Introduction
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Cable TV has become a staple in many households, but with the rising costs of cable bills, it’s becoming harder and harder to justify the expense. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to watch your favorite shows without shelling out money every month. In this article, we’ll explore five easy ways to get free cable TV, as well as some tips for watching your favorite shows without paying for cable.
5 Easy Ways to Get Free Cable
Let’s jump right in with some of the easiest and most effective ways to get free cable TV:
Method 1: Use an antenna
One of the most obvious ways to get free cable TV is to install an antenna. With an antenna, you can pick up over-the-air broadcasts of local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. Depending on where you live, you may be able to pick up dozens of channels for free. The best part? Once you’ve purchased an antenna, there are no monthly fees.
Method 2: Streaming services with free trials
Many streaming services offer free trials for new customers. Take advantage of these offers to watch your favorite shows for free. Some of the most popular streaming services offering free trials include Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. Just be sure to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid being billed.
Method 3: Network apps
Another way to watch your favorite shows for free is to download the apps of the networks that air them. For example, NBC and ABC offer free apps that allow you to watch some of their shows for free. Just keep in mind that not all shows will be available on the apps, and you may need to watch ads to access them.
Method 4: Borrowing logins from family and friends
If you have friends or family members who subscribe to cable TV, ask if they’ll let you use their login information to access their cable provider’s online streaming platform. Most cable providers offer free access to their streaming platforms for subscribers. Just be sure to get permission before using someone else’s login information.
Method 5: Public domain channels
Finally, consider checking out public domain channels like Pluto TV or Tubi TV. These channels offer a variety of free streaming content, including movies and TV shows.
How to Watch Your Favorite TV Shows Without Paying for Cable
So, you’ve ditched your cable bill, but how do you still watch your favorite shows? Here are some tips:
Research which streaming services offer your shows
Many streaming services offer access to popular TV shows. Do some research to find out which streaming services offer the shows you want to watch. You can also use a tool like JustWatch to search across multiple services.
Utilize free trials and discounts
We mentioned before that many streaming services offer free trials. Take advantage of these to watch your favorite shows for free. You can also look for discounts on subscription services like Amazon Prime Student or Netflix’s basic plan.
Check with your local library for DVDs
If streaming isn’t your thing, consider checking out DVDs from your local library. Many libraries offer a wide selection of movies and TV shows, and it’s all free with your library card.
Cutting the Cord: Tips for Getting Free Cable
So, why cut the cord in the first place? Here are some reasons:
- Save money
- More flexibility
- No contract commitments
- No equipment rental fees
But how do you actually cut the cord? Start by comparing the cost of cable plans with the cost of streaming services. You’ll quickly see that you can save a ton of money each month by cutting the cord. Once you’ve decided to ditch cable, follow these steps:
- Choose a streaming service that offers the shows you want to watch
- Invest in a good streaming device (if you don’t have a smart TV)
- Cancel your cable subscription
- Enjoy the savings!
Frugal Living: 5 Tips to Get Free Cable and Ditch The Bill
If you’re really committed to frugal living, consider these tips for getting your entertainment for free:
Method 1: Negotiating your cable bill
Before you cut the cord altogether, try negotiating your cable bill. Call your provider and ask if they can lower your rate or offer you a promotional package. You may be surprised at how much you can save just by asking.
Method 2: Utilizing promotional offers
Keep an eye out for promotions from cable providers. They often offer discounted rates or freebies for new customers. Just be sure to read the fine print and cancel before the promotional period ends.
Method 3: Trying out streaming services
We’ve already mentioned streaming service free trials, but you can also try out new services with rotating free content. For example, HBO often offers free weekends to showcase their newest shows and movies.
Method 4: Renting DVDs
Yes, renting DVDs is still a thing! Check out your local Redbox or rental store for new releases or classic movies and TV shows.
Method 5: Borrowing from the library
Just like with DVDs, you can often borrow books, TV shows, and movies from your local library.
Never Pay for Cable Again: A Guide to Getting Free TV
So, how can you combine all of these tips to get the most free TV possible? Here’s a quick guide:
- Use an antenna to access local channels
- Try out streaming services for free with trial periods
- Download network apps to watch some shows for free
- Borrow logins from friends and family to access additional content
- Check out public domain channels for even more free content
With these tips in mind, you’ll never have to pay for cable TV again.
Conclusion
Getting free cable TV may seem impossible, but with a little creativity and resourcefulness, it’s totally doable. From using an antenna to trying out new streaming services, there are plenty of ways to ditch your cable bill. And with the money you’ll save, you can put it towards other things you love. It may not work for everyone, but it’s worth a try.
