Cable TV Alternatives

Updated June 18, 2026.

If you’re tired of spending an arm and a leg on cable, you’ll be happy to know there are cable TV alternatives out there.  

While you can still kick it old school with a TV and digital antenna to view local over-the-air (OTA) programming, the most modern way to cut the cord is by subscribing to TV streaming service. However, satellite services like DIRECTV SATELLITE are still available, which can also be a viable alternative to cable.  

What Is the Best Alternative to Cable TV?

While you can cut the cord on cable with OTA TV and satellite services, a TV streaming service like DIRECTV is the best alternative to cable TV.  

With OTA TV, viewers only have access to publicly broadcasted networks their area, not to mention they must be within range of their local broadcasting station. While satellite services can provide more channels and better availability than OTA TV and cable, some can be unreliable in bad weather (DIRECTV customers don’t have to worry about bad weather interrupting their favorite shows or games with the SignalSaver™ feature). Satellite providers also typically require service contracts and professional device installations. 

When it comes to streaming vs. cable TV and other cable TV alternatives, streaming gets you top-tier performance, more device flexibility, a better user-interface and contract-free monthly payment options — all without losing your favorite channels and shows. 

Let’s look at what some of the most popular TV streaming services offer, including: 

• DIRECTV
• Sling TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• YouTube TV 
• Fubo

DIRECTV

Monthly price: Genre Packs® start at $19.99/mo. + tax; Streaming TV Packages start at $89.99/mo. + tax* 

Channels: 10+ to 185+ channels, depending on plan

DVR: Cloud DVR with unlimited recordings included

Shows On-Demand: Yes; on-demand title availability varies by package 

Streaming DIRECTV is everything you love about TV without the hassle of cable.  

DIRECTV gives cord-cutters more than one way to stream live TV. If you want a lower-cost, more focused lineup, DIRECTV Genre Packs® let you choose the type of TV you watch most, like sports, entertainment, news, kids or Spanish-language programming, without paying for a larger cable-style package. Genre Packs start as low as $19.99/mo. + tax and include options like MyKids®, MyEntertainment®, MyNews®, MiEspañol® and MySports®.

If you want a more traditional live TV experience, DIRECTV offers four different streaming packages, including ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE™, ULTIMATE and PREMIER™, you can enjoy anywhere from 90 to 185+ channels (featuring both live and on-demand shows) and stream on unlimited compatible devices in your home. Featuring more live sports than any other streaming service — including access to regional sports networks — DIRECTV is also a sports fan’s paradise. 

*Price may not reflect current promotions. Prices, channels and features are subject to change without notice. Taxes, regional restrictions and add-ons may apply.

Sling TV

Monthly price: $19.99/mo. to $60.99/mo., depending on plan*

Channels: 10+ to 50+, depending on plan

DVR: 50 hours of DVR storage included; Unlimited DVR available for $5/mo.; recordings are generally stored for up to 9 months

Shows On-Demand: Yes 

Sling TV offers several lower-cost live TV plans, including smaller packages and its main Orange and Blue plans. While Sling can be a budget-friendly option, its lower-priced plans may include fewer channels than full live TV streaming packages, and customers may need to add extras to get specific sports, entertainment, news or local channels they want.

Sling Orange and Sling Blue each include different channel lineups. The Orange package includes select sports and family programming, but allows streaming on only one device at a time. The Blue package includes a different mix of news and entertainment channels and allows up to three simultaneous streams. Customers can also combine Orange and Blue packages for a broader lineup, though channel availability, local stations and add-on costs can vary.

*Price may not reflect current promotions. Prices, channels and features are subject to change without notice. Taxes, regional restrictions and add-ons may apply.

Hulu + Live TV (With Ads)

Monthly price: $89.99/mo. to $99.99/mo.* 

Channels: 95+

DVR: Unlimited DVR storage with recordings stored up to 9 months 

Shows On-Demand: Yes 

Hulu + Live TV offers live and on-demand TV with 95+ channels, along with access to Disney+ and ESPN Select through their respective apps. The service includes news, sports, entertainment and on-demand programming, though its live TV plans are priced more like a full cable-replacement package than smaller, lower-cost streaming options.

Subscribers can choose from add-ons such as premium networks, sports, entertainment, Español programming and unlimited screens. However, add-ons can increase the monthly cost, and the base Live TV plan may be more than some cord-cutters need if they are mainly looking for a focused channel lineup or a lower-priced alternative to cable.   

*Price may not reflect current promotions. Prices, channels and features are subject to change without notice. Taxes, regional restrictions and add-ons may apply.

YouTube TV

Monthly price: $64.99/mo. for the Sports Plan to $82.99/mo.*

Channels: 30+ to 100+, depending on plan 

DVR: Unlimited DVR storage; recordings are generally stored for up to 9 months

Shows On-Demand: Yes 

YouTube TV offers a main live TV plan with 100+ channels, along with more specialized plans focused on categories such as sports, news, family or entertainment. Its main plan is currently $82.99/mo.* while select lower-priced plans may offer a smaller or more focused channel lineup.

Subscribers can access live and on-demand programming, including select broadcast, entertainment, news and sports channels, though channel availability may vary by location and plan. YouTube TV also offers paid add-ons such as 4K Plus, Sports Plus, premium networks and NFL Sunday Ticket. NFL Sunday Ticket is available for an additional cost and is not included in YouTube TV’s Sports Plan.

*Price may not reflect current promotions. Prices, channels and features are subject to change without notice. Taxes, regional restrictions and add-ons may apply.

Fubo

Monthly price: $55.99/mo. to $83.99/mo. ($19.99 per month for Latino)* 

Channels: 28 (Sports + News package) up to 262 (Ultra package)

DVR: Unlimited cloud DVR storage 

Shows On-Demand: Yes 

Fubo is a live TV streaming service with several plan options, including lower-cost pacakges such as Fubo Latino and sports-focused plans. However, these lower-priced plans may be more limited than Fubo’s broader English-language packages and may not include the full mix of entertainment, news, local and regional sports channels some viewers expect from a cable replacement.

Fubo’s channel lineup can vary by plan and location, including availability of local broadcast stations and regional sports coverage. Some sports, premium networks, 4K content or additional channels may require higher-tier plans or add-ons. Viewers comparing Fubo to other cable alternatives should review the current plan details carefully to make sure the channels they want are included. 

*Price may not reflect current promotions. Prices, channels and features are subject to change without notice. Taxes, regional restrictions and add-ons may apply.

Setting Up a Streaming Service Like DIRECTV

Getting started with a TV streaming service like DIRECTV is as simple as it gets. After subscribing to the package of your choice, download the DIRECTV App on a compatible device, sign in with your DIRECTV user ID and password, and start watching.

DIRECTV is available on a variety of compatible internet-connected devices, including select streaming devices, smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and web browsers. Supported options include:

• Amazon Fire TV
• Apple 
• Anroid/Google TV
• Roku 
• Samsung 
• LG 
• Vizion
• Supported browsers such as Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Edge.

Cut the Cord on Cable With DIRECTV

If you’re ready to officially cut the cord for the best cable TV alternative, explore DIRECTV TV plans to compare flexible live TV options, including lower-cost Genre Packs® built around the content you watch most and broader streaming TV packages for a more traditional and robust lineup. Also, be sure to explore our DIRECTV and Internet bundles to see how you can get the best of both worlds.