Best cable TV alternatives of 2025

• Great channel selection – With more than 100 live TV channels, YouTube TV has almost everything you’d get with cable TV
• User-friendly – The simple and straightforward interface and navigation allow you to quickly find channels, shows and recordings

• Missing channels – Some channels you’d have to go without include A&E, History and Lifetime
• 4K is extra – YouTube now offers 4K streaming for certain on-demand titles and live content, but it’ll cost you extra

• Great channel lineup – DIRECTV’s top packages include almost every popular channel
• Sports channels – You’ll be able to catch national game, plus your local MLB, NBA and NHL team games with DIRECTV’s extensive collection of regional sports networks
• Premium channels – Max, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, MGM+™ & Cinemax® included for first three months

• Monthly price – It is one of the pricier live TV streaming services, especially if you opt for one of the top packages
• About those sports – Regional sports networks aren’t included in DIRECTV’s cheapest plan

• Good channel mix for families – With local channels, sports networks and popular kids networks like Disney and Cartoon Network, there’s something for everyone. Plus, there is a hefty on-demand library
• Available streaming service – By signing up for Hulu + Live TV, you’ll also get Disney+, Hulu on-demand and ESPN+

• What’s not included – Major sports channels like MLB Network and NBA TV
• Premium channels add to the cost – No premium channels are included, but you can add HBO®, Cinemax®, SHOWTIME® and STARZ® for an added monthly cost

• Low pricing – The service offers a wide variety of channels for a cheap price, making it one of the more affordable TV options on the market
• Strong streaming – The streaming service that gives you access to live TV on all of your devices, including your computer, phone, Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire; a strictly non-cable TV provider

• Weak channel access – 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)
• No sports – Philo doesn’t offer major sports channels; however, you can always add on an ESPN+ package for an additional charge

• No contracts – None of FuboTV’s packages or add-ons require a contract and there are no hidden fees
• Great user experience – Replicates the design of the TV app and web browser, with sections for sports, TV and movies

• Channel selection – FuboTV is missing some channels customers might be familiar with, like TNT and Cartoon Network

• Low cost – Even its most expensive plan is still less expensive than most other live streaming services
• No commitments – Sling has no contracts, so if it’s not right for you, leaving is easy

• Missing channels – It doesn’t offer some popular channels, such as ABC, CBS Animal Planet or most of the regional sports channels
• Weak DVR – The service offers only 50 hours of DVR storage

Disney Plus launched in November 2019 and features many of your favorite Disney movies and shows. In addition to the Disney library you know and love, Disney Plus has original series (including The Mandalorian and WandaVision) and new movies.

Cost: $9.99 – $15.99/mo.

ESPN’s 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.

Cost: $11.99/mo.

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.

Cost: $7.99 – $13.99/mo.

Paramount Plus is the rebranding of CBS All Access. This new version of the CBS streaming service will be available beginning March 2021.

Cost: $7.99 – $12.99/mo.

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 lots of user-generated content.

Cost: Free

Access to Amazon Prime is included with an Amazon Prime membership. You can also rent new releases and select TV shows, an option you can’t get with many other streaming services.

Cost: $14.99/mo.

Hulu is one of the cheaper streaming services per month if you don’t do with the live TV option, but it features a lot of content 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 ones on Amazon Prime Video or Netflix.

Cost: $9.99 – $18.99/mo.

Max launched in 2020 and combines all of HBO content with additional TV shows, movies and HBO originals. Its collection of content makes it one of the most popular streaming services on the market.

Cost: $9.99 – $20.99/mo.

Netflix started over 20 years ago as a DVD rental service and has since become a leading streaming service. It offers thousands of TV shows, movies and Netflix originals to its 200 million+ worldwide subscribers.

Cost: $7.99 – $24.99/mo.

Streaming services are providers who offer subscriptions to their company for live and on-demand content.

It depends on what you’re looking for, but perhaps the best all-around alternative to cable is YouTube TV. It gives you access to local channels, popular sports networks and more. Plus you can save an unlimited amount of recordings on your DVR.

First, you’ll want to make sure you’re not under a contract with your current cable provider. Then read our streaming reviews and see which works with your lifestyle.

Many cable alternatives include your local networks at no extra cost, including Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. Or, if you want to pick up your local channels over the air, choose the best digital TV antenna. You can also use the Locast app if it’s available in your area.

If you keep your monthly streaming services down to one or two, yes, you can save money by getting rid of your cable bill.

There are several free streaming services and apps available on Roku TV, Fire TV and other streaming devices. These services, such as Hoopla and Tubi TV, give you free access to thousands of movies and shows. You can also stream YouTube videos for free, if you can make it past the ads.