Do you want to cancel cable but still want to watch your favorite shows? It is much easier nowadays to cancel a cable connection and use alternates. These alternates give you more features at a lesser price.
Traditional cable operators control the content, timing, and sometimes even quality. However, it is not fair if you are paying money for something and still can not enjoy the content you like at the time you want.
Here is a list of three alternates you can use instead of traditional cable TV.
1) A Digital Antenna
Antennas are no longer massive and ugly devices that used to give blurry and sometimes no pictures. You can get a digital antenna these days, which offers you features like
- No monthly cost,
- A small one-time payment to buy the antenna,
- Availability of almost all local channels,
- Smaller size as compared to traditional antennas,
- Great video quality,
- Channels like NBC, CBS, ABC, MLB, and more.
However, please do not expect a vast library of channels from the antenna. It does not include several popular networks. But if you are looking for a free option to watch TV, an antenna might be the best bet.
2) YouTube TV
IPTV is one of the most suitable and reliable alternatives for traditional cable TV. YouTube TV tops the list of IPTV services. Here are some of its features
- It gives you more than 85 live TV channels,
- Simple UI, which makes it easier to navigate and find shows, recordings, etc.,
- Unlimited DVR storage,
- Several local channels,
- No annual contract,
- Its compatibility with Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
YouTube TV costs you $65 per month and allows you to stream simultaneously on up to three devices. You get 85+ channels, including FOX, NBC, TNT, ESPN, CBS, etc. You can also use networks like MLB, NFL, and NBA.
It costs less than a traditional cable network and gives more features. You can also use a free two-week trial. However, you have to pay an extra $10 per month if you want to stream on-demand and live content in 4K video quality.
There are several other IPTV services too, which are available for Firestick, Android TV, PC, etc. You can learn more about these IPTV services by clicking on this link.
3) OTT
OTTs are also decent options to replace the traditional cable. OTT platforms allow you to stream your favorite shows, movies, live TV, events, etc., on different platforms and devices.
Here are some of the most popular OTTs
Netflix
You can use Netflix to stream Netflix Originals, shows, movies, etc. You can choose one of the three subscription plans(Basic, Standard, Premium).
You can get the Basic plan for almost $10, which offers you to stream on one device. You will get content in Standard Definition quality.
You can get the Standard plan for almost $16, which offers you to stream simultaneously on two devices. You will get content in High Definition quality.
You can get the Premium plan for almost $20, which offers you to stream simultaneously on four devices. You will get content in HD and 4K Ultra HD Definition.
Disney Plus Bundle
You can buy Disney Plus or its bundle to enjoy live sports, shows, and movies. There are several options based on subscription time and networks.
You can get Disney Plus monthly and annual subscriptions for $8 and $80, respectively. It will not be an ad-free version.
You can subscribe to a Disney Plus, ESPN+, and Hulu bundle. It will cost you $14 a month. If you want to add live TV to this bundle, the total bundle will cost you $70 a month.
You can subscribe to a Hulu(ad-free), Disney Plus, and ESPN+ bundle. It will cost you $20 per month. If you want to add live TV to this bundle, the total bundle will cost you $76 a month.
You can stream on four devices simultaneously and add up to seven profiles.
Conclusion
IPTV, a digital antenna, and OTT are the best three options to replace the traditional cable. All three of them offer different advantages and shortcomings in other areas.
A digital antenna offers local channels for free but does not offer a vast library. Some OTT platforms have a massive library of shows and movies but do not provide live channels. Some OTT platforms offer live TV and sports, but the offline content is not up to the mark.
You have to compromise on some things one way or another until you buy a premium package. An average or standard subscription plan of IPTV or OTT platform can save up to $500 per year.