for subscription television. But if you subscribe to a lot of apps, or the more expensive services, you may be paying the same as you did before you cut the cord.

Or, if you just go with a digital antenna and a library card, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be cheaper!

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! Twenty-eight different ways to get the television and movies you love! Some are free, others are paid, but all are pretty cool.

Hopefully, you’ve discovered some new streaming apps that you didn’t know about before!

If there are apps that we haven’t mentioned here be sure to let us know in the comments below!

Cheers!