Among U.S. pay‑TV subscribers, the average monthly TV bill is now about $110–$115 before taxes and common provider fees, and many households pay roughly $120–$140 after broadcast/RSN surcharges and equipment rentals (J.D. Power; Consumer Reports; Leichtman Research Group). There’s 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.
1. Set up Your TV for Streaming
If you bought a TV in the past few years, it likely includes built‑in apps. If your set can’t run everything you need, add a TV streaming device such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, or Google TV. These plug into HDMI, are typically $30–$50 at regular prices, and support the major services with user‑friendly interfaces. Historical disputes (for example, a past Amazon–Google app feud) are the exception; most devices today run the full range of mainstream streaming apps.
2. Use a Live Streaming Service
Live streaming services (vMVPDs) deliver cable‑like channel bundles over the internet with month‑to‑month billing. Current regular rates: YouTube TV $72.99/month with unlimited DVR (plans and price); Hulu + Live TV from $81.99/month (includes Disney+ and ESPN+ with ads; plans and price); Fubo from $79.99/month (a Regional Sports Fee of about ~$11–$15/month may apply in many ZIP codes; plans, RSN fee); Sling TV Orange or Blue $40/month, or Orange + Blue $55/month (price); 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); Philo $25/month (no locals or mainstream sports; price).
You’ll still need home internet from an internet service provider. When comparing total costs vs. cable, include taxes, add‑ons, and any regional sports fees. As a benchmark, YouTube TV runs $72.99 x 12 ≈ $875.88/year, Hulu + Live TV ≈ $983.88/year, Fubo ≈ $959.88/year plus ~$132–$180/year if an RSN fee applies, Sling Orange + Blue ≈ $660/year, DIRECTV via Internet Entertainment ≈ $959.88/year (Choice ≈ $1,307.88 + RSN fee where applicable), and Philo ≈ $300/year (YouTube TV; Hulu; Fubo; Fubo RSN fee; DIRECTV via Internet; Sling; Philo).
Will I still be able to watch sports?
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’s ~$11–$15/month Regional Sports Fee in applicable markets and DIRECTV via Internet’s RSN fee on Choice and above). Always use a provider’s channel lookup to confirm locals/RSNs and remember that league blackouts still apply (YouTube TV; Hulu + Live TV; Fubo plans; Fubo RSN fee; DIRECTV via Internet).
3. Check out Locast
Locast 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; Ars Technica; SDNY ruling; Reuters).
4. Sign up for an On-Demand Service Such as Netflix or Hulu
If live TV isn’t essential — or you want to supplement it — on‑demand services 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‑demand app with a live TV service or an antenna to cover both live events and binge‑worthy series.
5. Free Streaming Services
Beyond subscription apps, there are free streaming services that rely on ads or library partnerships. Library‑funded platforms — Kanopy (owned by OverDrive; announcement) and Hoopla — provide movies and TV at no cost to patrons of participating libraries, with usage limits set by each library. Ad‑supported options like Pluto TV offer free live channels and on‑demand shows from participating networks.
6. Share Passwords
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, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Peacock, and Paramount+. Services may verify devices/locations and can warn, block streams, or terminate accounts for sharing outside your household.
If you want to share legitimately, use platform‑approved tools such as Apple’s Family Sharing (up to six family members for Apple TV+) or have non‑household users maintain their own subscriptions. Using someone else’s cable, satellite, or streaming login outside your household generally violates service agreements and may be enforced.
7. TV Network Apps
Most TV networks offer apps with on‑demand episodes and, with a valid TV provider sign‑in, live streams. Some content is “unlocked” without sign‑in after a short delay, while marquee events often remain behind authentication. Check each network’s app for its release windows and sign‑in requirements.
8. Use a TV Antenna
Over‑the‑air (OTA) TV is free once you have an antenna, delivering local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC — plus PBS and The CW — in HD where signals are available. Indoor antennas typically cost around $20–$40; amplified indoor or outdoor models can run $50–$100+. Older research like the TiVo report highlighted strong demand for these broadcast networks, but the key takeaway today is unchanged: OTA is a reliable, no‑fee way to watch local news, sports, and primetime. You can also use tuner/DVR solutions such as the AirTV to stream OTA channels around your home and record them.
To choose the right antenna, consider your distance and line‑of‑sight to local transmitters and your home’s placement. A small amount of setup and testing is worth it for ongoing free TV.
9. Rent from the Library
Public libraries still excel at physical media — and increasingly at digital streaming. Many systems fund access to Kanopy and Hoopla (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), and both services provide library‑set borrowing caps and curated collections to manage demand.
FAQ
Will I be able to stream things such as awards shows and State of the Union addresses?
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; Hulu + Live TV; Sling).
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’s pay‑TV or streaming credentials outside your household to access network apps violates service Terms and may be blocked or lead to enforcement (Netflix Terms; Disney+ Subscriber Agreement; Hulu Terms).
Awards shows like the Oscars are typically behind a paywall on the broadcaster’s app, so you’ll need a live TV streaming service that includes the local channel or an antenna. Note that Locast is not available; the service has been suspended under a permanent injunction.
How can I stream sports for free?
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 — especially regular‑season RSN games or specialty networks — you’ll need a paid option. The lowest‑cost live bundles are typically Sling TV ($40–$55/month), with broader “cable‑like” 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 (Sling; YouTube TV; Fubo; Fubo RSN fee; DIRECTV via Internet; Hulu + Live TV).
| NFL | NBA | MLB | NHL | NCAA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional channels | ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, NFL Network | NBA TV, ESPN, TNT | FS1, TBS, MLB Network | ABC/ESPN, TNT | Conference networks, ESPN2, ESPNU |
| Cheapest ways to watch | TV antenna | Sling Orange (TNT/ESPN), YouTube TV | YouTube TV, Fubo (RSN fees/availability vary) | YouTube TV, Fubo (RSN fees/availability vary) | YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo |
| Primary channels | CBS, FOX, NBC | TNT, ESPN/ABC, Regional sports networks | FOX, TBS, ESPN, Regional sports networks | ABC/ESPN, TNT, Regional sports networks | ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN |
What internet speed do I need to stream?
According to the FCC and major platforms, plan for roughly 3–4 Mbps per SD stream, 5–8 Mbps for HD, and ~15–25+ Mbps for 4K. Specific guidance: Netflix recommends 3 Mbps (SD), 5 Mbps (HD), and 15 Mbps (4K); Disney+ recommends 5 Mbps (HD) and 25 Mbps (4K); Hulu recommends ~8 Mbps for Hulu + Live TV and 16 Mbps for 4K. Multiply by the number of concurrent streams and leave 20–50% headroom. To check your current speeds, use Speedtest.net. If speeds or coverage are lacking at home, the right router or Wi‑Fi extender can help without upgrading your internet plan. For gamers, see our Gamer’s Guide to Internet Speed for target speeds.
What if I stream or download video illegally?
Operating an illicit streaming service is a federal felony in the U.S. under the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act (18 U.S.C. § 2319C). Rights‑holders primarily target service operators and distributors with civil and criminal actions; platforms and ISPs also use rapid site‑blocking and takedowns for live sports piracy.
For end users, laws vary by region. In the EU/UK, the CJEU’s Filmspeler ruling held that accessing streams from unlawful sources can itself infringe copyright (Case C‑527/15), and UK authorities document ongoing enforcement against illicit IPTV and site‑blocking (UK IPO report). In the U.S., individual viewers are rarely targeted, but civil liability can arise in some scenarios.
Recent U.S. legal context also matters for damages: the Supreme Court held in Warner Chappell Music, Inc. v. Nealy that timely claims aren’t categorically limited to three years of damages, strengthening rightsholders’ 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).
