Is basic cable TV free?

No, basic cable TV prices start at $25 per month and go up from there. But if you want only local TV channels, you can pick up a TV antenna for a one-time purchase of about $25 and no monthly payments.

How much does basic cable TV cost?

Basic cable TV plans run between $25 and $40 per month, but you probably won’t see them advertised on your TV provider’s website. Advertised plans usually start around $60 per month. To get cheap basic cable TV plans, you may need to call and ask a customer rep about them.

What are basic channels?

Basic channels are primarily locally broadcast channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and Telemundo. Some providers even include higher tier cable channels like Disney and MTV in their basic cable TV packages, but those channels aren’t the norm.

How can I get local channels?

The simplest way to get local channels is through a digital TV antenna, which usually costs $15–$50 on Amazon. Traditional TV packages also come with local channels, and you can get a basic channel package for as low as $25 per month. Some live TV streaming services offer local channels, but not in all areas. Luckily, most streaming services give you a free trial, so you can check out the local channels offered before you pay.

What is the best option for TV without cable?

Live TV streaming services let you skip out on yearly contracts but still enjoy your favorite cable TV channels. But if you want only local channels, buy a TV antenna and avoid monthly payments altogether.

Randy Harward

Writer

Randy Harward’s music and entertainment writing has appeared in HARP, Guitar World, Blurt, Salt Lake City Weekly, Salt Lake Magazine, and dozens of other publications since 1998. When he’s not watching glorious, mind-rotting TV or the oscillating TV industry as a Staff Writer for CableTV.com, he watches TV for fun. His TV writing also pops up on SatelliteInternet.com and Move.org. Randy digs books, movies, burritos, disc golf, tarantulas, and cats.

Basic Cable Packages and Channels Guide 2021

by Randy Harward | May 28, 2021 | Tools | 0

How do you get basic cable? Thanks to your local government’s state-approved local franchising authorities (LFAs), which require cable companies to offer low-priced basic tiers, you can skip the premium prices and get basic cable. You just have to ask. Your TV provider doesn’t have to advertise these itsy-bitsy deals, but if you question the [...]

Free and Low-Cost Cable TV Options 2021

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Looking to save some money? Here are solutions to cut back on your cable or satellite television subscription without giving up TV entertainment all together.

How to Watch Champions League 2021–2022

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The 2021–2022 Champions League Tournament has already started. Do you have the right TV package and channels? Find out how to watch Champions League today!

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Find out more about outdoor TV and upgrade your patio just in time for summer with the best outdoor TVs available. Check out our top picks now!

Best Projectors: A Buyers Guide

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Have you heard about the giant screen sizes and near-TV image quality you can get with projection TV? We’ve been researching and testing projectors just so we can tell you about the good ones. Our five recommendations include the best overall and the best for streaming, gaming, and portability. And, for our peeps on a budget, we even tested an entry-level projector that costs less than 100 bucks.

Kicking a soccer ball into a guarded net

Scoring the Best TV Providers for Soccer Fans in 2021

by Randy Harward | May 14, 2021 | Entertainment, TV FAQs | 0

If you are a soccer fan, don’t miss our line up of the best TV providers you need to catch all the matches from your team. Score some inside information here!

How to Connect Your iPhone to Your TV

by Randy Harward | May 7, 2021 | TV FAQs | 0

Whether you need to mirror your phone screen or use your iPhone as a remote, we’ve rounded up the most common ways to connect your iPhone to your TV and how to do it.

Xfinity vs. DIRECTV

by Randy Harward | Apr 23, 2021 | Reviews | 0

Xfinity is ideal for users looking to bundle. The packages are affordable and the internet speeds are faster over most of the coverage area. The stand-alone TV packages aren’t as great a value, though. DIRECTV is great for sports fans or people in rural areas.

What Is a Smart TV?

by Randy Harward | Apr 15, 2021 | Equipment Guides, TV FAQs | 0

If you’re in the market for a new TV, you’ve almost certainly run across the term smart TV. And if you’re like most folks, you’re almost certainly wondering what the heck that is. We’re here to walk you through everything you need to answer the question, “What is a smart TV?”

DISH vs. AT&T TV

by Randy Harward | Apr 13, 2021 | Brand Reviews, Versus Reviews | 0

DISH is a satellite TV provider with 190–290+ channels, two-year pricelock, and the best DVR around—the Hopper 3. It’s also our pick for the best overall and best kids’ TV provider. AT&T TV is a live TV streaming service with 65–140+ channels, cloud DVR, tantalizing deals for new customers, and both contract- and no-contract plans.