Since there are more live TV streaming options than the choices you have with cable (which is limited by area) or satellite (which is limited to DIRECTV and DISH), shopping around is a must.
We’ve broken the top eight live TV streaming services available in the US into three easy categories, based on what you might be looking for. And remember: while not all of these services offer a free trial, none lock you into an annual contract. So you’re only committed for a month and then you’re free to try another.
You want: big channel counts, including sports
YouTube TV | $72.99/mo. | 100+ channels
YouTube TV is our favorite live TV streaming service at CableTV.com because of its loaded channel lineup (between 85 and 100 channels, depending on area) and unlimited DVR. It also carries most every sports and local channel, as well as over 25 available add-on channels.
DIRECTV STREAM | $69.99–$159.99/mo. | 75–150+ channels
If you’re looking for fat channel lineups that also include regional sports networks (RSNs), DIRECTV STREAM is the live TV streamer to beat. DTV STREAM carries Bally Sports, YES, MASN, Altitude, ROOT Sports, and AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain RSNs.
fuboTV | $32.99–$99.99/mo. | 65–260+ channels
fuboTV is great for sports fans (especially soccer fans) and it carries over 100 channels. But it’s lacking popular channels from WarnerMedia, such as TBS, TNT, CNN, truTV, and Cartoon Network. If you can live without those channels, there’s plenty to like about fuboTV.
You want: more content options
Sling TV | $40.00–$55.00/mo. | 30–45+ channels
Sling TV’s possibilities don’t end with its basic 32- to 46-channel plans. The inexpensive streamer also offers eight multi-channel add-on packages catering to sports fans, movie buffs, kiddie viewers, and comedy aficionados, as well as 30+ add-on channels.
You want: inexpensive live TV streaming
Philo | $25.00/mo. | 70+ channels
For just $25 a month, Philo serves up over 60 live TV channels, including A&E, AMC, Comedy Central, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, VICE, and Hallmark. The catch? Philo doesn’t carry any sports or local channels. If all you need are reality and entertainment shows, go Philo.
Vidgo | $69.99–$99.99/mo. | 110–250+ channels
“Inexpensive” is relative in live TV streaming, and Vidgo delivers over 100 channels, including ESPN, Disney Channel, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, and Freeform. Unfortunately, channels like TBS, TNT, Syfy, Bravo, and USA Network are missing from the lineup, as is a cloud DVR.
Frndly TV | $6.99–$10.99/mo. | 40+ channels
It doesn’t have any sports or local channels, but skinny-bundle streamer Frndly TV does have A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network, fyi, VICE, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama, and The Weather Channel. Not bad for under $12 a month.
