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cutting the cord

Cutting the Cord: Apps That Allow You to Ditch Cable

If the future of television is apps, then these apps are the future of channels. Cutting the cord has never felt so good.

STARZ

Get Big Entertainment Without Cable

STARZ

Entertainment your way

For anyone who enjoys STARZ programming.

STARZ is a premium cable channel that now has their own standalone app. You can use the app with a cable subscription or just subscribe through the app itself. You'll get full access to the STARZ library, which includes some interesting original content, full-length movies, and even full downloads so you can watch anything without having a data connection. New content is added every week, so you're guaranteed to find something fresh and exciting each time you check the app.

Why we love it

STARZ is home to some great original series and movies, so we love being able to access the content without necessarily having a cable subscription, even though the app works with that too. Plus full downloads is a rather nice feature that the other services don't offer.

Netflix

The quintessential app for binge-watching

Netflix

The best

For anyone who want to catch up on popular telelvision series and movies.

Everyone has heard of Netflix — it's the leading Internet streaming service for most of the hot shows and movies that you can't miss. A subscription for streaming starts at just $7.99 a month, with some pricier options if you have a 4K television and want higher quality streams. You can even go above that and get the DVD/Blu-Ray rental too, but it's optional. Netflix streaming has a lot of popular shows as well as original series that are worth watching. Plus, you can always find a decent movie to watch when it's movie night.

Why we love it

Netflix is the best way to pass the time as you binge-watch on original series or catch up on movies.

SHOWTIME

Get Showtime, no cable subscription required

SHOWTIME

It's Showtime

For those who have wanted access to Showtime but never wanted cable.

With a Showtime app subscription, users gain access to the entire library of Showtime original series, including "Homeland," "Shameless," "Dexter," and much more. You also can watch whatever movies are in the programming block for the month, as well as interesting documentaries and hilarious comedy specials. If you're a sports fan, you can even get boxing matches too. The Showtime Apple TV app includes live streaming and on-demand capability, so you can choose which works for you. The subscription is $10.99 a month, but the first 30 days are free.

Why we love it

Showtime has a lot of great programing, and now you can get access to all of it without having a cable subscription.

Crackle - Movies & TV

Crackle keeps you entertained at no cost

Crackle - Movies & TV

Browse movies and TV shows

For those who want some television and movies to watch without paying anything.

Crackle is the leading free app that gives you a huge variety of options to choose from each month. There are no hidden fees to use the app, and you get plenty of different television shows and movies to watch, with rotating content every month. This is a great way to catch up on favorites, discover new shows and movies, and just pass the time. Crackle has television, movies, and even anime, so there is something for everyone here.

Why we love it

Crackle gives us a lot of options for video streaming entertainment.

Sling: Live TV, Shows & Movies

Watch live TV or on-demand shows on Apple TV with an easy-to-use app containing tons of options.

Sling: Live TV, Shows & Movies

My TV

For those looking for an alternative to standard television services.

Sling TV is a solid option for watching the shows, sporting events, and channels you love on your iPhone or iPad. But, now you can check out Sling TV for your Apple TV making your favorite live television and on-demand shows only a click away.

Why we love it

Sling TV on Apple TV is a great alternative to traditional television services. The app is clean, crisp, and simple to use. The channel and show options are extensive with something for everyone in the house.

Red Bull TV: Videos & Sports

Are you Feeling Adventurous?

Red Bull TV: Videos & Sports

No Bull or Cost

For anyone looking for lots of adventure.

Here you'll find exclusive video from globetrotting adventurers, new music and entertainment from trendsetting artists, and live events featuring top athletes from around the world. Find your inspiration in the world of Red Bull.

Why we love it

Red Bull TV is like one large ad, for better or worse.

Tubi - Watch Movies & TV Shows

Check out flicks for free on your Apple TV.

Tubi - Watch Movies & TV Shows

Browse by category

For those who enjoy watching movies and do not subscribe to a paid film service.

Tubi TV is easy to use and has a wonderful variety of movies as well as TV shows. The options are categorized nicely so that not only can you see movies not on Netflix, but you can browse through comedies, dramas, thrillers, action adventures, and more. With new shows added all the time, Tubi TV is a great movie app for Apple TV.

Why we love it

Tubi TV has a great variety of movies and shows for every taste and everyone in the house. Check out a new flick for family or date night with this free movie app.

Hulu: Stream shows & movies

Get caught up with this popular streaming service

Hulu: Stream shows & movies

All of your favorites

For those who want to catch up on their current television shows.

With Hulu, users are able to watch new episodes just a day or two after they air on television. If you subscribe, you can get new episodes faster, as well as have a larger library available for your viewing pleasure. There are also several tiers of subscriptions, in case you don't want ads while watching your shows, so you'll have to pay up for that covenience. The collection of shows and movies on Hulu is pretty vast, and more content gets added every day due to licensing agreements and contracts ending with other services (such as Netflix). If you have Hulu and another service, then you're pretty much set.

Why we love it

Hulu has a ton of content with more additions added daily. New episodes get added in a timely manner so you are never too behind, and there are some nice original series.

Noggin Preschool Learning App

Blue, Franklin, and Little Bear are waiting for you to take a spin on Apple TV

Noggin Preschool Learning App

Pick a show and go

For those who want their preschoolers to have their favorite shows at hand.

With Noggin – Preschool shows and educational videos for kids your little ones can enjoy their favorites all in one spot. From “Backyardigans” and “Blue’s Clues” to “Oswald” and “Pocoyo,” the app has over 15 shows to choose from with new videos added weekly. So, if your preschooler would love to see Moose and Zee guide them through a colorful app full of enjoyable and educational shows, check it out on Apple TV.

Why we love it

Noggin – Preschool shows and educational videos for kids offers over 15 favorites with new videos added each week. So, for all those great shows in one location, pop up the app on Apple TV and enjoy a few with your kids.

Smithsonian Channel

Nature never looked so good

Smithsonian Channel

Explore the options

Nature lovers will adore this free app from Smithsonian.

For those who live the great outdoors even when inside, this is the app for you. Featuring free and commercial-free videos, Smithsonian Earth is continuously updated to bring you the best that nature and wildlife has to offer.

Why we love it

There are plenty of free video apps on the App Store. Few, however, offer commerical-free videos.

WWE

WWE Now

WWE

All the action

WWE fans will love this official app of the league.

You’ll also be able to explore sports-entertainment’s most comprehensive video-on-demand library, featuring every WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-view ever – uncut and uncensored – plus, classic matches and replays of Raw and SmackDown episodes from 2012 and 2013.

Why we love it

There's an official Apple TV app for everything, so we aren't surprised to see this one from WWE launch. If you like this type of entertainment, you're in for a real treat.

Paramount+

Catch your favorite sitcoms and dramas

Paramount+

Get the shows you love

For those who love watching CBS shows and broadcasts.

With a subscription to CBS All Access, you'll get unlimited access to your favorite shows like The Big Bang Theory, The Good Wife, Limitless, and more. You'll be able to live stream the CBS channel whenever you want so you never miss a thing, and catch up on episodes you've missed. If you're a big fan of the programming on CBS, then getting a subscription to this is worth looking into.

Why we love it

The app lets you get access to your favorite CBS shows, and you can catch up whenever you have some spare time.

UFC

Fight Club Time

UFC

UFC

For those who are obsessed with the UFC.

The UFC app offers premium content for a premium price. You can purchase an annual, six-month, or monthly subscriptions. ​

Why we love it

It's the only place to go for premium UFC content. Want it? Make your payment.

Acorn TV: Watch British Series

British Apple TV

Acorn TV: Watch British Series

Lots of categories

No matter where you are, British TV. ​

Each new user receives a free 30-day trial. Your Acorn TV Membership subscription will automatically renew at $6.99 US each month, billed through your iTunes account. It's risk-free because you can cancel at any time by turning off auto-renew in your iTunes account settings.

Why we love it

We really like British TV and this allows us to dig even deeper into the genre. Mysteries, dramas, and comedies are just different with a British accent attached.

TV CLASSICS

The app for when you need the classics

TV CLASSICS

Old school comes to Apple TV

For those who like to watch classic TV shows and movies.

Free TV Classics is a great app if you or someone in your family is a fan of classic television. All of the content in Free TV Classics is available through public domain, so there's a nice trove of treasures to be found here. An Internet connection is always required, but the app includes favorites like "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Adventures of Robin Hood," "The Three Stooges," and more. With such great hits available for free, it's the perfect time to catch up on your favorites or discover how different TV was back then compared to now.

Why we love it

Classic TV shows have always been a favorite, and this is a great way to experience the ones that are available on public domain.