What if I cut a cable? 7 ways to keep watching TV channels even without cable
Lovely readers, I was looking forward to our meeting with you, because the topic we will talk about is an information bomb!
Today, together with me, you will become life hackers and learn seven ways to watch local TV channels without a cable! For this, we need streaming services, the gifts of the technological process, and a little time. You will be surprised how simple and easy it is.
I know that you can control any technology, so let's get started and figure out how to cut the cable and never pay for cable or satellite TV again!
Table of Contents
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Way to watch TV without a cable
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Content offered
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Starting From
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|---|---|---|
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Free Streaming Services
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Ad-supported streams of older TV shows and movies
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FREE
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Locast
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TV channels and shows
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FREE
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Individual Network Apps
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TV channels, shows and serials
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FREE (live streaming might limit without TV subscriptions)
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Antenna
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Local TV channels, news, sports
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$7
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Live TV Streaming Services
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TV channels, live sports and news
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$25 per month
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Video-On-Demand Streaming Services
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Ad-free catalogs of popular TV shows, movies and serials
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$4.99 per month
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Hulu On-Demand
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TV shows and serials
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$5.99 per month
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Why is it convenient to watch local TV without cable?
Modern technology helps us simplify our lives and eliminate many problems. For example, a robot vacuum cleaner saves us an hour, which we can spend with our loved ones. Comfort is significant in everything − from clothing to modern technology.
Agree with how many problems exist there are with cable or satellite TV. Bad weather conditions, signal failure, high cost of equipment, low receiver functionality − these problems are regularly facing by TV viewers. I remember watching my favorite movie on satellite TV, and at the most breathtaking moment, there was a signal failure! Oh, how upset I was then. It was insulting and unpleasant. I bet everyone recognized themselves in this story.
So, do you want to continue paying big bucks for satellite or cable TV that fails from time to time?
I'm sure not! You want comfort ─ and rightly so. If there is a way to simplify your life − why not use it?
I have prepared for you the 7 ways to watch TV without cable or satellite. For example, you will be able to watch local channels online or using a mobile app. There is also a TV (HD) antenna and streaming services that will provide you with a comfortable viewing of your favorite TV programs. I assure you, live TV streaming services are no worse than satellite TV.
Well, let's take a look at each method in more detail.
7 best ways to watch TV without cable
- Free Streaming Services
- Locast
- Individual Network Apps
- Antenna. What Type of Antenna do you need?
- Video-On-Demand Streaming Services
- Live TV Streaming Services
- Hulu on Demand
Free Streaming Services
Of course, free services are the most convenient option for most users. No more equipment is needed ─ just a telephone and uninterrupted Internet access.
Free services provide unlimited access to popular films of the past, serials, various videos, and other materials.
Okay, I advise you these top 10 free streaming services:
Of course, some of them have some drawbacks (for example, watching online streaming is usually not free). But if you combine these services correctly, you can say goodbye to cable TV and save your money.
Some of the freebie services offered may not be available for viewing in several regions, so I advise you to use this or this streaming VPN to unblock access to video viewing.
? FAQ
• Are all the services presented really free?
Yes, however, for watching online broadcasts of TV channels, some services may ask for an additional fee.
• Can I use these services without Internet access?
No, all provided freebie online services require uninterrupted internet access.
Locast
Locast is a non-profit service that broadcasts TV channels and shows over the Internet for free.
Important: Locast is free to use, but the service accepts donations. The developers will be grateful for any material support!
The service is available only in 25 cities of the country:
- Atlanta
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Angels
- Miami
- Minneapolis
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Puerto Rico
- Rapid City
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Sioux City
- Sioux Falls
- Tampa Bay
- Washington
- West Palm Beach
- Wilkes-Barre
If you live in one of the above 25 cities, you are lucky, because you can use such a convenient service free!
You can stream Locast to your TV using compatible devices (like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV). Service can also be streamed using the Locast mobile app or via the official website.
? FAQ
• Can I use the service if I am in another country or region that is not on the list?
Yes, you can use VPN.
• Is Locast a free service?
Yes, however, the developers will be glad to receive any financial support.
Individual Network Apps
Another cool way to watch local TV channels without cable is with network apps. Services such as ABC, CBS, and PBS have their free apps that let you watch your favorite TV programs on demand.
My top 5 best individual network apps for watching TV without cable are:
If you don't want to miss out on the daily evening news show, local radio stations offer live coverage of their news shows for free.
By the way, branches on your local network may have apps that offer videos and highlights from locally produced programs.
? FAQ
• Is the reception of TV channels available in all regions of the country?
Yes.
• Does local broadcasting depend on the region?
Yes, local programs can stream selectively, depending on your location.
Antenna. What Type of Antenna do you need?
If you live in a city or suburb, buying an inexpensive TV antenna for receiving terrestrial channels is an excellent option for you. This antenna takes up little space and costs much less than a monthly subscription on cable or satellite TV.
The TV antenna receives popular terrestrial channels (for example, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS) and other independent streaming platforms.
I bought my HD antenna on Amazon for only $19.99! On the site, you can find an antenna for every taste and budget.
Image source – amazon.com
My antenna is attached to the wall behind my TV and perfectly picks up all terrestrial channels. I no longer need to pay large sums for satellite TV and suffer from signal failures. I can say with confidence that buying an antenna has made my life easier and calmer!
However, if suddenly your antenna does not receive all the terrestrial channels ─ do not rush to get upset. Just move it closer to the window or hang it higher on the wall ─the signal will stabilize, and the terrestrial channels will become available for viewing.
If you live in a village far from broadcasting towers, the indoor antenna may not work due to the lack of a communication signal. In this case, I advise you to purchase an external antenna. You can also find it on Amazon, but the price of such an antenna will be around $100.
To check if a particular antenna will work in your area, enter your zip code on this website. It’s a site that will help you not make a mistake in choosing an antenna for viewing in your area.
? FAQ
• Is the antenna expensive?
No, you can find an antenna from $7 on Amazon.
• What if I bought an antenna and it does not pick up local TV channels?
Move the antenna closer to a window or hang it on the wall next to the TV - the antenna will pick up the signal.
Video-On-Demand Streaming Services
I'm sure many of you love to watch Netflix. The good news is you can use Netflix or another video streaming service as your primary source of TV entertainment. Moreover, it is much cheaper than the monthly cable TV service. The price for a subscription to streaming video services does not exceed $10 per month.
So, I have selected 9 of the best video streaming services for you:
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Video-On-Demand Streaming Service
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Price (per month)
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|---|---|
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$8.99
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$5.99
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$8.99
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$4.99
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$4.99
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|
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$4.99
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|
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$4.99
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|
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$9.99
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$6.99
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Of course, these services have several tariff plans. The higher the price, the better the quality of the services provided (for example, the absence of advertising). But the base tariff is also able to provide comfortable viewing of channels without cable or satellite.
By the way, if some videos on Netflix are not available for viewing in Mexico, use mexican VPN to open access to video materials.
? FAQ
• What is the Best Video Streaming Service in terms of value for money?
Pay attention to Apple TV+.
• Can I watch movies without ads?
Yes, but for this, you have to buy a more expensive tariff.
Live TV Streaming Services
If you don't want to buy an antenna, I advise you to take a closer look at live TV streaming services. This way will cost you between $50 and $60 a month.
Important: local stations vary according to location. To find out which broadcast networks are available, you need to go to each streaming provider's website and enter your zip code.
I advise you to pay attention to the following services:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- AT&T TV now
- Sling TV
Why do I recommend these services to you?
First off, Sling TV is the cheapest option on this list. The service package includes all major TV channels that are very popular with viewers. However, this service has one significant drawback − NBC and FOX channels are only available in some markets. Well, I think this is sad news for FOX and NBS fans.
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and AT&T TV Now, unlike Single TV, provide all four major broadcast networks in many parts of the country, including local news.
By the way, YouTube TV is the only live streaming service broadcasting PBS today.
In addition to these four TV streaming services, I also tested CBS All Access. $5.99 monthly services plan with ads combines CBS TV and on-demand programming, including local news in many cities.
? FAQ
• What is the best service from the list, in your opinion?
I am using YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.
• Are there any downsides to streaming services?
Some TV channels may not be available for viewing in certain regions.
Hulu on Demand
If you are a fan of TV shows or love to watch TV series on the weekend, this service is for you! The service is convenient in that it has an unlimited supply of recorded TV shows or TV series. Even if you missed Friday's TLS show, this is not a problem because you can watch the recording of the show on Hulu on Demands!
The service makes available episodes of many TV shows the day after they air.
Hulu's basic plan is $5.99 per month, but it does not include access to a live stream. If you want to watch live TV shows, you will have to purchase the Hulu Live cost package at $64.99 per month.
Of course, if you are a fan of watching live TV, Hulu on Demands is not your choice. The service will suit you only if you do not mind waiting and watching the TV show a day later when it will already be available in the recording.
The service also provides a streaming library where you can find new episodes of your favorite shows.
True, if you are outside the United States but want to watch TV using Hulu, I advise you to use a VPN for Hulu for comfortable viewing of TV channels.
This service is worth the money, but I am confused that many TV shows cannot watch in real-time. Hulu on Demands is suitable only for people who are not afraid of spoilers and are ready to wait for a new episode of their favorite TV show longer than others!
? FAQ
• Is there a trial period?
Yes, you can take advantage of a 30-day free trial.
• Is this service suitable for viewers who like to watch channels online?
No, this service is more suitable for those who watch recorded TV shows.
Conclusion
I know how urgent the problem of cable and satellite television is, so I was looking forward to the moment when I can finally share my life hacks with you. Many of us are already tired of the constant failures and lack of signal cable and satellite TV, so the purchase of cable TV packages has lost its relevance. Convenience is trending now, so if you can make your life easier - why not do it?
I have collected for you seven easy ways to watching TV channels without cable and satellite. I actively use these methods, so I advise you all the best and proven from personal experience.
For example, I like to watch the releases of my favorite TV shows on ABC on weekends. In addition, I purchased an antenna and forgot about cable TV as a bad dream. I no longer need to pay big money for system failures because now I can watch popular TV channels practically for free!
I am sure my methods will help you reconsider your views on satellite TV and give up bulky equipment. Why pay more because you can save on price, but not on quality!
I was happy to share such ways with you, and I hope that now cable problems and bad weather will not interfere with watching TV channels!
I look forward to our next meeting to discuss new topics and news from the world of IT.
Enjoy watching TV!
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