So, you’re ready to start streaming. Welcome to the party.
Streaming gives you all the same shows, sports, and live TV you get with cable—plus original content and exclusive extras on top. You choose the content that’s important to you and leave the rest, like a hefty cable bill, behind.
What can I watch with streaming?
The short answer: anything and everything you want! Here’s a closer look at all the content available to you through streaming and how to watch.
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News, local TV, and live events
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For multiple network coverage
Live TV streaming services
Live streaming services are often called “cable alternatives” because they give you access to all the major networks and local stations* and let you watch sports, news, and local TV in real time, just like cable. The only difference is you’re using an internet connection instead of a cable connection.
For network fans
Network streaming services
Most major networks offer their own streaming service or app. If you have a favorite, you can subscribe to just that network’s streaming service, still watch live broadcast TV, and spend less than you would for a live TV streaming service.
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Live sports and sports channel
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For live sports
Live TV streaming services
Most live TV streaming services offer the national sports channels, regional sports networks, local channels, and league networks you’ll need to catch all the games.*
For superfans and global sports
Sports network streaming services
Each league offers a streaming service that gives you access to almost every game not broadcast nationally as well as extra games and coverage. If there’s a sport you love anywhere in the world, there’s probably at least one service for watching it.
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Primetime TV
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Live TV streaming services
Live streaming services are often called “cable alternatives” because they give you access to all the major networks and local stations* and let you watch sports, news, and local TV in real time, just like cable. The only difference is you’re using an internet connection instead of a cable connection.
Network streaming services
Every major network has its own streaming service or app. Some even offer free content! And without any cancellation fees, streaming services let you subscribe for the length of your favorite TV show’s season and then unsubscribe after the season finale.
On-demand services
If you don’t need to watch your shows on the day they air, a basic Hulu subscription gives you access to lots of popular shows the next day and costs a fraction of a live TV service. You can also buy episodes or full seasons a la carte on services like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV.
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Original content
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Original content
Most of the big streaming services offer movies, docuseries, stand-up comedy specials, and other original content you can’t find on cable. Some have become so popular that you’ve probably felt left out if you haven’t seen them. The best part is you can binge an entire season without having to wait for new episodes to air.
Premium channels
For multiple network coverage
Live TV streaming services
Live streaming services are often called “cable alternatives” because they give you access to all the major networks and local stations* and let you watch sports, news, and local TV in real time, just like cable. The only difference is you’re using an internet connection instead of a cable connection.
For network fans
Network streaming services
Most major networks offer their own streaming service or app. If you have a favorite, you can subscribe to just that network’s streaming service, still watch live broadcast TV, and spend less than you would for a live TV streaming service.
*Local stations vary by location. We recommend visiting each streaming provider’s website and entering your ZIP code to see which broadcast networks are available.
For live sports
Live TV streaming services
Most live TV streaming services offer the national sports channels, regional sports networks, local channels, and league networks you’ll need to catch all the games.*
For superfans and global sports
Sports network streaming services
Each league offers a streaming service that gives you access to almost every game not broadcast nationally as well as extra games and coverage. If there’s a sport you love anywhere in the world, there’s probably at least one service for watching it.
*Local stations vary by location. Check the broadcast schedule for your team, then visit each streaming service’s website and enter your ZIP code to see which broadcast networks are available.
Live TV streaming services
Live streaming services are often called “cable alternatives” because they give you access to all the major networks and local stations* and let you watch sports, news, and local TV in real time, just like cable. The only difference is you’re using an internet connection instead of a cable connection.
Network streaming services
Every major network has its own streaming service or app. Some even offer free content! And without any cancellation fees, streaming services let you subscribe for the length of your favorite TV show’s season and then unsubscribe after the season finale.
On-demand services
If you don’t need to watch your shows on the day they air, a basic Hulu subscription gives you access to lots of popular shows the next day and costs a fraction of a live TV service. You can also buy episodes or full seasons a la carte on services like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV.
Original content
Most of the big streaming services offer movies, docuseries, stand-up comedy specials, and other original content you can’t find on cable. Some have become so popular that you’ve probably felt left out if you haven’t seen them. The best part is you can binge an entire season without having to wait for new episodes to air.
Why stream?
Cord cutting allows you to not only save money but also build a customized viewing experience without the contract commitment.
Show us the money.
Cut unwanted channels AND costs. We call that a “win-win.”
Save up to $1200 a year* by paying only for the channels and shows you watch. Many streaming services also offer their own original content you can’t get on cable. So why not pay less for more of what you want?
No more surprises on your bill.
Those small fees hiding on your cable bill can add up to one big shock when you see the total cost—not to mention the promo rate that ends up doubling or nearly tripling after a year or two. Steaming services only charge one flat price, so you’ll know exactly what you’ll be paying every month.
Mix and match, switch and save.
Contract-free streaming services allow you to pocket some savings by taking time off between seasons of a favorite show. Score even bigger savings by rotating your subscriptions instead of paying for multiple services at once. Pick one service a month, catch up on all your favorite shows there, then cancel and move on to another one.
*Average total hidden fees as reported by
Consumer Reports in October 2019.
TV - your way.
Custom content.
Tailor your own custom "TV package" to get just the shows and networks you want.
Total freedom.
You can stream on all your devices, giving you the freedom to watch whatever you want, whenever, and wherever.
And we mean TOTAL freedom.
With no contracts or termination fees, streaming services let you stop and restart your subscription any time you want—like when a favorite show comes back on.
How to stream
Cutting out cable and switching solely to streaming might seem intimidating, but it only takes three easy steps.
Steps to start livin' the stream.
1. Sign up for Google Fiber Webpass internet.
2. Pick your streaming services.
Make a list of your can’t-miss shows and must-have networks, then head to one of these sites to figure out the best streaming services to fit your needs:
untangle.tv
thestreamable.com
suppose.tv
3. Pick your streaming devices.
There are more ways than ever to stream, whether you want to watch on your TV, computer, tablet or phone.
Ways to watch
There are lots of streaming services available, and Google Fiber Webpass service works with them all. When figuring out which one(s) are right for you, you have two main options: using a Live TV streaming service or creating your own “TV package.”
Streaming service options
Live TV streaming services
Live TV streaming services are the most similar to cable bundles and offer dozens of live channels, along with features like DVR and a channel guide. Most or all of your local broadcast channels might be available as well, depending on where you live. You won’t save a ton with these services, but you won’t need to make many sacrifices either.
Your own custom TV “package”
Create your own “TV package” by combining on-demand services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, free video sources like Pluto TV, and maybe even an over-the-air antenna for local broadcasts. Going this route doesn’t give you the full cable-like experience, but it can save you a lot more money.
Ways to stream
With so many ways to stream, you can watch TV wherever and whenever you want.
Your devices
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Get your shows straight to your phone, tablet, or computer.
Just download the apps for the services you want (or stream straight from their website, if you’re using a laptop). The big names like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video are all available on just about every platform and device.
Smart TV
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Connect to a smart TV.
Smart TVs connect directly to the internet and have built-in apps for streaming services. They don’t need anything extra to start streaming. Just turn it on, connect to your wifi network, and use the included remote. Some smart TVs come with more apps than others. Before buying one, we recommend checking it supports the apps for the streaming services you've picked out.
Streaming devices
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Streaming boxes
Like a cable box, but much smaller, streaming boxes plug into your TV and come with a remote. They usually come packed with the most features and streaming service options and also get the most frequent software updates.
Casting devices
Casting devices plug straight into the back of your TV—no other equipment needed. They are portable and affordable, with prices starting at just $30.
Get your shows straight to your phone, tablet, or computer.
Just download the apps for the services you want (or stream straight from their website, if you’re using a laptop). The big names like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video are all available on just about every platform and device.
Connect to a smart TV.
Smart TVs connect directly to the internet and have built-in apps for streaming services. They don’t need anything extra to start streaming. Just turn it on, connect to your wifi network, and use the included remote. Some smart TVs come with more apps than others. Before buying one, we recommend checking it supports the apps for the streaming services you've picked out.
Streaming boxes
Like a cable box, but much smaller, streaming boxes plug into your TV and come with a remote. They usually come packed with the most features and streaming service options and also get the most frequent software updates.
Casting devices
Casting devices plug straight into the back of your TV—no other equipment needed. They are portable and affordable, with prices starting at just $30.
Switch to streaming and save.
See how easy it is to save with streaming.^
The original lover.
Has a Premium Cable Bundle to catch their favorite HBO series, but find they’re watching more Netflix originals than network TV.
The prime example
DVRs weekly Primetime TV shows and binge watches them on Sundays. Has Amazon Prime for the free shipping, but the free shows and movies on Prime Video are an awesome perk, too.
The sports fan.
Never missed a game.
^ Pricing of streaming services are subject to change. Please refer to the streaming service’s website for current pricing.
1. Average cable bill price as reported in
Consumer Reports Cable Bill Report 2019.