Best cable TV alternatives for 2021

You have more options than ever available to you. Explore these cable alternatives for live TV.

Don’t need live TV? Check out our list of the best on-demand alternatives to cable.

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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 10/19/20.
**Channel selection varies by location

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. 

1for 12 mos. plus taxes w/ 24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year.*w/ 24-mo. agmt.
2for 12 mos. plus taxes & RSN fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.*
3for 12 mos. plus taxes & RSN fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.*
4for 12 mos. plus taxes & RSN fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.*
5for 12 mos. plus taxes w/ 24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year.*
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.

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.

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.

But 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.

Learn more about AT&T TV

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.

YouTube TV includes your local channels plus popular networks including:

  • AMC
  • Animal Planet
  • Cartoon Network
  • Discovery Channel
  • Disney
  • ESPN
  • Food Network
  • Fox News
  • FOX Sports 1
  • FX
  • HGTV
  • MLB Network
  • MSNBC
  • PBS
  • TBS
  • TLC
  • TNT
  • Travel Channel
  • TruTV
  • USA

YouTube TV compatible devices:

  • Apple TV 4th Generation
  • Roku devices
  • Select Android smartphones and tablets
  • Android TV
  • Google Chromecast
  • Select iPhone and iPad devices
  • Select Hisense, LG, Samsung, Sharp and Vizio smart TVs
  • Xbox One

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.

Learn more about YouTube TV

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 10/19/20.

Hulu + Live TV comes with your local channels plus:

  • A&E
  • Animal Planet
  • CNN
  • Discovery Channel
  • E!
  • ESPN
  • ESPN 2
  • Fox News
  • FOX Sports 1
  • FX
  • Golf Channel
  • HGTV
  • History Channel
  • Lifetime
  • MSNBC
  • National Geographic
  • TLC
  • TNT
  • Travel Channel
  • USA

Hulu + Live TV compatible devices:

  • Mac and PC at Hulu.com
  • Apple TV 4th Generation
  • Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
  • Apple iPhone and iPad devices
  • Google Chromecast
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Android smartphones and tablets
  • Xbox One and Xbox 360
  • Select Samsung and LG smart TVs

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.

Learn more about Hulu + Live TV

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 10/19/20.

Channels you get with a Philo subscription:

  • AMC
  • American Heroes
  • Animal Planet
  • Aspire
  • AXS TV
  • BBC America
  • BBC World News
  • BET
  • BET Her
  • Cheddar
  • CLEO TV
  • CMT
  • Comedy Central
  • Cooking Channel
  • Discovery
  • Discovery Family
  • Discovery Life
  • DIY Network
  • Food Network
  • FYI
  • GSN
  • Get TV
  • Great American Country
  • Hallmark Channel
  • Hallmark Drama
  • Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
  • HGTV
  • History
  • INSP
  • Investigation
  • Discovery
  • Law and Crime
  • Lifetime
  • Lifetime Movie Network
  • Logo
  • MotorTrend
  • MTV
  • MTV Classic
  • MTV Live
  • MTV2
  • Nick Jr.
  • Nickelodeon
  • NickToons
  • Paramount Network
  • People TV
  • Revolt
  • Science
  • Sundance TV
  • TasteMade
  • TeenNick
  • TLC
  • Travel Channel
  • TV Land
  • ONE TV
  • UPtv
  • VH1
  • Viceland
  • We TV

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. FuboTV’s packages range from $59.99/mo. to $79.99/mo. 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 10/19/20.

The main packages include:

  • Standard plan: $59.99/mo. for more than 100 channels, ability to stream from two devices at once, 30 hours of cloud-based DVR
  • Family plan: $64.99/mo. for 109 channels, ability to stream from three devices at once, 250 hours of cloud-based DVR .
  • Family Play with SHOWTIME: $69.99/mo. for the Family plan, plus SHOWTIME.
  • Elite: $79.99/mo. for 153 channels, pus an additional 44 channels with Fubo Extra, ability to stream from up to five devices at once, 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR 

Standard plan channels:

  • A&E
  • ABC
  • ABC News Life
  • ACC Network 
  • AMC
  • Animal Planet 
  • beIN SPORTS 3
  • beIN SPORTS 4 beIN SPORTS 5
  • beIN SPORTS 6 beIN SPORTS 7 
  • beIN SPORTS 8
  • beIN SPORTS Español
  • beIN SPORTS La Liga
  • BET
  • Big Ten Network 
  • Big Ten Network 2
  • Big Ten Network 3
  • Big Ten Network 4
  • Bravo 
  • CBS (Select Markets)
  • CBS News
  • CBS Sports Network
  • Discovery 
  • Disney Channel
  • Disney Junior 
  • Disney XD
  • Cheddar 
  • CMT
  • CNBC
  • Comedy Central 
  • Comet
  • Cozi 
  • CW (Select Markets)
  • E!
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPN3
  • Food Network
  • Fox (Select Markets)
  • FOX Business Network
  • FOX News Channel
  • FOX Sports 1
  • FOX Sports 2
  • fubo Sports Network
  • FX
  • FXX
  • FYI
  • Galavision
  • GetTV
  • Golf Channel
  • Hallmark Channel
  • Hallmark Drama
  • Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
  • HGTV
  • History
  • IFC
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Lifetime
  • LMN
  • Local Now
  • MotorTrend
  • MSNBC
  • MTV
  • National Geographic
  • NBC (Select Markets)
  • NBC LX
  • NBC Universo
  • NBCSN
  • Newsmax
  • NFL Network
  • Nick Jr.
  • Nickelodeon incl. Nick at Nite
  • Olympic Channel
  • OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
  • Oxygen
  • Pac-12 Network
  • Paramount Network
  • Pop
  • SEC Network
  • Smithsonian Channel
  • Sundance TV
  • Syfy
  • Tastemade
  • Telemundo (Select Markets)
  • The Weather Channel
  • TLC
  • Travel Channel
  • TUDN (fka Univision Deportes Network)
  • TUDNxtra 1
  • TUDNxtra 10
  • TUDNxtra 11
  • TUDNxtra 2
  • TUDNxtra 3
  • TUDNxtra 4
  • TUDNxtra 5
  • TUDNxtra 6
  • TUDNxtra 7
  • TUDNxtra 8
  • TUDNxtra 9
  • TV Land
  • TVG
  • Unimas
  • Universal Kids
  • Univision
  • USA
  • VH1
  • Viceland
  • WE TV

Locast – Best for streaming local channels

The most popular channels on TV are your local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC affiliates — and they’re all available for free.

Locast, a not-for-profit streaming service gets you all these channels, and streams them to your TV like any other streaming service. However, Locast is currently only available in select markets.

Locast is currently only available in:

  • Atlanta
  • Baltimore
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Dallas
  • Denver
  • Houston
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • Minneapolis
  • New York
  • Philadelphia
  • Phoenix
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rapid City
  • San Francisco
  • Sioux City
  • Sioux Falls
  • Tampa Bay
  • Washington, D.C.

Locast compatible devices

Locast can be viewed on web browsers, iOS and Android apps, Google Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, TiVo, Apple TV, Android TV, DIRECTV and DISH.

Learn more about Locast

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 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 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.

Learn more about digital antennas

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.

  • HBO Max – Best for movies

    HBO Max gives you access to the best library of movies on any streaming service, plus the impressive catalog of HBO original series. Starting at $15/mo.*, HBO Max is perhaps the best on-demand option for cord cutters.

  • 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 $15.99/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. Speeds may vary. As of 10/19/20.

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.

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 Hulu + Live TV. It gives you access to local channels, popular sports networks and more. Plus you can stream on an unlimited number of devices at home and store up to 200 hours of recorded content.

First, you’ll want to make sure you’re not under a contract with your current cable provider. If you are free to “cut the cord,” check out our guide to cord cutting for tips on how to get rid of cable TV.

Many cable alternatives include your local networks at no extra cost, including AT&T TV, Hulu + Live TV, AT&T TV NOW and YouTube TV. Or, if you want to pick up your local channels over the air, follow our guide for choosing 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

Senior Writer, Wireless & Streaming Content

Joe oversees all things wireless and streaming for Allconnect. His work has been referenced by McAfee, Fox network and more. He has utilized thousands of data points to build a library of metrics to help users n… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband & Wireless Content

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