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Best cable TV alternatives of 2024

By Joe Supan Last updated: July 9, 2024

You have more options than ever to watch TV without cable with streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, which also offer live TV options.

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How to watch TV without cable

Looking for cable TV alternatives? You’re not alone. As of late 2023, nearly half of U.S. residents have given up traditional pay TV (cable) subscriptions: Households subscribing to pay TV went “down to 49.7%, compared to 55.4% in 2021,” reports Emarketer.

Several streaming services have stepped in to fill the void as alternatives to cable TV. Each offers a slightly different viewing experience, from the channels and programming you get to how you watch and how much you pay. With some services, you can get local channels without cable as well. Here’s our breakdown of the best streaming cable alternative services.

Best streaming providers for 2024

Compare the best alternatives to cable

There are several popular streaming services that each offer something a little different. YouTube TV is the best overall choice for a streaming service offering live TV, and it’s the only place to get the NFL SUNDAY TICKET. DIRECTV has the best channel selection and Hulu + Live TV is the best option for live national sports. fuboTV is the best option for fans of international sports. Philo is a solid choice for customization, with a skinny bundle for $25/mo. Sling TV is a good plan for local channel affiliates like FOX and NBC.

*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 05/29/24.
**Channel selection varies by location

YouTube TV logo

Best Streaming Service

Best streaming service to replace cable

Overall, YouTube TV is the best option if you are looking to cut the cord and switch from a cable TV subscription to a streaming service. YouTube TV scored highest on Allconnect’s TV streaming ranking due to its high channel count and unlimited DVR storage. YouTube TV is one of the more expensive TV streaming options; however, if you are looking for something more comparable to cable TV, but without the contracts and installation hassle, YouTube TV is worth the expense.

Learn more about our methodology

YouTube TV – Best overall

Although it’s one of the most expensive streaming and live TV services available, YouTube TV is hard to beat with over 100 channels, a free week’s trial, unlimited DVR storage, no contract requirement and, for an extra fee, access to the NFL Sunday Ticket.

What we like

  • 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 lets you quickly find channels, shows and recordings.

Things to consider

  • 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.

*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 05/29/24.

Learn more about YouTube TV

DIRECTV – Best channel selection

DIRECTV offers over 150 channels, flexible entertainment add-ons and premium channels like Max, SHOWTIME, MGM+ and more.

What we like

  • 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’s games with DIRECTV’s extensive collection of regional sports networks.

  • Premium channels: HBO Max™, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, MGM+™ & Cinemax® included for first three months.

Things to consider

  • 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 the DIRECTV’s cheapest plan.

*First 3 months of HBO MaxTM, Cinemax®, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, and EPIX® included HBO MaxTM, Cinemax®, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, and EPIX® auto renew after 3 months at then prevailing rates (currently $14.99/mo. for HBO Max, $10.99/mo. each for Cinemax, SHOWTIME and STARZ and $5.99/mo. for EPIX), unless you call to change or cancel. Req’s you to select offers. Offer subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.
EPIX® auto-renews after 3 months at then prevailing rate (currently $6/mo.), unless you change or cancel. Req’s you to select offer. Offer subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.

Learn more about DIRECTV

Hulu + Live TV – Best perks

Hulu + Live TV offers several options for TV with or without ads, 50 hours of cloud DVR storage and you can run two simultaneous streams. There are 75 channels available, with lots of game coverage for any sports lover. This is a great option if live streaming is a priority for you.

What we like

  • 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+.

Things to consider

  • 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.

*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 05/29/24.

Learn more about Hulu + Live TV

Philo – Cheapest TV streaming service

Philo offers a free seven-day trial period, and if you decide to keep it, it is one of the cheapest service available at $25/mo. It offers 70+ channels and includes a DVR. If you want inexpensive live TV streaming, Philo is perfect for most budgets.

What we like

  • 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.

Things to consider

  • 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.

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 05/29/24.

Learn more about Philo

FuboTV – Best for international sports

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. 

What we like

  • 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.

Things to consider

  • Less DVR storage: FuboTV comes with 30 hours of cloud DVR storage, which is less than some of the other services.

  • Fewer streams: Only offers two simultaneous streams, less than most 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 05/29/24.

Learn more about fuboTV

Sling TV- Best for customization

Sling TV allows you to customize your viewing with flexible streaming and the ability to pick a channel lineup that you really want. Packages range from 30 to 40 channels.

What we like

  • 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.

Things to consider

  • 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 10 hours of DVR storage.

*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 05/29/24.

Learn more about Sling TV

Best ways to watch local channels without cable

Several streaming services offer live local TV without any extra fees:  DIRECTV, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

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 antenna pros

  • No monthly costs
  • HD and 4K resolution possible
  • One antenna can serve multiple TVs

Digital antenna cons

  • Limited channel selection
  • Initial setup may be difficult
  • Signal interference in bad weather

Digital antennas are available in 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 they may be a bit pricier and harder to install.

Additional on-demand streaming services

As streaming services have become popular alternatives to cable TV service, more streaming services have entered the market. Some of the biggest on-demand 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 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.
  • 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 lots of user-generated content.
  • Amazon Prime Video – Access to Amazon Prime Video 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. 
  • Hulu – 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. 
  • Max – 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. 
  • Netflix: 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. 

Cord cutting FAQs

Which streaming service is best for live TV?

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 DIRECTV STREAM, 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.

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.

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Joe Supan

Written by:

Joe Supan

Principal Writer, Broadband Content

Joe is a senior writer for CNET covering home technology and broadband. Prior to joining CNET, Joe led MYMOVE’s moving coverage and reported on broadband policy, the digital divide, and privacy issues for the br… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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