If you’re tired of spending an arm and a leg on cable, you’ll be glad to know that there are alternatives to cable TV.
While you can still go old-fashioned with a digital TV and antenna to see local over-the-air (OTA) programming, the more modern way to cut the cord is to subscribe to the TV streaming service. However, satellite services like DIRECTV SATELLITE are still available, which can also be a viable alternative to cable.
What is the best alternative to cable TV?
While you can cut the cable cord with OTA TV and satellite services, a TV streaming service like DIRECTV STREAM is the best alternative to cable TV.
With OTA TV, viewers only have access to publicly broadcast networks in their area, not to mention that they must be within range of their local broadcast station. While satellite services may provide more channels and better uptime than OTA TV and cable, some may not be reliable in inclement weather (DIRECTV customers need not worry about inclement weather interrupting their favorite shows or games with the SignalSaver™ feature). Satellite providers also typically require service contracts and professional device installations.
When it comes to streaming compared to cable TV and other cable TV alternatives, streaming gives you top performance, greater device flexibility, better user interface and options. monthly payment without contract, all without losing your favorite channels and shows.
Let’s take a look at what some of the most popular TV streaming services offer, including:
- LIVE STREAM
- TV Sling
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube Television
- Fubo TV
LIVE STREAM
Monthly price: $74.99 to $154.99 per month (plus tax)
Channels: 75 to 150+
DVRs: Unlimited cloud DVR storage when ordering online
Shows on demand: Yes
DIRECTV STREAM is everything you love about TV without the hassle of cable.
With four different streaming plans, including ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE™, ULTIMATE and PREMIER™, you can enjoy 75 to over 150 channels (with live and on-demand shows) and stream to an unlimited number of compatible devices in your house. Offering more live sports than any other streaming service, including access to regional sports networks, DIRECTV STREAM is also a paradise for sports fans.
TV Sling
Monthly price: $40 to $55 per month
Channels: 31 to 47
DVRs: 50 hours of DVR storage included
Shows on demand: Yes
Starting at $40 per month (with half your first month), Sling TV offers two streaming plans, Orange and Blue, which subscribers can combine for $55 per month.
The Orange package, aimed at sports fans and families, gives subscribers access to 31 channels on a single streaming device. The Blue package, which includes 41 channels, is aimed at professional football fans and news viewers. It also allows subscribers to use up to three streaming devices.
With the Orange and Blue packages combined, subscribers get access to everything in both packages, plus six additional channels.
Hulu + Live TV (with ads)
Monthly price: $69.99 per month
Channels: 85+
DVRs: Unlimited DVR Storage
Shows on demand: Yes
Hulu + Live TV subscribers get access to live and on-demand TV on over 85 channels, which include news, live sports, TV series, movies, Hulu Originals and more, plus a free access to Disney+ and ESPN+.
Subscribers also have several add-ons to choose from, such as premium networks such as HBO Max™ and Showtime®, unlimited home streaming device capabilities, and a sports add-on that provides access to channels such as NFL Redzone, MAVTV, TVG and TVG2, Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel.
YouTube television
Monthly price: $64.99 per month
Channels: 100+
DVRs: Unlimited DVR Storage
Shows on demand: Yes
YouTube TV subscribers enjoy over 100 live and on-demand channels like PBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the NFL and NBA networks. YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month (with $30 off your first three months) and doesn’t have an annual contract.
There are also several add-ons that allow subscribers to upgrade their YouTube TV experience, such as 4K Plus, Sports Plus and a selection of add-on networks such as HBO Max™, Showtime® and MGM+™. NFL Sunday Ticket will also be available as a paid add-on on YouTube TV in 2023.
Fubo TV
Monthly price: $74.99 to $94.99 per month ($32.99 per month for Latino)
Channels: 47 to 214+
DVRs: 250 to 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage
Shows on demand: Yes
FuboTV offers three standard streaming plans — Pro Quarterly, Elite Quarterly, and Premier Quarterly — starting at $74.99 per month. There’s also a Latino plan for $32.99 per month (with $8 off the first month). FuboTV offers up to 214+ channels and over 130 sporting events, as well as up to 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.
With FuboTV, subscribers can access major networks like FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS, as well as SHOWTIME®, VH1, HGTV, MTV and more. FuboTV also offers a wide selection of programs for sports like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, Golf, Tennis, Boxing, MMA, College Sports and more.
Setting up a streaming service like DIRECTV STREAM
Getting started with a TV streaming service like DIRECTV STREAM is as easy as it gets. After subscribing to the package of your choice, you can access DIRECTV STREAM via multiple Internet-connected streaming devices, browsers, smartphones, tablets and smart TVs from:
- Amazon
- Apple
- android
- Microsoft
- Roku
- Samsung
Then just log in and start watching.
Cut the cable cord with DIRECTV STREAM
If you’re ready to officially cut the cord for the best cable TV alternative, take the DIRECTV STREAM quiz to find out which streaming plan is right for you. Also, be sure to explore our DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T fiber-powered internet package to see how you can get the best of both worlds.
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