Do You Need Cable for a Smart TV?

New to smart TVs? Discover how to easily access your favorite channels, shows, and movies on your smart TV with or without a cable box. Explore streaming services, free apps, and other ways to get connected.

Should you get a cable box for your smart TV? The choice depends on your unique needs.

These days, you no longer need a cable subscription to watch your favorite shows and movies on a smart TV. Thanks to its ability to connect to the Internet and use apps (just like smartphones and smart home devices), smart TVs can now be used to play content from your favorite streaming services. But how does this compare to traditional cable? We’re here to help you weigh your options and choose the best entertainment setup for your smart TV.

How to Use a Smart TV Without Cable

Before you start considering how to set up cable on your smart TV, let’s talk about your cable-free options:

• Paid Streaming Services
• Free Streaming Services
• Streaming Services That Offer Live TV
• Streaming Services That Offer Local Channels
• Over-the-Air Channels

Paid Streaming Services

Paid streaming services, also known as Subscription Video-on-demand (SVOD) services, are platforms that charge a monthly fee in exchange for access to a library of movies, TV shows, and other types of content.

While they don't typically offer live TV, they do have thousands of hours of content for you to enjoy. Some of the most popular paid streaming services include:

• Netflix: Perhaps the largest and most recognizable paid streaming service, Netflix has a huge library of movies, documentaries, TV shows, original programming, and more.
• Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime gives you more than lightning-fast deliveries. It also includes access to Prime Video, which has thousands of movies, TV shows, and original content.
• Disney+: Disney+ is much younger than Netflix and Prime Video, but it’s just as powerful. It’s where you can find all Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
• Hulu: Hulu has a massive library of movies and TV shows. Unlike other services, select Hulu packages also provide access to live TV, including local channels, sports, news, and more.

Free Streaming Services

Did you know there are many free streaming services that allow you to watch shows and movies on demand — all at no cost? Here are three of the most popular free platforms for streaming videos on-demand:

• Tubi: Tubi has loads of free shows and movies to choose from. Its selection includes content from major studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM, and countless others.
• Pluto TV: What makes Pluto TV different is that it offers both on-demand movies and live TV. While the live TV options are limited, there are a wide variety of channels available.
• Crackle: Owned by Sony, Crackle has a mix of TV shows, movies, and original programming, all for free.

It’s important to remember these free options are ad-supported. That means instead of paying with your money, you pay with your time.

Before visiting your app store, view a full list of paid and free streaming services and take SmartMove’s Streaming Quiz to find out what will work best for you.

Streaming Services That Offer Live TV

Several streaming services — both paid and free — now offer live TV options, giving you access to news, sports, and entertainment in real time. Here are some of the most popular live TV streaming options as of writing this article:

Paid streaming services with live TV:

• Hulu + Live TV: Hulu is known for its diverse collection of movies, TV shows, and live TV offerings. Its packages include many types of cable channels, including sports, world news, and on-demand TV options.
• YouTube TV: If live streaming is what you want, YouTube TV has everything you need. It offers 70+ channels, including local channels, sports, movies, and much more.

Free streaming services with live TV:

• Tubi: In addition to its vast library of free shows and movies, Tubi also offers live TV streaming options, featuring a selection of news, sports, and entertainment channels at no cost.
• Pluto TV: As mentioned above, Pluto TV stands out with its combination of on-demand content and a wide range of free live TV channels. Although the live TV selection doesn't include local stations, it offers plenty of news, sports, and entertainment options to enjoy.

Streaming Services That Offer Local Channels

Whether or not your streaming app offers local channels typically depends on where you live and the package you select. To find out what’s available in your area, visit the website of each streaming service you use, enter your zip code, and see which local TV channels you’ll be able to watch.

Below are some of the most popular streaming services that include local channels:

• YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo: These services generally offer local channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. The availability of those specific channels may depend on your region.
• DirecTV Stream: Like the others, DirecTV offers access to local channels from major broadcast networks, all depending on regional availability.

Over-the-Air Channels

If you're looking for a way to access TV programming without paying for a subscription, over-the-air (OTA) channels let you freely broadcast television signals that are being transmitted over the airwaves by local stations. This allows you to watch local news, regional sports, and popular network shows without a monthly fee.

To access OTA channels in your area, all you’ll need is an HD antenna, which can be easily connected to your smart TV. Once set up, you'll receive any available channels based on your location and signal strength. However, there are some setbacks to consider when comparing OTA channels to streaming or cable services:

• Limited channel selection: OTA channels are mostly limited to local broadcasts, so you won't have access to many specialty or premium networks found on cable or streaming platforms.
• Signal strength issues: The quality of the reception depends on your antenna and location. Factors like distance from broadcast towers, terrain, and weather can affect your ability to receive clear signals.
• No on-demand content: Unlike streaming services, OTA channels don't offer on-demand viewing options, meaning you must watch shows and events live, with no ability to pause, rewind, or catch up on missed episodes.

How to Use a Smart TV With a Cable Box

Don’t “cut the cord” on your cable provider just yet — there are several benefits to setting up cable on your smart TV alongside your streaming options.

While streaming services offer flexibility and a wide range of content, keeping a cable box gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to enjoy live channels, premium networks, and DVR features alongside your favorite streaming apps. Plus, some providers like Xfinity have partnered with apps like Xumo to create combined streaming and live TV options.

The benefits of having cable on your smart TV alongside streaming services include:

• Live TV without Internet: Cable TV provides live programming, including sports and news, without relying on an Internet connection. This can be especially useful during Internet outages or for uninterrupted viewing while streaming services offer the convenience of live TV options when the Internet is available.
• Access to premium networks: Cable packages often include exclusive premium channels and networks that might not be available on streaming platforms. However, having both allows you to watch your favorite live content via cable and access exclusive streaming originals.
• DVR features: With a cable box, you can record shows and movies to watch later, pause live TV, and store content directly on the box. At the same time, streaming platforms provide on-demand access to vast libraries, so you can watch content whenever you want without worrying about DVR space.
• On-demand content: Cable providers often offer on-demand programming, which is great for accessing popular shows and movies instantly. Streaming services, however, expand your options with massive catalogs of exclusive content. Together, these options give you even more to choose from.
• Cable TV apps: Some cable providers offer streaming apps that allow you to watch live TV and on-demand content directly on your smart TV. This complements your streaming apps, making it easy to switch between cable and streaming without switching inputs or devices.

Other Ways to Watch Content on Your Smart TV

While smart TVs come with built-in streaming apps, there are several other devices and methods you can use to expand your entertainment options:

• Game consoles: Devices like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch not only allow you to play games but also have built-in streaming apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, letting you watch content directly through your console.
• Blu-ray players: Modern Blu-ray players often come with smart features, enabling access to streaming services and apps in addition to playing physical discs. This is a great option for those who still enjoy physical media but want to enjoy the flexibility of streaming, too.
• Streaming devices: Devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV can be easily plugged into your smart TV using an HDMI cable. These devices give you access to additional apps and services, sometimes offering exclusive content or features that your smart TV might not support. They also provide an alternative interface for managing your streaming subscriptions.

Smart TVs Work Best With Fast Internet Services

Your smart TV may not seem so “smart” without a high-speed Internet connection. If your Internet isn’t fast enough, it will likely result in constant buffering and poor picture quality.

Whether you use WiFi, broadband Internet, an ethernet cable with a network adapter, or an alternative device to watch content on your smart TV, one thing is for sure — you need a fast Internet connection for the best viewing experience possible.

Find Local Cable Providers With Smart Move

So, do you need cable for your new TV? Not necessarily. Smart TVs are designed to work seamlessly with streaming services, giving you access to a wide range of shows, movies, and even live TV through apps — no cable required. However, if you enjoy live programming, local news, and premium channels that may not be available on streaming platforms, combining cable with your streaming services can be a great option.

Ready to set up your smart TV? SmartMove can help you connect to the Internet and discover cable TV providers in your area.

FAQs

Do I need cable to use a smart TV?

No, you don’t need cable to use a smart TV. The built-in functionality of smart TVs allows you to stream content using apps like Netflix or Hulu.

Can I watch local channels on my smart TV without cable?

Yes, you can access local channels using either a digital OTA (Over-The-Air) antenna or by subscribing to streaming services like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV, which offer local channels.

What’s the difference between using a cable provider’s app and a streaming service?

Cable provider apps give you access to live TV and on-demand content through your Internet connection but require a subscription to a cable service. Streaming services like Netflix or Hulu offer on-demand content without cable but may not provide live TV options.

How do I connect my Smart TV to the Internet?

You can connect your smart TV to the Internet either by using WiFi (wireless connection) or plugging an ethernet cable directly into the TV for a more stable connection.

What are the pros and cons of using a cable provider’s app on a Smart TV?

Using a cable provider's app on a smart TV offers both benefits and drawbacks, depending on your viewing preferences and setup:

• Pros: Access to live TV, sports, news, and DVR features.
• Cons: Dependent on a stable Internet connection and may have higher costs compared to stand-alone streaming services.

What is an OTA (Over-The-Air) antenna, and how does it work?

An OTA antenna is a device you can connect to your TV to receive free, local broadcast channels (like NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX) right in your living room — all without a cable subscription.

Can I use devices like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick with my Smart TV?

Yes, you can plug devices like Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV into your smart TV’s HDMI port, or if you have a Roku TV (a smart TV with built-in Roku functionality), you can access even more streaming apps and features without the need for additional devices.

Which streaming services offer local channels?

Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and FuboTV all offer local channels alongside national content, making them good alternatives to cable for live broadcasts.

Should I connect my Smart TV using WiFi or Ethernet?

Ethernet offers a more stable and reliable connection, ideal for high-quality streaming. A WiFi network may be more convenient than ethernet but slower or less stable, depending on your Internet speed and the distance from the router.

Can you surf the web on a smart TV?

Yes, many smart TVs come with built-in web browsers that allow you to surf the web just like you would on a computer or smartphone. However, the browsing experience may vary depending on the brand and model of your TV, and some websites may not display as smoothly as they would on other devices. Additionally, you may need to use a remote or a connected keyboard for easier navigation. Use a fast Internet connection for the best web-browsing experience.

How do I decide between cable and streaming services?

If you’re switching from a regular TV to a smart TV and trying to decide between cable or streaming services, consider the content you need. If you want access to live sports, news, or cable-specific channels, cable might be a better fit. If you’re more interested in on-demand content and saving money, streaming services are a great alternative.