Best cable TV alternatives for 2020

AT&T TV – Best channel selection

One of the newest cable TV alternatives, AT&T TV launched nationwide in February 2020. It’s something of a hybrid between the traditional cable TV providers and new live TV streaming services. 

¹for 12 mos. plus taxes w/ 24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year.*w/ 24-mo. agmt.
²for 12 mos. plus taxes & RSN fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.*
³for 12 mos. plus taxes & RSN fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.*
⁴for 12 mos. plus taxes & RSN fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.*
⁵for 12 mos. plus taxes w/ 24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year.*
Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 10/19/20.

AT&T TV streams live TV channels to your TV through the streaming device that it provides. The price of the device is included in your monthly subscription at no extra cost, but you can also stream the service on other streaming devices like Amazon’s Fire TV Stick and Apple TV.

AT&T TV’s device allows you to watch movies and TV shows in 4K HDR, includes a Google Assistant-powered remote and lets you record up to 500 hours of TV on its cloud DVR. You can also access other streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and HBO NOW through AT&T TV’s device.

But while most streaming services allow you to cancel your plan at any time, you’ll have to commit to a two-year contract to use AT&T TV, and the price goes up significantly in year two.

That said, it offers by far the best channel lineup of any streaming service. If you’re looking for a cable alternative that provides the same extensive selection of channels as cable or satellite, AT&T TV is your best option.

Hulu + Live TV – Great on-demand library

Hulu + Live TV’s channel mix makes it a popular choice for families. With local channels, sports networks and popular kids networks like Disney and Cartoon Network, Hulu + Live TV offers a little something for everyone. Plus, with streaming allowed on two devices at once, Hulu + Live TV lets everyone watch what they want.

What’s more, by signing up for Hulu + Live TV, you’ll get access to Hulu’s popular on-demand streaming service, a $5.99/mo. value on its own.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 10/19/20.

Hulu + Live TV comes with your local channels plus:

Hulu + Live TV compatible devices:

Some notable channels missing from Hulu + Live TV include major sports channels like NFL Network, MLB Network and NBA TV. Also, no premium channels are included with Hulu + Live TV, but you can add HBO®, Cinemax®, SHOWTIME® and STARZ® for an added monthly cost.

FuboTV- No contract or hidden fees

FuboTV is a great alternative to cable TV if you want access to all popular TV channels, plus options to add on less common channels and even some Premium Channels, such as SHOWTIME. FuboTV’s packages range from $59.99/mo. to $79.99/mo. None of FuboTV’s packages or add ons require a contract and there are no hidden fees. 

Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 10/19/20.

The main packages include:

• Standard plan: $59.99/mo. for more than 100 channels, ability to stream from two devices at once, 30 hours of cloud-based DVR
• Family plan: $64.99/mo. for 109 channels, ability to stream from three devices at once, 250 hours of cloud-based DVR .
• Family Play with SHOWTIME: $69.99/mo. for the Family plan, plus SHOWTIME.
• Elite: $79.99/mo. for 153 channels, pus an additional 44 channels with Fubo Extra, ability to stream from up to five devices at once, 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR 

Standard plan channels:

Digital antenna – Best for local channels

If you’re not in a Locast service area but still want your fix of free local channels, a digital antenna is the way to go. Depending on where you live, a digital antenna could connect you to dozens of live channels including your local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC affiliates. Like any alternative to cable TV, a digital antenna comes with its advantages and disadvantages.

Digital antennas are available in either indoor or outdoor models. Indoor antennas are typically cheaper and easier to install, but will have a more limited channel selection. Outdoor antennas will get better reception and likely more channels, but may be a bit pricier and harder to install.

What new streaming services are there?

As streaming services have become popular alternatives to cable TV service, more streaming services have entered the market. Some of the biggest new streaming services include:

• Apple TV+ – Apple joined the streaming party in November 2019. While Apple continues to roll out new content every month, the early titles have featured some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
• Disney Plus – Disney Plus launched in November 2019 and features many favorite Disney movies and shows. Adding to the Disney library you know and love, Disney Plus also has more than 20 original series and 11 original movies.
• ESPN+ – ESPN’s new streaming service gives you access to many sporting events, including some you won’t find on ESPN or ESPN 2. Most notably, UFC Fight Night events will air exclusively on ESPN+. And if you want to order a UFC PPV Main Event, you’ll have to do it through ESPN+ as well.
• Facebook Watch – Facebook is bringing free content to its more than 2.3 billion users with Facebook Watch. The new streaming service features original series, select live sporting events and, of course, lots of user-generated content.

Streaming services from networks and cable providers

If you want to cut the cord, but not completely sever it, Cox and Spectrum offer streaming bundles. These services aren’t available in all areas, but to be eligible you must also sign up for their internet service. Depending on the service and your location, you could get up to 75 or more channels including your locals, and stream on up to two devices.

Individual networks are also getting into the streaming game. CBS All Access lets you watch live CBS programming and gives you access to their library of hot shows. It’s a great option for cord cutters, or AT&T customers in markets that no longer carry CBS.

NBC launched a sports app, NBC Sports Gold, that is a collection of streaming services featuring sports you may not find on cable TV. Popular packages offer cycling coverage, rugby and exclusive Premier League matches.

Best free streaming services

In addition to the dozens of subscription streaming services hitting the market, there are a growing number of free streaming services available. You’ll have to sit through a few commercials, but many of them have even better libraries than some services you’d pay for. Here are some of our favorites:

• Hoopla – You’ll need a library card to use Hoopla, but it has the best collection of movies and TV shows of any free streaming service. It has more than 8,000 titles to choose from, with an especially strong selection of critically acclaimed dramas, classics and documentaries.
• Kanopy – Another library-sponsored free streaming service, Kanopy has an impressive collection of movies and educational videos. You’ll find a number of recent Oscar nominees, plus the best lineup of foreign and indie films around.
• Tubi TV – If you’re in the mood for some lighter fare, Tubi has an endless supply of classic comedy and action flicks. And with more than 15,000 titles in its library, you’ll never run out of movies to watch. 
• Pluto TV – One of the only free streaming services that airs live TV channels, Pluto TV is a great way to watch sports and news shows without paying a premium. Its on-demand library is impressive, too, with more than 1,500 movies to choose from.