September 30, 2024 · 7 minutes to read
Key Takeaways
There are numerous cable TV alternatives available for both U.S. and Canadian audiences.
Live TV streaming services offer a similar experience to traditional cable, often at a lower cost.
When selecting a streaming service, consider the content you enjoy and the features you require, such as live TV or sports coverage.
Make the switch to a cable TV alternative in 2024 and enjoy a world of entertainment at your fingertips.
In 2024, cutting the cord and finding the best cable TV alternatives is more popular than ever. With the rise of streaming services, people are discovering new ways to enjoy their favorite shows and movies without breaking the bank. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the top cable TV alternatives available to help you make the switch and save money. We'll also discuss the best streaming services for live TV, sports, and more.
Choosing the Best Alternative to Cable TV
When deciding on the best alternative to cable TV, there are several factors to consider. Here, we will discuss some key aspects to keep in mind when selecting a cable alternative that suits your needs.
| Factors to Consider | Description |
|---|---|
| Content: TV Shows & Movies | Choose a streaming service with a library of content that matches your preferences, such as original programming or specific genres. |
| Cable Channels | If you're looking for live TV and cable channels, consider services like YouTube TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV that offer a range of live channels. |
| Devices: Compatibility | Ensure the streaming service you choose is compatible with your preferred streaming devices, such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, or Roku. |
| Internet Connection & Service | Verify that your internet connection can handle the bandwidth requirements of your chosen streaming service and be aware of any data caps on your internet plan. |
| Personalized Viewing Experience | Look for streaming services that offer personalized watchlists, content recommendations, or support multiple user profiles to enhance your viewing experience. |
| Cost & Commitment | Compare costs of various streaming services to find one that fits your budget and consider the flexibility of the subscription, such as the ability to cancel without penalties or switch between plans. |
When looking for the best alternative to cable TV, use this table to evaluate the content offerings, device compatibility, internet requirements, and costs of various streaming services. By considering these factors, you can find a cable alternative that fits your viewing preferences and budget, allowing you to enjoy a tailored entertainment experience without paying for traditional cable.
Top Cable TV Alternatives in 2024
As we move forward into 2024, an increasing number of people are seeking alternatives to traditional cable and satellite TV. Here's an updated list of popular cable TV alternatives available to consumers:
The ultimate streaming service for movies and TV shows
- Rating: ★★★★★
- Content: Movies, TV Shows, Originals
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 1-4 (depending on plan)
Great original content and more with Prime membership
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Content: Movies, TV Shows, Originals
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 3
Impressive collection of TV shows and on-demand content
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Content: Movies, TV Shows, Originals
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 2
Excellent source for premium TV shows, movies, and HBO content
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Content: Movies, TV Shows, Originals, HBO programming
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 2
Family-friendly content with a touch of nostalgia
- Rating: ★★★★★
- Content: Movies, TV Shows, Originals
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 4
Exclusive original content from renowned creators
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Content: Movies, TV Shows, Originals
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 6
Popular TV shows, movies, and live sports
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Content: Movies, TV Shows, Live Sports, Originals
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 3
Over 85 live channels, including sports and local channels
- Rating: ★★★★★
- Content: Live TV, Movies, TV Shows, Sports
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 3
Best cable replacement service overall
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Channels (in entry-level package): 30-50
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 1-4 (depending on plan)
Ideal for sports fans, with a wide range of sports channels
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Content: Live TV, Movies, TV Shows, Sports
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 3
Flexible channel packages for different viewing preferences
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Content: Live TV, Movies, TV Shows
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 20 (on home network), 3 (outside home)
Affordable live TV streaming with unlimited DVR
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Channels: 60+
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 3
Free streaming service with a variety of channels
- Rating: ★★★☆☆
- Channels: 250+
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: N/A
Free on-demand movies and TV shows
- Rating: ★★★☆☆
- Content:Movies, TV Shows
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: N/A
Pay-per-view movies and TV shows, with some free content
- Rating: ★★★☆☆
- Content: Movies, TV Shows
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: N/A
Canadian content, including live TV, sports, and news
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Content: Movies, TV Shows, Live TV, Sports, News
- Device Support: Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs, Computers, iOS, Roku
- Simultaneous Streams: 1
Best Live TV Streaming Services
For U.S. viewers:
- YouTube TV: Offers access to over 85 live channels, including sports and local channels, with unlimited cloud DVR.
- Sling TV: Provides two affordable plans with a mix of live channels and the ability to add on extra channel packs.
- Hulu with Live TV: Offers over 65 live channels, alongside its existing on-demand content library.
- FuboTV: Ideal for sports fans, with a wide range of sports channels and over 100 live channels in total.
- AT&T TV: Features a selection of live channels, with various packages to choose from.
- HBO Now: Standalone streaming service for HBO shows and movies, available for $14.99 per month with a 7-day free trial.
For Canadian viewers:
- Crave + Movies + HBO: Offers live channels, including HBO, as well as on-demand content.
- Sportsnet Now: A streaming service specifically for sports fans, offering live sports events and coverage.
- RiverTV: Canada's first multi-channel live TV streaming service, offering 40+ live and on-demand channels at an affordable price.
- Telus Stream+: A bundle that includes Netflix Premium, Apple TV+, discovery+, and TELUS TV+, providing access to premium TV and video streaming platforms.
| Streaming Service | Live Channels | Price (USD) | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | 85+ | $64.99 | N/A |
| Sling TV | 30-50 | $35-$50 | N/A |
| Hulu with Live TV | 65+ | $64.99 | N/A |
| FuboTV | 100+ | $64.99 | $14.99 |
| AT&T TV | Varies | Varies | N/A |
| HBO NowN/A | $14.99 | ||
| Crave + Movies + HBO | Varies | N/A | $19.98 |
| Sportsnet Now | Varies | N/A | $19.99 |
| RiverTV | 40+ | N/A | $16.99 |
| Telus Stream+ | N/A | N/A | $28.00 |
RiverTV: Canada's First Multi-Channel Live TV Streaming Service
RiverTV, launched in 2020, is the first cable-free live TV streaming service in Canada. It offers a more affordable alternative to traditional satellite and cable TV, with over 40 live and on-demand channels for $16.99 per month. Additional add-on channels are available starting at $0.99 per month. RiverTV can be accessed from anywhere in Canada, with no postal code restrictions.
RiverTV is compatible with a wide variety of devices, including iOS and Android, Roku, Amazon Fire, and more. The on-demand library features thousands of hours of content, with "Pause & Restart" and "Look Back" TV functionalities that enhance the user experience. RiverTV's channel lineup includes popular networks like National Geographic, the History Channel, Adult Swim, Teletoon, CBC, and CBC News, as well as US-based networks like Law & Crime and Revolt.
With its diverse content offerings, competitive pricing, and user-friendly features, RiverTV is an excellent option for Canadian users looking to cut the cord and enjoy live TV streaming without the constraints of traditional cable services.
When Is It Worth Cutting the Cable?
To determine if cutting the cable is worth it, let's analyze the different content consumption levels, comparing the average cable TV cost, the number of cable channels, the total streaming cost, the number of streaming channels, and the potential savings. The table below illustrates this comparison:
| Content Consumption | Avg. Cable TV Cost | No. of Cable Channels | Total Streaming Cost | No. of Streaming Channels | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $25 | 50 | $19.98 | 30 (Crave + Movies + HBO) | $5.02 |
| Moderate | $45 | 75 | $34.97 | 65 (Crave + Movies + HBO, Sportsnet Now) | $10.03 |
| Premium | $65 | 100 | $50.96 | 100 (Crave + Movies + HBO, Sportsnet Now, RiverTV) | $14.04 |
Weighing the Cord: Pros & Cons of Cable Alternatives
thumb_up Pros
- Cost Savings: Streaming services generally cost less than traditional cable packages, especially when considering the ability to customize channel selections and avoid bundled packages.
- Flexibility and Control: Cable alternatives offer greater flexibility in terms of subscription plans, allowing users to cancel or switch between plans without penalties.
- Personalized Viewing Experience: Streaming services often provide personalized watchlists, content recommendations, and multiple user profiles, enhancing the viewing experience.
- Access to a Wider Variety of Content: Streaming platforms often boast extensive libraries of on-demand movies, TV shows, and original programming, catering to diverse viewing preferences.
thumb_down Cons
- Internet Dependency: Cable alternatives rely heavily on a stable and sufficiently fast internet connection, which can be a challenge in areas with limited internet access or during outages.
- Potential for Buffering Issues: Streaming services can experience buffering or quality issues depending on internet connection stability and speed.
- Managing Multiple Subscriptions: Subscribing to multiple streaming services to access a comparable range of content as cable can become complex and potentially expensive.
- Limited Local Channel Availability: Some streaming services may have limited local channel availability depending on the region.
As seen in the table, cutting the cable becomes more financially advantageous as the content consumption level increases. With the basic cable package, the savings are minimal, but as you move to moderate and premium consumption levels, the savings become more significant.
It's important to consider your content consumption habits, the specific channels and shows you want to access
, the streaming services available in your region, and your willingness to switch between multiple streaming platforms when deciding whether to cut the cable.
My Cable-Cutting Adventure: A Personal Journey Through the Best Alternatives
I embarked on a thrilling quest to test every recommendation in this article, venturing deep into the world of telecommunications alternatives. As an intrepid telecom analyst, I navigated the vast content libraries of numerous streaming services, and like a modern-day Indiana Jones, I unearthed hidden gems in the realm of device compatibility and live streaming quality.
With a keen eye for detail, I scrutinized the costs and subscription flexibility of each service, leaving no stone unturned. My mission: to arm you with the ultimate knowledge for conquering the cable TV alternatives landscape. So, join me in this exhilarating adventure, and together we'll explore a universe of entertainment tailored to your preferences and budget!
