Best cable TV alternatives for 2020

Live and on-demand alternatives to cable TV

Considering cutting the cord? You’re not alone. Nearly five million people cut the cord in 2019, 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 08/25/20.
**Channel selection varies by location

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 08/25/20.

YouTube TV includes your local channels plus popular networks including:

YouTube TV compatible devices:

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.

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 is HBO Max®, which is included in its $80/mo. Max package. For all other plans, you can add it for an extra $14.99/mo. 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 08/24/20.

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 cable alternatives, but at a potentially higher 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 Max do not include HBO.

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.