In recent years, the world of television has undergone a significant transformation. With the advent of streaming services and the rise of internet-based media consumption, traditional cable TV has been facing an increasing amount of competition. As a result, many people are now looking for alternatives to cable TV that can provide them with the same quality of content at a more affordable price.
In 2023, there are more options than ever before when it comes to cable TV alternatives. From streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to live TV streaming platforms like Sling TV and YouTube TV, there are a variety of options available to consumers who are looking to cut the cord with their cable provider. These alternatives offer a range of benefits, including lower costs, greater flexibility, and more personalized viewing experiences.
For those who are considering making the switch, it’s important to understand the different options that are available and to weigh the pros and cons of each. By doing so, consumers can make an informed decision about which cable TV alternative is right for them and can enjoy all the benefits that come with a more modern and flexible approach to television viewing.
Best Cable TV Alternatives
As traditional cable TV continues to lose its popularity, more and more people are turning to streaming services to fulfill their entertainment needs. There are two main types of streaming services: live TV streaming services and on-demand streaming services.
Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV streaming services offer a cable-like experience with live TV channels that are streamed over the internet. These services usually offer a variety of packages with different channel lineups and prices. Some of the most popular live TV streaming services available in the US in 2023 include:
- Sling TV: Offers packages starting at $35/month with channels like ESPN, CNN, and AMC.
- Hulu + Live TV: Offers packages starting at $64.99/month with channels like ABC, ESPN, and HGTV.
- YouTube TV: Offers packages starting at $64.99/month with channels like ABC, ESPN, and FX.
On-Demand Streaming Services
On-demand streaming services offer a wide variety of TV shows and movies that can be watched at any time. These services usually offer a monthly subscription fee and do not include live TV channels. Some of the most popular on-demand streaming services in 2023 include:
- Netflix: Offers a wide variety of TV shows and movies starting at $8.99/month.
- Disney+: Offers TV shows and movies from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars starting at $7.99/month.
- Amazon Prime Video: Offers a wide variety of TV shows and movies as part of an Amazon Prime subscription for $119/year.
Antenna TV
Antenna TV is a great option for those who want to watch local channels for free. With an antenna, viewers can access channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS, and more, depending on their location.
One advantage of using an antenna is that it provides high-quality, uncompressed HD picture and sound. This is because the signal is not compressed like it is with cable or satellite TV. Additionally, there are no monthly fees or contracts to worry about.
There are different types of antennas available, including indoor and outdoor options. Indoor antennas are typically smaller and easier to install, while outdoor antennas have a wider range and can pick up more channels. It’s important to research the best type of antenna for your location and needs.
Overall, antenna TV is a great option for those who want to save money and still have access to local channels. It’s a simple and reliable way to enjoy television without breaking the bank.
Video on Demand Services
In recent years, Video on Demand (VOD) services have become increasingly popular as a cable TV alternative. VOD services offer a wide variety of movies, TV shows, and original content that can be streamed on-demand, allowing users to watch what they want, when they want.
Some of the most popular VOD services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. These platforms offer a mix of licensed content from TV networks and movie studios, as well as original programming that is exclusive to their service.
One of the major advantages of VOD services is that they are often much cheaper than cable TV subscriptions. Users can typically subscribe to a VOD service for a fraction of the cost of a traditional cable TV package, and many services offer a free trial period for new users.
Another benefit of VOD services is that they are often more flexible than cable TV. Users can watch content on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, and can often download content for offline viewing.
Smart TVs and Devices
Smart TVs and streaming devices are becoming increasingly popular as cable TV alternatives. These devices offer a range of features and benefits, making it easy for users to access their favorite content without the need for a cable subscription.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs are internet-connected televisions that allow users to access a range of streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, directly from their TV. Many smart TVs also come with built-in voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, making it easy to control your TV with your voice.
Smart TVs offer a range of benefits, including:
- Access to a range of streaming services
- Built-in voice assistants for easy control
- Integration with other smart home devices
- High-quality picture and sound
Streaming Devices
Streaming devices are small devices that connect to your TV and allow you to access a range of streaming services. Some popular streaming devices include the Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV.
Streaming devices offer a range of benefits, including:
- Access to a range of streaming services
- Easy to set up and use
- Portable and can be used on multiple TVs
- Can be more affordable than a smart TV
Overall, smart TVs and streaming devices are great cable TV alternatives that offer a range of features and benefits. Whether you’re looking for access to your favorite streaming services, integration with other smart home devices, or high-quality picture and sound, these devices have you covered.
We’ve done a comparison of Fire TV Stick with Xiaomi Mi TV Stick.
How Much Money You Will Save by Cutting the Cord?
If you opt for a streaming service like Hulu, it offers an ad-supported plan for $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Hulu offers more than 85 TV channels with its Hulu + Live TV plans.
The monthly cost of cable TV in the US can vary greatly depending on the provider and the package chosen. However the average monthly cost for expanded basic cable TV service in the US is around $64.41
Therefore, if a customer were to pay for expanded basic cable TV service at the average monthly cost for one year, it would cost $772.92.
| Service | Monthly Price | Yearly Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cable TV | $64.41 | $772.92 |
| Hulu | $7.99 | $95.88 |
Important: This is only an average and the actual cost can vary greatly depending on the provider and the package chosen.
By the avoid example you can see that you can add subscriptions from other services as well to get a complete entertainment package. The best thing about streaming apps is they can be used on multiple platforms such as your smart tv, your laptop, your tablet pc, and even your mobile phone
Conclusion
The world of television has changed dramatically over the past decade, and the options for cable TV alternatives have become more diverse than ever before. While cable TV used to be the only option for watching live television, there are now a plethora of streaming services and other alternatives that offer a wide range of programming at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable.
Whether you’re looking for live sports, movies, or original programming, there’s an alternative out there that will suit your needs. From streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to live TV options like Sling TV and YouTube TV, the options are endless.
While it can be overwhelming to navigate all the choices, taking the time to research and compare options can lead to significant savings on your monthly entertainment expenses. With so many options available, it’s clear that cable TV alternatives are the future of television.
