Ryan Um | 

16 Ways to Watch TV Without Paying for Cable

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You’re not still paying for cable, are you? We get it. Breaking up is hard to do, but these days, there are plenty of cheap TV options and streaming TV services that can replace the absurd prices of cable.

There are lots of ways you can watch TV without cable or satellite, and because most streaming sites offer free access, there is no reason not to try them!

Most households subscribe to more than one and still pay a fraction of their old cable bill in order to achieve TV without cable. For example, Sling TV + Netflix + Hulu + Peacock = $55/month!

See below for 16 ways to watch TV without cable.

For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299. Or, download the Krazy Coupon Lady app.

 

1. How to watch TV with Netflix

Netflix streaming service on a tablet

How much does Netflix cost? $13.99-$19.99/month depending on how many screens you stream to at one time.

What is Netflix known for? Past TV seasons and movies.

What will you love about Netflix? Commercial-free binge-watching and access to family-friendly Netflix Originals like Squid Game, Emily in Paris, Cobra Kai, Stranger Things, and more.

What will you hate about Netflix? Their library is constantly shifting. Something that’s watchable today might not be available next month.

What’s the commitment level? Netflix got rid of their free trial in October 2021, so you’ll have to pay the standard $13.99 for one month to try the service.

Where can you stream Netflix? Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Chromecast, Android TV, tablets, computers, smartphones, or wifi-enabled TVs, DVD players, DVRs, and gaming consoles.

Sign up for Netflix

Plus, there are way more Netflix hacks you should use to change your binge-watching habits.

 

2. How to watch TV with Hulu

tv with hulu on it

How much does Hulu cost? $6.99/month. Or $12.99 for ad-free Hulu Premium.

What is Hulu known for? Current TV shows on demand.

What will you love about Hulu? Getting the latest episodes on demand. Miss an episode of American Auto? Watch it the next day at your leisure. You’ll also get the complete series of some shows (Scandal, How I Met Your Mother) and a growing movie selection.

What will you hate about Hulu? Commercials! They’re limited, but spending an extra $5/month for a commercial-free subscription may be worth it if it really bugs you.

What’s the commitment level? None. Try a free one-month trial and cancel anytime.

Where can you stream Hulu? Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Chromecast, Android TV, tablets, computers, smartphones, or wifi-enabled TVs, DVD players, DVRs, and gaming consoles.

Sign up for Hulu

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Here are some of the greatest tips & tricks for your Hulu subscription.

 

3. How to watch TV with Disney Plus

Disney+ streaming service on a computer screen

How much does Disney Plus cost? $7.99/month.

What is Disney Plus known for? Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movies and original TV shows.

What will you love about Disney Plus? Full access to Disney, Marvel, and National Geographic library. Plus, it’s the only place to watch exclusive shows like The Mandalorian, Loki, and Welcome to Earth with Will Smith.

What will you hate about Disney Plus? There isn’t any access to non-Disney-related content unless you opt for the Hulu and ESPN bundle.

What’s the commitment level? No free trial; you’ll have to pay the $7.00 fee, but you can cancel at any time.

Where can you stream Disney Plus? Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Chromecast, Android TV, tablets, computers, smartphones, or wifi-enabled TVs, DVD players, DVRs, and gaming consoles.

Sign up for Disney Plus

We have even more magical Disney Plus cost savings you should have up your sleeve.

 

4. How to Watch TV with DIRECTV

a macbook with the direct tv website pulled up on it

How much does DIRECTV cost? $64.99/month for the Entertainment package (basic level). Or $84.99 for the Choice Sports Pack, $109.99 for the Ultimate Sports Pack, and $154.99 for the Premier package.

What is DIRECTV known for? Hot entertainment shows, news, and specialty sports channels.

What will you love about DIRECTV? The Entertainment package has everything you need, and you don’t need a cable box for it. DIRECTV feels like cable in terms of interface and experience. It also has lots of content to stream.

What will you hate about DIRECTV? Because it features more than just trending shows (including news and specialty sports channels), DIRECTV is more expensive than most streaming services.

What’s the commitment level? None. Try a free three-month trial and cancel anytime. Also, for a limited time, you can get a $200 Visa Reward Card plus a guaranteed price for two years if you switch to DIRECTV now.

Where can you stream DIRECTV? Apple TV, Google and Android TV decies, Amazon Fire devices, and Roku.

Sign up for DIRECTV

 

5. How to watch TV with ESPN Plus

someone holding phone with ESPN+ app open

How much does ESPN Plus cost? $6.99/month.

What is ESPN Plus known for? The best place to watch sports and original sports-related content.

What will you love about ESPN Plus? Several live sports channels for every sports lover. Plus, you’ll get exclusive articles and original TV shows.

What will you hate about ESPN Plus? They only have sports-related content (but never the Super Bowl). If you were looking for any other kind of live TV, you should look somewhere else

What’s the commitment level? There isn’t a free trial, so you’ll need to pay the $6.99 price that you can cancel anytime.

Where can you stream ESPN Plus? Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Chromecast, Android TV, tablets, computers, smartphones, or wifi-enabled TVs, DVD players, DVRs, and gaming consoles.

Sign up for ESPN Plus

TIP: You can bundle Disney Plus, ESPN, and Hulu for $13.99 to save $84/year!

 

6. How to watch TV with HBO Max

HBOmax profile screen

How much does HBO Max cost? $9.99/month.

What is HBO Max known for? HBO-only content, Warner Bros. productions content, and new movies released simultaneously with theaters.

What will you love about HBO Max? Unlimited access to all of HBO’s binge-worthy entertainment including Game of Thrones, Veep, and Westworld, and their incredible selection of movies — including those that are in theaters. Plus, they have every single episode of Friends.

What will you hate about HBO Max? Paying a premium price for a smaller collection of shows and commercials. If you want a commercial-free experience, you can pay an additional $5 for an ad-free version. This is a good service to pair with another streaming service, like Netflix or Hulu.

What’s the commitment level? No free trial, sadly. You’ll have to pay the $9.99, but you can cancel at any time.

Where can you stream HBO Max? Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Chromecast, Android TV, tablets, computers, smartphones, or wifi-enabled TVs, DVD players, DVRs, and gaming consoles.

Sign up for HBO Max

 

7. How to watch TV with Sling TV

sling open on tablet

How much does Sling TV cost? $35/month (Sling Orange or Blue).

What is Sling TV known for? Combining on-demand entertainment with live TV.

What will you love about Sling TV? Channel surfing 30+ popular networks including HGTV, ESPN, Showtime, and LIfetime, or watching shows on demand. It’s the cheapest option that most resembles cable.

What will you hate about Sling TV? Commercials. And having to choose between the Sling Orange and Sling Blue subscriptions. Orange and Blue have their own bundle of channels, so you may be tempted to get both for a $20 discount (Orange + Blue = $50/month).

What’s the commitment level? There is no free trial, but there is an introductory discount which makes both the Orange and Blue levels $10 in the first month ($20 for the bundle).

Where can you stream Sling TV? Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Devices, Chromecast, Android TV, tablets, computers, smartphones, or wifi-enabled TVs, DVD players, DVRs, and gaming consoles.

Sign up for Sling TV and Sling Freestream.

TIP: Prepay a month of Sling TV, and you’ll get a free Chromecast with Google TV ($49.99 value).

 

 

8. How to watch TV with Amazon Prime Video

woman holding amazon fire remote looking at tv

How much does Amazon Prime Video cost? Included in your $139/year Amazon Prime membership; or $8.99/month if you don’t have Prime.

What is Amazon Prime Video known for? Award-winning original content and updated selection of TV shows.

What will you love about Amazon Prime Video? The huge selection of on-demand comedy and kids’ shows — in addition to plenty of mainstream entertainment. You’ll also get access to award-winning Amazon Originals like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Boys.

What will you hate about Amazon Prime Video? Clicking a show to watch, only to realize you have to pay for it. Amazon mixes their paid content with included content, so use parental controls to avoid unwanted purchases.

What’s the commitment level? Cancel your Amazon Prime Video account anytime, or go for the full Prime membership with a free 30-day Prime trial (includes Amazon Prime Video) before committing. You can also browse their free content through IMDb TV if you have an Amazon account. No Prime needed.

Where can you stream Amazon Prime Video? Hundreds of devices including Roku, Amazon Fire devices, and a number of enabled TVs and gaming consoles.

Sign up for Amazon Video

Tip: Go for the full Prime membership. You’ll get to enjoy all the little-known perks of Amazon Prime.

 

9. How to watch TV with Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus on a laptop screen

How much does Paramount Plus cost? $4.99/month.

What is Paramount Plus known for? CBS (including live sports programs like NFL games), BET, and Nickelodeon programs. This service was previously known as CBS All Access.

What will you love about Paramount Plus? Streaming live NFL games and access to Paramount Plus Originals like iCarly (2021), Picard, and The Good Fight.

What will you hate about Paramount+? Commercials. Upgrade to $9.99/month to ditch them.

What’s the commitment level? Try it free for one week and cancel anytime.

Where can you stream Paramount Plus? Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Chromecast, Android TV, tablets, computers, smartphones, or wifi-enabled TVs, DVD players, DVRs, and gaming consoles.

Sign up for Paramount Plus

 

10. How to watch TV with Peacock

Peacock page

How much does Peacock cost? Free for the base subscription. Or $4.99 for Peacock Premium (with ads) and $9.99 for Peacock Premium Plus (ad-free).

What is Peacock known for? NBC shows and exclusive Peacock Originals. And for being the cheapest streaming service by far.

What will you love about Peacock? Exclusive shows (like Rutherford Falls and One of Us Is Lying) on Peacock for free. The ability to watch news shows for free. Several movies available for free. They’re also moving all NBC shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine to this platform.

What will you hate about Peacock? Commercials. Even if you pay for Peacock Premium ($4.99/month), you’ll have to pay another $5 to get rid of the commercials ($9.99/month).

What’s the commitment level? None. It’s free, so you can cancel anytime if you like. If you wanted to try Peacock Premium and have access to all of The Office content, you can get a 7-day trial.

Where can you stream Peacock? Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Chromecast, Android TV, tablets, computers, smartphones, or wifi-enabled TVs, DVD players, DVRs, and gaming consoles.

Sign up for Peacock

 

11. How to watch TV with Hulu Live TV

A computer and tv screen displaying Hulu's sign up portal

How much does Hulu Live TV cost? $69.99/month.

What is Hulu Live TV known for? Access to everything in the Hulu library while also providing access to 75+ live broadcast channels.

What will you love about Hulu Live TV? The ability to watch all the premium news and entertainment channels on two separate screens. Plus, you’ll get Disney Plus and ESPN plus included in the package.

What will you hate about Hulu Live TV? The price is about as bad as cable and you’ll still have to watch commercials. Plus, you’ll have to pay $7.99 for premium channels like MTV, Discovery Life, and Teen Nick.

What’s the commitment level? None. They offer a 7-day free trial that you can cancel anytime.

Where can you stream Hulu Live TV? Smartphones, computers, Roku, Fire TV & Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Samsung, LG, and gaming consoles.

Sign up for Hulu Live TV

 

12. How to watch TV with Apple TV Plus

laptop with appletv screen

How much does Apple TV Plus cost? $4.99/month.

What is Apple TV Plus known for? Award-winning shows, plus Apple TV Plus originals.

What will you love about Apple TV Plus? Apple TV Plus originals like the critically acclaimed Ted Lasso and The Morning Show. You’ll also be able to watch live TV by downloading the channel’s app (channels depending on the area you live in).

What will you hate about Apple TV Plus? The limited selection. The Apple TV Plus selection is slowly growing, but there isn’t a whole lot on the platform as of now. However, they are continuing to expand their selection with originals and movies.

What’s the commitment level? None. There is a 7-day free trial which you can cancel at any time. If you buy an Apple product, you’ll get a free three-month trial.

Where can you stream Apple TV? Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox, and Playstation.

Sign up for Apple TV

 

13. How to watch TV with Philo

Philo streaming service

How much does Philo cost? $25/month.

What is Philo known for? It has an unlimited DVR, and you can stream up to three devices at once. Plus, it’s very affordable at only $25/month.

What will you love about Philo? Access to 67 channels including The Food Network, The History Channel, and Sundance TV. Plus, you can stream shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air; Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives; and Paw Patrol.

What will you hate about Philo? No sports or news channels, so if you wanted live TV to watch sports or the news, you’ll have to choose a different service.

What’s the commitment level? None. There is a 7-day free trial which you can cancel at any time.

Where can you stream Philo? Computers, smartphones, tablets, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast

 

 

14. How to watch TV with Samsung TV Plus

Samsung TV Plus

How much does Samsung TV cost? Just the price of your Samsung TV or tablet. It’s free for all users of Samsung products.

What is Samsung TV known for? Live sports and news.

What will you love about Samsung TV? The cost. You’ll get 170 free channels including several sports channels and entertainment options. There’s even a channel just dedicated to reruns of the early 2000s reality show, Fear Factor, as well as a 24/7 Bob Ross channel.

What will you hate about Samsung TV? The fact that you have to have a Samsung device to be valid for this deal. You can download the app on your Samsung TV or some Galaxy phone models.

What’s the commitment level? None. It’s free.

Where can you stream Samsung TV? Only on Samsung devices.

Sign up for Samsung TV Plus

 

15. How to watch TV with FuboTV

FuboTV promotional image

How much does FuboTV cost? $65/month.

What is FuboTV known for? Watching live sports and recording TV shows with their Cloud DVR feature.

What will you love about FuboTV? Watching TV without cable and lots of DVR space to record your favorite shows. Plus, you’ll get over 100 premium channels like ESPN, The Food Network, and The CW.

What will you hate about FuboTV? It’s pretty dang expensive. Paying an extra $15 on the Elite plan for 50 more channels and 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR. That’s nearly the same price as cable, but unlike Hulu, you don’t get any extras. You can also pay for specific channels if you want.

What’s the commitment level? None. You’ll get a seven-day free trial that you can cancel anytime.

Where can you stream FuboTV? Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Xbox.

Sign up for FuboTV

 

16. How to watch TV with YouTube TV

YouTube TV on iPad

How much does YouTube TV cost? $64.99/month.

What is YouTube TV known for? Watching live sports, live TV, and having unlimited DVR space.

What will you love about YouTube TV? Unlimited DVR space and access to sports channels like ESPN, NFL, and MLB. Plus, plenty of options to watch live TV.

What will you hate about YouTube TV? The price. It costs almost as much as cable.

What’s the commitment level? None. They offer a free 14-day trial that you can cancel at any time.

Where can you stream YouTube TV? Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox, and Playstation.

Sign up for Youtube TV

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