The cost of television services is steadily rising with everything else. Cable was already high and now some streaming services are following suit. People aren’t willing to give up their TV watching so they’re looking for ways to access it without paying hefty monthly viewing fees. There are plenty of options for doing this. Here are 7 reliable ways to get free TV channels.
1. Use A Digital Antenna
Digital antennas can pick up free over-the-air channels. With one, you can gain access to local news, sports, and major networks without a subscription. While the antenna is not free, it is very cheap. You can find it at local discount stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, Ollies, and the like. You can even find them on some end caps with the as-seen-on-TV merchandise.
2. Leverage Free Streaming Services
Not all streaming platforms are expensive. There are a number of them with free subscriptions. The free subscriptions likely come with ads, so be prepared to watch a commercial or two during your broadcast. Free platforms like Pluto TV and Tubi offer live TV channels and an on-demand library as well. This makes it easy to watch TV without paying a dime.
3. Check Out Network Apps and Websites
If you already have cable or know someone who does, there are alternative options for you to access TV show episodes. Most major networks stream their episodes a few days after they air on either their app or website. To use this service, you’ll need either someone’s login information or an active cable subscription. If you don’t have access to either of those options, buying access to the network’s app for a small fee is another alternative.
4. Use Public Access Channels
Many cities offer public access channels that broadcast local content for free. These channels often feature community news, education programs, and local events. Such channels are often in the lower range of your channels like 1-5. You can also automatically tune your television to find them.
5. Look for Free Cable Trial Offers
Free trial offers are a great opportunity to watch TV for cheap or free for up 30 days. Various cable companies and streaming services provide these trial periods to entice new customers. Just remember that you have to cancel the subscription manually or you will be charged at the end of the trial. Most trial periods run between 14 and 30 days so make sure you set a reminder in your phone for when it ends, unless you want to keep the service.
6. Take Advantage of Free Smart TV Channels
Some Smart TVs come with built-in channels that offer free content. These can range from news to entertainment and do not require any subscription. I have Roku televisions throughout my home and they offer that as well. I watch a lot of old movies and TV shows for free just by accessing the Roku channel. They have some great offerings on there.
7. Utilize Library Streaming Services
Within our communities, public libraries stand as an untapped treasure trove of entertainment and knowledge. When it comes to cutting the cord, the public library has you covered. Armed with your library card, the library can provide access to free streaming services, such as Kanopy and Hoopla. It’s a great way to delve into a vast collection of movies and TV shows, all without charge.
Stop Paying For TV
Cutting the cord doesn’t mean cutting yourself off from quality TV. With these seven methods, you can still enjoy a wide range of channels. You can enjoy it without paying for cable or subscriptions. From using a digital antenna to accessing free streaming platforms, it’s easier than ever to watch TV for free while keeping your entertainment budget in check.