Antenna + streaming: the cheapest way to get local channels

In many areas, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS and dozens of subchannels are broadcast for free over the air. A one-time antenna purchase picks them up in uncompressed HD that often looks better than streaming.

Check reception by entering your address in a broadcast coverage map such as the FCC's DTV reception map. Indoor antennas work within a few dozen miles of transmitters; outdoor or attic antennas reach farther.

Network tuners like those from HDHomeRun or Tablo send antenna channels to every TV and phone on your Wi-Fi, and many add DVR recording.

Pair the antenna with free FAST services and one or two on-demand subscriptions and you can cover most viewing for a fraction of a cable bill.

The main gap is cable-only channels like ESPN and CNN, which is where a slim streaming package comes in.