Best Alternatives to Cable TV in 2026
Stop paying $150/month for cable. Here are the best ways to watch TV for a fraction of the cost.
What are the best alternatives to cable TV?
The best cable TV alternatives in 2026 are: (1) IPTV services offering 15,000-24,000+ channels for $10-25/month—best value for sports and international content; (2) YouTube TV or Hulu Live for $73-77/month with 95-100 mainstream channels and DVR; (3) Free OTA antenna plus streaming services for budget-conscious viewers at $0-20/month.
- IPTV: $10-25/mo, 15,000+ channels, best for sports & international
- YouTube TV: $73/mo, 100+ channels, unlimited DVR, reliable
- Hulu + Live: $77/mo, 95+ channels, includes streaming library
- OTA + Streaming: $0-20/mo, local channels + Netflix/Hulu
2026 Cable Alternatives Compared
IPTV Services
BEST VALUESports fans, international viewers, budget-conscious families
Pros
- Massive channel selection
- International content
- Affordable pricing
- 4K available
Cons
- Requires research to find reliable provider
- No official app store presence
- VPN recommended
YouTube TV
US viewers wanting a reliable, mainstream option
Pros
- Official service
- Unlimited DVR
- Works on all devices
- No contract
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited channel count
- US only
Hulu + Live TV
Families wanting all-in-one entertainment
Pros
- Includes Hulu library
- Disney+ and ESPN+ bundles
- Good sports coverage
Cons
- Highest price point
- DVR costs extra
- Limited to US
Free OTA + Streaming
Light viewers who mainly watch local news and network shows
Pros
- Free local channels
- No monthly fees for antenna
- Legal and simple
Cons
- Limited to local broadcasts
- No sports packages
- Requires antenna setup
Quick Decision Guide
Best for Sports Fans: IPTV services (international leagues, PPV events)
Best for Families: Hulu + Live TV (Disney+, ESPN+ included)
Best for Reliability: YouTube TV (official, unlimited DVR)
Best for Budget: OTA antenna + free ad-supported streaming
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