How To Watch TV For Free Online (Or Cheap Anyways)

Break Free From the Cable or Satellite Noose

Most people that currently have either cable or satellite television in their homes, would agree that the cost of the service can be pretty expensive. Not to mention the fact that most providers tend to pull the bait and switch. You're attracted to the specials that are being offered, then find yourself stuck in a vicious cycle of wasting money every month.



The thing is, most people don't utilize is the advancements made in technology. Due to the innovations in technology over the years, there are alternatives to cable service. Why continue to line the pockets of these overcharging vultures, when there are options? With today's high tech society, anyone can learn how to watch tv free online or at a fraction of the cost of cable or satellite. You don't even need a computer, as long as you have access to the internet, you have access to countless resources to view your favorite shows.

Cable offers a multitude of channel packages, which seem enticing at first. Then once you add on the additional features, you are paying over a hundred bucks a month for basic cable with a few extra channels. However, you are still able to break free from this vicious cycle, by understanding the secret of how to watch tv free online.

I cut the cord a few months ago. I was scared that I would miss out on shows but was happy to find I did not.My bill went from about $120 a month to about $15 a month. I will use that extra money to travel!

Watch TV For Free Online

Just google your favorite channel name to see if they have a free website with TV shows. Sometimes the shows only are up for a few weeks for free before they are taken down. Then you have to wait to rent the season from Netflix or you can buy it from Amazon video service for about $15 to $30 a season.

Channels that are free:
Comedy Central
NBC
Fox
FX
Bravo
AMC
Discovery
PBS
History Channel
Food Network


There are many different apps that you can download or stream for free or for cheap, for example:

1. Netflix- With this app, you can stream the latest movies or tv shows on multiple devices simultaneously, depending on the plan that you elect. You are also given the option of trying the service out for 30 days before committing yourself to a monthly plan. Netflix also has featured shows, that are only available on Netflix. The streaming version of Netflix is currently about $8 a month.  I already had streaming so there was no added charge for me.

2. Amazon Prime- Offers Prime video as a free service that is available to people that possess membership to Amazon Prime already for shipping. There is no additional cost to utilize the service as long as the show or movie is available under the prime video feature. Otherwise there is a minimal charge to watch. Prime video can be compared to Netflix with the many shows and movies that are available.  It is $99 a year. I personally already had Prime so it was free for me.

3. Hulu- This app is available in a couple different of formats. Just like many of the other sites or apps, Hulu comes with a free trial membership. After the free trial, you choose the plan that best suits your needs. Whether you want to have limited commercials or commercial free, the choice is yours. You will find the latest movies and TV shows featured on Hulu, similar to using a cable or satellite service provider. You have access to the same networks that you would pay 10 times the amount through cable.  This is free if you use it on your computer. I pay the $8 monthly charge to use it on my big screen but could easily stop.

Devices to Watch TV Online for Free

1. Roku - I personally use the first Roku and love it. There are more sophisticated ones but this one works fine. You get a HUGE selection of shows free with this device once you set it up. You just need to have wi fi. It is pretty idiot proof to set up too. I use the app on my phone or tablet to control Roku...way better than the remote that comes with it.

2. Chromecast- If you want to view your shows on your TV, Chromecast is a device that connects your electronic device, such as a game console, laptop or PC to play the media content straight to your TV.  I personally have not tried this.

3. Amazon Fire Stick - I don't know much about this service but I think it is like the Roku and Chromecast.

4. Apple TV - I had a friend who had this and was very impressed with it.

Here is a good review of Apple TV 5. Google TV

There are so many options that are accessible to you in order to show you how to watch TV free online, you just have to find what app works best for what your needs are. Most of these apps are quite similar, where they feature the same cable channels available to you on a free trial basis and then a minimal monthly charge. There are other sites that you can visit that  allow you to watch episodes of your favorite shows at no cost to you.
Some of the sites that fall into this category are:

A. TV.com

B. Yidio

C. Project Free TV

D. Crackle

The types of shows and networks that are available to you will depend on the app or site that you use. Of course by opting to pay a small monthly fee, you have a better chance of having a larger variety of shows, movies and networks within your reach. This means you can download the app on your smartphone, tablet, PC or laptop, and stream the videos anywhere. If you enroll in a monthly membership plan through a particular network, then you are limited to shows or movies that would normally be seen on that network, such as HBONow or CBS All Access. Then of course if you choose to use one of the free services, you are, limited to what is available, since most of the free services contain content downloaded by other users of the site.


Some shows you cannot find anywhere but on Amazon Video. For example, I like Drop Dead Diva from the Living channel and Worst Cooks in America from the Food network. I just have to buy the season and watch it on my Roku through Amazon video.  I can order directly from Roku with a code or can buy it on my desktop, laptop or tablet.

Your access to a wider selection of shows and movies can be found through the use of the apps. These days cable and satellite have a limited collection of media, in some cases the same that you will access on the various apps. With the ability to acquire many of the latest breakthrough's in technology, cutting the cord and freeing yourself from cable and satellite is just as easy said, as it is done. Obtaining information on what is available to you and what you would want access to is a very simple process. When you learn how to watch tv free online, the complicated process of installation is eliminated, as well as the high cost associated with cable. This is your chance, cut the cord and break yourself free.

Cancelling may not be easy

Just be aware that cancelling your cable or satellite service may not be easy. My husband got hung up on once before he was able to cancel!  They kept asking him why he wanted to cancel and would he take a lower rate. It was awful and he deals with difficult people for a living as a Portland OR car accident lawyer.