Unlike the old times, we have unlimited content at our hands that we can watch through our smart TVs. When it comes to spending our time and money, all of us want a type of entertainment that can fulfill all your needs. Gone are the days when cable TV was the only viable source of entertainment. As a consumer, you will find something new every day to keep you entertained. The best alternatives for Cable TV is something you should keep your eyes out on. All of us lead hectic lifestyles and catching up on our favorite TV shows and movies are difficult when you are on the move. The best alternatives to cable TV can help you save both time and money. The best way to replace Cable TV is by choosing one or more streaming service platforms that fulfill your appetite for digital content.
In the past few decades, the cable TV industry has taken a turn for the worse. Till a particular time, cable TV was the only source of entertainment so cable TV provides stating charging money as per their wishes. The times have changed now and there are multiple cheap alternatives to cable TV. The advancement of technology and the rise of OTT services became the ultimate downfall for Cable TV Services. Nowadays everyone is on a strict time crunch so the demand for streaming services like Hulu+ Live TV Streaming & YouTube TV service is growing even faster.
Despite their frustration, the average American household has a cable TV provider. Although the quality of services has been degrading rapidly. To help you find a solution to this problem, we spent hours on research and came up with a list of the best way to replace cable TV.
Birth of Cord Cutting Revolution
The constant cable TV price hike and bad services led to people switching to other modes of entertainment. Everything changed in the Cable TV Industry when OTT services stepped into the market. Without a doubt, people chose the best streaming services to replace cable.
Netflix had been operating as a DVD rental service for years before becoming a streaming platform. Netflix became the streaming service as we know it today in 2007, one after another, Netflix launched a series of Netflix Original Shows which appealed to customers. Jump to 2020 and there are various ways by which you can enjoy TV shows and movies without being tied to a setup box and TV screen. The ridiculously high price of cable TV service and a variety of TV streaming services started a cord-cutting revolution.
In 2020, a total of over 45 million people have left cable TV services. Instead of being tied to one place to watch TV, consumers now watch TV wherever they want whenever they want. Nowadays, there are hundreds of ways to watch TV services, in this article you can learn about the best option to replace cable TV.
Best Replacement For Cable TV
If you have decided to switch from cable TV services then you will easily find a replacement for cable TV Services. When you decide to settle for an alternative for cable TV service, you need to determine what kind of content you wish to watch. Cable services may not be great but they do offer access to all the content there is available to watch. Here are the best alternatives to cable TV service.
1. YouTube TV
If you don’t like cable TV and being tied to one place then YouTube TV is one of the best ways to replace cable TV. It offers the same kind of programming as a Cable TV service. YouTube TV has only one plan, whether it is up to your preference or not is up to you. The cost of the plan is $49.99/mo.
You get access to over 50 channels which includes local stations, good sports coverage and you can even add premium channels if you want for an extra cost. Add-on plans range from just $5 per month to $11 per month. With the add on networks, you can get access to channels like Urban movie channel, AMC Premier, Starz, and Showtime. You also get the option of adding Fox Soccer to your plan so you can keep up with the latest sports.
Apart from that, there aren’t too many shows or Add-ons for YouTube TV, which makes the platform a little rigid. This limited channel and add-on count makes it less appealing to those who love watching special content. Still, that makes it one of the best streaming services to replace cable.
You can share your YouTube TV account with up to 5 people, so you and your family can enjoy TV service without having to pay for Cable TV services. YouTube TV offers you the best access to a cloud DVR service. It is the only streaming service that offers unlimited cloud storage to the users. You can record your shows and movies anytime you want by keeping it recorded. When you sign up for YouTube TV, you get access to YouTube TV but that is temporary. Regardless of that, YouTube TV is one of the best option to replace cable TV.
2. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV streaming service is one of the most trusted OTT services. If you wish to leave cable TV but still have access to TV channels then Hulu + Live TV is the right service for you. The Live TV feature of Hulu is quite similar to YouTube TV. The channel lineup is almost the same including the local channel and sports packages. Compared to YouTube TV, it costs just a bit more than YouTube TV, $54.99/mo.
Thousands of people Hulu + Live TV service based on the reviews of consumers. When you dig a bit deeper, you understand that both the services are quite different from each other. Hulu’s basic package allows simultaneous service on just two devices. The DVR space on the basic package is just 50 hours. Users can’t fast forward on the recorded programs if they chose the basic package. You can avoid sitting through the ads by paying an additional $14.99 for the enhanced cloud DVR service.
One of the best things about Hulu + Live TV is that you can get a lot of add on packages. Users can choose from a wide library of sports channels and premium channels including HBO. The sports coverage on Hulu is incredible which makes it one of the best streaming services to replace cable. Hulu does lack in some areas but it makes up for the things by giving users complete access to Hulu content library. That’s why Hulu + Live TV is a bit more expensive than YouTube TV.
3. Sling TV
If you don’t find the above-listed options suitable, then Sling TV may do you good. Sling TV is both similar and different from other alternatives to cable TV on our list. Sling TV is one of the services that are highly flexible and customizable based on the user’s preference.
There are only two packages for Sling TV. Sling Orange which offers 30+ channels for just $30 per month & Sling Blue that offers 50+ channels from $30 per month. At first glance, it may seem like that the Sling Blue seems like the better offer. In reality, both plans have a different target audience. The package you choose will also impact the kind of add ons you can get on that plane. This is the reason Sling TV is considered confusing to most users.
But there is one option that can save you from all the trouble. You can choose to buy Sling Orange + Sling Blue for just $45. Once you purchase both Sling orange and blue, you can get as many add ons as you want. Most of the add-ons come with 5-10 additional channels. You have the option to add on premium channels like HBO, Starz, Showtime, and much more. Sling doesn’t come with a DVR service, you can get the service if you are willing to pay $5 extra on your plan.
Sling TV is one of the best ways to replace cable TV as it cares about the needs of the consumers. You can save yourself from spending money on useless things as consumers only have to pay for what they watch with Sling TV. Sling TV also offers a brilliant sports coverage in comparison to YouTube TV. Which is another reason you would want to choose Sling TV.
4. Disney Plus
Disney Plus is the newest player in the world of streaming services. It is without a doubt one of the best streaming services to replace cable. In addition to a huge Disney content library, Disney Plus also gives you access to the whole Pixar content library.
In addition to that, Disney Plus will let consumers watch the whole Marvel Studios Library, Lucas Film Library, and ESPN content. All this combined makes up for a pretty great content lineup. Disney plus is also set to release brand new original content. This includes the first-ever live-action star wars TV show “The Mandalorian” which was well taken by fans all over the globe. Disney Plus is all set to launch Marvel’s live-action TV series which will give fans a deeper look into characters they love.
However, there is some drawback to Disney’s streaming service. If you are looking for a live TV streaming service then Disney Plus isn’t the service for you. And Disney is mainly catered towards kids so if you want a content that is more adult-friendly then you would want to try on any other OTT service. If you have small kids then is Disney Plus streaming service ideal for you in every way.
As of right now, Disney Plus costs $6.99 per month or $569.99 per year that makes it affordable. The platform is quite new so it is possible they may increase the charges after a while. Nonetheless, it is a cheap alternative to cable.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Next to Hulu and Disney Plus, Amazon Prime is known as another premium streaming service. Amazon Prime has incredible TV shows and a Movies library but it still isn’t the best service for those who wish to watch Live TV. The programming that’s available by purchasing the Prime membership is not as great as Netflix but it is getting better day by day. Users can buy or rent specific TV shows and seasons of a TV show.
The Amazon Prime membership only makes sense if you are planning to use its shopping services, music application, cloud storage, and discounts. If you add all those with the streaming service then you have a great thing in your hand. Regardless of all its drawbacks, it still is one of the best replacements for cable TV.