Cord Cutting Guide 5 Ways To Watch Everything You Want Without A Cable

Leo Migdal

-Dec 9, 2025, 10:21 PM

cord cutting guide 5 ways to watch everything you want without a cable

We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. Learn more. https://money.com/cable-tv-without-paying-bill/ The notion of getting all the video entertainment you want without paying a massive cable bill—a.k.a.

cord cutting—has gone from a tech-world fantasy to a viable mainstream option in what seems like a matter of months. The reason? The recent emergence of new streaming services like Dish Network's Sling TV, which includes a sampling of the most popular "basic" cable channels, and HBO Now, the only streaming service to include HBO shows,... The result is that virtually every class of TV watcher can find most of what they need without paying a cable bill. But with all this choice comes the challenge of understanding these new and unfamiliar services—and figuring out which combination of them would serve your needs at the lowest price. Among U.S.

pay‑TV subscribers, the average monthly TV bill is now about $110–$115 before taxes and common provider fees, and many households pay roughly $120–$140 after broadcast/RSN surcharges and equipment rentals (J.D. Power; Consumer Reports; Leichtman Research Group). There’s a better way: by switching to a live TV streaming service, using a TV antenna, and tapping into free options, you can cut that bill dramatically or eliminate it. If you bought a TV in the past few years, it likely includes built‑in apps. If your set can’t run everything you need, add a TV streaming device such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, or Google TV. These plug into HDMI, are typically $30–$50 at regular prices, and support the major services with user‑friendly interfaces.

Historical disputes (for example, a past Amazon–Google app feud) are the exception; most devices today run the full range of mainstream streaming apps. Live streaming services (vMVPDs) deliver cable‑like channel bundles over the internet with month‑to‑month billing. Current regular rates: YouTube TV $72.99/month with unlimited DVR (plans and price); Hulu + Live TV from $81.99/month (includes Disney+ and ESPN+ with ads; plans and price); Fubo from $79.99/month (a Regional Sports Fee... You’ll still need home internet from an internet service provider. When comparing total costs vs. cable, include taxes, add‑ons, and any regional sports fees.

As a benchmark, YouTube TV runs $72.99 x 12 ≈ $875.88/year, Hulu + Live TV ≈ $983.88/year, Fubo ≈ $959.88/year plus ~$132–$180/year if an RSN fee applies, Sling Orange + Blue ≈ $660/year, DIRECTV... Yes. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV via Internet carry most national sports channels and local ABC/CBS/FOX/NBC in many markets. Regional sports networks (RSNs) are where differences matter: availability varies by ZIP and provider, and some providers add separate RSN fees (e.g., Fubo’s ~$11–$15/month Regional Sports Fee in applicable markets and DIRECTV via Internet’s... Always use a provider’s channel lookup to confirm locals/RSNs and remember that league blackouts still apply (YouTube TV; Hulu + Live TV; Fubo plans; Fubo RSN fee; DIRECTV via Internet). Cord-cutting is no longer just a trend—it’s the standard for watching TV in 2025.

Whether you want to save money, enjoy flexible viewing options, or simply avoid bulky equipment, you can access almost any channel or show without a cable subscription or an antenna. This guide will show you all the best ways to watch TV without cable or antenna in 2025, covering streaming services, devices, free platforms, and insider tips to make the switch seamless. Traditional cable TV is expensive, often bundled with services you don’t need. Antennas, while free, only provide limited local channels. In 2025, streaming platforms and internet-based TV options have evolved to provide live TV, on-demand content, sports, and even local channels—all at a fraction of cable costs. With smart TVs, high-speed internet, and powerful streaming devices, there’s no reason to be tied down.

If you want the same live channels as cable without the contract, live TV streaming services are the best choice. Thank you for making all the info very clear. Some of us are older and not techie… yet. Thank you for your kind words! It’s nice to hear that our content has been of benefit. Very educational.

Will revisit. Thank you I have never read an article so confusing! You provided no help at all!!! Great guide, but speaking of that, you didn’t mention having a channel guide for cord-cutters. We use the FREE one at https://next-episode.net/.

You just load it with your shows and pull it up on your computer or phone. Even better — we recently started using a Fire Stick with our Amazon Echo, and we can pull up the “guide” by simply saying “Alexa, open the Silk Browser”. We made the guide our home page on the Silk Browser, for convenience. Once we see a show we will watch, we mark it off of our list, and then say something like “Alexa, play Chicago Med on Fire Stick” and it loads directly into Hulu… way... 🙂 Remember the days when getting your favorite TV shows meant a giant cable bill?

Those days are fading! Did you know that the average cable bill is now over $80 a month? That’s a lot of money! And let’s be honest, how often do you actually watch all those channels? The cable companies don’t make it easy to cut the cord. You’re left with a confusing number of options and confusing tech jargon.

Choosing how to watch TV without cable can feel like navigating a maze. Should you pick streaming services? What about antennas? It’s a lot to think about. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone! This blog post will break down the best ways to watch TV without cable.

We’ll make it easy to understand. You will learn about the different choices and how to pick the best one for you. By the end of this post, you’ll be a cord-cutting pro! You’ll have all the information you need to save money and watch the shows you love. Get ready to ditch that expensive cable bill and start watching TV on your terms. Let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of cutting the cord!

The Roku Express is a simple way to stream. It offers a huge variety of free, live, and premium TV. This little device connects to your TV and the internet. It gives you access to tons of entertainment. The included remote is easy to use. It has shortcuts to popular channels.

Setup is quick. You just plug it in and start streaming! The Roku Express is a great option for anyone who wants easy streaming. It is perfect for new streamers. It is also good for those who want a simple device. You will get a lot of content for a good price.

Remember the days when your cable bill felt like a monster? It just kept growing and growing, even though you only watched a few channels. Well, guess what? You’re not alone! Millions of people are cutting the cable cord to save money and watch what they want, when they want. But the world of watching TV without cable can feel like a confusing maze.

Finding the right way to watch TV without cable can be tricky. There are so many choices! You might feel lost with all the streaming services, antennas, and devices. It’s tough to pick the best options for your budget and what you like to watch. Plus, you might worry about missing your favorite shows or sports. That’s where this post comes in!

This blog post is your guide to the world of cable-free TV. You will learn about different ways to watch TV without cable. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each option. You’ll get tips on how to choose the best setup for you. Get ready to save money and enjoy TV on your terms. Let’s explore all the exciting options!

Cord Cutting Guide 5 Ways To Watch Everything You Want Without A Cable

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As A Benchmark, YouTube TV Runs $72.99 X 12 ≈