Since we’re always on the go these days, many of us don’t have a chance to watch TV at home. But with smartphones and tablets as prevalent as they are and with nearly every major cable company offering an app that can stream TV, there’s no reason to miss your favorite TV shows anymore—no matter where you are.
From established TV providers to streaming-only alternatives, there are a lot of options for watching TV on the go these days. Check them out, pick your favorite, and enjoy your TV anywhere and everywhere.
TV provider streaming apps
| Provider | App | TV Guide | Remote Control | Manage DVR | Average Rating (of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | Cox Contour | Yes | No | No | iOS:
(2.3 /5) Android: (3.0 /5) |
| DIRECTV | DIRECTV | Yes | Yes | Yes | iOS:
(4.5 /5) Android: (3.2 /5) |
| DISH | DISH Anywhere | Yes | No | Yes | iOS:
(4.4 /5) Android: (4.3 /5) |
| Optimum | Optimum | Yes | Yes | Yes | iOS:
(4.4 /5) Android: (3.2 /5) |
| Spectrum | Spectrum TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | iOS:
(4.7 /5) Android: (4.6 /5) |
| Xfinity | Xfinity Stream | Yes | Separate iOS and Android app | Yes | iOS:
(4.6 /5) Android: (3.3 /5) |
Data collected 11/15/2017.
iOS:
(2.3 /5)
Android:
(3.0 /5)
Cox
Cox Streaming App: Cox Contour
Available for iOS and Android
View All Cox Mobile Apps
iOS:
(4.5 /5)
Android:
(3.2 /5)
DIRECTV
DIRECTV Streaming App: DIRECTV
Available for iOS and Android
View All DIRECTV Mobile Apps
iOS:
(4.4 /5)
Android:
(4.3 /5)
DISH
DISH Streaming App: DISH Anywhere
Available for iOS and Android
View All DISH Mobile Apps
iOS:
(4.4 /5)
Android:
(3.2 /5)
Optimum
Optimum Streaming App: Optimum
Available for iOS and Android
View All Optimum Mobile Apps
iOS:
(4.7 /5)
Android:
(4.6 /5)
Spectrum
Spectrum Streaming App: Spectrum TV
Available for iOS and Android
View All Spectrum Mobile Apps
iOS:
(4.6 /5)
Android:
(3.3 /5)
Xfinity
Xfinity Streaming App: XFINITY Stream
Available for iOS and Android
View All Xfinity Mobile Apps
Streaming services
There are several streaming services that offer either live TV or on-demand content for fairly low prices. Whether you want to cut the cord completely or just supplement your regular TV subscription, we’ve listed a handful of services that can deliver you quality TV anywhere you go.
Amazon Prime Video is an on-demand video streaming service that feels more like an Amazon Prime perk than a standalone streaming goliath like Netflix or Hulu. Sure it has great series and movies like The Boys and Sound of Metal, but its quantity over quality approach doesn’t quite match up with its competitors.
Hulu + Live TV offers the best of both worlds when it comes to streaming, flexing its muscles in both on-demand video streaming and live TV streaming. But if you don’t want all the bells and whistles, you can still watch TV shows a day or two after they air with a basic Hulu subscription.
Netflix has developed a reputation as one of the kings of streaming. Although Netflix doesn’t do live TV, it does offer several excellent original series, including Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and Cobra Kai. Netflix’s app is in dire need of a redesign in our opinion, but it still works.
Sling TV is less like Netflix and more like a regular cable subscription. It’s a good option for cord-cutters, though it’s a little redundant if you already have a cable subscription. Sling TV offers channels in smaller packages rather than requiring a full subscription to a bunch of stuff you’ll never watch. Prices are quite reasonable too.
YouTube TV brings that familiar YouTube interface to the world of live TV streaming. If you’re a cord-cutter who wants quality channels for a reasonable price, then YouTube TV is the service for you. It even has unlimited cloud DVR storage, which is just one of the reasons why we named it the best overall live TV streaming service.
Final take
You don’t have to be a couch potato to enjoy your cable TV service. Download your TV provider’s app onto your smartphone and catch all your favorite shows on the go.
If you’re not impressed by your TV provider’s streaming options, we can help you find other TV providers near you. Enter your zip code below to get started.
Stream TV anywhere FAQ
How can I watch TV away from home?
You can watch TV away from home by downloading your TV provider’s app onto a compatible device. Once signed in, you should have access to content such as live TV and on-demand video. If you don’t have a TV provider, you can still watch TV away from home by subscribing to a streaming service.
Can I watch my Xfinity away from home?
You can watch Xfinity on the go by downloading the Xfinity Stream app to your device. The app allows you to continue watching your favorite TV shows and movies as long as you have an internet connection.
How can I stream TV over the internet?
There are many ways you can stream live and on-demand TV over the internet. If you already have a TV provider, they likely have an app (or even a website) that allows you to watch TV anywhere. There are also several live TV streaming services you can sign up for, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and fuboTV. No matter which option you go with, you’ll need a strong internet connection and a streaming device.
What is TV Everywhere?
TV Everywhere refers to apps that allow TV subscribers to log in with their TV provider’s credentials and watch different channels’ content anywhere on-demand. DisneyNOW is an example of a TV Everywhere app, as it allows you to stream content from Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD. The only requirement is that those channels are part of your existing TV plan.
What devices do I need to stream TV?
You can stream TV from any device that has a strong internet connection and is up to date with the latest software. A mobile device or smart TV is a good place to start, but Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV make some of the best devices for streaming TV.
