As cable TV becomes increasingly outdated, people are looking for new and innovative ways to watch their favorite shows and movies. With so many streaming services available, it can be hard to decide which one is the best fit for your needs. This article will explore some of the most popular streaming services and help you decide which is the best replacement for cable TV.
If you need to leave your pricier satellite or cable TV yet you still need to get your favorite channels, countless streaming services can enable you to save on the overall cost. We’ve been reviewing streaming services for close to a decade now, and we’ll help you out in allowing you to get the best streaming service to replace cable in the market today.
What is Cable TV, and Why is it Becoming Outdated?
Cable television is a system of delivering television programming to consumers via a network of cable wires. This system contrasts with broadcast television, where programming is provided over the airwaves. Cable TV first became popular in the United States in the 1950s to improve the quality of broadcast television signals.
In recent years, however, cable TV has lost its appeal due mainly to the rise of streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. With so many options for watching TV online, many people are opting to cut the cord and ditch their cable subscriptions.
As a result, cable companies are struggling to keep up with changing consumer demands. It remains to be seen whether cable TV will be able to adapt and survive in the age of streaming.
The Benefits of Streaming Services Over Cable TV
In recent years, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have become increasingly popular as they offer a more affordable and convenient alternative to cable TV.
Cheaper than Cable TV
One of the most significant advantages of streaming services is that they are much cheaper than cable TV. Most streaming services cost around $10 per month, while the average cable TV bill is over $100. This makes streaming services much more affordable for those looking to save money.
More Convenient than Cable TV
Another advantage of streaming services is that they are more convenient than cable TV. With a streaming service, you can watch your favorite shows and movies without worrying about scheduling conflicts or missed episodes. You can also watch shows and movies on your phone, tablet, or laptop, which is not always possible with cable TV.
A Better Selection of Shows and Movies
One of the main reasons people opt for streaming services over cable TV is because they offer a better selection of shows and movies. With so many different streaming services to choose from, you can find a service that provides the specific type of content you’re looking for.
Whether you’re into classic movies, modern TV shows, or something in between, there’s sure to be a streaming service that’s perfect for you.
Provide Access to Exclusive Content
In addition to a better selection of movies and TV shows, many streaming services also offer access to exclusive content that you can’t find anywhere else.
For example, Netflix has its line of original programmings, such as Stranger Things and Orange Is the New Black, which can only be watched on Netflix.
More Portable
One of the best things about streaming services is that they are more portable than cable TV. With a streaming service, you can watch your favorite shows and movies on your phone, tablet, or laptop, which is not always possible with cable TV. This means you can take your favorite shows with you wherever you go.
Socially Interactive
Another advantage of streaming services is that they are more socially interactive than cable TV. With most streaming services, you can add friends and family members to your account so you can share your favorite shows and movies with them. You can also follow other users to see what they’re watching and recommend new content.
Better Quality Picture and Sound
In recent years, streaming services have also become known for their better quality picture and sound. With most streaming services, you can watch your favorite shows and movies in HD or even 4K quality. This significantly improves the standard definition quality you get with cable TV.
Constantly Updating Their Libraries
One of the best things about streaming services is that they constantly update their libraries with new movies and TV shows. This means you’ll never run out of things to watch.
What is the Best Streaming Service to Replace Cable?
Several different streaming services are available, each with its unique selection of shows and movies. So, which one is the best replacement for cable TV? Here are some of the most popular streaming services and what they have to offer:
If you’re using a streaming alternative for cable for the first-timer, YouTube TV is the first option that we recommend for you. Other experienced cord-cutters might want to try cheaper streaming options, like some of the ones we’ll feature in this review.
This review will break down the advantages and disadvantages of the favorite TV streaming services. Plus, you’ll get to familiarize yourself with the five key factors that will enable you to make a well-informed buying decision.
- Price
- Channel lineups
- Cloud DVR
- Supported devices
- Multiple screens
Some key streaming services we’ll be looking at are:
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Philo
- FuboTV
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- HBO Now
- Disney Plus
- Apple TV
- CBS All Access
- Other Live TV Services
1. YouTube TV
Facts about YouTube TV:
- Starting price: $64.99 monthly
- Channels: 85+ in the starter plan; ESPN, locals, sports, league, news, and most entertainment networks
- Cloud DVR storage: Offers you unlimited recordings: available for a max of 9 months
- Devices supported for TV: Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and more
- Multiple Streams: Up to three streams at once
Learn Also: How to Watch ESPN without Cable: 12 Best Ways
YouTube TV is an excellent option for those who want to watch live TV. It offers several different channel packages and the ability to record shows and movies to watch later.
Essentially, YouTube is the #1 favourite TV streaming service if you need a cable replacement and you’re cutting the cord for the first time. The service begins at $65 monthly and offers you over 85 channels, up to three simultaneous streams, and unlimited cloud DVR storage. You may add NFL RedZone using Sports plus for only $11 monthly. YouTube TV’s navigation is easy and simple to learn for persons just starting the streaming services.
YouTube features top channels than any other option in the market yet at a very competitive price, and it is one of the only two with local PBS stations. Even though it doesn’t add any new channel now, the video streaming platform announced a monthly add-on of $20 that enables you to watch 4K streams and a minimal amount of on-demand content. It also includes unlimited simultaneous streams that can go up to three.
2. Sling TV
Facts about Sling TV:
- Starting price: $35 monthly for Sling Blue or Sling Orange, but $50 monthly for Blue+ Orange
- Channels: Sling Orange offers your Disney and ESPN, whereas Sling Blue offers you man cable news network and NFL Network
- Cloud DVR storage: 50-hours of storage and 200 hours for the paid upgrade
- Devices supported for TV: Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and more.
- Multiple Streams: You’ll get one stream with Sling Orange, while for Sling Blue, you’ll get up to three streams
Sling TV is an excellent option for those who want a more customizable streaming experience. It offers several different channel packages so that you can choose your channels. For an additional fee, you can also add premium channels, such as ESPN or HBO.
If you want to keep your budget on the low and you still need a mix of entertainment, sports, and news networks, this should be your best stream to opt for. The Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans cost $35 each; however, if you want to keep everything on the low, you can harmonize and pay $50 monthly. The local channels with this stream are very limited, so pair the service using an antenna. Keep in mind that if you can stay on the base plan, you’ll save a lot of money compared to other services. But also note that add-ons may quickly increase your cost.
Aside from the affordability, Sling TV comes with two other feathers: an improved DVR increased to 50-hours and a new interface that enables the service to be more fun and interactive.
3. Hulu + Live TV
Facts about Hulu + Live TV:
- Starting price: $69.99 monthly
- Channels: Offers you 75 base plan, which includes; ESPN, locals, entertainment, news, and popular sports networks
- Cloud DVR storage: 200-hours with paid upgrade and 50-hours of storage
- Devices supported for TV: Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and more
- Multiple streams: Support up to two streams at a go, with unlimited streams for the paid upgrade
Hulu is another popular streaming service that offers a great selection of movies and TV shows. It also has several exclusive shows, such as The Handmaid’s Tale. Hulu is an excellent option for those who want to watch their favorite shows without commercials.
The starting price of Hulu + Live TV skyrocketed to $69.99 monthly in late Dec 2021. The base plan for Hulu Live stream gives you less for your money than YouTube TV. Also, it offers you fewer channels, fewer simultaneous streams, and Cloud DVR storage. The draw of Hulu + Live TV is accessible to Hulu’s streaming library at no extra charge. After the current price increase, Hulu +Live TV has also included ESPN+ and Disney+ in the base plan. Based on your preferred channels, Hulu + Live may be an alternative to FuboTV or YouTube – but you should be aware that the upgrades are pretty expensive.
4. Philo
Facts about Philo:
- Starting price: $25 monthly
- Channels: 60 plus channels from Discovery & Viacom, AMC Networks, and A&E Networks, no cable news, sports, or locals
- Cloud DVR storage: Offers you unlimited recordings, which is available for up to 12-months
- Devices supported for TV: Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and more
- Multiple Streams: Offers you up to three streams at the same time
The Philo streaming service is the real deal if you’re all about value and satisfaction. It features a low monthly price, yet you can still access over 60 channels. In other words, the channel is majorly focused on lifestyle and entertainment programming. It doesn’t offer sports, local networks, or even the most well-known cable news channels. Aside from that, Philo comes with unlimited DVR storage, and you can now show for over 12 months. We’re certain that most people find themselves in an excellent position to pay an additional $10 for the superior service of Sling TV; however, if you find Philo having all the channels that you need, it can still be okay.
5. FuboTV
Facts about FuboTV:
- Has a starting price of $64.99 in a month
- Channels are more than in the base plan where ESPN and Disney were added back in 2020.
- Cloud DVR lasts for up to 250 hours with 1000 hours on a paid upgrade
- Supports various TV devices such as Roku, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and many more.
- Supports up to 3 streams at the same time and up to 5 on a paid upgrade
FuboTV offers the best streaming services for those who love sports, especially soccer. It included ESPN and Disney in its channel plan back in 2020 but also lost some networks such as Warner Media. For 100+ networks, it starts at $65 per month. You can always opt for this service compared to YouTube TV whenever the channel list has all you need.
What’s so unique about this service is that it is the best for NFL lovers. This is because it is one of the services apart from YouTube TV and Hulu.
6. Netflix
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services on the market. It offers an impressive selection of movies, TV shows, and its line of original programming. Netflix is constantly updating its library, so you’ll always have something new to watch.
7. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is an excellent option for those looking for a more affordable streaming service. It offers a decent selection of movies and TV shows and access to other Amazon Prime benefits, such as free shipping and Prime Music.
8. HBO Now
HBO Now is an excellent option for those who want to watch HBO’s selection of movies and TV shows. It offers the same content as HBOGo, but without the need for a cable TV subscription.
9. Disney Plus
Disney Plus is an excellent option for families who want to watch Disney’s selection of movies and TV shows. It offers different content for all ages and access to Disney benefits, such as free shipping on Disney merchandise.
10. Apple TV
Apple TV is an excellent option for those who want to watch their favorite iTunes content. It offers various movies and TV shows and access to other Apple services, such as the App Store and Apple Music.
11. CBS All Access
CBS All Access is an excellent option for those who want to watch CBS’s selection of movies and TV shows. It offers several exclusive shows, such as The Good Fight and Star Trek: Discovery.
12. DirecTV stream:
DirectTV Now is an excellent option for those who want to watch live TV. It offers several different channel packages and the ability to record shows and movies to watch later. This is formerly referred to as DirecTV stream; AT&T TV stands as the most expensive streaming service. As it stands, it is the only TV streaming service that displays regional sports networks.
Learn Also: How to Hook up Xfinity Cable Box and Internet
Additional subscription services with TV stream
- Paramount+: The $9.99 monthly premium plan offers you 24/7 access to your CBS channels, whereas the 44.99 monthly essential plan offers you some live events, including NFL on CBS.
- Peacock: This is the key on-demand service; however, live features like Sunday Night Football NBC with the $4.99 monthly premium plan. Other news content is also undertaken live.
Frndly TV: The cost of these live streams is $6.99 monthly, aside from Stream Hallmark, the Weather Channel, and over 30 channels.
How to Choose the Best Streaming Service for You?
Many different streaming services are available, each with its unique selection of movies and TV shows. So, which one is the best replacement for cable TV? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a wide selection of content, Netflix is a great option. If you want to watch your favorite shows without commercials, Hulu is a good choice. Amazon Prime Video is a good option if you’re looking for a more affordable option. And if you want to watch live TV, DirectTV Now is a great choice.
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best streaming service. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Cost: Streaming services can range from $5 to $15 per month. Choose the option that fits your budget.
- Selection: Each streaming service has its unique selection of movies and TV shows. Choose the service that offers the content you’re looking for.
- Features: Some streaming services offer offline viewing and commercial-free options. Consider what features are important to you before making your decision.
- Device Compatibility: Not all streaming services are compatible with all devices. Choose a service that is compatible with the devices you use.
- Area Availability: Some streaming services are only available in certain areas. Make sure the service you choose is available in your area.
With so many streaming services available, deciding which is the best replacement for cable TV can be tricky. However, considering your needs and preferences, you can narrow your choices and find the perfect fit.
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The Future of Streaming Services
In recent years, streaming services have become increasingly popular as they offer a convenient and cost-effective way to watch TV shows and movies. However, the future of streaming is far from certain. The industry is currently dominated by a few major players, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, but there is no guarantee that this will continue.
In addition, the rise of new technologies, such as virtual reality, could change how people consume content. As a result, the streaming landscape is likely to be very different in five or ten years. Only time will tell what the future holds for streaming services.
Action plan
The live stream TVs we have offered you above don’t come with long-term commitments and no contracts. In that regard, it doesn’t affect you if you sign up in one stream and cancel it after a while when you’re not happy with it. Aside from that, almost all TV streaming services give free trials. You can now take advantage of them. Also, if you’re planning to cancel satellite or Cable TV, you should start by testing out the streaming services first off. You can only cancel when you’ve found the streaming services you like.
Conclusion
There are many live best streaming services to replace cable. Since its launch, there has been a significant increase in its price, accessing cities, channel selections, and many more. With modern technology, most people turn to streaming rather than using cables. This assures you of more convenient operations free from tangling cables here and there. Therefore, if you are looking forward to a cable-free experience at your home or office, you should opt for any of the above streaming services.
You can choose one that suits your needs in the best manner. Keep in mind that before you decide on one, you should have tested and ascertained that it’s working for you. This will ensure it doesn’t give you inconveniences. Because technology has advanced, cable services ought to be cut. Streaming has gotten better and better. Enjoy being entertained without having to incur a lot of cost.
So, which one is the best replacement for cable TV? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whichever service you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a convenient and cost-effective way to watch your favorite TV shows and movies.
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