{"id":320728,"date":"2025-11-10T15:13:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T20:13:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?p=114084"},"modified":"2025-11-10T15:13:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T20:13:13","slug":"cord-cutting-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/entertainment\/streaming\/cord-cutting-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Cord-Cutting: 9 Ways to Watch TV Without the Cable Bill"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

Among U.S. pay\u2011TV subscribers, the average monthly TV bill is now about $110\u2013$115 before taxes and common provider fees, and many households pay roughly $120\u2013$140 after broadcast\/RSN surcharges and equipment rentals (J.D. Power<\/a>; Consumer Reports<\/a>; Leichtman Research Group<\/a>). There\u2019s a better way: by switching to a live TV streaming service, using a TV antenna, and tapping into free options, you can cut that bill dramatically or eliminate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Set up Your TV for Streaming <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you bought a TV in the past few years, it likely includes built\u2011in apps. If your set can\u2019t run everything you need, add a TV streaming device<\/a> such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, or Google TV. These plug into HDMI, are typically $30\u2013$50 at regular prices, and support the major services with user\u2011friendly interfaces. Historical disputes (for example, a past Amazon\u2013Google app feud<\/a>) are the exception; most devices today run the full range of mainstream streaming apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Use a Live Streaming Service <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Live streaming services<\/a> (vMVPDs) deliver cable\u2011like channel bundles over the internet with month\u2011to\u2011month billing. Current regular rates: YouTube TV $72.99\/month with unlimited DVR (plans and price<\/a>); Hulu + Live TV from $81.99\/month (includes Disney+ and ESPN+ with ads; plans and price<\/a>); Fubo from $79.99\/month (a Regional Sports Fee of about ~$11\u2013$15\/month may apply in many ZIP codes; plans<\/a>, RSN fee<\/a>); Sling TV Orange or Blue $40\/month, or Orange + Blue $55\/month (price<\/a>); DIRECTV via Internet (formerly DIRECTV STREAM) Entertainment $79.99\/month; Choice $108.99\/month; higher tiers available, and an RSN fee up to about ~$15\/month applies on Choice and above in applicable RSN markets (plans<\/a>); Philo $25\/month (no locals or mainstream sports; price<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll still need home internet from an internet service provider<\/a>. When comparing total costs vs. cable, include taxes, add\u2011ons, and any regional sports fees. As a benchmark, YouTube TV runs $72.99 x 12 \u2248 $875.88\/year, Hulu + Live TV \u2248 $983.88\/year, Fubo \u2248 $959.88\/year plus ~$132\u2013$180\/year if an RSN fee applies, Sling Orange + Blue \u2248 $660\/year, DIRECTV via Internet Entertainment \u2248 $959.88\/year (Choice \u2248 $1,307.88 + RSN fee where applicable), and Philo \u2248 $300\/year (YouTube TV<\/a>; Hulu<\/a>; Fubo<\/a>; Fubo RSN fee<\/a>; DIRECTV via Internet<\/a>; Sling<\/a>; Philo<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will I still be able to watch sports? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV via Internet carry most national sports channels and local ABC\/CBS\/FOX\/NBC in many markets. Regional sports networks (RSNs) are where differences matter: availability varies by ZIP and provider, and some providers add separate RSN fees (e.g., Fubo\u2019s ~$11\u2013$15\/month Regional Sports Fee in applicable markets and DIRECTV via Internet\u2019s RSN fee on Choice and above). Always use a provider\u2019s channel lookup to confirm locals\/RSNs and remember that league blackouts still apply (YouTube TV<\/a>; Hulu + Live TV<\/a>; Fubo plans<\/a>; Fubo RSN fee<\/a>; DIRECTV via Internet<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Check out Locast <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Locast<\/a> was a nonprofit that restreamed local broadcast networks online. The service suspended operations on September 2, 2021 and remains unavailable under a permanent injunction; there has been no relaunch. At shutdown it served roughly 36 U.S. markets, not nine (The Verge<\/a>; Ars Technica<\/a>; SDNY ruling<\/a>; Reuters<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Sign up for an On-Demand Service Such as Netflix or Hulu <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If live TV isn\u2019t essential \u2014 or you want to supplement it \u2014 on\u2011demand services<\/a> like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video provide large catalogs for a comparatively low monthly price. Plans differ on price, video quality, concurrent streams, and downloads. Many households pair an on\u2011demand app with a live TV service or an antenna to cover both live events and binge\u2011worthy series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Free Streaming Services <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond subscription apps, there are free streaming services<\/a> that rely on ads or library partnerships. Library\u2011funded platforms \u2014 Kanopy<\/a> (owned by OverDrive; announcement<\/a>) and Hoopla<\/a> \u2014 provide movies and TV at no cost to patrons of participating libraries, with usage limits set by each library. Ad\u2011supported options like Pluto TV offer free live channels and on\u2011demand shows from participating networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Share Passwords <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most services allow multiple simultaneous streams, but nearly all now restrict access to a single household and prohibit sharing credentials outside your home. This is explicit in current Terms for major platforms, including Netflix<\/a>, Disney+<\/a>, Hulu<\/a>, Max<\/a>, Peacock<\/a>, and Paramount+<\/a>. Services may verify devices\/locations and can warn, block streams, or terminate accounts for sharing outside your household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to share legitimately, use platform\u2011approved tools such as Apple\u2019s Family Sharing<\/a> (up to six family members for Apple TV+) or have non\u2011household users maintain their own subscriptions. Using someone else\u2019s cable, satellite, or streaming login outside your household generally violates service agreements and may be enforced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. TV Network Apps <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most TV networks offer apps with on\u2011demand episodes and, with a valid TV provider sign\u2011in, live streams. Some content is \u201cunlocked\u201d without sign\u2011in after a short delay, while marquee events often remain behind authentication. Check each network\u2019s app for its release windows and sign\u2011in requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Use a TV Antenna <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over\u2011the\u2011air (OTA) TV is free once you have an antenna, delivering local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC \u2014 plus PBS and The CW \u2014 in HD where signals are available. Indoor antennas typically cost around $20\u2013$40; amplified indoor or outdoor models can run $50\u2013$100+. Older research like the TiVo report<\/a> highlighted strong demand for these broadcast networks, but the key takeaway today is unchanged: OTA is a reliable, no\u2011fee way to watch local news, sports, and primetime. You can also use tuner\/DVR solutions such as the AirTV<\/a> to stream OTA channels around your home and record them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To choose the right antenna, consider your distance and line\u2011of\u2011sight to local transmitters and your home\u2019s placement. A small amount of setup and testing is worth it for ongoing free TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Rent from the Library<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Public libraries still excel at physical media \u2014 and increasingly at digital streaming. Many systems fund access to Kanopy<\/a> and Hoopla<\/a> (availability and monthly limits vary by library), letting you watch classics, documentaries, and niche titles that can be hard to find on commercial platforms. Kanopy has been part of OverDrive since 2021 (announcement<\/a>), and both services provide library\u2011set borrowing caps and curated collections to manage demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Will I be able to stream things such as awards shows and State of the Union addresses? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most major TV events air on the broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX). These are included on many live TV streaming services and are free with a TV antenna in most areas. For convenience, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV include locals in many markets, while Sling often requires an antenna for local channels (YouTube TV<\/a>; Hulu + Live TV<\/a>; Sling<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For free streams, networks sometimes simulcast civic events (e.g., State of the Union, major breaking news) on their websites or social media. However, using someone else\u2019s pay\u2011TV or streaming credentials outside your household to access network apps violates service Terms and may be blocked or lead to enforcement (Netflix Terms<\/a>; Disney+ Subscriber Agreement<\/a>; Hulu Terms<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awards shows like the Oscars are typically behind a paywall on the broadcaster\u2019s app, so you\u2019ll need a live TV streaming service that includes the local channel or an antenna. Note that Locast<\/a> is not available; the service has been suspended under a permanent injunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can I stream sports for free? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A TV antenna is the best way to watch many marquee games for free. Local broadcast networks carry most NFL games, many NBA\/MLB\/NHL playoff and primetime games, and major college football matchups. For comprehensive coverage \u2014 especially regular\u2011season RSN games or specialty networks \u2014 you\u2019ll need a paid option. The lowest\u2011cost live bundles are typically Sling TV ($40\u2013$55\/month), with broader \u201ccable\u2011like\u201d coverage from YouTube TV ($72.99), Fubo ($79.99 + potential RSN fee by ZIP), Hulu + Live TV ($81.99), and DIRECTV via Internet ($79.99+; RSN fee may apply on Choice and above). We break down the best options for sports fans here<\/a> (Sling<\/a>; YouTube TV<\/a>; Fubo<\/a>; Fubo RSN fee<\/a>; DIRECTV via Internet<\/a>; Hulu + Live TV<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/th>NFL<\/th>NBA<\/th>MLB<\/th>NHL<\/th>NCAA<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Additional channels<\/td>ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, NFL Network<\/td>NBA TV, ESPN, TNT<\/td>FS1, TBS, MLB Network<\/td>ABC\/ESPN, TNT<\/td>Conference networks, ESPN2, ESPNU<\/td><\/tr>
Cheapest ways to watch<\/td>TV antenna<\/td>Sling Orange (TNT\/ESPN), YouTube TV<\/td>YouTube TV, Fubo (RSN fees\/availability vary)<\/td>YouTube TV, Fubo (RSN fees\/availability vary)<\/td>YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo<\/td><\/tr>
Primary channels<\/td>CBS, FOX, NBC<\/td>TNT, ESPN\/ABC, Regional sports networks<\/td>FOX, TBS, ESPN, Regional sports networks<\/td>ABC\/ESPN, TNT, Regional sports networks<\/td>ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What internet speed do I need to stream?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to the FCC<\/a> and major platforms, plan for roughly 3\u20134 Mbps per SD stream, 5\u20138 Mbps for HD, and ~15\u201325+ Mbps for 4K. Specific guidance: Netflix<\/a> recommends 3 Mbps (SD), 5 Mbps (HD), and 15 Mbps (4K); Disney+<\/a> recommends 5 Mbps (HD) and 25 Mbps (4K); Hulu<\/a> recommends ~8 Mbps for Hulu + Live TV and 16 Mbps for 4K. Multiply by the number of concurrent streams and leave 20\u201350% headroom. To check your current speeds, use Speedtest.net<\/a>. If speeds or coverage are lacking at home, the right router<\/a> or Wi\u2011Fi extender<\/a> can help without upgrading your internet plan. For gamers, see our Gamer\u2019s Guide to Internet Speed<\/a> for target speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if I stream or download video illegally? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Operating an illicit streaming service is a federal felony in the U.S. under the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act (18 U.S.C. \u00a7 2319C<\/a>). Rights\u2011holders primarily target service operators and distributors with civil and criminal actions; platforms and ISPs also use rapid site\u2011blocking and takedowns for live sports piracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For end users, laws vary by region. In the EU\/UK, the CJEU\u2019s Filmspeler ruling held that accessing streams from unlawful sources can itself infringe copyright (Case C\u2011527\/15<\/a>), and UK authorities document ongoing enforcement against illicit IPTV and site\u2011blocking (UK IPO report<\/a>). In the U.S., individual viewers are rarely targeted, but civil liability can arise in some scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent U.S. legal context also matters for damages: the Supreme Court held in Warner Chappell Music, Inc. v. Nealy<\/a> that timely claims aren\u2019t categorically limited to three years of damages, strengthening rightsholders\u2019 leverage against infringing services. Bottom line: streaming from unauthorized sources carries legal and security risks; downloading or uploading copyrighted works without permission is illegal, and ISPs may send warnings if they detect infringement (example of ISP notices<\/a>).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Among U.S. pay\u2011TV subscribers, the average monthly TV bill is now about $110\u2013$115 before taxes and common provider fees, and many households pay roughly $120\u2013$140 after broadcast\/RSN surcharges and equipment rentals (J.D. Power; Consumer Reports; Leichtman Research Group). There\u2019s a better way: by switching to a live TV streaming service, using a TV antenna, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":345,"featured_media":43123,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1315],"tags":[],"post_author":[],"yoast_head":"\nGuide to Cord-Cutting: 9 Ways to Watch TV Without the Cable Bill | Reviews.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"By switching to a live streaming service, using a TV antenna, or taking advantage of free TV options, you can drastically cut down your cable bill.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/entertainment\/streaming\/cord-cutting-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Guide to 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