If you’re looking to streamline your monthly spending, your cable bill might be at the top of your list. The average cable bill has increased from $73 in 2018 to between $50 and $200 or more today, prompting more U.S. households to explore cable alternatives. Streaming services have become a popular choice, with more people opting for them over traditional cable and satellite services, according to Nielsen.
Streaming services offer the same channels without the need for equipment rental or long-term contracts. However, with numerous options available, it can be challenging to determine the best choice for your budget and viewing preferences. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the top five cable alternatives for February 2025 that provide live TV without the high costs.
For those interested in watching the Big Game, Super Bowl LIX will be available for streaming on Sunday, February 9, at 6:30 p.m. ET on four of our recommended platforms.
Here are our top picks:
1. **Hulu + Live TV:** Best all-around pick
2. **YouTube TV:** Ideal for sports fans
3. **Sling:** Great for customization
4. **Philo:** Affordable streaming option
5. **DirecTV Stream:** Offers a cable-like experience
**Hulu + Live TV:** Best all-around pick
Hulu + Live TV stands out for its comprehensive services, including live TV, access to the Hulu library, and premium channels, all at a price similar to basic cable. Here are some key points:
**Pros:**
– Access to premium channels like Disney+ and ESPN+
– Unlimited DVR storage
– Offers ad-free viewing option
**Cons:**
– Additional charges for streaming on more than two devices
– Limited 4K streaming availability
Pricing starts at $83 per month with various subscription tiers depending on your preference for ads and additional content. Hulu also offers add-on packages for niche channels and content customization.
Overall, Hulu + Live TV provides a range of services suitable for different viewing preferences and budgets, making it a top choice for many households seeking a cable alternative.
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Hulu’s $83 base subscription allows you to watch two devices simultaneously and provides unlimited cloud DVR storage for recording movies, games, and more. You can stream on desktop, mobile, tablets, and devices like Amazon Fire, Android, Apple, Chromecast, Roku, and gaming consoles. Subtitles and closed captioning can be enabled at the account level, with preferences applied across profiles.
Not included in Hulu’s lineup are popular channels like IFC and BBC America, and NBA TV access may be lacking for sports fans. Families might find the two-screen limit challenging, with additional screens costing $10 extra per month. 4K streaming is not supported on all devices or programs.
YouTube TV, boasting over 8 million subscribers, caters to sports fans with features like NFL Sunday Ticket, Stats View, and Fantasy Football View. You can watch multiple games simultaneously and opt for NFL RedZone. However, an ad-free option is unavailable, and channels like A&E and History are missing.
YouTube TV offers various subscription options, including plans for Spanish speakers, premium channels, and high-definition streaming. The base plan is $83 a month and includes national and local networks, on-demand movies, and TV shows. Additional features such as unlimited screens, offline DVR access, and 4K viewing can be added for extra fees.
For the Super Bowl, YouTube TV Base Plan subscribers can access the game.
You can watch the Super Bowl live on Fox. 🏈
Included in NFL Sunday Ticket is every out-of-market NFL game that airs on Sundays. By combining it with YouTube TV, you can save $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket and access live sports and NFL games on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, among other channels in YouTube TV’s base plan. You also have the option to add NFL RedZone for live coverage and real-time stats hosted by Scott Hanson. YouTube TV offers a base plan with over 100 live-TV channels and on-demand content, along with unlimited DVR storage. You can have up to six customized user accounts, but simultaneous viewing is limited to three screens. YouTube TV supports subtitles, closed captioning, and offers 4K viewing on select channels. Additionally, you can download shows for offline viewing and stream on various devices.
Not included in NFL Sunday Ticket are Sunday Night Football on NBC, Monday Night Football on ESPN, and most in-market games. YouTube TV’s base plan lacks popular channels like A&E, DIY Network, History Channel, and Lifetime, and does not provide an ad-free option. Being a YouTube TV subscriber does not automatically make you a YouTube Premium member, so ads will still appear on YouTube content. YouTube TV does not offer a free first week like DirecTV for NFL Sunday Ticket fans.
Sling TV allows you to customize your channel lineup to pay only for what you watch. It offers free access to 500+ live channels and 40,000 on-demand movies and episodes. While it has fewer premium channels, Sling TV’s customizable subscriptions provide ad-free viewing without a contract. Local channel availability is limited, and DVR capabilities are restricted, though you can fast-forward through ads.
Sling TV offers a free ad-supported Freestream account with access to news, movies, and TV shows. For additional channels, you can choose from two subscription plans:
– Orange: $46/month for six ad-free sports and family channels.
– Blue: $46/month for 14 ad-free news and entertainment channels.
– Orange + Blue: $61/month for over 65 shared channels from Orange and Blue plans.
Currently, Sling TV is offering $23 off your first month, making the cost $23 for either Orange or Blue, or $30.50 for both. Add-on packages are available for $6 to $10 per month, with options to include more sports channels or extra channels based on your preferences.
Experience VR storage starting at just $23 per month.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on Sling TV? Absolutely! Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue subscribers can live stream the Super Bowl on Fox in over 15 select markets, including cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
What you get:
Regardless of your chosen plan, you will receive 28 base channels including A&E, BBC America, HGTV, and others, along with 50 hours of free DVR storage or the option to upgrade to 200 hours for an additional $5. The Orange plan focuses on sports and family content, offering exclusive channels such as the Disney Channel and ESPN, while the Blue plan emphasizes news and entertainment with channels like Fox, MSNBC, and Bravo. The combined Orange and Blue plan allows streaming on up to four devices simultaneously.
Supported devices for streaming include Amazon, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung, Xfinity, smartphones, tablets, and Xbox. Closed captioning is available through the Player Controls menu, Closed Captioning menu, or My Account settings.
What’s not included:
Sling TV does not provide regular access to local channels, although some major markets offer access to local ABC, Fox, and NBC affiliates. The service suggests using an over-the-air antenna or AirTV device for local content and does not offer access to CBS content.
Philo: Our top pick for affordable streaming
Philo offers a budget-friendly streaming service starting at $28 per month, featuring over 70 channels including A&E, HGTV, and BBC America. While local channels are not included, Philo recently added AMC+ access at no extra cost. Pros of Philo include a free 7-day trial, low price, and unlimited DVR storage.
To enhance your Philo experience, you can choose from six add-on packages for an extra monthly fee:
– ALLBLK
– AMC+
– Hallmark+
– MGM+
– Movies & More
– Starz
Experience the joy of streaming with Philo today!
Enjoy Starz, Starz Encore, and Starz Kids & Family movies for an additional $11 per month with Philo. You can also take advantage of a seven-day free trial to test the subscription without any cost.
Unfortunately, Philo does not offer the Super Bowl as it does not include Fox in its lineup.
What’s Included:
Philo provides access to a vast library of on-demand content, with over 70 popular channels ranging from A&E to WE tv. You can create up to 10 personalized accounts but can only stream on three screens simultaneously. Additionally, Philo offers unlimited DVR storage for storing titles for up to 12 months. You can stream Philo on various devices such as TV, smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
What’s Not Included:
Philo does not support local TV or major networks like ABC, CBS, or NBC to keep its prices affordable. The service suggests using an over-the-air antenna for local TV signals. It also has limited offerings for news and sports networks.
For a cable-like experience, consider DirecTV Stream. They offer various subscription options with different price points, starting from MyFree DirecTV at $0 to Premier at $188 per month. DirecTV Stream includes 4K streaming where available, a large library of channels and on-demand titles, and unlimited simultaneous streams within your home network. However, keep in mind that DVR recordings last only 9 months or 30 episodes per show.
You can stream the Super Bowl live on Fox or Fox Deportes with DirecTV. Supported channels vary based on the subscription you choose, with MyFree DirecTV offering over 50 live channels and on-demand shows, Entertainment including more than 90 live TV channels, and Choice expanding to over 125 live TV channels.
Choose from over 70,000 on-demand titles with DirecTV Stream. The package features a mix of local channels and regional sports networks. Upgrade to the Ultimate package for access to all channels in the Entertainment and Choice packages, along with 40 additional live TV channels and 10,000 more on-demand titles. The Premier package offers even more with additional live TV channels, on-demand shows and movies, local channels, regional sports networks, and premium channels like Max, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, and Starz, totaling 185 live channels and 90,000 on-demand titles. Enjoy MGM+ for the first three months, then auto-renews for $6 per month unless canceled. DirectTV Stream allows closed captioning through your device’s Settings menu, the app, or the web.
No contracts are required with DirecTV Stream, offering flexibility compared to the traditional DirecTV service. Opt for a 24-month subscription to receive a complimentary DirecTV device with your Stream subscription.
Consider the available local and regional channels based on your ZIP code before signing up, as they vary. Entertainment package does not include regional sports channels, so explore the Choice, Ultimate, or Premier packages for access. While streaming on unlimited devices is permitted within your home network, only three concurrent streams are allowed outside your home network or while traveling. Existing DirecTV or U-verse customers may not be eligible for certain discounts when transitioning to DirecTV Stream and may need to pay an additional $10 per month for unlimited DVR usage.
In addition to DirecTV Stream, numerous on-demand services provide a diverse range of content. Popular options include Apple TV+, Disney+, Paramount+, Peacock TV, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu, each offering unique programming and features tailored to different interests and preferences.
Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ offer a combination of on-demand services tailored to individual interests. For those who enjoy content from British networks like ITV and the BBC, services such as AcornTV and Britbox are available. Broadway fans can stream musical theater productions on BroadwayHD, while Discovery+ offers a variety of documentaries and reality shows. Subscribing to multiple services may add up, but the flexibility to start and stop subscriptions at any time allows for greater control over costs.
For example, some users opt for a month of Discovery+ during months like July or August to catch special events like Shark Week or keep up with shows like 90-Day Fiance. When you’re ready to cut the cord on your cable TV service, here are steps to consider:
Step 1: Review Your Cable Contract
Before canceling your cable service, check your contract for any potential cancellation fees or penalties. Some contracts may allow for cancellation without fees under certain circumstances, such as chronic service outages. Assess the potential savings from switching to a streaming service against any early termination fees to make an informed decision.
Step 2: Contact Your Cable Company
Inform your cable company of your decision to cancel, being prepared for potential retention offers or discounts to keep you as a customer. Verify that any cancellation fees adhere to the terms of your contract and clarify equipment return procedures to avoid additional charges.
Step 3: Assess Your Streaming Needs
Evaluate whether you need a streaming device to access content on your TV. While smart TVs may include preloaded streaming apps, standalone streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV 4K, and Google Chromecast offer additional features and flexibility for streaming content.
By taking these steps, you can transition away from traditional cable TV services and explore cost-effective and customizable streaming options to meet your entertainment needs.
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Understanding How Free Streaming Services Like Sling Freestream Work
Ad-supported streaming services can assist in managing your budget by providing access to premium content for free. These services are funded by advertisers looking to promote their products to viewers like you and your family. While the frequency of ads may vary, many find watching occasional commercials a fair trade-off for lower costs compared to traditional cable TV subscriptions.
What is a Smart TV?
A Smart TV is a television that can connect to the internet using built-in Wi-Fi, an ethernet port, or both. These TVs make it simple to access streaming services, watch shows and movies, and even play games. Some models also support voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. It’s important to note that Smart TVs may track your viewing habits and personal data, although these features can usually be adjusted in privacy settings.
Can Closed Captioning be Enabled on Streaming Services?
Yes, closed captioning can typically be activated through the Options or Settings menu on your streaming service or device. Platforms like Hulu offer easy access to captioning options within the playback screen. If you encounter difficulties, reach out to customer support for guidance. The FCC mandates visual-display closed captioning for most internet-rebroadcast TV programs and provides resources for addressing issues with captioning quality.
Understanding Over-the-Air Antennas
Over-the-air (OTA) antennas receive digital signals from local TV towers, allowing you to watch local programming without a cable subscription. These antennas range in cost from $15 to $50 and may require a digital converter box for older TV models. Factors like building structures and foliage can impact signal reception, but the FCC offers tools to help assess channel availability and reception quality in your area based on your ZIP code.
Sources:
– Gitnux: Statistics on Average Cable Bills
– Nielsen: TV Viewing Trends and Streaming Data
– Consumer Reports: Guidance on Disabling Smart TV Data Collection
About the Author:
Heather Petty is a finance writer specializing in helping individuals make informed financial decisions.
Heather is a financial expert specializing in consumer and business banking, personal and home lending, debt management, and saving money. Her passion for helping others stemmed from a negative experience with a shady mortgage broker during the purchase of her first home. Determined to prevent others from facing similar challenges in managing their finances, Heather embarked on a mission to educate and empower individuals. Her insightful analysis and expertise have been prominently featured in various financial publications such as MSN, Nasdaq, Credit.com, and Finder. When she’s not deciphering the intricacies of finance, Heather is a talented young adult mystery writer known for her internationally acclaimed series. With a growing fan base, Heather continues to captivate readers with her captivating storytelling. The article was meticulously edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner.
