Cable Is Out—Here’s What to Watch Instead (and Save Hundreds!)

Have you felt that familiar sting of opening your cable bill and wondering if it’s really worth it? I’ve been there, staring at that ridiculous number and asking, “Why am I paying this much when I barely have time to surf through half the channels?” For me, the turning point came when I realized how many better, more affordable alternatives were out there.

If you’re in the same boat, stuck with an overpriced cable subscription just to keep up with your favorite shows, movies, or sports, I’ve got exciting news for you. There are so many great options to explore, and I’ve personally tested plenty of them to find out what’s worth your while.

Here’s my breakdown of the best cable alternatives that can help you save money while still delivering the high-quality entertainment you deserve.

Streaming Services

Streaming services have become a major force in entertainment. As revealed by Exploding Topics, the video streaming market is valued at over $670 billion in 2025 and is expected to skyrocket to $2.49 trillion by 2032, with streaming now making up 36% of all TV usage.

Honestly, I can see why. I didn’t think I’d love streaming as much as I do now, but wow, the flexibility and convenience are hard to beat. Below are some of my all-time favorites, each with its own flair.

1. Netflix

When I first made the leap into streaming, Netflix was my gateway service, and it remains a staple in my household. With its extensive library of TV shows, documentaries, and blockbuster movies, it’s like an endless buffet of entertainment.

Cost: Plans range from $8.99 to $17.99 per month, depending on how many people will be binge-watching at once.

Pros:

• Ton of content across all genres.
• No commercials disturbing your Stranger Things marathon.
• Intuitive, easy-to-use interface.

Cons:

• No live TV or sports coverage, which might be a dealbreaker if you’re big on those.

Netflix is perfect for cozy movie nights or entire weekends dedicated to finishing a series. Whether it’s their originals like The Crown or nostalgic sitcoms I grew up watching, Netflix offers something for everyone.

2. Hulu

When it came to keeping up with current TV shows, Hulu became my go-to. I love that episodes pop up the day after they air. For someone who hates waiting, that’s a game-changer!

Cost:

• $5.99 per month with ads.
• $11.99 per month for an ad-free experience.
• Hulu + Live TV starts at $64.99 if you want live channels, too.

Pros:

• Affordable entry-level plans.
• A nice mix of fresh TV episodes, classic series, and original shows like The Handmaid’s Tale.

Cons:

• Ads can be annoying on the basic plan.
• Live TV options can get pricey.

Hulu shines if you’re a TV junkie who needs to keep up with the latest episodes from popular networks like ABC or FOX.

3. Amazon Prime Video

Admittedly, I only tried Amazon Prime Video initially because I had a Prime membership for shopping. It was like a bonus I didn’t really appreciate until later. But once I explored their series and rental options, I was hooked.

Cost:

• Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership ($12.99/month or $119/year).
• You can also get it standalone for $8.99/month.

Pros:

• Tons of movies and original series, some of which are absolute gems (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, anyone?).
• You can rent or buy extra content beyond the included library.

Cons:

• Not everything is included, so you might stumble upon some frustrating pay-to-watch titles.

It’s a solid choice for people who want both shopping perks and access to an impressive content lineup.

4. Disney+

I felt every ounce of nostalgia when Disney+ launched. It’s like opening a treasure chest stuffed with gems from my childhood (The Lion King! Hercules!). Add in Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, and you’ve got a killer deal.

Cost:

• $7.99/month or $79.99/year.
• Bundles with Hulu and ESPN+ start at $13.99/month.

Pros:

• Perfect for family-friendly streaming or fans of Disney classics and franchises.
• Ad-free!

Cons:

• The content is exclusively Disney-owned, which might feel limiting for some.

Disney+ is where I go when I’m craving some magic or trying to introduce my nephews to movies I loved growing up.

5. HBO Max

This one’s the splurge in my lineup, but hands down worth it. HBO Max delivers premium shows, captivating documentaries, and first-run movies that make it feel like a mini-theater at home.

Cost:

• $14.99/month.

Pros:

• High-quality originals like Succession and Euphoria.
• A fantastic movie catalog.

Cons:

• Higher monthly cost compared to other platforms.

If you’re into cutting-edge storytelling and can handle the price tag, HBO Max will delight you.

Live TV Streaming Services

For years, live TV was the one thing holding me back from going cable-free. Then I found these services, and it was a game-changer. They offer the live coverage you’re used to, minus the commitment of cable contracts.

1. YouTube TV

A friend recommended YouTube TV because of the unlimited DVR storage, and I haven’t looked back. I mean, it’s a lifesaver for saving sports games when I can’t watch live.

Cost:

• $64.99/month.

Pros:

• A massive channel lineup that includes sports and news.
• You can record everything with its DVR feature.

Cons:

• It’s a bit on the pricier side.

2. Sling TV

Sling TV gave me the customization I didn’t know I needed. Why pay for channels you don’t watch when you can build packages that reflect your preferences?

Cost:

• Plans start as low as $35/month.

Pros:

• Affordable and flexible.
• No contracts or commitments.

Cons:

• Limited local channels unless you use separate equipment.

3. FuboTV

The sports fanatic in me will always have a soft spot for FuboTV. When a soccer game is on, this is where I turn.

Cost:

• Starts at $64.99/month.

Pros:

• Heavily focused on sports channels.
• Includes entertainment and news channels, too.

Cons:

• Pricey compared to regular streaming.

Free Streaming Options

When my wallet just says “no” but I still want to kick back and watch something, free services are my savior. They’ve surprised me with how much quality entertainment they provide.

1. Pluto TV

This one feels like classic cable without the cost. It’s pretty incredible for a free platform.

Cost:

• Absolutely nothing (it’s ad-supported).

Pros:

• Over 250 live channels covering news, sports, movies, and more.
• Doesn’t require a subscription.

Cons:

• Ads can interrupt your viewing experience.

2. Tubi

Tubi is like walking into a variety store for movies. No fees, no fuss, just pick a title and hit play.

Cost:

• Free, ad-supported.

Pros:

• A massive library of free content.
• New titles are added regularly.

Cons:

• No sports or live TV.

3. Peacock

Peacock feels like a hybrid of paid and free services, and honestly, it does a great job of straddling both worlds.

Cost:

• Free with ads, or $4.99/month for Premium.

Pros:

• A mix of classic shows, new episodes, and some live sports.

Cons:

• The best content often requires an upgrade.

EncyloBits!

1. Netflix and Hulu stand out for binge-watching and staying on top of current TV shows.
2. Amazon Prime Video is a double win if you already shop on Amazon.
3. YouTube TV and FuboTV deliver fantastic live TV and sports coverage without cable.
4. Pluto TV and Tubi prove free doesn’t mean boring; they offer impressive libraries.
5. Combine Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+ for family-friendly fun and sports streaming at a great price.

Streaming Success Is All About Choices

Cutting cable doesn’t mean giving up entertainment. Whether you’re a movie buff, a news junkie, or part of a sports-loving household, there’s a service that fits your life and your wallet. Personally, I’ve curated a mix of paid and free options that balance affordability and variety, and I couldn’t be happier with the setup.