Cable TV alternatives

Traditional cable is never on the list of services that can help you save money. Even if they like watching television, most people hate their monthly cable bill because it often seems excessively expensive for the value it provides. Many feel like they are paying for channels they don't even use. But what are some less expensive alternatives to cable TV?

A new market of options and features that serve as cable TV and satellite TV alternatives has been sparked by this widespread disdain for overpriced basic cable television services. In fact, a recent Forbes study found that the cancellation rate for cable TV was 15% in 2020 and 27% in 2021. This shouldn't come as a surprise given that streaming services account for over 65% of viewing time, compared to traditional TV's 28%.

Today, however, there are so many choices that making a decision can be challenging. The focus is no longer solely on the channels. Other options, like parental controls, the number of devices that can stream simultaneously, the DVR capacity, the availability of video conferencing, etc., also play a significant role.

The service must be reasonably priced and provide a good amount of programming for the price in order to be regarded as a great alternative to cable and satellite TV. Fortunately, there are lots of choices that fit those requirements. Both on-demand and live TV streaming services are included in our list.

1. Digital Antenna

Using a digital antenna is one of many non-cable TV options available.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of antennas is the traditional, large, and unsightly rabbit ears. Additionally, you probably consider how imperfect the picture is and how channels can blur or almost completely disappear.

Today's antennas are all digital, making them stylish and providing pristine reception for your favourite TV shows, including local channels. Because there is no monthly fee and only a tiny up-front cost to purchase the antenna, this is one of the cheapest alternatives to cable TV. Once you've paid for the antenna, you can watch as many local channels as you'd like.

We purchased a digital antenna similar to this one before selling our home and embarking on a full-time adventure of travel. It's an indoor model that was placed in front of our TV, it wasn't ugly, and we occasionally forgot it was there (making it an excellent cord-cutting option!). That link is an affiliate one, but I didn't even know I could be one until after we had already purchased and used the antenna.

Other options for devices include:

• Roku
• Apple TV
• Amazon Fire Stick

And more!

2. Netflix

Given that it allows you to watch both movies and TV shows, Netflix is probably one of the most well-liked alternatives to cable TV. Being ad-free and having Netflix makes it simple to cut the cord on cable or satellite.

One of our favorite cable TV substitutes on this list is Netflix, which is how we've been watching TV most frequently. It's likely one of the best and most well-liked television services. This is because we can watch some of our favourite TV shows on Netflix over and over again.

Netflix has been investing a lot of money in producing original content, which includes hit shows like Arrested Development, Stranger Things, Black Mirror, Orange Is the New Black and House of Cards. Additionally, they frequently add new titles, which keeps this alternative feeling new. Additionally, it excels at figuring out the kinds of shows you like to watch and making suggestions.

Additionally, Netflix provides a free trial period. With Netflix, the monthly fee is quite reasonable. You can change your Netflix plan whenever you need to because there is no contract or other fees.

3. Hulu

Hulu is among the best cable TV substitutes if you want to watch the most recent season of your favorite network television shows. The Path, The Handmaid's Tale, and Casual are just a few examples of the Hulu Original series that have been made available. Additionally, they have a sizable movie collection that they update fairly frequently. Additionally, they have lineups for channels like HGTV, CNN, MTV, and A&E.

And while some of the top streaming services are beginning to raise their monthly subscription fees, Hulu has actually reduced the price of their entry-level service. With add-ons from Hulu, you can further customize your package with features like unlimited screens, improved cloud DVR, the Espaol add-on, and more. New users of Hulu receive a 30-day free trial.

4. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video, or simply Prime Video, is an American subscription video-on-demand over-the-top streaming and rental service provided by Amazon that is available as a standalone service or as part of the Amazon Prime subscription. The service primarily distributes Amazon Originals, which are films and television series produced by Amazon Studios and MGM Holdings or licencsed to Amazon.

It also hosts content from other providers, content add-ons, live sporting events, and video rental and purchasing services. If you already have an Amazon Prime membership, you have access to Amazon Prime Video. This makes watching Amazon Prime Video a good way to reduce the number of monthly subscriptions you have, and it is one of the best cable tv alternatives because you can watch both movies and TV shows!

Amazon Prime Video has new releases as well as classics of your favorite movies and shows, and they are constantly expanding their collection of Amazon Original Series. Amazon Prime Video comes with an Amazon Prime Subscription, which costs Rs. 1,499 per year or Rs.179 per month. There are also premium channel add-ons available, such as HBO, Showtime, and others. You can also get a Prime Video membership.

5. YouTube

YouTube is a social media and online video sharing platform based in San Bruno, California. Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim founded it on February 14, 2005. Google owns it, and it is the second most visited website after Google Search. YouTube has over 2.5 billion monthly users who watch over one billion hours of video every day. In May 2019, videos were being uploaded at a rate of over 500 hours per minute.

I watch television by going to YouTube and watching sailing or travel videos. We always end up watching amusing, random ones as well. Even if you have to watch ads now and then, those ads help to keep YouTube free and support the creators who make entertaining videos. As a result, YouTube is one of the best ways to cut the cord. It's an excellent way to avoid cable and watch TV for free! YouTube has a wide variety of content, and you can find things from your favorite YouTubers, web only content from your favorite TV channels, and clips from comedy series (like SNL), and interviews.

6. Library

Your local library is my favourite alternative to cable TV because it is completely free! Libraries have a large selection of movies (including new releases), complete series of TV shows, and other items. Many libraries have partnerships with other libraries in the area, so if you can't find what you're looking for at one, it's probably available at another. Many libraries now provide free digital access to TV and movies with your library card via services such as:

• Kanopy
• Hoopla

There may be some limitations on the number of shows and movies you can watch per month, but free is a great thing if you're cutting the cord to save money.

7. Disney Plus Hotstar

Disney+ Hotstar is an Indian brand of subscription video-on-demand over-the-top streaming service owned by Novi Digital Entertainment of Disney Star and operated by The Walt Disney Company's Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution.

It features classic Disney films as well as original series, short-form content, and documentaries. You'll be able to watch the following things on Disney Plus because Disney owns a number of franchises and networks:

• Pixar
• Marvel
• Star Wars
• National Geographic
• Fox classics like the Sound of Music and 30 seasons of the Simpsons

Hotstar users can stream on up to four devices simultaneously, depending on their plan, and download content for offline viewing, depending on individual content licenses. The majority of content can be streamed in resolutions up to 1080p. Hotstar began rolling out Dolby Digital 5.1 sound on Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Fire HD, and Roku in April 2020, followed by 4K with HDR in August 2020, initially for Apple TV and Android TV devices.

8. Online Websites

Some cable and network channels allow you to go directly to their website and watch their TV shows for free. So all you need is an internet connection to do this! Depending on the channel, you may only be able to watch the most recent episodes or those that are a little older. You can also download Telegram and can get links for the sites easily.