Is it possible to watch live cable TV online free? In this time and era, everything is possible. TVs have become obsolete since most people are turning to internet ‘solutions’. Since there are online streaming services, not many people are still interested in watching the regular TV or even the cable TV.
The services are available online! Of course, there are some things to consider before you jump into the wagon and have a go along it. But again, watching live TV is no longer an impossible thing. And you are given tons of freedom and flexibility to manage your own watching TV moments.
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About Online TV Watching
If you are clueless about online TV watching, then think about Netflix. Yes, the giant company has pioneered the way people enjoy their entertainment at home, not bounded by the regular schedules or the shows that they may dislike. The problem with Netflix is that it is a paid service, and it isn’t inexpensive either.
No need to worry, though. Nowadays, it is possible (and it’s even quite easy) to watch live cable TV online free, as long as you know where to look and you know how to manage it all. In general, as long as you have the device to watch your favorite program and internet connection (make sure that it is stable and smooth), then you are good to go! After all, we have reached an era where technology makes it possible for anything to happen.
Now, the question is: What should you do when you want to manage free watching? And where should you go if you want to watch live cable TV online for free?
8 Best Options to Watch Live Cable TV Online Free?
UStream
If you want to watch live cable TV online free, this is one popular name that often pop-ups during the discussion. The UStream has been known as a good service for live TV streams. Let’s not forget that it’s also free. You are absolutely not required to pay anything to access their content. It offers premium channels (more than 200 channels) that cover entertainment, movies, sports, and others. It means that you are free to watch sports events or TV series that you love so much.
The channels are mostly good and the quality is pretty okay. At least, it is more than enough and you won’t have to worry about any lame quality or whatsoever. However, the service has ads in the form of click ads and pop-ups. You should be able to use an adblocker, but it may affect the loading stream. So, if your stream doesn’t load, you should think about disable the adblocker. Some of the popular channels that you can access include NFL Network, BT Sports, MU TV, Sky Sports, ESPN USA, NBA TV, Disney Jr., Eurosports, and other (general) entertainment channels. Be advised, though, that you may need a VPN, especially if you don’t live in the US. Make sure that you choose reliable VPN service.
Pluto TV
There are tons of different channels and programs in this Pluto TV. Go to the service if you want to watch live cable TV online free. This service belongs to Viacom, so you won’t have to worry about the quality of the streams. It runs with Video on Demand (VOD) system that covers more than 250 different channels. Be advised, though, that this is a service that supports ads for the operation.
Most of the programs and stations are the classic types, such as Comedy Central or CNN, and some belongs to specific shows. Since the service belongs to Viacom, expect getting many of its channels, including WE TV, Discovery Channel, or AMC. If you are into classic flicks (such as the classic James Bond series), then you can find them here. If you want the combination of classic and new movies, then you are in the right place.
Squid TV
Want to have another free TV streaming service? Then you should check Squid TV and try to find your favorite shows. This is considered a free and global TV service that can help you find your favorite live TV. The platform will collect all the available links (of streams) from different places in the world and then it would classify each of them to specific categories, such as genre, language, and country.
Most of the streams are legal and safe, so you won’t have to worry that it would compromise your enjoyment. The quality of the streams is good and operation is made as easy as possible. You won’t be able to watch live cable TV online free directly on the site, though, because Squid TV will take you to the original source so you can watch the streams.
Free TV
This is another free service that allows you to stream live TV without having to pay anything. Be advised, though, that you can’t expect premium channels if you decide to use the service, but you can always access FTA channels freely, without having to subscribe or register to anything. You should be able to enjoy different channels from various sources, including sports, music, movies, news, kids, entertainment, and so much more.
You can also get different channels from various locations, such as Middle East, Latin America, European countries, Canada, the US, China, SEA, East Asia, and others. Not to mention that all of the contents are legal, so you won’t have to worry about violating the laws or such thing alike.
However, the service isn’t perfect. Aside from the fact that it doesn’t have premium channels, you may find out that some of the links aren’t working or they have been taken down. But in general, you should have high quality performance and enjoyment when you access the service.
Plex
The name may not be overly popular, but this is one of the sources you should access when you want to watch live cable TV online free. One of the greatest things about the platform is their partnership agreement, which they have managed with big names such as Warner Bros, MGM, and Lionsgate. As if it weren’t enough, they also have managed their own international (licensing) agreements. It gives you access to some cool foreign shows and also flicks.
Getting to the service is pretty easy. You should be able to see the sidebar and see the option ‘Movies and Shows’. That’s when you can see the specific options for your streaming requirements. There is also the top navigation bar where you can choose the traditional options. They offer live TV with the free stream, which you can choose easily when you click the option ‘Live TV’ on the sidebar. In short, when you access this platform, you will never run out of options to ensure your own enjoyment.
USTVGO
If you have streamed online contents all these years, you should be familiar with this name. This is a free platform that enables you to watch live cable TV online free, especially if you want to watch many TV programs from the US. Unlike other platforms with messy arrangements, heavy ads, and clumsy user interface, this platform is super clean and simple with only a fewer ads.
Some of the good things about this platform are the fact that you can enjoy more than 80 different channels, and most of them are exclusive ones, such as Fox Sports, Showtime, Cartoon Network, Cinemax, HBO, WWE Network, CNN, truTV, ESPN, and others.
Another thing to like about the platform is the simple (video) player where you should have no issue loading the stream pretty fast – and they are also buffer-free. As long as you have a stable and solid internet connection, you shouldn’t worry about anything. So, if you want to stream American live TV, this is your go-to place. But if you live outside of the USA, you may have to use the VPN so you can access everything easily.
Kanopy
This is a unique platform in the way of operation and mechanism. If you have active local library membership, or you probably have a university login, you should be able to access Kanopy’s access without any limitation or drama. Your membership access will allow you to stream limitless movies to any device you have, including computers, tablets, phones, or TVs. You should really make use of the service if you have the library access.
The website also offers easy operation and maneuver, so you can enjoy everything without complication. Moreover, the site has this special feature that enables you to check whether your local library or university has participated in the program.
Now, the library membership is free. And if you have the membership, you can access Kanopy’s contents for free too. Do you still hesitate about Kanopy’s reputation as one of the best services when you want to watch live cable TV online free?
TVPlayer
The platform has more than 80 channels for the live TV, and you can watch them all for free! This is actually a platform offering both free and paid membership. If you choose to stay with the free service, you are ‘only’ allowed to access 60 channels. If you upgrade to a paid membership, you can get 80 channels and more.
But even the free service is enough to deliver satisfying performance; not to mention that you can access the contents through the mobile app or the web. Unfortunately, this is a service that is only available to the UK residents. If you live outside the UK, you need to use a VPN.
FAQs: Watch Live Cable TV Online Free
Do I need a special device or tool to access the streaming services?
In general, no. But it would help if you can have a good antenna to pick up the signals and channels, especially if you want to stream your contents on your TV directly. But then again, there are also people who enjoy their shows through their desktops or laptops, or even their tablets. In this case, you may not need any antenna.
Are all of these services running online? Does it mean that I need to have WiFi at home?
Yes, all of them are running online, which means that you need internet connection of some sorts. Whether you have a WiFi or not, it is up to you and your preferences related to your internet costs.
Do I need to use VPNs to access all of these websites?
If you don’t live in the US or the UK, then it’s highly recommended that you use a VPN service
Do I need to use a paid VPN service?
It’s up to you, really. Some people are okay (and pretty satisfied) with the free VPNs, while some need more. After all, free services typically have their own limitations. If you want a service without limitation, then you should probably consider a paid service.
Wait, you said free services have their own limitations. We are talking about free movie stream services too. Does it mean that I will have to deal with limited feature?
You have to understand different mechanism and operation of streaming services, especially the free ones. Some services are offering completely free service, while the others offer both free and paid services. If you choose a provider offering both services, then it’s likely that the free service would be limited because they would focus on the paid package. However, if the services are completely free, then there would be no limitation or whatsoever. You see the differences now?
Are you sure that I can always access the online free TV stream?
In general, as long as you have a stable internet connection and you have the devices to stream the contents, you are good to go. Some extra devices or tools can be helpful (such as extra antenna, remote, etc), but they aren’t mandatory. Having them would be helpful, but the basic ones only the device and the (internet) connection.
Conclusion
In this modern world, anything is possible. You no longer depend on the regular and traditional method to enjoy your entertainment. The internet has changed the way we do things, including the way we enjoy our entertainment. With these options of platforms and services, you should have anything to concern about when you want to watch live cable TV online free.
