If you're looking for a cheap cable alternative that doesn't use the internet, you may want to consider options like Orby TV. Orby TV gives you access to live TV programming over the satellite, which makes it different from internet-based services such as Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV. The Orby TV packages come with a comprehensive set of popular channels with the option to expand the lineup through add-ons.

What's more is that once you have your Orby TV receiver set up, you can start watching local channels for free even without paying for a subscription. And even if you do decide to subscribe to one of the Orby TV channel packages, you can always opt-out at any time, unlike with cable contracts.

So to help you figure out what the service offers and which plans are right for you, this Orby TV guide gives you a detailed look at the Orby TV channel list and packages. Let's take a look.

Orby TV Essentials Package
Monthly price $40
Free trial length N/A
Number of channels 40+
Hours of DVR storage 100 hours (HD) 1000 hours (SD)
Number of simultaneous streams N/A
Live sports available? No
Premium add-ons available? Yes

Orby TV packages and pricing

Orby TV offers a single monthly plan — the Essentials Package, which costs $40/mo. This gives you access to 40+ channels with a focus on entertainment and lifestyle. Keep in mind that to be able to record live TV and save it on your DVR, you need to spend an additional $4/mo. for DVR service on top of the monthly plan. So you end up paying about $44/mo. for the whole thing if you don't get any add-ons.

One major difference between Orby TV and internet-based live TV services is that Orby TV charges you for equipment and installation at the beginning. The standard receiver will set you back $100, but it doesn't come with DVR capabilities. If you'd like the freedom to record live TV programming, you'll need the DVR-enabled receiver for $200.

And the professional installation will cost an additional $50, though Orby TV occasionally slashes the price by 50% and offers it for $25. Note that this only includes installation for one room. So if you'd like to get Orby TV in other rooms, you'll need to spend an additional $50 for each room.

So your one-time expenses will be at least $150 for single-room installation with the standard receiver. Plus, the monthly Orby TV channel package will cost an additional $40. That means you'll end up spending at least $190 for the first month.

The cost can go up depending on which receiver you get and whether you get add-ons and DVR services with the monthly channel package. On the plus side, you won't have to pay anything extra in equipment rental fees beyond the first month.

Orby TV add-ons

In addition to the monthly channel subscription, Orby TV lets you upgrade your package with add-on Orby TV plans. This includes the Extras Package, which gives you 20+ additional channels. Plus, you can also add four of the major premium channels to your Orby TV plan if you'd like commercial-free access to hit movies and shows.

  • Cinemax – $12/mo.
  • EPIX – $6/mo.
  • Extras Package – $10/mo.
  • HBO – $18/mo.
  • STARZ – $9/mo.

Orby TV pricing compared

Compared to leading competitors such as DIRECTV and DISH, Orby TV has the most affordable satellite subscription package. But the lower price also comes with a few sacrifices, such as a smaller DVR storage capacity and a more limited channel count. In fact, Orby TV doesn't offer any live sports channels, which might be a major drawback for some.

DIRECTV and DISH may cost a bit more, but they have a more comprehensive channel lineup without cutting back on sports. Both of these options offer 100+ channels, even with the most basic plan. For instance, the basic DIRECTV plan gives you access to 160+ channels for $64.99/mo. And the basic DISH package comes with 190 channels for $59.99.

You'll have the option to further upgrade these plans to get even more channels. On the other hand, Orby TV comes with just 40+ channels. But it only costs you about $40/mo. without DVR and $44/mo. with DVR. So it's all a matter of whether you just need an affordable satellite service or you want to watch live broadcasts of major sporting events.

Orby TV DIRECTV DISH
Starting monthly price $40/mo. $64.99/mo. $59.99/mo.

Orby TV channel highlights

For sports fans

Unfortunately for sports fans, Orby TV doesn't offer any channels to watch live broadcasts of sporting events. That means the Orby TV ESPN offering is nonexistent, which might be a huge deal-breaker for diehard sports fans. Plus, you won't get any other major sports channels such as CBS Sports Network, FOX Sports 1 and 2, MLB Network, NBA TV, NBCSN, NFL Network and so on.

For the latest news stories

The Orby TV channel list includes two popular news channels – CNN and Newsmax TV. So although the news channel offering isn't completely nonexistent, it isn't that robust either. At the same time, you can add the Extras Package for $10/mo. and get additional channels, including BBC World News, CNN en Espanol and CNN International.

For kids and family networks

The Orby TV channel packages have a decent selection of kids and family-friendly programming. With the basic Essentials Package, you get some of the major kids' channels such as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and TeenNick. Plus, you get additional family-friendly programming through informative, nature-focused channels such as Animal Planet and Discovery.

You can further expand this offering with the Extras Package add-on for $10/mo. This comes with Discovery Familia, Discovery Family and Nicktoons along with 20+ other channels.

What is the full Orby TV channel list?

You get a total of 60+ channels across all Orby TV plans. This includes 40+ channels with the Essentials Package for $40/mo. And you also get 20+ additional channels with the Extras Package for $10/mo. Keep in mind that Orby TV doesn't offer a free trial for its monthly channel plan, so you'll have to pay for the first month to try the service out and see if it's a good fit for you.

  • A&E
  • AMC
  • American Heroes Channel
  • Animal Planet
  • BBC America
  • BBC World News
  • BET
  • BET Gospel
  • BET Her
  • BET Jams
  • BET Soul
  • Boomerang
  • Cartoon Network
  • CMT
  • CNN
  • CNN en Espanol
  • CNN International
  • Comedy Central
  • Cooking Channel
  • Crime Investigation
  • C-Span
  • C-Span 2
  • Destination America
  • Discovery
  • Discovery en Espanol
  • Discovery Familia
  • Discovery Family
  • Discovery Life
  • DIY Network
  • Food Network
  • FYI
  • Great American Country
  • Hallmark Channel
  • Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
  • HGTV
  • History Channel
  • History en Espanol
  • HLN
  • IFC
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Lifetime
  • LMN
  • Logo
  • LRW
  • Military History
  • MotorTrend
  • MTV
  • MTV 2
  • MTV Classic
  • Newsmax TV
  • Nickelodeon
  • Nick Jr.
  • Nicktoons
  • OWN
  • Paramount Network
  • Science Channel
  • Sundance TV
  • TBS
  • TCM
  • TeenNick
  • TLC
  • TNT
  • Travel Channel
  • truTV
  • TV Land
  • VH1
  • Vice
  • WeTV

At the time of writing this post, the entire Orby TV channel list is available nationwide.

Local channels on Orby TV

You can combine the Orby satellite dish with an over-the-air antenna and get access to a wide range of local channels. This includes both major network affiliates and smaller local channels and independent stations as well. The Orby TV local channel offering varies by region. But you can typically get the local affiliate channels for the following major networks:

  • ABC
  • CBS
  • CW
  • FOX
  • NBC
  • PBS
  • Telemundo

Sign up for an Orby TV free trial

As noted earlier, Orby TV doesn't offer a free trial for its monthly channel subscription. That means you'll have to pay for a plan for your first month to see if it's a good fit for you. If you don't like what it offers, you can choose to discontinue the subscription from the second month.

At the time of writing this post, Orby offers a 30-day trial for the equipment and installation only if you get it directly from Orby TV. So, although you have to pay to get the trial, you can get still get a refund for your initial payment if you choose not to continue with it after the first 30 days. But note that Orby won't refund you for the monthly channel subscription.

When the 30-day trial offer is not in place, Orby gives you a 14-day return window for the equipment. And you'll have to pay a $10 restocking fee.

Our hot take

With bulky initial costs and limitations on sports channels, Orby TV may not be the best choice for someone who wants seamless and comprehensive access to live TV programming. But as the least expensive satellite subscription service, it makes sense for anyone who wants live TV access without an internet connection.

Although Orby TV doesn't offer any bundle packages, you can save a bit of money on the installation charge. At the time of writing this post, it offers a 50% discount on the installation fee, so you can save about $25.

You can further cut back on your expenses by opting out of the monthly channel plan and only stick with the local programming you get over-the-air. But it's good to note that this option won't be as comprehensive as regular cable.

Jacqueline Zote

Jacqueline Zote is a digital marketing and entertainment writer who makes regular contributions to Sprout Social and Recreation Insider. Her interests range from pop culture and mythology to social activism. When she's not writing, she goes on food adventures and binges on crime drama. Her short fiction has been published by HarperCollins Publishers and Zubaan Books.