Which Streaming Services Are Best for Replacing Cable TV?

This is probably the most difficult and overwhelming decision you have to make. If you’ve relied on cable TV for years. Many people worry that switching to streaming means losing access to essentials like local news, live sports, or their favorite channels. The good news is that the best streaming services to replace cable now offer everything you need—and often with greater flexibility and lower costs. Also, the menus, choices and shows that you are used to with cable are almost identical in todays streaming applications.

As you transition from cable to streaming, one way to smoothly do this is to choose on a streaming service like Youtube TV or Hulu Live. These look and feel just like cable so you really just move from one to another with little discomfort.

Can Streaming Really Replace Cable TV?

Yes—streaming has matured into a complete alternative to cable. But whether it works for you depends on three main factors:

  1. Local News Access – Keeping up with your community is important. Some services stream live local channels, while others offer digital antennas as a backup. You have the same channels as cable. With streaming you will still have access to your local channels. You also can choose to use an antenna to watch these channels. They have many options.
  2. Live Sports Coverage – Sports fans often hesitate to cut cable. Fortunately, major leagues and networks are widely available across streaming services. You will soon see you have more choices than cable including picture in picture. Can you say watch 4 games at the same time. 
  3. Channel Lineup – If you want a “cable-like” experience, look for live TV streaming packages.

Types of Streaming Services That Replace Cable

Before we compare specific platforms, it’s helpful to understand the categories.

  1. Live TV Streaming Services
  2. These mimic traditional cable with live channels, DVR options, and news/sports access. Examples: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo.
  3. On-Demand Streaming Platforms
  4. These provide a library of shows and movies but don’t always include live news or sports. Examples: Netflix, HBO Max, Peacock.
  5. Hybrid Services
  6. Some platforms combine both on-demand libraries and live channels. Hulu + Live TV and Peacock Premium are good examples.

The Best Streaming Services to Replace Cable

Here are the most reliable streaming services if you want to fully cut the cord while keeping access to news, sports, and entertainment. These are also the easiest to adapt as well.

YouTube TV

  • Strengths:

  • Wide selection of live channels (over 100)
  • Strong coverage of local networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC)
  • Sports networks: ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, regional coverage in many areas
  • Unlimited cloud DVR
  • Why it works as a cable replacement:
    YouTube TV offers one of the most complete “cable-like” experiences, making it a favorite for households that want simplicity and reliability. This is probably the easiest platform to transition to streaming. The menu is almost identical to that of cable. Channel lineups are basically the same. Performance is reliable and solid

Hulu + Live TV

  • Strengths:

  • Combines live TV with Hulu’s on-demand library
  • Includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in most bundles
  • Access to local news and major sports
  • DVR included

  • Why it works as a cable replacement:
    A strong all-in-one option for families who want live sports, news, and a deep on-demand library in one subscription. I used Hulu for awhile and for the most part it was good, it was a little buggy on the platform side of things. For instance, it would stop for no reason. I would have to then reset it to get it back. 

Sling TV

  • Strengths:

  • Lower base price compared to most live TV services
  • Highly customizable channel packages
  • Sports extras available

  • Limitations:

  • Fewer local channels—may require pairing with an antenna

  • Why it works as a cable replacement:
    Great for budget-conscious users who want control over which channels they pay for.

 Fubo

  • Strengths:

  • Built with sports fans in mind
  • Excellent coverage of NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and international soccer
  • Local channels included in most regions

  • Why it works as a cable replacement:
    The go-to option for serious sports fans who don’t want to compromise on coverage.

DirecTV Stream

  • Strengths:

  • Strong local channel availability
  • Premium channel add-ons (HBO, Showtime, etc.)
  • Similar layout to cable for easier transition

  • Why it works as a cable replacement:
    Ideal for those who want the most “traditional” cable experience but delivered via streaming.

Peacock (NBCUniversal)

  • Strengths:
  • Mix of on-demand shows and live content
  • Carries NBC live channels in many markets
  • Includes Premier League soccer and some sports exclusives
  • Why it works as a cable replacement:
    While not a full cable replacement alone, Peacock is a strong supplement to other services for sports and NBC content.

How to Keep Local News When Switching to Streaming

Local news is one of the biggest worries when moving away from cable. Luckily, you have multiple options. With a full service option, you won't lose any local channels.

Live TV services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream): Carry local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX in most regions.

Free options: Apps like Pluto TV and local station apps sometimes stream live news for free.

Digital antenna: Affordable and provides direct access to local broadcast channels without monthly fees.

How Sports Fans Can Replace Cable

Sports is another major sticking point for cord-cutters. Here’s how you can keep watching your favorite teams:

NFL: Available on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling (select packages). NFL Sunday Ticket now available on YouTube TV.

NBA & MLB: National games on ESPN, TNT, FOX, ABC; local games often on regional sports networks (available on DirecTV Stream or Fubo).

NHL: Games on ESPN, TNT, ABC, plus regional networks depending on service.

Soccer: Fubo excels with international soccer; Peacock covers Premier League.

College Sports: Covered broadly by ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, depending on the service.

Tips for Transitioning Smoothly from Cable to Streaming

Check your internet speed – A minimum of 25 Mbps per household is recommended for smooth streaming. Running an ethernet wire to your streaming console or TV will give you the best performance. A wired connection is the best for eliminating buffering from the equation.

Decide what’s essential – Make a list of “must-have” channels and events before choosing a service.

Test free trials – Many services offer trial periods to test before committing.

Pair with free or low-cost options – Combine live TV with free streaming apps for maximum coverage.

Use multiple devices – Smart TVs, streaming sticks, and mobile apps let you watch anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Replacing Cable with Streaming

Will I lose my local news?

Not if you choose a service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or DirecTV Stream. You can also use a digital antenna as backup.

Can I still record shows like with a DVR?

The nice thing about streaming is you don't really have to do this anymore. Your favorite shows, series or movies are always available. Instead of marking them to record, you add them to your library or select them to save. It will then add each new or let you know when a new episode is ready to watch. You also have the ability to go back through the series and start it again and again. Can you say friends or Shitt's creek episode 1.

What if I don’t care about live TV?

You can save even more money by subscribing to only on-demand platforms like Netflix, Max, or Prime Video.

Final Thoughts

The best streaming services to replace cable depend on your household’s viewing habits.

For the most complete cable replacement: YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV

For sports fans: Fubo or DirecTV Stream

For budget-friendly flexibility: Sling TV

For on-demand entertainment: Netflix, Max, or Peacock as add-ons

By combining the right service—or pairing one live TV provider with free or on-demand apps—you can fully cut the cord without losing local news, live sports, or your favorite shows.

Cord-cutting doesn’t mean giving things up—it means gaining flexibility and taking control of your entertainment.