14 Ways to Stop Paying for Cable
We’re all for cutting out unnecessary expenses. And if you’re paying for cable TV, you’re probably overpaying to watch your fave shows. So, because we’re always trying to help you out, we made a handy list of all the streaming options available to you and what you get when you pay. You can thank us by inviting us over for a pizza and movie night.
1. Amazon: Increasingly, Amazon is becoming one of our favorite ways to watch content. Not only does Amazon Prime give you access to thousands of TV shows and movies for $10.99 per month, but its add-ons give you unprecedented access to hard-to-find content. We’re especially BIG fans of the SeeSo comedy subscription, but you can also pick from ComicCon, Lifetime and Shudder.
2. Netflix: The one that started it all. Pay $7.99 to $11.99 for access to some of the best original content on the web and binge-worthy TV shows. You can add on a DVD pack for $4.99 to $11.99 to watch some older, hard-to-track-down films.
3. Hulu: If you need to watch what everybody is watching on cable RIGHT NOW, you should start paying for Hulu. Subscriptions run from $8 to $12. If you pay for the $12 option, you won’t have to deal with the annoyance of commercials.
4. HBO Now: Watch Game of Thrones, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Veep and the endless list of HBO shows we’re all obsessed with. Plus, you get access to new movies and some old gems. It will run you $15 per month, but you can split the cost with friends (you’re allowed to watch three screens at a time).
5. Showtime Anytime: If you’re obsessed with movies, this is the pack for you. The selection changes every month and you get brand-new flicks, along with some under-the-radar must-watch Indies for $11 per month. You can also add it onto your Amazon Prime or Hulu subscriptions for $9.
6. Crackle: Here’s our favorite hack on this list: Crackle is completely free. Although you’ll have to put up with commercials, you can watch modern shows and (a surprisingly full collection of) old movies. We use it to watch Jerry Seinfeld’s talk show, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
7. Playstation Vue: If you’ve got $29.99 per month to sling around (and a Playstation), shell out for this one. You’ll get 55-100 channels (depending on how much you pay), with the ability to watch live TV or on-demand. It’s basically the closest you can get to a cable subscription without a contract.
8. Sling TV: For $20/month, you can watch live content wherever you want. It’s a great option for those who love watching award shows, sporting events (cough, cough, Olympics) and all those other live, iconic events.
9. Watchable: Don’t ever scoff at a web series. For absolutely free, you’ll get access to some of the best series on the web that rival even the finest shows on all those big TV networks.
10. CBS All Access: But if you can’t help but love those big TV networks, CBS has a package for you. We love it for watching The Late Show With Stephen Colbert the day after those nights where we can’t stay up late. It will cost you $5.99 per month.
11. Acorn TV: THE streaming service for Anglophiles, Acorn TV has all those witty, charming and sometimes dark shows from across the pond. And it only costs $4.99 per month — super cheap for an import!
12. YouTube Red: Before you go elsewhere for movies, check your friendly YouTube account. For $10 per month, YouTube Red will give you access to your favorite YouTubers without having to endure any ads. If you’re looking for a full flick, there’s a pretty substantial selection of pay-per-view movies on YouTube.
13. Max Go: If the main thing you’re watching on TV are those movies on premium channels, just cut out the cable guy and subscribe directly to a premium streaming service. Cinemax’s version, Max Go, costs $9.99 every month.
14. Starz: Same as above. If you’re a sucker for premium content, a Starz subscription will cost you $8.99.
Are you giving up cable TV? Let us know @BritandCo!
(Photo via Getty)