Cutting the cable has always been challenging and more cost-effective in 2024, thanks to a variety of live TV streaming services. These platforms offer a more flexible and affordable way to enjoy your favorite channels, shows, and sports without the burden of long-term contracts or high monthly bills. Services like YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV provide access to live programming and on-demand content, giving you the best of both worlds at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable.
Whether you’re a sports fanatic, news junkie, or casual viewer, there’s a live TV streaming service to fit your needs. With options like Sling TV’s customizable plans, Hulu’s comprehensive bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+, and FuboTV’s extensive sports coverage, these services help you tailor your viewing experience while keeping your TV bill under control.
Here are some of the best live TV streaming services to consider if you’re thinking about cutting the cable.
YouTube TV: Best Overall
YouTube TV stands out as a top choice for live TV streaming. At $73 per month, it offers over 100 channels, including local stations and extensive sports coverage. Its intuitive interface, unlimited cloud DVR, and cool features like multiview (letting you watch multiple sports channels at once) make it a favorite for many. Plus, you can record your favorite shows with ease, thanks to its unlimited DVR, which stores content for nine months. For those who enjoy on-demand content, YouTube TV integrates it seamlessly with live programming.
One downside is that the price has increased in recent years, and it’s easy to overspend on add-ons like 4K streaming, premium channels, and themed packages. However, its user-friendly interface and top-notch search function make it the best live TV streaming service for most users.
Pros:
- Unlimited DVR with 9-month expiration
- Excellent sports and entertainment coverage
- Multiview for sports fans
- Clean, easy-to-navigate interface
Cons:
- Price increases over time
- Tempting add-ons can raise your bill
FuboTV: Best for Sports Fans
If you’re a die-hard sports fan, FuboTV is your go-to service. Starting at $80 per month, Fubo offers more than 200 channels, with a heavy focus on sports. Whether you’re into international leagues, motorsports, or adventure sports, Fubo’s massive lineup covers them all. Its sports coverage is second to none, with channels like ESPN, Fox, CBS, and the option to add NFL Red Zone, NBA League Pass, and more.
Fubo’s multiview feature also caters to sports fans by allowing up to four channels to be viewed simultaneously. Its major downside is its price, which can climb as high as $110 for premium packages. However, for those who need comprehensive sports coverage, Fubo is worth every penny.
Pros:
- Vast sports coverage
- Multiview for watching multiple games at once
- Unlimited DVR
Cons:
- Expensive compared to competitors
- Add-ons can quickly increase costs
Hulu + Live TV: Best for Disney+ and Hulu Subscribers
Hulu + Live TV combines live television with all the content from Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $77 per month. This bundle is ideal if you’re already paying for these services. With access to local affiliates and cable channels like ESPN, TBS, and TNT, Hulu + Live TV offers a well-rounded selection of entertainment and sports.
Its interface could be smoother than others, and it feels more like live TV has been added to Hulu’s on-demand service. Still, for Disney+ and Hulu fans, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy both live and on-demand content without switching between apps.
Pros:
- Includes Disney+ and ESPN+
- Good selection of local channels
- Unlimited DVR
Cons:
- Navigation can be clunky
- More expensive for ad-free content
DirecTV Stream: Best Cable Replacement
For those who miss the traditional cable experience, DirecTV Stream offers the closest alternative. Starting at $80 per month, this service offers over 90 channels with the added flexibility of no contracts. It’s perfect for viewers who want a familiar, cable-like interface and the ability to flip between channels easily.
Though it’s not the cheapest option, DirecTV Stream lets you add packages like HBO, Starz, and even Peacock, making it the best service for replicating the all-in-one cable feel without a binding contract.
Pros:
- Familiar cable-like experience
- No contract
- Access to popular premium channels
Cons:
- It can become expensive with add-ons.
Sling TV: Best Customizable Service
If you’re looking to save money and customize your viewing experience, Sling TV is the best option. With packages starting at $40 per month, Sling lets you choose between the Orange and Blue plans, each offering a different set of channels. For sports fans, Sling Orange offers ESPN and ESPN2, making it the most affordable way to watch these channels.
Sling also has add-on packages for sports, lifestyle, and more, allowing you to build a package that fits your needs. However, it needs more local channel coverage than other services offer, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Customizable channel packages
- Flexible add-ons
Cons:
- Limited local channel coverage
- Separate sports channels in different packages
Philo: Best Budget Option
At just $28 per month, Philo is the most affordable live TV streaming service. While it doesn’t offer local channels or sports, it excels in entertainment with over 70 channels. With unlimited DVR and a user-friendly interface, Philo is a great choice for those who are interested in something other than sports but want a full lineup of entertainment and lifestyle channels.
Pros:
- Low price
- Unlimited DVR
- Wide variety of entertainment channels
Cons:
- No sports or local channels
Conclusion
Cutting the cable doesn’t mean cutting your favorite shows, news, or sports. Whether you’re looking for extensive sports coverage, affordable pricing, or a traditional cable-like experience, there’s a live TV streaming service to fit your needs. YouTube TV offers the best overall experience, while FuboTV is unbeatable for sports enthusiasts. Sling TV and Philo provide budget-friendly options, while Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream cater to different user preferences. Choose the service that best fits your needs and start enjoying a new era of live TV.
FAQs: The Best Live TV Streaming Services
What is live streaming?
Live streaming refers to video content delivered in real-time over the internet. There are two main types: linear programming, which plays content in a continuous flow like traditional TV, and simultaneous transmission, where you can watch live events as they happen, such as sports games or news broadcasts.
What is the difference between streaming and live streaming?
Standard streaming, like Netflix, allows you to pick shows or movies from a library, known as “video on demand.” Live streaming, on the other hand, delivers real-time content like sports or news broadcasts, simulating the experience of traditional TV channels.
What streaming service is best for live TV?
FuboTV stands out for organizing live channels in a way that helps you easily find what you want to watch, especially for sports. YouTube TV is another top choice, offering over 100 live channels and a user-friendly interface.
What is the most cost-effective TV streaming service?
Free services like PlutoTV, Plex, Tubi, and FreeVee offer a variety of ad-supported content without additional costs. While they don’t include premium channels, they can be a great option for basic entertainment.
Is it cheaper to have cable or streaming?
While streaming services were once cheaper than cable, price hikes have brought them to a similar level. Most streaming services now charge over $75 per month. With premium add-ons, your bill can easily surpass $200, which is comparable to cable.
What streaming service has all the TV channels?
No single streaming service includes every available channel. However, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream offer the most extensive channel lineups. FuboTV excels at sports coverage, while YouTube TV provides a wide array of add-ons for more viewing options.
What is the most popular live TV streaming platform?
YouTube TV is the most popular, boasting over eight million subscribers. Hulu + Live TV follows with 4.6 million, and Sling TV and FuboTV trail behind with two million and 1.1 million subscribers, respectively.
