Best cable TV alternatives for 2021

Live and on-demand cable TV alternatives

Joe Supan Last updated: June 8, 2021

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Considering cutting the cord? You’re not alone. Approximately 6.6 million people cut the cord in 2020, opting for cheaper cable alternatives to watch their favorite shows and movies.

As cord cutting has grown in popularity, a number of streaming services have stepped in to fill the void. Each offers a slightly different viewing experience, from the channels and programming you get to how you watch and how much you pay. Here’s our breakdown of the best streaming services.

*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.
**Channel selection varies by location

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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. 

*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 02/12/21.

Streaming capabilities: 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.

Devices: 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.

Contracts: 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.

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YouTube TV – Best user experience

Perhaps the biggest pioneer of video streaming, YouTube has joined the ranks of live TV streaming services. With more than 95 live TV channels, YouTube TV is high on the list of alternatives to cable TV. Along with a great channel selection, users enjoy a simple and straightforward interface and navigation that lets you quickly find the channels, shows and recordings you 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 10/19/20.

Show popular included channels

What’s not included: While YouTube TV offers lots of popular networks you’d get with cable, some channels you’d have to go without include A&E, History and Lifetime. Another somewhat surprising omission with YouTube TV is 4K programming. While there is lots of 4K content on YouTube, YouTube TV currently does not offer any 4K channels or programming.

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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 02/11/21

Show popular included channels

What’s not included: 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.

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Philo- Cheapest option for live TV

Philo is one of the newest alternatives to cable TV,  launching in 2017. Its prices are some of the lowest in the market, offering a 58-channel package for $20/mo. Philo is also a streaming service that gives you access to live TV on all of your devices, including your computer, phone, Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire. 

With Philo, you also are able to save as many shows as you like for up to 30 days and you can create a personalized profile for each member in your family. Philo’s ideal for people who want access to some of the most popular entertainment channels on TV. Philo’s not ideal for people who are looking for local channels, on-air networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX), Disney’s channels, Bravo, Turner Networks (TBS, TNT, CNN). Philo also doesn’t offer major sports channels; however, you can always add on an ESPN+ package for an additional $5.99/mo. 

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 02/12/21

Show popular included channels

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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. 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 02/12/21.

Show popular included channels

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Sling TV- Best for customization 

Sling TV is one of the most popular streaming services because of its low price points and its customizable add-on options. Even its most expensive plan of $45/mo. is still less expensive than most other live streaming services. The drawback with Sling TV is that it doesn’t offer some popular channels, such as ABC, CBS Animal Planet or most of the regional sports channels. 

Show not included channels

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Digital antenna – Best for local channels

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.

*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 02/12/21.

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Best 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.

• Amazon Prime Video – Best movie selection

  Access to Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $119/yr. or $12.99/mo. You can also rent new releases and select TV shows, an option you can’t get with many other streaming services.

• Hulu – Best for network shows

  One of the cheaper streaming services per month (starting at $5.99/mo.), Hulu features lots of content that you would find on cable TV. In addition to popular shows from major networks, Hulu features many original series, though most are not as popular as the ones on Amazon Prime Video or Netflix.

• Netflix – Best originals

  Netflix has thousands of shows and movies, with more coming and going each month. Along with popular TV shows, blockbuster hits and some cheesy “B movies,” Netflix offers dozens, if not hundreds, of original series. Netflix subscriptions range from $8.99 to $17.99/mo.

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What other 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 original series (including The Mandalorian and WandaVision) and new 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.
• Peacock – Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service and it launched in April 2020. Peacock offers three plans: Peacock Free, Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus. The service gained attention in January 2021 when The Office moved from Netflix to Peacock.
• Paramount Plus – Paramount Plus is the rebranding of CBS All Access. This new version of the CBS streaming service will be available beginning March 2021. 
• 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.

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