The short answer: a cable box can be replaced in four main ways: (1) your TV company’s app on a smart TV, (2) a small streaming device such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV, (3) a live TV streaming service that carries cable channels over the internet, or (4) a TV antenna for free local channels (Xfinity, FCC). Options 1 to 3 need home internet. Many people keep the same TV and the same channels and simply change how they reach them.
Option 1: Keep your TV company, use its app
Many cable companies have an app that works on smart TVs and streaming devices. For example, Xfinity’s Stream app offers live channels, cloud recordings and On Demand on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, LG TVs, Roku, Samsung smart TVs and Xumo, without renting an Xfinity TV box (Xfinity). On TVs it works in your home for Xfinity TV customers who also have Xfinity internet. Some features, such as the voice remote and pay-per-view, aren’t available (Xfinity).
Best for: people who like their channels and bill and just want fewer boxes. Call your provider and ask: “Can I watch on my TV with your app instead of a box? Which devices work? Does my monthly bill change?”
Option 2: Add a streaming device
If your TV has no apps, a streaming stick or box plugs into the TV’s HDMI port and connects to your Wi-Fi. Popular ones include Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. All three run the Xfinity Stream app, for example (Xfinity). Pick one remote you find easy to hold and read.
Option 3: A live TV streaming service
These services carry many of the channels you get on cable, such as news and sports, over the internet with a monthly subscription. You can cancel your cable TV service and keep just internet. Packages and prices change often, so check that your must-watch channels are included before you sign up.
Option 4: A free antenna for local channels
Local stations broadcast for free over the air. To get all of them, the antenna has to pick up both VHF (channels 2-13) and UHF (channels 14-36) (FCC). Simple indoor antennas may be enough where signals are strong. The FCC says outdoor antennas usually get better reception and recommends them for the most reliable picture (FCC).
- Check which stations reach your address on the FCC DTV reception maps.
- Connect the antenna to your TV.
- Run a channel scan: press Menu or Setup, choose Channels or Antenna, then Scan, Auto-tune or Auto Program. It takes a few minutes (FCC).
- No picture on some stations? Move the antenna a few inches, higher or away from other objects, then scan again (FCC).
Rescan every so often to pick up new stations. Cable and satellite customers don’t need to (FCC).
A simple plan for switching
- List what you watch. Write down your 5 to 10 favorite channels and shows.
- Check your TV. If you see app icons like YouTube or Netflix when you turn it on, it’s a smart TV.
- Call your TV company. Ask about its app, which devices work, how to return the box, and the cost.
- Check your internet. Streaming needs a steady connection. See what internet speed you really need.
- Set it up once with help. Have a family member sign in to the apps with you and write the steps on a card by the TV.
- Keep the old box until everything works, then return it the way your provider tells you.
Avoid streaming “activation” scams
When you set up a new device, you might search for help online. Scammers buy search ads for fake “activation” sites that ask for payment or give you a fake support number (Roku). Roku has never charged to activate a device, creating a Roku account is free, and its real sites end in roku.com (Roku). Type the address shown on your TV screen yourself, and never give anyone remote access to your computer. See how to avoid fake tech support scams.
Questions people ask about replacing a cable box
Do I need a new TV to stop using a cable box?
Usually not. If your TV doesn’t have apps built in, a small streaming device that plugs into the TV’s HDMI port adds them.
Can I still watch my local channels?
Yes. A TV antenna picks up free over-the-air broadcasts. Use the FCC’s DTV reception maps to see which stations reach your address (FCC), and scan for channels after you connect it (FCC).
Can I keep my cable company and just drop the box?
Often, yes. For example, Xfinity says its Stream app gives TV customers live channels, cloud recordings and On Demand on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, LG and Samsung TVs without renting a TV box (Xfinity). Ask your provider what it offers.
Should I pay to activate my streaming device?
No. Roku, for example, says it never charges to activate a device or create an account, and that real Roku sites end in roku.com (Roku).
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