11 Cheap Alternatives to Cable TV That Will Save You Money

Are you tired of paying too much for cable TV? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people are looking for alternatives to traditional cable TV services. The average cable bill is over $100 per month, and that’s before you factor in the cost of internet service.

There are cheaper alternatives to cable TV that will save you money without sacrificing quality. Many popular streaming services offer most of the broadcast, entertainment, news, and sports channels you want to watch and will even allow you to add on premiums like HBO and Showtime.

So, if you’re looking for a way to cut your expenses, you may want to consider switching to one of these low-cost alternatives to cable TV.

Why People are Looking for Alternatives 

Cable television has long been the standard for home entertainment, but it is increasingly being replaced by streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. 

There are a number of reasons for this shift:

• Streaming services are generally much cheaper than cable TV packages.
• They offer more flexibility in terms of how and when you watch your favorite shows. You can watch them on your schedule, rather than having to conform to the programming schedule of a cable channel.
• Streaming services offer a far wider selection of TV shows and movies than most cable providers.

In short, people are looking for alternatives to cable TV because they are typically cheaper, more flexible, and offer a better selection of content.  

Cheap Paid Alternatives to Cable TV

1) Netflix

Netflix is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of TV shows, movies, anime, documentaries, and more on thousands of internet-connected devices. 

You can watch as much as you want, whenever you want, without a commercial in sight. There’s always something new to discover, and more than 100 million members worldwide enjoy our service. Plans start at $9.99 per month. No matter what plan you choose, you can always change it later. There’s no contract, and you can cancel online anytime, 24 hours a day.

2) Hulu

Hulu is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and clips. With a paid subscription, you’ll get access to more content and features, including the ability to watch shows and movies offline. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial with a valid email address. 

Hulu also offers live TV in some areas, which lets you watch your favorite channels without a cable or satellite subscription. You can find out more about Hulu’s plans and pricing on their website.

3) Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of movies and TV shows. It’s available for $14.99/month, or you can get it for $8.99/month if you’re an Amazon Prime member. 

Whether you’re looking for something to watch on your lunch break or you want to binge-watch a new series, Amazon Prime Video has something for everyone. The service has a lot to offer, including new and popular TV shows, movies, and even some Prime Originals. Plus, with Amazon’s world-class customer service, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible experience.

4) HBO Max

If you’re a fan of HBO’s programming but don’t have cable, you may be wondering how you can watch your favorite shows. Luckily, HBO Max is a great option for cord-cutters. For just $9.99 per month, you can stream all of HBO’s original programming, as well as a selection of movies and documentaries. 

Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan or you’re more into comedies like Veep, HBO Max is a great way to watch the shows you love without paying for cable. Plus, with Max Max, you can watch shows on your own schedule – there’s no need to set your DVR or wait for reruns. Simply log in and start watching whenever you want.

5) Sling TV

Sling TV is a streaming service that offers live and on-demand television programming. It is available in two base packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Both packages cost $35 per month and include a variety of channels, but they differ in terms of which channels are included. Sling Orange includes ESPN, Disney Channel, and Freeform, while Sling Blue offers Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and TNT. If you want a combination of both, they offer an Orange & Blue package for $50 per month.

In addition to the base packages, Sling TV also offers a number of add-on packages that allow users to customize their subscriptions. These add-ons include additional channels, as well as premium content such as HBO and Showtime. Overall, Sling TV is a versatile and affordable streaming service that offers something for everyone.

6) Philo

Philo is a streaming service that offers live and on-demand TV from over 60 top networks. It’s just $25/month, with no contract, and you can cancel anytime. Plus, there’s a 7-day free trial, so you can try it out before you commit. 

Philo also offers some great features like AirPlay and Roku support, unlimited cloud DVR, and simultaneous streaming on up to three devices. So if you’re looking for an affordable way to watch your favorite shows, Philo is definitely worth checking out.

7) Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a great way to watch your favorite shows and movies. You can watch it on your computer, phone, or tablet. All you need is an Internet connection. 

Pluto TV has over 100 channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. You can also watch On Demand shows and movies. Pluto TV is free, and you don’t need a cable or satellite subscription. You can watch it anywhere in the world. And you can cancel anytime. So why not try it today? You won’t be disappointed.

8) Frndly TV

Frndly TV is a subscription-based streaming service that offers users a selection of ad-free, family-friendly programming. For a monthly fee, subscribers can access a variety of shows and movies from networks like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney Channel. 

With its wide selection of content and low monthly price tag, Frndly TV is a great option for families looking for an affordable way to stream their favorite shows. In addition to its kid-friendly content, Frndly TV also features a number of channels geared towards adults, including Food Network, HGTV, and DIY Network. Frndly TV also offers a selection of titles from other studios, including Dreamworks and Pixar. Subscription prices range from $6.99 up to $10.99.

9) CBS All Access

CBS All Access is a streaming service that offers users a variety of content, including live TV and on-demand shows and movies. The base plan is $5.99 per month, and it includes ads. There is also a $9.99 per month plan that does not include ads. 

CBS All Access offers a 7-day free trial for new users. It is available on many devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, and iOS. CBS All Access has a growing library of content, including exclusive shows such as The Twilight Zone and Star Trek: Discovery. It also offers live TV in select markets.

Free Alternatives to Cable TV

10) Purchase a Streaming Device

Purchase a streaming device such as a Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Roku. Each of these offers its own paid streaming channels along with plenty of free content. You can watch all your favorite shows and movies without paying a monthly cable bill with one of these devices. Just set up your device, choose your service, and start streaming.

11) Buy a Digital Antenna

There’s a cost to installing a digital antenna, but that upfront investment gives you free access to many local channels. Digital antennas can cost anywhere from $19 to $150 but are worth the money. Depending on the type of antenna you purchase and where you live, you can easily pick up 70 to 100 free stations, which include the major networks like NBC, Fox, CBS, and ABC.

How to Choose the Right Cable Alternative for You 

Cutting the cord doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, with all of the options now available, it’s easier than ever to find a TV package that fits your needs and budget. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for a cord-cutting solution:

First, decide which channels you can’t live without. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll want to make sure you have access to your favorite teams’ games. If you love movies, you’ll want a provider that offers a good selection of on-demand titles. Once you know what you need, you can start comparing providers.

Next, take a look at pricing. You’ll want to find a package that fits your budget but doesn’t sacrifice quality or features for the price. Many providers offer discounts for signing up for multiple services, so be sure to ask about bundling options.

Finally, consider convenience. Some cord-cutting solutions require more work than others. For example, if you want to use a digital antenna for free over-the-air TV, you’ll need to shop around for ones that pick up the most channels and have the furthest range. 

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to cord-cutting, but there are a lot of great options available. With a little research, you should be able to find a TV package that fits your needs and budget.