Cut The Cord: The 15 Best Cord-Cutting Options

Are you ready to cut the cord and save money on your cable bill? I know that I was tired of the ever-increasing prices! 

You’ve probably been in the same situation before: First, you get a great deal on a TV package, then the next year the prices DOUBLES! Luckily, there are cheaper cable alternatives out there.

Cutting the cord is worth it if you will save money and still get the channels you love to watch.

I’ve put together a list of the best cord-cutting options out there so you can find the best alternative to cable TV for YOU. There are options for both live TV streaming and on-demand services. At the bottom of the page, I’ve also created a chart comparing which services offer the top 25 channels.

This post may contain affiliate links as a way to support the costs of this website (at no additional cost to you); however, I won’t recommend products I don’t believe in. View my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.

The Best Live TV Streaming Services for 2023:

Are you ready to stop paying outrageous cable bills? Here are the best options for watching TV without cable!

PRO TIP: Try out TV services with free trials to see what you like best (or binge-watch for free). Just remember to cancel in time!

Streaming Service	Price	Offer
HDTV Antenna	Varies	Popular Model
Philo	$25/mo.	Sign up for a 7 Day Free Trial
Sling TV	$40/mo.	No Current Free Trial
Youtube TV	$72.99/mo.	Sign up for a 7 Day Free Trial
Hulu + Live TV	$69.99/mo.	30 Day Free Trial Available for Non-Live Plan
DIRECTV Stream	$69.99/mo.	Sign up for a 5 Day Free Trial
Prime Video	$8.99/mo.	Sign up for a 30 Day Free Trial

Pricing and channels vary by location. All prices, features, and services are subject to change at any time. Additional fees and terms may apply.

1. HDTV Antenna: Price Varies

Replace cable tv with antenna! Depending on where you live, you can hook up a digital TV antenna to get local channels available in the area. You can check on AntennaWeb to see what channels may be available to you.

My local channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The CW, PBS, ION, RTV, IND, TBN, etc.

This is the cheapest option because it is a one-time purchase; however, you may not be able to get good reception in your location. 

The price of your antenna will vary depending on the type and strength that you need. There are various indoor, outdoor, and attic antennas. This indoor HDTV antenna is Amazon’s Choice and has many great reviews.

2. Philo: $25/month

This budget live TV streaming service currently offers over 70 channels at a great deal.

While it doesn’t have a large selection, it does have my favorites like AMC, HGTV, BET, Hallmark, TLC, and Lifetime Movie Network.

You can also record live TV and save it for up to 30 days!

Add-ons Include: STARZ

Supported Devices: Web, iPhone & iPad, Android phones & tablets, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV(Support varies by model).

Stream on: 3 Devices

Free Trial: 7 Days

3. Sling TV: $40/month 

Sling TV is another great way to watch TV without cable and has two different package options: 

Sling Blue: Advertised as good for News & Entertainment with 39 channels such as FOX News, MSNBC, Bravo, BET, and TLC.

Sling Orange: Good for Sports & Families with access to 31 channels like ESPN, Disney Channel, and Freeform.

Get a combo of 44 channels with Orange and Blue for $55/month.

I like Sling TV because it is more customizable than Philo. You also have different options such as adding on individual channels such as BET, Hallmark, and LMN for $3-10/mo. The also have package deals for $6-21/mo.

Add-ons Include: SHOWTIME, STARZ, Noggin, ScreamFlix, etc.

Supported Devices: AirTV Mini, AndroidTV, Chromecast, Oculus, Tivo, FireTV, Amazon AppleTV, iOS, Roku, Windows, Android, Chrome, LG TVs, Samsung TVs, and Xbox Series X/S (Support varies by model).

Stream on: 1 (Orange) to 3 (Blue) Devices

Free Trial: None Currently

4. DIRECTV Stream: $64.99/month

Formerly AT&T NOW Plus, the DIRECTTV Stream plan is similar in pricing to Hulu, but only has 65+ channels (you can compare the channels in the chart). 

This is the cheapest plan, but they have 4 other options up to $144.99/.

Add-ons Include: HBO Max, CINEMAX, SHOWTIME, STARZ, EPIX (MGM+), Extra Movies, NBA League Pass, Spanish Options.

Supported Devices: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV, Android, iOS, Chrome, and Safari (Support varies by model).

Stream on: 3 Devices

Free Trial: 5 Days

5. Hulu + Live TV: $69.99/month

Over 85 live channels to watch the latest news and sports in addition to the Hulu streaming library.

Back in Sept. 2018, they raised the price twice in one year after I signed up from $39.99 to $44.99, then up again to $54.99; now it is $35 more. They also moved Lifetime movies from being included to a paid add-on. At least the cancellation process was easy and I received a refund! It’s back now, however.

However, It’s still a great option, especially if you currently pay more for the same channels. There is only a 30 day free trial of the non-Live plan available.

Add-ons Include: HBO Max, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ, Unlimited Screens, Sports Add-on, Entertainment Add-on, Espanol Add-on

Supported Devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV & Fire Stick, Apple TV (4th gen), Chromecast, Xbox One & Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Samsung (select TV models), LG (select TV models), and Nintendo Switch (Support varies by model).

Stream on: 2 Devices

Free Trial: None

6. Youtube TV: $72.99/month

You will get the most with YoutubeTV having over 100 live TV channels.

Add-ons Include: Fox Soccer Plus, SHOWTIME, STARZ, HBO Max

Supported Devices: Android, iOS, Web Browser, Chromecast, Airplay, Apple TV, Android TV, Smart TVs, Fire TV, Xbox One, Roku, and PS5 (Support varies by model).

Stream on: 3 Devices

Free Trial: 7 Days

7. Prime Video: $8.99/month

Should this even be a contender as an internet TV option? I’ll let you decide. 

I don’t think Amazon Prime Video is a great option for live streaming because it only has a few channels included. I’ve also never heard of them: Tastemade, Buzzr, Divorce Court, DUST, etc.

However, they do have a nice selection of good tv shows (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and movies (Captain America, Creed II). You also have the option of paying to add on other channels.

But, one great thing is that you’ll get it included with your Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139.00/year) if you’re interested in getting free 2-day shipping as well. 

Add-ons Include: HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ, MGM+, BET+.

Supported Devices: Fire TV/Fire TV Stick, Echo devices with a screen, Fire Tablet, Blu-ray players, Android, iOS, PS3, PS4, PS4 PRO, Xbox One, Web Browser, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield, Roku, Apple TV, and Tivo (Support varies by model).

Stream on: 3 Devices (no more than 2 for the same video)

Free Trial: 30 Days

On-Demand Streaming Services

Streaming Service	Price	Offer
Hulu	$7.99/mo.	Sign up for a 30 Day Free Trial
Netflix	$6.99/mo.	Sign up for a 30 Day Free Trial
Disney+	$7.99/mo.	N/A
ESPN+	$9.99/mo.	N/A
STARZ	$8.99/mo.	Sign up for a 7 Day Free Trial
SHOWTIME	$10.99/mo.	Sign up for a 30 Day Free Trial
HBO Max	$9.99/mo.	Sign up for a 7 Day Free Trial
Library	Free	N/A

Pricing and channels vary by location. All prices, features, and services are subject to change at any time. Additional fees and terms may apply.

8. Netflix: $6.99/month

Netflix and I go way back to the times where you could order movies that came in the mail. It is the first online streaming service and was the best cable alternative for me when I went off to college.

There are many options for TV shows, movies, anime, documentaries, and more. They even have interactive videos where you can choose what happens, whoa!

Popular To Watch: Stranger Things, Orange Is The New Black (OITNB), Black Mirror, 13 Reasons Why, The Witcher

Add-ons Include: Watching on 4 screens at a time

Supported Devices: Web and any internet-connected device that offers the Netflix app

Stream on: 1 Device

Free Trial: 30 Days

9. Hulu: $7.99/month

Hulu is the cheapest streaming service with a library of 80,000+ TV episodes and movies. While I had to cancel the live option, the basic plan is a great deal. I love the variety of shows including anime options and Hulu originals.

Even better, it had a Black Friday discount that only cost $2/mo for a year.

Recommended Hulu Originals: The Handmaid’s Tale, Harlots, Ramy, Casual, The Act. I’m currently binge-watching 90 Day Fiance! 

Check out the free trial now! There are also bundles available with Disney+ and ESPN+.

Bundles:

• Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $12.99/month
• Hulu (ad-free), Disney+, and ESPN+ for $19.99/month
• Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $69.99/month
• Hulu (ad-free) + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $82.99/month

Add-ons Include: No Ads, HBO Max, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ

Supported Devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV & Fire Stick, Apple TV (4th gen), Chromecast, Xbox One & Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Samsung (select TV models), LG (select TV models), and Nintendo Switch (Support varies by model).

Stream on: 2 Devices

Free Trial: 30 Days

10. Disney+: $7.99/month ($79.99/year)

Watch a growing selection of tv shows and movies from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. 

I love Disney, but I prefer a more diverse selection of titles that it and the next few streaming services don’t provide. But they still have great titles! It wouldn’t be a bad idea to sign up for a month, binge a few flicks, then cancel.

Recommended to watch: The Mandalorian, Hamilton, Onward

Add-ons Include: N/A

Supported Devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV devices, AppleTV, Chromecast, LG TV, Roku, Samsung, Chrome, Mac, Windows, Amazon Fire, iOS, Android, PS4, and Xbox One (Support varies by model).

Stream on: 4 Devices

Free Trial: N/A

11. STARZ: $8.99/month

Watch your favorite STARZ movies, TV shows, and more by getting the STARZ app. 

Recommended to watch: P-Valley, Power, The Girlfriend Experience, Party Down

Add-ons Include: N/A

Supported Devices: Web Browser, Chromecast, Apple TV, iPhones, and iPads (Support varies by model).

Stream on: 4 Devices

Free Trial: 7 Days

12. ESPN+: $9.99/month ($99.99/year)

For the sports lovers, ESPN+ is a great choice for access to exclusive original series and studio shows. You can watch content that is not available on the ESPN,  ESPN2, &  ESPN3 channels.

My husband has this and likes to watch international soccer, game replays, UFC fight replays, and the access to sports articles and game predictions.

Add-ons Include: N/A

Supported Devices: Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Oculus Go (Support varies by model).

Stream on: 3 Devices for most content

Free Trial: N/A

13. HBO NOW: $9.99/month

Stream all of your favorite HBO shows and movies with HBO Max. 

I can’t lie, HBO has some really great shows, but $9.99 is a bit much for me. But if there are a few titles you would like to watch for a month or two, it can be cheaper than a movie ticket! I would also pay for a month and binge the shows I want to watch.

Recommended to watch: I May Destroy You, El Chata, Aquaman, Watchmen, Westworld

Add-ons Include: N/A

Supported Devices: Amazon Fire TV, Web, Roku, Samsung TV, Chromecast, etc (Support varies by model). 

Stream on: Unknown

Free Trial: 7 Days

14. SHOWTIME: $10.99/month

Great news! If you love Showtime but don’t want the cost of adding it to a streaming service, you can purchase it separately! They have a variety of TV series, movies, and boxing.

You can also get Paramount with it for $1 more.

Recommended to watch: Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, Shameless, The Chi, Hustlers, Outcry.

Click here for a free 30-day trial and see what they have to offer.

Add-ons Include: N/A

Supported Devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, LG Smart TVs, Roku devices, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One,  Android, Amazon Fire Tablet, and iOS (Support varies by model).

Stream on: 3 Devices

Free Trial: 30 Days

15. Local Library: Free

It’s free, but you may have to get out of the house for this one!

Along with books, you can get a large selection of DVDs for different TV shows and movies at your local library. 

Also, your library might have different services such as Hoopla. I love this app to save money on books, but you can also instantly download TV shows, movies, music albums, and more. The only catch is, you have a limited amount of borrows per month.

They don’t have the newest and best films out right away, but it is a good selection that is cheaper than a cable bill.

Add-ons Include: N/A

Supported Devices: Amazon Tablets, Apple tablets, iOS, Android (Support varies by model). 

Stream on: Unknown

Free Trial: N/A

What is the best alternative to cable?

The best cable replacement service for you will depend on what will fulfill your needs.

With the library, you’ll be able to watch TV for free and using an HDTV antenna will allow you to watch TV without the internet. 

Otherwise, the cheapest way to watch TV is Philo, along with Sling TV.

In my opinion, the best streaming service to replace cable are plans like Hulu and Netflix. I like to watch my shows on-demand and without commercials!

So, what are you waiting for? If you can’t negotiate a better deal with your television provider, it’s time to get rid of cable and replace your expensive cable box with a live TV streaming service.

Related: 40 Frugal Living Tips To Lower Your Everyday Expenses

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