Do You Need a Cable Box with a Smart TV? How to Watch Live Cable TV Without a Box

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In this guide, we’ll explore whether you need a cable box with your new smart TV and also show you how to watch live cable TV without a box, including both free and paid options.

Let’s get started!

Can You Use a Smart TV Without a Cable Box?

You can definitely enjoy your new smart TV without needing a cable box. 

Traditionally, cable boxes were used to convert digital TV signals into analog ones, making it possible for older TVs to display the content. 

Smart TVs, on the other hand, operate on a whole different level. 

They come with their own operating systems, like Android, Google TV for some models, Tizen OS on Samsung smart TVs, and WebOS on LG smart TVs.

What makes smart TVs stand out is their ability to connect to the internet.

This connection opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to stream your favorite shows, movies, and even live TV directly over Wi-Fi. 

This means you don’t need a traditional cable or satellite connection to watch broadcast content on your smart TV.

While it’s still possible to connect a cable box to your smart TV, it’s not necessary for accessing live TV, movies, or shows. 

Coming up, I’ll introduce you to a variety of free and paid services that allow you to enjoy a wide range of content on your smart TV, including live cable TV, all without the need for a cable box.

What to Watch on Your Smart TV Without a Cable Box

Summary Table

Discovering what to watch on your smart TV without needing a cable box has never been easier, with a variety of services offering everything from live TV to on-demand movies and shows.

Note: The prices and availability of these services can change and might vary depending on where you live.

Always check the service’s website for the latest information, including any bundle deals or promotions they might offer.

1. Free Live TV Streaming

Watching live TV without a subscription is now possible and increasingly popular, thanks to free streaming services supported by advertisements.

These platforms provide a diverse selection of channels, including news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle, all without the need for you to spend a dime. 

For instance, Pluto TV not only delivers a variety of video-on-demand (VOD) content but also offers access to more than 100 TV channels.

These channels cover everything from news and sports to entertainment, completely free of charge.

Another great option is DistroTV, a free streaming service that presents a broad spectrum of live channels along with on-demand content spanning various genres. 

Additionally, Plex Live TV makes over 130 channels available at no cost, featuring movies, TV shows, news, and sports, although you’ll watch a few ads. 

These services are changing how we watch TV, making it easy and affordable to enjoy a wide range of programming.

2. Use an Antenna to Watch Over-the-Air Free TV

If you’re interested in catching your favorite local news, sports, and entertainment shows without a cable subscription or internet, using an antenna for over-the-air free TV is a great choice. 

Even though a few smart TVs have antennas built right in, most require you to connect an external antenna to pick up broadcast channels. 

Here’s what you need to do: plug the antenna into your TV, use your remote to navigate to the TV’s settings menu, and look for the “Channel Scan” option. 

Once you start the scan, be patient until it finishes.

After that, you’ll be all set with access to any broadcast channels available in your area. 

For more in-depth information on this, I’ve written a detailed article that explores the topic further, read here to learn more.

3. Subscription Live TV Streaming

Subscription live TV streaming services are like the cable TV packages you might be familiar with, but they work over the internet and you pay for them every month.

These services aren’t just about watching live TV channels; they often include cool extras, such as the ability to record shows and watch them later using something called cloud DVR (Digital Video Recorder), which means you store your recordings online instead of on a physical device.

Let’s look at a few options:

Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 a month and gives you more than 90 live TV channels. 

Plus, you get to enjoy Hulu’s library of shows and movies that you can watch anytime.

YouTube TV has a monthly fee of $72.99 and offers live TV from over 100 channels. 

A big bonus is that you get unlimited space to record your favorite shows, so you never have to worry about running out of room.

If you’re really into sports and entertainment, fuboTV might be up your alley. 

The basic plan starts at $79.99 a month and includes more than 100 channels.

For those looking for a more wallet-friendly option, Philo is available at $25 a month. 

It offers over 70 channels, focusing on entertainment, lifestyle, and educational content.

Sling TV lets you choose between two main plans: Sling Orange is $40 a month, and Sling Blue is $45 a month. 

Both plans let you watch different sets of channels, and you can customize your package by adding more channels for an extra fee.

4. Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD)

Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) services have become a popular way to watch a vast selection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and exclusive content at any time.

By paying a monthly subscription fee, users gain access to endless entertainment options across various platforms.

Netflix is one of the leading SVOD services, offering several plans to fit different needs.

The Standard plan begins at $15.49 per month, providing access to a rich library of content. 

For those seeking more, the Premium plan at $22.99 per month includes HD and Ultra HD viewing and the capability to watch on multiple screens at once.

Amazon Prime Video is another major player, included with an Amazon Prime membership for $14.99 per month or $139 annually. 

Subscribers enjoy a wide array of movies, TV shows, and Prime Originals, making it a comprehensive choice for families.

Disney+ caters specifically to fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. 

With pricing starting at $7.99 per month or $79.99 annually, it’s an affordable option for those looking to dive into a world of enchantment and adventure.

Hulu offers flexibility with its ad-supported plan at $7.99 per month and an ad-free experience for $17.99 per month. 

It’s known for a broad selection of TV shows, movies, and Hulu Originals, appealing to a wide audience.

Lastly, Max (HBO Max) provides a range of content from HBO, Warner Bros., and exclusive Max Originals. 

Its plans start at $9.99 per month for ad-supported viewing, with an ad-free option available for $15.99 per month, catering to those who prefer uninterrupted streaming.

5. Free Video On Demand

Free Video On Demand services are a great way for budget-conscious viewers to enjoy movies and TV shows without spending a dime, thanks to ad support instead of subscription fees. 

Amazon Freevee leads the pack with its no-cost, ad-supported streaming that includes a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and even original programming.

Crackle follows suit, providing a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and original content, all free of charge with ads.

Tubi expands your viewing options even further, featuring thousands of movies and TV shows available at no cost, thanks to ad support.

Lastly, Pluto TV stands out by offering a unique combination of live TV channels and on-demand content, completely free and supported by commercials.

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