In 2025, saying goodbye to traditional cable TV doesn’t mean you have to give up watching your favorite shows and movies. The landscape of television consumption has dramatically shifted towards streaming, offering a multitude of options that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, a news junkie, or a binge-watcher of series and films, there’s a solution out there for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various ways you can enjoy TV without the hefty cable subscription, detailing each option along with associated costs.

1. Streaming Services

Streaming services are the frontrunners in the post-cable TV era, offering extensive libraries of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and exclusive content. Here are some of the top players:

a. Netflix

  • Cost: Plans range from $9.99 to $19.99 per month.
  • Offerings: Wide variety of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and an increasing number of exclusive titles known as Netflix Originals.
  • Device Compatibility: Available on virtually any internet-connected device.

b. Amazon Prime Video

  • Cost: Included with Amazon Prime membership at $139 per year or $14.99 per month.
  • Offerings: Includes movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. Prime membership also offers additional benefits like free shipping, music streaming, and more.
  • Device Compatibility: Can be streamed on various devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and game consoles.

c. Hulu

  • Cost: Ranges from $7.99 per month for the basic plan with ads to $14.99 per month for the ad-free version.
  • Offerings: Strong selection of current TV shows from major networks, available a day or week after airing, plus original programming.
  • Device Compatibility: Supports a wide range of devices similar to other streaming services.

d. Disney+

  • Cost: $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year.
  • Offerings: Focuses on films and TV shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
  • Device Compatibility: Available on tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and PCs.

e. HBO Max

  • Cost: $14.99 per month.
  • Offerings: Includes all HBO content, plus additional movies, shows from networks like Warner Bros, New Line Cinema, DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Cartoon Network, and more.
  • Device Compatibility: Available across many platforms, including desktop, mobile devices, and smart TVs.

2. Live TV Streaming Services

For those who want to replicate the cable experience without the contract, live TV streaming services offer a great alternative:

a. YouTube TV

  • Cost: $64.99 per month.
  • Offerings: Offers over 85 channels of sports, news, and entertainment, local network broadcasts, and a cloud DVR with no storage limits.
  • Device Compatibility: Streams on phones, tablets, computers, and TVs via media players.

b. Hulu + Live TV

  • Cost: Starts at $69.99 per month, which also includes access to the Hulu on-demand library.
  • Offerings: Features over 75 channels, live and on-demand TV, from local channels to cable essentials like ESPN, CNN, and FX.
  • Device Compatibility: Compatible with iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, and more.

c. Sling TV

  • Cost: Plans start at $35 per month.
  • Offerings: Customizable channel lineup with options for ESPN, CNN, AMC, and more, depending on the package.
  • Device Compatibility: Available on most streaming devices, including mobile, tablets, and smart TVs.

d. Philo

  • Cost: $25 per month.
  • Offerings: Focuses on entertainment channels like AMC, A&E, MTV, and Nickelodeon, with over 60 channels available.
  • Device Compatibility: Streams on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.

3. Free Streaming Services

For those on a tight budget, free streaming services can be a viable option:

a. Pluto TV

  • Cost: Free.
  • Offerings: Offers a mix of live and on-demand content, with channels structured similarly to cable TV.
  • Device Compatibility: Available on most streaming devices including smartphones and smart TVs.

b. Tubi

  • Cost: Free.
  • Offerings: Hosts a large selection of movies and TV shows with commercial breaks.
  • Device Compatibility: Can be accessed on most smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile devices.

c. Crackle

  • Cost: Free.
  • Offerings: Offers a variety of movies, TV shows, and original programming, supported by ads.
  • Device Compatibility: Available on all major streaming platforms.

d. IMDb TV

  • Cost: Free.
  • Offerings: Provides a range of movies, TV shows, and a few original series with ad support.
  • Device Compatibility: Available on Amazon Fire devices, smart TVs, streaming media players, and mobile devices.

e. Peacock Free

  • Cost: Free.
  • Offerings: Offers a limited selection of movies, classic shows, and original programming. Peacock also includes some live sports and popular NBC shows a week after they air.
  • Device Compatibility: Works on computers, mobile devices, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

f. The Roku Channel

  • Cost: Free.
  • Offerings: Features live and on-demand movies, TV shows, and news updates, along with children’s programming. The service includes content licensed from studios and also original content produced by Roku.
  • Device Compatibility: Available on Roku streaming devices, the web, and as an app on select smart TVs and mobile devices.

g. Xumo

  • Cost: Free.
  • Offerings: Delivers live and on-demand streaming with a focus on news, sports, and entertainment. Xumo curates its content from different sources and offers a cable-like experience with channels and guide-based navigation.
  • Device Compatibility: Compatible with iOS, Android, smart TVs, and streaming devices.

h. Plex

  • Cost: Free; offers optional premium subscriptions.
  • Offerings: Beyond organizing your personal media collections, Plex provides free access to thousands of movies and TV shows across genres. The platform has also added live TV features with over 80 channels.
  • Device Compatibility: Available on a wide range of devices including PCs, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more.

i. Kanopy

  • Cost: Free with a library card or university login.
  • Offerings: Known for its collection of critically acclaimed films, documentaries, and educational content. Kanopy is an ad-free experience that partners with libraries and universities to provide high-quality content.
  • Device Compatibility: Streams on mobile devices, tablets, PCs, and smart TVs.

j. PBS Video App

  • Cost: Free.
  • Offerings: Offers free access to a wide range of PBS content, including popular series like “Frontline,” “Nova,” and “Masterpiece.” Viewers can watch national and local shows after they air.
  • Device Compatibility: Available on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and smart TVs.

k. Crunchyroll

  • Cost: Free with ads; premium subscriptions available.
  • Offerings: Specializes in Japanese anime and dramas. It is a go-to platform for anime enthusiasts looking to stream shows just hours after they air in Japan.
  • Device Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including game consoles, streaming devices, mobile phones, and tablets.

l. NewsON

  • Cost: Free.
  • Offerings: Provides live and on-demand local newscasts from over 275 local news stations across the United States.
  • Device Compatibility: Available on iOS, Android, Roku, and via the web.

m. Stirr

  • Cost: Free.
  • Offerings: An ad-supported streaming service that offers live local news, TV shows, movies, sports, and lifestyle content.
  • Device Compatibility: Accessible on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku devices.

These additional free options further expand your choices for accessing a wide variety of content without a monthly fee. With these platforms, you can enjoy everything from local news and live sports to premier movies and specialized content like anime, all supported by ads but at no additional cost to you. This broad selection ensures that viewers can tailor their entertainment options to their interests while managing their budgets effectively.

4. Digital Antennas

For those who prefer traditional broadcasting, a digital antenna is an excellent way to access high-definition TV over the air, completely free.

  • Cost: One-time purchase of the antenna, typically between $20 and $50.
  • Offerings: Access to local channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, depending on location.
  • Device Compatibility: Connects directly to your TV.

5. Combining Services

Many viewers choose to combine services to tailor their viewing experience to their specific needs. For example, subscribing to Netflix for movies and series, Hulu for next-day access to network shows, and an occasional month of HBO Max for premium content can provide a comprehensive viewing package.

Conclusion

In 2025, the options for watching TV without cable are more varied and accessible than ever. Whether you’re interested in catching up on the latest series, watching live sports, or just keeping up with the news, there’s a solution tailored to meet your needs and budget. By understanding the available services, you can make an informed decision that maximizes your entertainment value without the need for a traditional cable subscription.