Cable subscription prices are through the roof, and because of this, more and more people are looking at cutting the cord — we’re all looking for alternatives to cable TV. There are an endless number of cable TV alternatives available, and there are even some great smartphone and tablet apps for cord cutting.

Read: Sling TV Review: An Internet TV Solution That Simply Works

So if you’re trying to figure out just how to cut the cord and how to get free cable TV, you’re going to want to read this list of the 8 best apps for cutting the cord.

1. Mobdro

One of the best free apps for cutting the cord is the Mobdro app. This app is one of those gray area apps that provides live streaming TV, but it’s probably not 100% legal. In fact, the app can’t even be found on the Google Play store itself because of its questionable legality. Still, it is by far my favorite app that I have on my phone. You’re able to stream hundreds of channels, such as ESPN, Animal Planet, NBC, Food Network, Comedy Central, TBS and many more. The app is surprisingly well-designed and easy to use. It also has built-in Chromecast support so you’re able to stream it directly to your TV. Unfortunately, not all channels work all of the time (although, they mostly do). But it’s completely free, and you’re even able to get some HD channels.



2. Sling

Sling TV is the newest service that has most cordcutters excited. Users pay a low monthly fee ($20) for access to some great live streaming TV channels such as ESPN, Food Network, Disney, ABC Family and a few more. Sling is still in its infancy, and will not be rolling out to the public until February 5th. We have already spent many hours using Sling, and I recently wrote a review of the service here. Sling supports numerous devices already, including tablets, phones, Rokus, iOS and Android, and will soon be heading to Xbox One as well.



3. Plex

Next to Mobdro, Plex is the most used app on my phone when it comes to consuming content. Basically, Plex acts as a server between your device and your home PC’s media files, so you’re able to stream your downloaded TV shows and movies right to your phone or tablet. Plex is very easy to set up and use, and you can change the quality settings as to not use up all of your data (if you’re using 4G). Plex also has built in Chromecast support and works with many other devices, including Xbox One, Roku and now your PS4.



4. Netflix

Netflix is no secret. For less than $10/month, you’re able to stream a usually great selection of movies and TV that changes slightly every month, so there’s always something new to watch. It contains a deep catalog of classic movies and entire seasons of some great shows like Friends, Criminal Minds, and the forever-frustrating Lost so you’re able to binge watch away your life. The Netflix app works flawlessly on Android and iOS, and you can also watch on your Xbox, PS4 and PC.

Still questioning Netflix? Read how Netflix compares to Hulu and Amazon Prime.



5. Hulu Plus

Hulu is much better now than it was upon its initial release, with more great content than ever. With a Hulu Plus subscription, which is only $7.99, you get great access to all-new episodes of your favorite shows from networks like NBC, FOX and ABC. You’ll even get access to cable channel content like Comedy Central’s South Park or Discovery’s Deadliest Catch. Hulu Plus also has a great selection of older shows that are no longer on the air, like Scrubs and Stargate Atlantis. There’s a 7-day trial currently available for Hulu Plus, so you don’t have any reason to not check it out.



6. HBO Go

If you’re more into Game of Thrones than you are sitcoms and courtroom dramas, HBO Go will be a necessity for you to drop your cable subscription. Unfortunately, HBO Go isn’t available yet without a TV subscription, but it will be here soon. In fact, it’s speculated that HBO Go will launch in April just before the new Game of Thrones season premieres. So if you’re looking to see more of Tyrion’s quips and quick wit, HBO Go is going to be your go to app. In fact, 6.8 million people are already planning to cut the cord when it launches.



7. Reddit is Fun

Reddit is a necessity for any cordcutter for one reason only: the cordcutters subreddit. Okay, there are plenty of other reasons to use the Reddit app, but if you’re interested in cutting the cord, the cordcutters subreddit can be quite a big help. This subreddit will keep you up to date with all of the newest services and apps that are alternatives to cable TV. With the app, you’ll be able to stay up to date with the latest information you need to not miss your subscription cable.

8. Kodi

Kodi, formerly known as XBMC, is a great app for many different reasons. Using different plugins allows you to view live TV, including sports, albeit in lower quality than one would like. There’s also tons of movie plugins that allow you to view the latest movies, and tons of TV plugins that allow you to watch the latest episodes of your favorite shows for free. Sure, it’s one of those gray area apps, but if you don’t have the cash to fork up for Netflix or Hulu Plus, and want live TV, movies and backlogs of your favorite shows, Kodi is a must have. It’s available for Windows, iOS and Android, and there are installation instructions on Kodi’s official site. If you’re having trouble figuring out what great plugins to get, check out the cordcutters subreddit.

Top image courtesy of Shutterstock

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