Watch TV Without Cable: Experience the Future of Television With Wireless TVs and No Limits!

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Watching television without cable saves you money and opens the door to experiences you didn’t even know existed. To watch TV without cable, you need to consider what you like to watch, compare the best replacements, and weigh out all the pros and cons.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into how you can enjoy TV without cable. Discover what you’re most likely to miss and how to fill the void with streaming services and local channels. We’ll also explain the benefits and drawbacks to help you find the perfect alternative to cable TV.

How To Watch TV Without Cable

Before cutting the cord, think about the channels or shows you currently watch and whether the alternative options offer them. Then, consider the cost of the streaming service or live TV service and compare it to the price of your current cable package to see if it’s really cost-effective. 

While you’ll save money by not paying for cable, paying for internet access will still be a must for most alternatives.

Antennas are excellent for those in areas with good reception, but they can be pricey and difficult to set up sometimes. On the other hand, services like Netflix or Hulu are reasonably-priced and easy to use, but they require a solid internet connection and don’t offer all the channels.

Finding Proper Cable TV Replacements

Once you understand what you like about cable TV, choose one of the following replacements based on your preferences.

• Video streaming on-demand (VSOD) services
• Live TV streaming services
• Streaming bundles
• Local stations

Finding the right blend of services will allow you to watch TV without relying on expensive cable services. If you research your options thoroughly, you will have a greater variety of options for a lower price than cable or satellite TV.

If you need help choosing the right substitute, go through the following section to learn more about each service.

Streaming Services 

Streaming services are not as new as many people believe, and initially, you needed a cable subscription service to access them. Since then, companies have taken advantage of the internet and now allow streaming videos on demand without a subscription.

There are plenty of options out there, including the following.

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• Hulu
• YouTube TV

Some streaming services follow specific genres, such as Shudder for horror enthusiasts or Crunchyroll for anime lovers. Channels such as History Channel and AMC offer their own streaming services to unlock past and current content independent of a cable subscription.

In most cases, you can watch all the same shows that air on cable channels and exclusive content just for subscribers. For instance, you can subscribe directly to premium channels like HBO and Starz and watch their content.

Choose a streaming service depending on your favorite channels, the type of content you like, and your budget. Don’t rush into any subscription until you figure out everything. Also, note that most VSOD services do not offer live TV or the ability to stream local channels.

Live TV Streaming Services

One of the most challenging aspects of cable TV to replace is your ability to watch live TV. Most people have held onto their cable for this reason, but it’s becoming easier to watch live TV channels without cable.

Some previously mentioned streaming services also offer live TV streaming services, particularly channel-specific ones. Having this option ensures you won’t miss out on your favorite programs in real-time.

Currently, there’s a handful of services offering live TV.

• Sling TV
• Hulu with Live TV
• DirecTV Stream
• fuboTV
• Philo
• YouTube TV

Sports lovers should look into an ESPN+ or fuboTV subscription, while others may have better luck with a more inclusive streaming bundle.

Most of the services that offer live TV offer local broadcast channels as well, but not all have a contract agreement with all the channels. For example, one might not have a contract with ABC, so they won’t provide your local ABC channel. So, be sure to ask what local broadcast networks you will have access to.

Streaming Bundles

Streaming bundles, also known as skinny bundles, are like a smaller version of a cable subscription. They help you save money while providing a greater variety of channels and content to watch.

A streaming bundle usually offers a live TV streaming service alongside on-demand video streaming.

Like Hulu with Live TV, some offer a generic bundle, while providers like Sling TV allow you to pick different packages and add-ons to get as much or as little as you need.

Some streaming bundles, like Pluto TV, are free to access. You may need to watch a few ads before getting to the content, but this is no different from the ads shown on cable networks.

The catch here is you may need to sign up for multiple bundles to get all the channels you want. So, if you are a TV fan, the costs of this can quickly add up and, in some cases, cost you more than traditional cable TV or satellite TV service.

Local Stations

You can always watch local channels without cable. These are free on the air as long as you have a television and antenna to tune in.

Local TV channels tend to fall in the shadow of cable TV, but they provide relevant content. Regional sports networks let you watch sports for free, and TV antennas bring you local news. Also, most major broadcast networks, like PBS, are free to access.

Access varies depending on your location, and you get the channel surfing benefits without paying for a cable box. Since you don’t need an internet connection, this is the only option with no recurring cost beyond electricity.

Pros & Cons

We’ve already mentioned a few, but here are the key benefits of getting rid of your cable package and choosing one of the above-listed services.

• Plenty of alternatives
• Variety of live and on-demand content
• More affordable
• Available at any time
• No contracts necessary for most options

On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks; check them out to see if any of them is a deal-breaker for you.

• Potentially lower video quality
• Frequent commercials in the non-premium streaming services
• Usually not functional without a solid internet connection

In my opinion, the pros overshadow the cons, but it depends on your preferences, so be sure to weigh it out before making the final decision.

Final Thoughts

Overall, there are multiple good ways to watch TV without cable. 

The sad reality is most people can’t get everything they want from a single streaming service, so you must decide what you need before cutting the cord. 

For this reason, I suggest you sign up for a streaming service or two while still having cable. With the free trials, you can see if they make sense for you, and if so, you can then call your cable company to cancel.

Just make sure you do the math to know you will be saving money. There is no point in doing all the work only to pay the same or, in some cases, more money every month. 

MoneySmartGuides offers articles created as a result of wide experience, in-depth research, and top editorial practices. If you have additional questions or need any advice, don’t hesitate to contact me at contact@moneysmartguides.com.

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