I used to pay over $100 a month for cable TV. But with the cost of everything going up, I realized I needed to cut expenses somewhere.
That’s when I decided to cancel the cable and get a TV without cable or an antenna.
At first, I wasn’t sure it was possible. I love watching live sports and the news.
Not to mention all my favorite shows on networks like AMC, HGTV, Discovery, etc.
Could I really get the same experience without cable or even an old-school antenna?
Turns out, I absolutely can.
There are several easy and affordable options for watching TV online without cable or a traditional antenna.
In this post, I’ll share how I get great TV reception direct to my smartphone, laptop, and TV – no cable required.
Sign Up for Live TV Streaming
The best way to replicate that live cable TV experience is with a live TV streaming service. Many of them provide the same channels you’d get through a cable subscription.
I can access these streaming services from my phone, computer, or right on my TV with a streaming device.
The best part? These streaming TV services cost a fraction of what I used to pay for cable!
YouTube TV
My personal favorite is YouTube TV. For under $50 a month, I get access to over 85+ channels. This includes all the major networks like NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox and more.
I also get popular cable channels like ESPN, HGTV, Food Network, and Comedy Central. A subscription includes unlimited DVR storage too. So I can record any shows I want to watch later.
The base package comes with 6 accounts. So I can share my login with family across multiple devices.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV gives you 75+ live channels for less than $70 a month. It has most of the same networks and cable stations as YouTube TV.
One thing that sets Hulu apart is the on-demand streaming library. I get access to thousands of movies and shows I can watch anytime.
Hulu’s enhanced DVR lets you fast-forward through commercials too. You can create up to 6 personalized profiles for one subscription.
Sling TV
Sling TV is the most budget-friendly live-streaming service. Packages start at only $35 a month.
The channel selection isn’t as robust as YouTube TV or Hulu. But Sling still gives you 30+ popular cable networks. From CNN and HGTV to Comedy Central and AMC.
If you want to keep costs down, Sling TV is a great cable alternative. You can always add extra channel packs down the road too.
Get a Streaming Device
In order to watch these streaming services on my TV, I need some extra equipment. A streaming device lets you access online content directly on your television.
I tried a few different ones before settling on my favorite. Here are the top options:
Roku
Roku is one of the most popular and affordable streaming devices out there.
I just plug the small Roku box into my TV’s HDMI port. Then connect it to my Wi-fi.
This gives me access to hundreds of free channels and streaming apps. I can watch movies on Netflix and Prime Video. Or access live TV through services like Hulu and Sling.
Roku has models starting under $30. It provides a simple, user-friendly streaming experience.
Amazon Fire TV
Amazon’s streaming device works much like the Roku. Plug the stick into your TV’s HDMI port and connect to Wi-Fi.
Fire TV gives you access to over 500,000 streaming movies and TV episodes. Plus live content from Hulu, Sling, and more.
The cool thing about Fire TV is that it’s Alexa-enabled. You can use voice commands to search for content or control playback.
I really like using the voice remote to quickly find something to watch. It makes navigating so much easier.
Chromecast
Chromecast takes a different approach from other streaming devices.
Instead of browsing content on the TV, you search and play videos using your phone, tablet or laptop. Then just tap the Cast button to project whatever you’re watching onto the big screen.
Chromecast supports both Android and iOS devices. And there are thousands of Cast-enabled apps to choose from.
It’s an affordable way to make any TV with an HDMI port “smart” for under $40.
Apple TV
Apple TV is definitely a splurge purchase at over $150. But it’s the most advanced streaming box available.
The slick interface really stands out. Apple TV integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices. You can even use AirPlay to stream content from your iPhone or iPad to the TV.
There are also plenty of ways to customize your experience. Subscribe to premium channels or access apps like Hulu and Netflix.
While pricey, Apple TV delivers an exceptional smart TV streaming experience.
Consider a Smart TV
When my old TV finally died, I decided to replace it with a Smart TV. Many new televisions now come with smart platforms and Wi-Fi built right in.
I can access all the same streaming services and apps on my Samsung Smart TV that I could with a separate device. The interface looks great on the big screen too.
With smart software getting cheaper, most TVs today have streaming capabilities. So if you’re looking to buy a new set anyway, get one that can connect directly to the internet.
You’ll save money since you won’t need a separate streaming dongle or box. Plus, it declutters your space!
Cutting the Cord Was Easier Than I Thought
I was pleasantly surprised by how painless it was to ditch regular cable. Modern smart TVs and streaming devices make it easy to access all your favorite content over the internet.
For less than $50 a month, I now get to watch live sports, news, movies, shows – everything I used to watch with my expensive cable package.
The best part? I can stream from any device, anywhere. No need to be tied to the living room TV. And if I ever decide I want more channels, I can customize my subscription or switch services.
If you’re considering cutting the cord, I highly recommend exploring streaming TV. With my antenna and cable box long gone, I definitely don’t miss them!
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