Despite cable companies’ best efforts to persuade you that their high prices are the greatest deal, there are plenty of legitimate ways to watch live cable TV online for free or at a greatly discounted cost.
Get an HDTV antenna
Antennas for televisions are making a huge comeback. In reality, according to new Parks Associates data, the percentage of U.S. broadband consumers who utilise digital antennas in their homes has climbed to 20% since the end of 2017. (up from 16 percent in early 2015).
These aren’t the same TV antennas we used to put near a window to obtain good reception. These are HDTV antennas, which means better broadcast signals as well as a slew of new local channels. An HDTV antenna may catch signals from up to 109 channels if you reside near a metropolis. Antenna Web can tell you how many channels you can get from your location and which antenna will offer you the best reception.
Directional and omni-directional (types of antennas)
Antennas are classified as either directional or omni-directional. The ideal solution is determined by your location as well as other aspects of your home setup.
Directional antennas, as the name suggests, are meant to point in a single direction. It’s recommended to use a directional antenna when:
On Amazon, you can generally purchase a nice HD directional antenna for less than $50.
Omni-directional antennas, on the other hand, are made to intercept signals in all horizontal directions equally well. When you don’t know where the TV signal is coming from, multi-directional antennas are your best chance.
These antennas can sustain satellite connectivity even when signals bounce off buildings and other objects because they intercept signals in a two-dimensional geometric plane. They’re a little more expensive than directional antennas, but they’re still a good deal when compared to cable.
Indoor vs. outdoor antennas (where to put your antenna)
You must also consider the location of your antenna to guarantee that reception conditions are always great. As a result, you must choose between an outside and an indoor antenna.
Indoor TV antennas are compact and can be placed in any room, and they may be the best option for you if you reside within 10 miles of a TV transmission tower. They’re also great if you reside somewhere where mounting an external antenna isn’t possible.
Indoor TV antennae of high quality are quite affordable. For example, the AmazonBasics Ultra-Thin Antenna offers a 50-mile range and is extremely inexpensive. An indoor TV antenna can be set up quickly and easily. Simply connect the antenna to your TV’s “Ant In” receiver and place the receiver in a nearby window.
If you reside in a wooded or rural region, an outside TV antenna can be suitable. Because outside antennas are often positioned on rooftops, signal interference from roofing materials, buildings, and walls is less common.
The majority of people believe that outside TV antennas are costly. On the contrary, the majority of them can be obtained for a reasonable price. For under $40, you can get one with an 80-mile range.
Crackle TV
Give Crackle TV a try if you enjoy binge-watching movies and TV series for free. The network was formerly known as “Grouper,” but after Sony Entertainment purchased it in 2006, it was renamed Crackle TV.
A word of caution: the streaming service inserts advertisements into the content at predetermined intervals. Although it can be inconvenient, it is necessary to maintain the service free. Crackle is not only a way to receive free television, but it also has a lot of high-quality material. While the content on Crackle TV changes on a monthly basis, there are plenty of TV shows and movies to select from.
Amazon Prime Video
For Amazon Prime members, Amazon Prime Video is a video streaming service. If you’re not an Amazon Prime member, Prime Video is still available for less than $10 a month.
Thousands of movies and TV shows are available for free or a modest price on Prime Video. You may also add cable channels like Showtime for a fraction of the cost of your cable bill.
Netflix
Netflix is one of the most widely used streaming services. Over 75 million people have signed up for the billion-dollar service. Netflix isn’t free, but the high-quality and quantity of television selections make it worthwhile.
Netflix offers a free 30-day trial, so you’ll have plenty of time to try out the service. If you’re not satisfied with the service, you can cancel anytime before the trial finishes, just like with any other free trial offer.
If you decide to subscribe to Netflix after your free trial period ends, you have three options:
- Basic: For $8.99 a month, you get unlimited standard definition streaming of movies and TV shows.
- Standard: The Standard plan allows you to stream limitless material for $12.99 per month. In addition, the package includes HD video quality and the ability to watch on two screens at once.
- Premium: For $15.99 per month, you receive unlimited content as well as HD and Ultra HD viewing options. You’ll also be able to watch stuff on four displays at the same time. If you want a plan for the entire family, this is a good option.
Even the most expensive plan is a fraction of what you’d spend for a traditional cable package. You may pay for Netflix without digging into your regular monthly budget if you figure out a method to make a few money from home.
Stream cable TV online yourself for free
If you currently pay a monthly fee for high-speed internet, you may get the most out of your subscription by watching cable TV online for free.
The website’s thriving community of television aficionados is another compelling reason to stay. It not only provides a comprehensive selection of TV shows to watch, but it also allows you to discuss your favourites with other members.
Use Classic Television Online
There is a way to watch television classics without having to pay a monthly subscription fee. You may find a comprehensive collection of historic television shows on the Classic Television Online website. There’s something for everyone in this collection, from daytime shows to prime-time specials to famous late-night interviews.
Purchase a Roku device
For many years, Roku has been the streaming device of choice, and for good reason. Roku has altered the way we watch movies and TV shows from the comfort of our own homes, thanks to its smart capabilities, amazing UI, and a boatload of awesome features.
You can watch free previous and current episodes from many networks and cable channels by connecting your Roku device to your TV. Roku continues to lead the streaming device market, beating away competitors like Apple TV, Amazon’s Fire TV, and Chromecast, thanks to the introduction of 4K and HDR technologies.
Watch YouTube videos
YouTube has grown to become the world’s most popular online video platform. YouTube TV was launched in 2017 as a foray into online television by the video hosting service. Although the service is young, it has already made a significant impact due to its amazing network package. YouTube TV is pushing its claim as one of the greatest cable TV alternatives, with over 60 networks now under its belt.
Is there a way to get free cable TV?
Install for free right now: Stream over 2000 TV episodes, movies, and breaking news from the convenience of your phone.
WORKS LIKE CABLE TV, BUT WITHOUT THE SUBSCRIPTION – The FREECABLE TV App brings you the most up-to-date breaking news from around the world, as well as currently airing TV shows, TV series, movies, sports events, and live news in one convenient app! Now is the time to download and start streaming!
VARIOUS TV PROGRAMS – Includes news, music, foreign news, TV series full episodes, trailers, talk shows, sports, entertainment, cartoons, lifestyle, pets, cooking, travel, health, language learning, radio, and a variety of other programmes.
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IMMEDIATE INFORMATION – Covers a wide range of sporting events, including baseball, basketball, football, badminton, and more.
LIVE UPDATES – Breaking news and live TV news are covered. The FREECABLE TV App keeps you up to date on the latest breaking news from around the world.
* With the consent of the individual publishers, some television programmes (e.g. EBC, USTV, FTV, TTV, TIME VISION) are offered on our own streaming site (non-YouTube platform).
Is it possible to live without cable and yet watch 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 favourite 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 favourite 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.
What app do you use to watch live TV?
SLING is a live TV streaming service that delivers the best of both free and premium live TV to you on any device. SLING also has something for everyone, with over 200 channels. It’s the live TV you want at a fraction of the price of cable. Plus, there are over 85,000 movies and episodes available on demand.
What is the most cost-effective way to watch television without cable?
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 favourite 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 favourite 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 utilised 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 prefered 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.
How do I watch local channels online?
There are various ways to stream your local network channels if you don’t want to utilise an antenna. DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV are the greatest ways to watch local ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS programming. In practically every market in the United States, they all provide a way to live stream major broadcast networks. There’s also the option of using FuboTV. They do not, however, cover as many markets. Finally, in some areas of the country, Paramount+, Sling TV, and Vidgo stream some of the “big four” local broadcast networks.
In the sections below, we break down the local channel offerings of each of these services.
What is the greatest free local TV app?
STIRR. STIRR is a great free app for watching local networks. There are more than 120 channels available, covering local news, sports, and national events. You can also watch free movies, TV programmes, and cult classics while watching network television.
Is there a way to obtain free local channels using an app?
Many local stations have free mobile apps that allow you to view local TV programmes on your smartphone or other mobile device.
CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and the CW all provide mobile applications that allow you to watch local TV shows without requiring a subscription or a cable or satellite connection.
It’s vital to keep in mind that each app functions slightly differently. Viewers can watch complete episodes of their favourite CBS shows on demand the day after they air on the CBS app.
You’ll have to pay for their Paramount+ subscription, which I mentioned previously, if you want access to live streaming or their entire library.
The ABC App
The ABC app allows for free archive and live stream viewing, although in some larger markets, such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, you’ll require a cable or satellite provider.
The NBC App
The NBC app allows you to watch recent episodes of several new shows for free. They also have older episodes and shows that you may watch on your mobile device.
While live streaming and certain recent episodes do not require a satellite or cable provider, other recent episodes must.