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Cord Cutting Guide The Best Cable Tv Alternatives To Save Lifewire

Leo Migdal
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cord cutting guide the best cable tv alternatives to save lifewire

It feels like cable and satellite monthly bills seem to increase every year. Thankfully, new technology and tons of streaming services mean there are lots of alternatives to cable TV. This comprehensive guide aims to help you decide if cord-cutting is right for you. It’s got all the info you need to keep your live and network TV access, plus a list of the hottest streaming services to check out, and it even tackles your worries about missing... It may sound obvious, but you really want to make sure that cord cutting is right for you before you take the plunge. If you change your mind, new contracts and activation fees are going to get expensive.

Before you decide to cut the cord, you'll need to figure out just how much your cable or satellite bill is. You can do this by checking your monthly statement. Since you're looking into cord-cutting already, it's a good guess that it's already much higher than you would like. Looking at the total of your bill will give you something to compare the other costs you'll rack up after adding any of the options below. Of course, the goal is to ensure you're saving money. While you're checking your bill, take a few minutes and see if there's a smaller bundle you may be happy with.

Cable companies are starting to take cord-cutting seriously and are beginning to offer slimmer bundles for a decent cost. You may just find one that you'll be happy with. Robin Layton is a Senior Editor for Allconnect, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the often-complex world of internet service providers. With 30 years of experience in journalism and marketing, Robin empowers consumers to make informed decisions with fair, balanced and thoroughly researched reporting on broadband services. Robin holds a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from Shepherd University. When she’s not researching the latest broadband trends, she enjoys hiking with her husband and their two Australian Cattle dogs.

Anine Sus is an editor and publisher with Allconnect. With eight years of experience editing and writing technical content, she is passionate about guiding consumers through the decision-making process to help them understand the best options for finding an internet plan. She aims to demystify broadband technology and jargon while ensuring transparent information on Allconnect.com. Anine earned a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Dickinson College. In her spare time, she enjoys being in the front row to see her favorite band, the Kills. Find her work in the AAII Journal and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Robin Layton is a Senior Editor for Allconnect, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the often-complex world of internet service providers. With 30 years of experience in journalism and marketing, Robin empowers consumers to make informed decisions with fair, balanced and thoroughly researched reporting on broadband services. Robin holds a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from Shepherd University. When she’s not researching the latest broadband trends, she enjoys hiking with her husband and their two Australian Cattle dogs. Anine Sus is an editor and publisher with Allconnect. With eight years of experience editing and writing technical content, she is passionate about guiding consumers through the decision-making process to help them understand the best options for finding an internet plan.

She aims to demystify broadband technology and jargon while ensuring transparent information on Allconnect.com. Anine earned a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Dickinson College. In her spare time, she enjoys being in the front row to see her favorite band, the Kills. Find her work in the AAII Journal and connect with her on LinkedIn. If you want to cut the cable cord, you do have options to access popular TV. Our broadband and TV experts share the right questions to ask about data caps, pricing, speed and more.

Some products in this article are from our partners. Read our Advertiser Discloser. Expensive cable packages can seriously deplete your budget and financial goals. Thankfully, there are several great streaming services that are excellent alternatives to cable TV. Basic packages can be affordable. However, once you start adding in all of the bells and whistles, things get costly.

Are you ready to reduce expenses and help your budget by cutting the cord to cable TV? Here are some of the best alternatives to Cable TV if you’re ready to cut the cord. Many of these streaming services offer a wider selection of viewing choices than traditional TV. However, they’re also much more affordable. Sling TV is a great alternative to cable because it requires no rental equipment and does not charge installation fees. You can stream shows from your TV, tablet, phone, or computer.

It is July 2025, and the world of cord-cutting has changed a lot over the last year. This year, multiple streaming services raised their prices as did multiple cable TV companies. Soon multiple HBO channels will shut down in July and Paramount is closing many channels in international markets. With all the changes today maybe a great day to give streaming services a second look. With all of these changes in cable TV companies and streaming, you may be looking for a new TV provider. This is because several TV services, including DIRECTV, Fubo, and YouTube TV, have recently raised or will soon be raising their prices.

So today we dive deep into all the different options cord cutters have to get TV. *Note: The information in this guide is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of July 13, 2025. First, you should look at which of these services works on the devices you own: *Note: Chromecast will work on any Chromecast-supported device like Android TV and Google TV. SAVE ON TV STREAMING Find the Cheapest Way to Stream Your Favorite TV Channels Tired of paying too much for TV?

Use our streaming channel tool to discover the cheapest way to stream your favorite TV channel. NEW TOOL TO SAVE ON TV STREAMING! Find the Cheapest Way to Stream Your Favorite TV Channels Tired of paying too much for TV? Use our Streaming Channel tool to discover the cheapest way to stream your favorite TV channels. Are you tired of paying a costly cable or satellite TV bill each month?

You may be able to cut the cord and start saving money in 2025! Cutting the cord has never been more appealing. With cable prices continuing to rise and streaming services offering comprehensive alternatives, millions of households are ditching traditional cable for internet-based live TV. But with so many options available, determining which streaming service is best for live TV can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the top services for 2025, helping you find the perfect fit for your viewing habits and budget. Live TV streaming services have matured significantly, now offering channel lineups that rival traditional cable packages at a fraction of the cost.

These platforms deliver local channels, sports networks, news, and entertainment through your internet connection, eliminating equipment rental fees and long-term contracts. The best streaming service for live TV depends on your priorities, whether that’s comprehensive sports coverage, budget-friendly pricing, or extensive on-demand libraries. Let’s explore what makes each service unique. YouTube TV remains the gold standard for live TV streaming, offering over 100 channels at $82.99 monthly. The service provides unlimited cloud DVR storage with nine-month retention, making it easy to record and save content. YouTube TV includes all major local networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS), plus comprehensive sports coverage including ESPN, NFL Network, and NBA TV.

The interface is remarkably intuitive, with easy navigation and excellent search functionality. YouTube TV supports three simultaneous streams and works seamlessly across all major devices. The platform’s exclusive access to NFL Sunday Ticket makes it particularly attractive for football fans, though this add-on costs extra. Pros: Unlimited DVR, comprehensive channel lineup, user-friendly interface, NFL Sunday Ticket availability Cons: Higher price point, streams most cable channels at 720p resolution, missing some networks like A&E and Lifetime If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

I'll admit it: I miss channel-surfing. While on-demand streaming (Netflix, HBO Max, etc.) lets me watch what I want, when I want, there's still something special about hopping around the "dial" to see what's on right now. (Second act of Moneyball? I'm in. Bob's Burgers reruns? Perfect.) Yes, live TV still means sitting through commercials, but I consider those opportunities for bathroom breaks, snack runs and, if I'm being good, a few sets of squats.

The best live TV streaming services do a great job of recreating the cable/satellite viewing experience, serving up as many as 100 hundred (or more!) channels for my surfing pleasure.Indeed, you'll get not only... In many cases these services add extras like DVR and on-demand movies and TV shows.But, wow, there are a lot of different choices, with different channels, features and pricing models. Lucky for you, I watch a lot of TV — Alone, Animal Control, Bob's Burgers, Shark Tank, you name it — and I've put all the top services to the test: DirecTV, Hulu +... (Note: A growing number of "traditional" streaming services, including Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock and Netflix, are dipping toes into the live-TV waters — usually with sports or special events — but given... Find out below in "How we tested." What are some important factors to consider when shopping for a streaming live-TV service? They're below as well, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

Other live TV streaming services we like Other live TV streaming services we tested How we tested live TV streaming services In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, traditional cable TV has begun to face significant challenges. The rise of streaming services, the proliferation of high-speed internet, and the desire for more flexible, personalized entertainment options have prompted millions of viewers to reconsider their cable subscriptions. For many, cutting the cord — that is, abandoning conventional cable or satellite TV — offers a way to save money, gain more control over viewing content, and access the latest in entertainment technology.

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It feels like cable and satellite monthly bills seem to increase every year. Thankfully, new technology and tons of streaming services mean there are lots of alternatives to cable TV. This comprehensive guide aims to help you decide if cord-cutting is right for you. It’s got all the info you need to keep your live and network TV access, plus a list of the hottest streaming services to check out, a...

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