Key Takeaways:
- Best Streaming Service For Shows – Hulu
- Best Streaming Service For Movies – Netflix
- Best Streaming Service For Sports – Sling TV
If you want to save money while you serve, you need to look into the best cable alternatives for military members.
Lucky for you, we got 19 excellent streaming services and other cable options for you to choose from.
In fact, during our military career, my wife and I cut the cord. And used some of the streaming services below. And saved over $10,000 in cable expenses over the years!
So enjoy the valuable read if you’re looking to see how to stream NFL games, watch your favorite crime dramas, and more, all without cable TV.
Let’s dive right in!
19 Best Cable TV Alternatives For Service Members
1. Mohu Leaf
Price: $89.99 One-time payment
Military Discount: No
When I cut cable and began saving money as an enlisted member, the Mohu Leaf was my first purchase. The Leaf is an indoor HDTV antenna that gives you free, over-the-air access to your local news, regional sports networks, and more. It’s easy to install and can be placed anywhere in your home. In addition, the Leaf doesn’t require a cable company or monthly fees, so it’s an excellent alternative for service members looking to save money on their TV service.
2. AFN Now
Price: Free
Military Discount: No
This one is for deployed service and family members who have access to American Forces Network. The AFN Now app offers news, sports, and entertainment content on demand and live streaming. Watch your favorite shows and movies anytime, anywhere. The best part? There are no commercials!
It’s also a rolling catch-up service, so you can always watch the most recent episodes of your favorite shows.
3. Amazon Prime TV
Price: $139.99 per year
Military Discount: Yes (Seasonal promos, keep an eye out)
Amazon Prime TV is an excellent option for service members looking for something other than cable. With Amazon Prime Video, members of the armed services can access a huge library of movies and TV shows and exclusive Amazon Originals. You can add premium channels like Showtime, HBO, and Starz to your Prime TV subscription.
4. Apple TV+
Price: $4.99 per month
Military Discount: Yes (One free year for service members)
Apple TV+ is a new streaming service from Apple. It’s an ad-free platform with a focus on quality, original content. You can watch shows and movies online or offline, and there are no commercials. With Apple TV+, you can share your subscription with up to five family members. And active duty service members and veterans can get one free year of Apple TV+ when they sign up. Just use your military ID when you sign up.
5. Blaze TV
Price: $5.53 – $9.99 per month
Military Discount: Yes ($30 off annual passes)
Blaze TV is a cable TV alternative that offers live and on-demand streaming of your favorite news, sports, and entertainment shows at a lower rate. With Blaze TV, new customers can watch on their smart TV, phone, or tablet. You can also record shows to watch later. In addition, blaze TV offers a military discount of $30 off annual passes. Just use IDme.com to verify your military status.
6. Discovery+
Price: $4.99 per month ($2.99 with Military Discount)
Military Discount: Yes
Discovery+ is a new streaming service that offers access to your favorite Discovery shows and exclusive originals. It’s viewable on your TV, phone, or tablet. With Discovery+, you can get a 7-day free trial and access to 70,000 episodes from 2,500+ shows. Plus, if you’re a military service member, you can get the best deal of $2.99 monthly. Just use your military ID when you sign up.
7. Disney+
Price: $6.99 per month, $79.99 per year ($59.99 with military discount)
Military Discount: Yes (25% off annual subscription)
If you’re looking for a cable TV alternative that offers great content at a reasonable price, Disney+ is an excellent option. With a military discount of 25% off the annual subscription, it’s an affordable option for service members and their families. You’ll have access to your favorite Pixar, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic films.
With their app, you can download your favorite films and TV shows to watch on the go. Not only can you enjoy your favorite shows and movies with peace of mind, but you can also keep your family safe by using easy parental controls. Disney+ works with various devices and offers 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos sound on select machines. A maximum of four devices can connect and stream simultaneously.
8. FuboTV
Price: $69.99 -$99.99 per month
Military Discount: Yes (GovX members get $10 off the 1st two months)
FuboTV is one of the best sports mix services for military members. With over 236 channels, there is something for everyone. You can watch your favorite shows and movies live or on demand, and with the Cloud DVR, you can record up to 1000 hours of content. Plus, with the Unlimited Screens feature, you can watch on up to 10 devices simultaneously. And GovX members get $10 off the first two months. So why wait? Sign up today and start watching your favorite shows!
9. HBO Max
Price: $9.99 per month
Military Discount: No
Game of Thrones, anyone? HBO Max features a wide range of movies, TV shows, and originals to appeal to a broad audience. So whether you’re looking for a horror movie or a family-friendly show, HBO Max has you covered. As kids’ interests change and grow, so does the curated experience we offer them. Ad-free subscribers can download top titles and take them wherever they go. So if you’re looking for a great alternative to traditional cable TV service, check out HBO Max.
10. Hulu
Price: $6.99 with ads, $12.99 without ads
Military Discount: Yes (1 month free, 10% off each month for 1 year)
Hulu is my jam! It was my intro to the cable-less life, and I haven’t turned back since. There are SO many reasons to love Hulu. For starters, military families can watch shows the day after they air on live TV. So, if you miss your fave show on Wednesday night, you can hop on Hulu and watch it Thursday morning. And if you’re into older or classic shows, Hulu has you covered there too. They have great on-demand content; like Seinfeld, I Love Lucy, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and The Golden Girls.
And if you’ve got kids, Hulu is a lifesaver. Hulu has many great kid-friendly shows to keep them entertained when you need to distract your little ones while working.
11. MLB.TV
Price: $74.99 – 94.99 per year
Military Discount: Yes (35% off)
If you’re a baseball fan, MLB.TV is a good option with MLB.TV, you can watch every out-of-market baseball game, live or on demand. And with the MLB.TV Premium Package, you can get HD quality, DVR controls, and up to four devices streaming at the same time. Plus, with the military discount, you can get 35% off the yearly subscription. So don’t wait. Sign up for MLB.TV today, and start watching your favorite team!
12. Netflix
Price: $9.99 – 19.99 per month
Military Discount: No
Another one of my family’s go-to’s (especially to binge!) is Netflix. Although they don’t have a military discount, their membership is super affordable at $9.99 for the basic plan. This gives you access to their library of movies and tv shows you can watch at your convenience. And if you have kids, they have a fabulous selection of kids’ shows too!
What’s great about Netflix is that they always add new content, especially originals you can’t find anywhere else. And if you’re looking for something specific, their search bar makes it easy to find precisely what you want to watch.
13. NFL Gamepass
Price: $99.99 per year
Military Discount: Yes (25%)
If you’re a football fan, NFL Gamepass is a must-have. With NFL Gamepass, you can watch every out-of-market football game, live or on-demand (including the Super Bowl!). And with the NFL Gamepass Premium Package, you can get HD quality, DVR controls, and up to four devices streaming at the same time. Plus, with the military discount, you can get 25% off the yearly subscription.
(PRO TIP: Get a VPN and broadcast from overseas because you need to log in as an international user to view the live games.)
14. NFL+
Price: $4.99 – $9.99 per month
Military Discount: Yes (25%)
With NFL+, you can watch live local and primetime games on your mobile and tablet devices. You can also listen to live game audio (home, away, and national calls) for every game of the season. And if you’re a fan of NFL library programming, you can watch it on-demand and ad-free. In addition, if you upgrade to Premium, you can access full game replays, condensed game replays, and coaches’ films (ad-free). Plus, with the military discount, you can get 25% off the monthly or yearly subscription.
15. Peacock
Price: $4.99 – $9.99 per month
Military Discount: No
And now, we have Peacock. Peacock is a streaming service that offers great content, including original programming that you can’t find anywhere else. And if you’re looking to get rid of cable, there are a couple of reasons why Peacock is an excellent option for you.
For starters, Peacock has a great selection of movies and TV shows. With over 80,000 hours of content, you’re sure to find something to watch. And, if you’re a fan of NBC or Bravo, you’ll be able to access new content the day after it airs. Peacock also has 50+ always-on channels that you can watch online or offline. So, if you’re looking for something to watch but don’t know what you want, there’s a good chance you’ll find something on one of these channels.
16. Philo
Price: $25 per month
Military Discount: No
One streaming service that not a lot of folks talk about is Philo. Philo offers over 60 live channels and allows you to record an unlimited amount of future shows. You can also stream on up to three devices at one time. The best part, it only costs $25 per month! Philo also offers a 7-day free trial, so you can check it before fully committing.
What’s included: A&E, AMC, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, History Channel, MTV, Nickelodeon, TLC, Travel Channel, VH1, and more!
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to cable TV, Philo is definitely worth checking out!
17. Showtime
Price: $10.99 per month
Military Discount: Yes (15%)
Another classic premium channel, Showtime, offers a wide variety of content, including movies, TV shows, and documentaries. They also provide a “Showtime on Demand” service, allowing you to watch content whenever possible. Showtime is an excellent alternative for military members looking for premium content without the high price tag.
18. Sling TV
Price: $35 – $50 per month
Military Discount: No
Sling TV is a great alternative for cord-cutters, as it offers a ton of flexibility. For example, with Sling TV, you can choose from various channel packages, so you only pay for the channels you want to view. And, if you’re looking to save even more money, you can sign up for Sling TV’s “Happy Hour,” which offers free access to select channels every day from 5 pm to midnight.
19. USTVNow
Price: $19.99 – $29.99 per month
Military Discount: No
And for the grand finale, we have USTVNow. This is an internet-based TV service specifically designed for people abroad, such as the military. You can get over 60 channels, including all the major networks, for as low as $19.99 per month. And there’s no contract, so you can cancel at any time.
Which Is The Best TV Media Streaming Device?
Amazon Fire Stick
Price: $40
What’s on TV? With Fire Stick, you can access over 500,000 movies and TV episodes from popular streaming apps like Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, and more. Plus, listen to millions of songs on Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, and more. And to make it even easier, the all-new Alexa Voice Remote lets you search, control playback, and more with just your voice. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite entertainment on Amazon Fire Stick.
Apple TV
Price: $179.99
Another powerhouse in the streaming world, Apple TV boasts an impressive lineup of apps. You can find anything you’re looking for on Apple TV, from traditional networks to more niche offerings. In addition, Apple TV+ offers original programming that you won’t find anywhere else. As a result, apple TV is a great option if you’re looking for a comprehensive streaming experience.
Roku
Price: $98
And my personal favorite, Roku. Roku has been a player in the streaming game for a while now. And offers one of the most comprehensive selections of apps and channels. You can find everything from old classics to the latest movies and shows on Roku. And with its simple interface, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for and start watching.
Roku also offers a robust selection of live news and sports channels to stay up-to-date on the latest events. And with its built-in search feature, you can easily find the shows and movies you’re looking for.
FAQ
What can I use instead of a cable box?
There are a variety of different TV media streaming devices that you can use instead of a cable box. Some popular options include the Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Roku.
How do I get basic channels without cable?
If united states military personnel are looking for a way to get basic channels without a cable subscription, the good news is that you can try an internet-based TV service such as Philo, Sling TV, or USTVNow. These services offer various channel packages, so you can choose the best fit for your needs.
What is the best option for TV without cable?
The best option for armed forces members to get TV without a cable service will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. However, some popular choices include getting a Mohu Leaf TV antenna, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Roku.
What is the cheapest way to watch TV without cable?
There are a few ways to watch TV without a cable provider, starting with high-speed internet access. You can either get a good internet connection through a traditional provider like Comcast, or you can find a cheaper internet service provider. Once you have internet access, you can either use a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu or find a way to watch live TV online on one of your favorite wireless devices.
Are there military discounts for streaming services?
Yes, there are military discounts for streaming services. In addition, you can get a discount on Disney +, NFL+, and more.
Summary
So there you have it! 19 cable alternatives for military members. Some of these may be familiar to you, and others might be new. But one thing is for sure – you can save money by using any of these services in place of a pricey cable bill.
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What cable alternative will you use? We’d love to hear from you below!
Hello! I'm Charles. 1st gen millionaire, real estate investor, health enthusiast, and military veteran. In the last 17 years, I have managed billions of dollars of resources for the Department of Defense. Created financial management plans that enabled fellow service members to get out of thousands of dollars in debt and tailored wellness plans that helped people reverse and eliminate high-blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and obesity. Learn more about me here.