It seems like, with every passing day, a new streaming service is born. According to Statista (2021), around 78% percent of US households have some sort of streaming or on-demand service. With all these options, it can be hard to choose the right streaming service for you. So today, we are going to be looking at some streaming alternatives to cable. Click on the service’s name to get more information straight from the source!
Heavy Hitters
Here, we have a category of leaders in the streaming industry. Many of them have shows from cable, current, or past seasons and their own original series. The pricing and plans mentioned are as of December 2021; they are also approximations and do not include taxes or fees.
Netflix
The number of plans: 3
Price range: $9 – $18/month
Live TV available: No
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: None
Hulu
The number of plans: 4
Price range: $7 – $71 /month
Live TV available: Yes
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: Tons, ranging from ESPN+ to Showtime, there is also a Disney+ bundle
Amazon Prime Video
The number of plans: 1
Price range: $9/month
Live TV available: Yes
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: Similar to Hulu, there are many add-on channels such as Starz or AMC+
Disney+
The number of plans: 1
Price range: $8 /month
Live TV available: No
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: Users can bundle with ESPN+ or Hulu
Apple TV+
The number of plans: 3
Price range: $5 – 15+ /month
Live TV available: Yes
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: Bundles are similar to Amazon Prime ranging from Stars to Lifetime Movie Club
YouTube TV
The number of plans: 1
Price range: $65/month
Live TV available: Yes
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: They boast several bundles, including HBO Max, Epix, and many sports packages
More like Cable
This category focuses more on services that have a large presence in the cable sector. Many of these providers are already on cable and have moved to streaming to keep up with current demand. These prices and plans are also as of December 2021; they are also approximations and do not include taxes or fees.
Paramount+
The number of plans: 2
Price range: $5 – 15/month
Live TV available: Yes; in 99% of the United States
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: The only bundle shared on the Paramount+ website is with Showtime
HBO Max
The number of plans: 2
Price range: $10 – 15/month
Live TV available: No; unless bundled with Hulu with Live TV or through a cable provider
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: None
Discovery+
The number of plans: 2
Price range: $5 – 7/month
Live TV available: No
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: None
Peacock
The number of plans: 2
Price range: $5 – 10/month
Live TV available: No
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: None
Showtime
The number of plans: 1
Price range: $11/month
Live TV available: No; unless bundled with a streaming service or through a cable provider
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: Users can bundle with Hulu or Amazon Prime Video
Starz
The number of plans: 1
Price range: $9/month; current offer is $5 for three months
Live TV available: No
Add-on subscriptions/bundles: Users can bundle with Hulu or Amazon Prime Video
Niche Streaming Services
Now, these streaming services are more niche but still deserve recognition! First, Dropout is full of College Humor skits and Dimension 20 episodes. It is excellent for those interested in improv. Second, Crunchyroll and VRV are great for anime or other animated series. These services are full of fantastic shows such as Bravest Warriors and One Piece. Third, Shudder is geared toward horror enthusiasts. Viewers can watch new indie hits or classic thrillers. Finally, CuriosityStream is full of documentaries and educational content. Here, we have a category of leaders in the streaming industry. Many of them have shows from cable, current, or past seasons and their own original series. The pricing and plans mentioned are as of December 2021; they are also approximations and do not include taxes or fees.
Dropout
The number of plans: 3; subscription/tiered payment
Price: $6/month; however, year-long and six-month subscriptions are also available
Content: College Humor Originals
Crunchyroll
The number of plans: 3
Price: $8 – $15/month
Content: Anime
VRV
The number of plans: 1
Price: $10/month
Content: Animated series
Shudder
The number of plans: 1
Price: $6/month
Content: Horror, thriller, and supernatural movies
CuriosityStream
The number of plans: 4
Price: $3 – $9/month or $15 – $53/year
Content: Educational documentaries and shows
