I enjoy watching television. Outside of treatment, I’m sure you’re not meant to mention that, but I know I’m not alone. While I enjoy watching television, our family’s budget does not appreciate the $100 or more monthly cable or satellite cost.
I’ve seen all the people who say, “Netflix replaced our cable and we haven’t looked back!” Like you, I’ve seen all the folks who say, “Netflix replaced our cable and we haven’t looked back!” Those who say that obviously didn’t watch much (excellent) television while they had cable. Those are the people who go to the library to rent movies. That level of responsibility is too much for me. Our seven library cards, all of which have fines on them, are proof of this.
I’m here to tell you that for roughly $15 a month plus the purchase of a streaming gadget, you can watch most of your favorite network television series. And, if you want to watch sports on live TV, you can do so for less than $50 per month.
Here’s a non-techy approach to cutting the cord on cable or satellite while still watching your favorite shows and sporting events:
You’ll need three things to view TV and movies without cable or satellite:
You’ll need either a home internet connection or a cell phone data package. Both will function, but if you want to watch on your actual television, having internet at home is the most convenient option.
It’s best to have a streaming device in order to see streamed content. The device connects to your television and communicates with the internet to allow your shows to be streamed. The device’s packaging will include all necessary connections and/or accessories.
You may watch episodes and movies on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, but if you want to view them on your TV, you’ll need one of these streaming devices. Before you buy any of these gadgets, make sure your television is “smart,” which means it already has the streaming service apps loaded. You won’t need a streaming device if it does.
The Fire TV Stick plugs into the HDMI port on your TV and lets you access any of the streaming services. Alexa is built into the new Fire TV Sticks, so you can tell your remote what show you want to watch and “she” should be able to find it on your TV. This feature is primarily intended for children, but it can also be handy for anyone who have trouble controlling a remote with their fingers.
Because it is not a box, it does not require additional shelf space. You may even take the stick with you when you go on vacation and use it to access your streaming accounts on other TVs.
This option will be especially useful if you frequently use Amazon Instant Video (and have Amazon Prime).
Essentially the same as the Amazon Fire Stick, except with the addition of a box. There are three basic Roku models:
Roku Express This is a stick similar to the Amazon Fire TV Stick that is the most economical alternative and will work well for everyone.
The Roku Streaming Stick is about $20 more expensive than the Express. It’s also a stick, with a voice remote and a volume + power option, so you don’t have to use the remote on your TV for basic operations.
Roku Ultra costs twice as much as the Streaming Stick. It’s a box that allows you to connect your home’s Ethernet wire straight to the box, eliminating WiFi issues. It has the ability to stream in 4K.
Exactly the same thing. It allows you to broadcast content. When I was renting a property, I utilized the Apple TV and nearly broke it with a hammer. The remote has a high learning curve, particularly if you’re used to the remotes for the Fire TV Stick or Roku.
The only justification I see for getting Apple TV instead of a Fire TV Stick or Roku is if your household is already largely Apple and you buy movies and episodes through your iTunes account.
The major streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, should be pre-installed on the player, but you may need to download other less popular services. It has the advantage of being able to play Blu-ray and DVD discs.
The streaming devices, regardless of which one you use, do not levy any fees (annual or monthly), yet you may have to pay a monthly or yearly cost if you stream through your gaming device.
The Roku is my preferred streaming device. I enjoy the UI and the search function a little better than the Amazon Fire TV Stick. However, with Amazon’s device, you can’t go wrong.
If you have to choose right now, go with the cheapest option (Fire TV Stick or Roku Express). Get the Fire TV Stick if you’re addicted to Alexa. Get the Roku box if your WiFi is bad and you have an Ethernet cable near your TV. If you’re buying for an elderly person or someone who has difficulty using remote controls, I recommend the Roku Streaming Stick with voice and some TV remote functionality.
After you’ve decided on a streaming device, you’ll need to sign up for one or more streaming services. These services all charge a monthly fee in exchange for the right to watch movies and programmes. With all of these services, you can cancel your membership at any time without penalty.
With a Netflix account, you can’t go wrong. There are numerous back seasons of TV shows available, as well as numerous movies and excellent original series. Netflix is available on your streaming device, your phone or tablet (simply download the app), and you may download specific series for a limited time to view them offline (for example, on an airline). There are no advertisements on Netflix, and you may upgrade to stream to many devices at once.
Within your Netflix account, you may create distinct profiles so that people can watch shows at their own pace and your children don’t have access to adult content. It’s quite nice.
For new accounts, Netflix offers a one-month free trial. The three different plans can be found HERE.
Hulu differs from Netflix in that it focuses on current network and cable television programming. The new episode normally airs a day after the original air date, and you can usually view all of the current season’s episodes as well as episodes from previous seasons (though you’ll probably have to catch up on Netflix for longer-running seasons). Movies and original shows are also available on Hulu.
For $12 per month, you can obtain a plan with no advertisements or for $6, you can get a plan with reduced commercials. Some customers have complained to me about having to watch ads even though they have paid for the service. I’m curious whether the same people complained when their cable company charged them $100 or more per month to watch advertisements…
Hulu is essential if you appreciate your shows and don’t want to wait for Netflix to pick them up in the future decade.
Amazon Prime Video ($119/year + free two-day delivery on most Amazon purchases OR $12.99/month for Prime Video alone)
Amazon Prime Video, like Netflix and Hulu, offers a variety of TV shows and movies, as well as original programming. With Prime Video, there are no commercials. Select series and movies can be downloaded to your phone, tablet, or computer to view while you’re not connected to the internet. You may also rent just about any movie through your Amazon account.
Without a cable or satellite subscription, you can watch anything on HBO now or in the past. HBO Now is available on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, as well as all of the above-mentioned streaming devices. Here is a link to a free one-week trial.
You may watch Showtime on your computer, tablet, smartphone, or practically any streaming device, including live sporting events. Here is a link to a free one-week trial.
This is a fresh new product! All Disney and Pixar episodes and movies, as well as Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, and more, are available to watch. Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN may all be bundled for $12.99 per month. This would cover a great deal of ground.
- The cost of your chosen streaming service on a monthly basis (Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, HBO, Showtime, etc.)
If you don’t care about live sports or cable news, Netflix + Hulu can provide you with all the movies, TV series, and original programming you could ever desire for less than $25 per month. You’ll get Prime Video as a bonus if you’re already an Amazon Prime member.
I’m sure you’re wondering how I can watch live sports or news without cable or satellite.
With an indoor antenna, you may watch TV for free. You can watch network TV live for free if you reside pretty near to where the signal goes out (the suburbs should suffice). Because all of the networks broadcast in HD, your picture will be spectacular.
I don’t have cable, so how can I access Netflix on my TV?
You’ll need a device with the Netflix app to watch Netflix on your TV. Many smart TVs, game consoles, set-top boxes, and Blu-ray players include Netflix apps. The Netflix app is found on the main menu or home screen of Netflix-enabled televisions.
Is it possible to watch Netflix without having a cable box?
Netflix may be seen on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop PCs, game consoles, and streaming media players, among other devices. Most people prefer to watch movies on their TV, but you can still watch Netflix on other internet-connected devices if you don’t have a smart TV.
Is Netflix available for free on a smart TV?
If you have a modern smart TV, such as one from Hisense, LG, Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Sharp, Toshiba, or Vestel, you can very certainly find a Netflix app in the app store for it.
The app will be free to download and install on your linked TV, but a membership will be required. If you’ve never used Netflix before, you do get a 30-day free trial.
After you’ve downloaded and installed the app, log in with your account information and you’re ready to begin.
What is the most cost-effective way to watch Netflix?
All you need is an HDMI connection and a PC to watch Netflix on your TV for less than $10. It’s simple: just use an HDMI cable to connect your computer to your television. The sound and picture from your computer will appear on the TV, and you can use a mouse and keyboard to explore the internet.
Although an AmazonBasics HDMI cable with a 10-foot length costs $8, there’s a good chance you already have one laying around the house. Remember that this method works best with a laptop or a desktop computer close to your television.
What can I do if I don’t have cable and want to watch TV?
You won’t need your cable box any more, but you will require a streaming device to access Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. Perhaps the app is incorporated into your smart TV, or perhaps you’ll need to purchase a new streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV. In any case, such a device will need to be linked to each TV that is currently connected to a cable box.
Streaming devices are inexpensive ($25 and higher), and you don’t have to pay a monthly rental fee to the cable operator. Most services also allow you to watch on your phone, tablet, or computer.
How can I cut the cord while still watching TV?
Using streaming apps, often known as streaming channels, you can get rid of cable while still watching TV. Most people are familiar with Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu, which are among the most popular streaming services.
Most of your favorite cable or satellite TV channels have their own streaming channel or are part of a bigger network of channels on a single streaming channel.
Discovery+ is an excellent example of a large streaming channel comprised of a number of your favorite cable stations.
The Discovery+ Streaming Channel costs only $4.99 a month and includes the majority of the cable channels that my husband and I watch.
Is it necessary to have cable with a smart TV?
Smart TVs are now commonplace in most houses. As more people switch from cable to streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, it’s natural to question if you can use a smart TV without it.
Because smart TVs rely on Wi-Fi networks to function, they can be used without a cable connection. You can watch TV shows and movies on your TV using a variety of applications that you can download to your TV; some apps are free, while others cost a monthly membership.
Through streaming services, casting, and Internet browsers, a smart TV offers a plethora of viewing options. I’ve never looked back on my decision to cut the cord, and I’m happy to show you how you can watch TV without it as well!
What Do You Need to Watch Netflix?
Smart TVs and Media Streaming Players
- You’ll need to start by entering your email address or phone number on most smart TVs and streaming media players.
How can I receive Netflix for free for the rest of my life?
- Select a triple play plan, which includes TV, phone, and internet.
- After a set amount of time, perhaps a month or two, Verizon will send you an email offering free Netflix.
According to Lifewire, you should also be mindful of Verizon Fios’ offerings because their terms and conditions are subject to change.