Ready to save money on cable? You’re in luck. There are more free cable TV alternatives available courtesy of streaming platforms, trials, and streams at no cost.
Watch Live and On-Demand Content Without Cable
If watching live TV and streaming on-demand content is important to you, using a free streaming service that includes both is a zero-cost option.
Here are a few of the best streaming services to consider:
- Sling TV: Watch live TV with no contracts and at no cost using Sling FreeStream. It offers a roster of over 600 channels of cost-free live TV and on-demand content, including live news, reality TV, sitcoms, and dramas.
- Philo: Access over 120 free live channels, including 30 days of free DVR on select content. You can also access on-demand shows and movies without an account.
- Tubi: Tubi offers live TV and a rotating library of on-demand shows and movies.
- Pluto TV: This service mirrors the cable TV experience without the cost. Find hundreds of live channels, including broadcast news, and on-demand content too.
- Fandango at Home: While there’s no live TV option, Fandango has a library of movies and TV shows that are free to stream.
There’s also the option of renting DVDs of your favorite movies and TV shows. The library is a great place to start, since you can check things out for free.
Watch Local Stations With an Antenna
The cheapest way to still get your local stations live is by hooking up an antenna.
Once a thing of the past, antennas are all the rage now, and new technology has made sure they work better than the rabbit ears you may remember.
All those network stations will be free to watch; you’ll just need to purchase a good antenna and follow the directions to hook it up.
Keep in mind that what channels you get with an antenna are going to depend on what’s available in your local area. See the FCC’s DTV Reception Maps to check for signals in your area.
Even if you have live TV, you may not want to watch your shows while they’re live, and you don’t have to. Look for an over-the-air DVR to record content, sometimes for free, and watch it later.
Watch Network TV and Premium Channels Without a Cable Plan
If you don’t want to miss out on network TV, you have quite a few options.
You don’t need to wait years to get the shows you want, either; many of them are available a few days after they air and sometimes even immediately.
- Network Websites: You can visit some of the network websites to catch up on your favorite shows. They all have certain limitations, and you’ll need to watch commercials. You can watch full episodes of shows on FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, The CW, and PBS.
- Free Trials: Platforms like Amazon Prime, Hulu, Paramount Plus offer free trials.
- Free Content Libraries: You might be able to sample first episodes across various streaming platforms or premium networks. For example, HBO Max also has a dedicated page of free episodes of its popular series.
Watching Sports Without a Cable Plan
Cutting the cord can be tough for sports fans if nothing compares to the variety of local and national sports that you’ll get with your cable or satellite subscription, but you do have a few options.
Installing an antenna for your local stations will get you free access to the local games that air in your area on the networks, so this is a great option for those.
Another route to consider is signing up for a free fuboTV trial for accessing live sports. Alternatively, you can watch live sports streams for free on platforms including ESPN, Facebook, and Stream2Watch.
Deciding If Cutting the Cord Is Right for You
Wondering if cord-cutting is right for you? Here a few things to consider before taking the plunge:
- Price Check: Confirm how much your cable or satellite bill is against the cost of a streaming service, if you’ll be paying.
- Downsize: While you’re checking your bill, take a few minutes and see if there’s a smaller bundle you may be happy with.
- Internet Speed: If you’re going to be depending on some streaming services, make sure your internet speed can handle it.
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