What are the best alternatives to cable TV for your home?

Hulu + Live TV – Best channel selection

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 of devices at once, Hulu + Live TV lets everyone watch what they want.

*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 01/31/20.

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.

AT&T TV NOW – Best for HBO

AT&T TV NOW (formerly DIRECTV NOW) is another one of the alternatives to cable TV that is ideal for cord cutters and anyone who may not want or be eligible for cable or satellite TV. AT&T TV NOW gives you perhaps the most package options with seven to choose from, including a Spanish base package.

The highlight of AT&T TV NOW’s two main streaming packages, Plus and Max, is HBO®. AT&T TV NOW is among the only cable alternatives that include HBO with the lowest-tiered package. The AT&T TV NOW Max package also includes Cinemax®.

*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 01/31/20.

AT&T TV NOW includes local channels plus a robust assortment of available channels, including:

AT&T TV NOW compatible devices:

AT&T TV NOW offers more channels than most OTT alternatives to cable, but at a potentially high price. While their lowest package price is in line with other top streaming services, their higher-tiered packages can run well over $100/mo., significantly higher than some cable TV packages. Plus, packages other than the Plus or Max do not include HBO.

Top streaming services for on-demand content

If you can live without live TV, or picking up over-the-air content on your local channels is enough, but still want great entertainment, on-demand streaming services may be for you.

These services won’t bring you live TV, but they can still serve as good alternatives to cable TV. You may also find that these streaming services are a good complement to cable, bringing original series and movies you otherwise wouldn’t get from your TV provider.

*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 01/30/20.

What new streaming services are there?

As OTT 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+ – Disney+ launched in November 2019 and features many favorite Disney movies and shows. Adding to the Disney library you know and love, Disney+ also has more than 25 original series and 10 original films.
• 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.