Best Live TV Streaming Services for 2026: Packages, Platforms, and More
In our 2026 Best of the Best Awards, our editors ranked the top live TV streaming services using thousands of hours of hands-on testing and real customer data.
✦ At CableTV.com, we’ve been helping folks find the best TV services since 2007. We combine this industry experience with hands-on testing and data from our annual Customer Satisfaction Survey to rate the top providers. Learn more on our How We Rank page.
What is the best live TV streaming service?
Finding a true cable replacement means balancing three things: price, channel selection, and user experience. Does one service rise above the others?
For this guide, I tested and ranked the top seven live TV streaming services to see which ones actually deliver on their promises. I paid special attention to local channel availability—a major pain point for cord-cutters—before determining which service is the true Best of the Best.
YouTube TV is our winner for the fifth year running. It simply gives you the most value for your money, featuring a comprehensive 100+ channel lineup, unlimited Cloud DVR, and a user interface that is a breeze to use.
Hulu + Live TV is my Editor’s Choice because it rivals YouTube TV’s channel count while bundling a massive library of on-demand content (including Disney+ and ESPN Select).
I’ve also found that DIRECTV remains the top pick for sports fans due to its RSN coverage, while Philo offers the Best Bang for Your Buck for budget-conscious viewers. Read on for my full breakdown.
Compare top live TV streaming services at a glance
Don’t want to read the full reviews? I’ve compiled the top providers in the table below so you can see exactly how they stack up side by side. You can quickly compare monthly costs, channel counts, and DVR storage to find the best fit for your budget.
This shift to streaming is backed by data, too. The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Television Service Provider Satisfaction Study found that live TV streamers are consistently more satisfied than traditional cable customers. Given the value and flexibility of the plans listed below, it’s easy to see why.
Live TV streaming platforms comparison table
| Streaming service | Price | Live channels | Streams | Cloud DVR | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DIRECTV Best of the Best for Sports |
$89.99–$169.99/mo.* | 90–185+ | 3–Unlimited | Unlimited (9 mos.) |
View Plans for DIRECTV STREAM Read DIRECTV review |
| Frndly TV | $6.99–$11.99/mo. | 50+ | 1–4 | Unlimited (3–9 mos.) |
View Plans for Frndly TV Read Frndly TV review |
| Fubo | $14.99–$94.99/mo. | 50–291+ | 3–10 | Unlimited (9 mos.) |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
|
Hulu + Live TV Editor's Choice |
$88.99–$99.99/mo. | 95+ | 2–Unlimited | Unlimited (9 mos.) |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
|
Philo Best Bang for Your Buck |
$33.00/mo. | 70+ | 3 | Unlimited (1 yr.) |
View Plans for Philo Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | $19.99–$60.99/mo. | 10–48+ | 1–4 | 50 hrs. (unlimited upgrade $5.00/mo.) |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
|
YouTube TV Best of the Best |
$82.99/mo. | 100+ | 3 | Unlimited (9 mos.) |
View Plans for YouTube TV Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer for details.
Best of the Best winners for live TV streaming services in-depth
I’ve given you a quick overview of the best live TV streaming services. Now, let’s dig deeper into why these four providers earned our top awards for 2026.
Best of the Best: YouTube TV
Price: $82.99/mo. | Live channels: 100+ | DVR storage: Unlimited (9 mos.) | Free trial: Varies
Why we love it: Unlimited Cloud DVR, sleek interface and search, and NFL Sunday Ticket.
Why we hate it: Higher price tag and lack of A&E, Lifetime, or VICE.
YouTube TV is our Best of the Best live TV streaming service for the fifth consecutive year. While most competitors constantly fiddle with plans and channel lineups, YouTube TV has remained remarkably consistent—changing only to increase channel counts, add more features, and, unfortunately, raise its price.
Speaking of price hikes, YouTube TV last pumped up its monthly price by $10.00 in December 2024. It was the service’s first rate hike since June 2023 and only its fifth overall. That’s good compared to DIRECTV, with its countless plan changes and price hikes since 2018, and Hulu + Live TV (eight increases since 2019).
I feel like the current $82.99/mo. base price is still reasonable given the massive value you get in return: 100+ popular channels, an unlimited Cloud DVR, three simultaneous streams, and six user profiles. In fact, that channel count is often modest—my own guide features 136 channels, though your specific lineup may vary by location.
This year, that “one size fits all” approach is finally evolving. YouTube recently announced plans to launch “YouTube TV Plans” later in 2026, featuring more than 10 genre-specific packages. This means you may soon be able to grab a dedicated “Sports Plan” (featuring ESPN Unlimited and major broadcasters) or a cheaper entertainment bundle without paying for the full base plan.
So, how do customers feel about YouTube TV overall? Somewhere between like and love.
In our annual customer satisfaction survey, YouTube TV earned a 72% overall satisfaction score as users become more price-sensitive. That internal sentiment is backed by the latest J.D. Power study, where YouTube TV rated highest in its segment (649), proving it strikes the right balance between premium features and price.
Hear from a real YouTube TV customer:
"YouTube TV has provided us the best options versus the other streaming services. It's a tad expensive, but the quality is worth it."
Editor’s Choice: Hulu + Live TV
Price: $88.99–$99.99/mo. | Live channels: 95+ | DVR storage: Unlimited | Free trial: Varies
Why we love it: Includes full Hulu on-demand experience (with most plans), Disney+, and ESPN Select.
Why we hate it: Frequent annual price increases and no NHL Network.
Hulu + Live TV has its fans at CableTV.com, too, and they make a convincing case for Hulu Live to be our Editor’s Choice pick.
It’s like this: Live TV streaming Hulu has almost as many channels (95+) as YouTube TV and also offers unlimited DVR storage. But what kicks Hulu Live up a notch is its on-demand experience. Every plan includes full access to Hulu on-demand, Disney+, and ESPN Select. That’s thousands of movies, shows, and live events included for free—content you would have to pay extra for on most other services.
Library size isn’t everything, but it’s one of my favorite things about Hulu Live. On the other hand, its user experience (UX) still lags behind. In my tests, Hulu’s interface feels crowded, and finding live channels takes more clicks than on YouTube TV’s guide. But for many, the library makes up for the clunky menus.
Hulu + Live TV’s customers are pretty happy with the service. In our 2026 satisfaction survey, Hulu + Live TV scored 74%, edging out YouTube TV (72%) thanks to the significant value of its included on-demand bundle. While the interface isn’t perfect and the price could be lower, the sheer volume of content makes it the best choice for families who want it all.
Hear from a real Hulu + Live TV customer:
"I've had Hulu for about five years now, and the only complaint I've had is the price increase."
Best Bang for Your Buck: Philo
Price: $33.00/mo. | Live channels: 70+ | DVR storage: Unlimited | Free trial: 7 days
Why we love it: Cheap price tag, exclusive channels unavailable elsewhere, and AMC+ included.
Why we hate it: No sports or local channels, and few add-ons or upgrades.
Philo is our Best Bang for Your Buck pick because it strikes the perfect balance between price and content. While it costs a bit more than the ultra-budget Frndly TV, Philo delivers a much more robust lineup with over 70 popular channels, unlimited DVR storage, and three streams for just $33.00/mo.
With AMC+ included, you get full access to the live channels and on-demand libraries of AMC, BBC America, IFC Films Unlimited, Shudder, Sundance Now, and the Walking Dead Universe. This amounts to a hefty library that makes Philo feel like “Hulu Live Lite” (if there were such a thing) and is well worth the price.
To keep costs low, Philo cuts out the two most expensive parts of cable: live sports and local channels. But the trade-off is often worth it. You get a slick, intuitive user experience that rivals services three times the cost, plus a history of relative price stability. Even with the recent adjustment, Philo has only raised its rates three times since 2017—a rarity in the streaming world.
If you’re looking for a stripped-down, affordable source of live TV entertainment, give Philo a try. I highly recommend pairing it with an over-the-air (OTA) TV antenna so you’ll have your local channels.
Hear from a real Philo customer:
"Philo has all the channels I watch, and you can't beat the price. Anytime I've ever had the slightest problem, customer support was incredibly helpful."
Best of the Best for Sports: DIRECTV
Price: $89.99–$169.99/mo.* | Live channels: 90–185+ | DVR storage: Unlimited | Free trial: 5 days
Why we like it: Most RSNs, large channel counts, and user-friendly interface.
Why we hate it: Expensive plans and confusing branding.
In sports, you want to be the best of the best. On that note, congratulations, DIRECTV, for having so many sports channels, including more regional sports networks (RSNs) than your competitors. That said, it’s too bad customers pay a steep price for all that.
DIRECTV’s best sports experience lies in its CHOICE™ plan. It’s regularly $94.99/mo. for 125+ channels, unlimited Cloud DVR, and three streams. That’s hella expensive—and it gets worse. The plan includes 30+ channels covering NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB action, but the RSNs come with an extra fee (up to $19.99/mo.), which bumps up the cost significantly.
But here’s the shocker: Customers are finally saying it’s worth it.
In our 2026 customer satisfaction survey, DIRECTV skyrocketed to the top spot with an 82% overall satisfaction score, dethroning affordability kings like YouTube TV. The “flight to quality” is real. While I personally struggle to stomach the high prices, the data proves that sports fans are happy to pay a premium for a service that delivers.
Specifically, a staggering 97% of DIRECTV subscribers reported satisfaction with their live sports experience. Between the massive channel lineup and the familiar, cable-like guide (with actual channel numbers!), DIRECTV has become the undisputed premium choice. If you want the most well-rounded streaming sports lineup and can afford the bill, this is the one to beat.
Hear from a real DIRECTV customer:
"To me, DIRECTV is the ideal streaming platform [because it has a] wide variety of channels, movies, and sports."
Best of the Best Awards: Honorable mentions
Just because a service didn’t take home a “Best of the Best” award doesn’t mean it isn’t the right choice for you. Actually, I frequently recommend these runners-up for viewers with specific needs—whether that’s flexible channel lineups, international sports, or an ultra-low monthly bill.
Frndly TV
Price: $6.99–$11.99/mo. | Live channels: 50+ | DVR storage: Unlimited (3–9 mos.) | Free trial: 7 days
Why we love it: Cheap pricing and unlimited Cloud DVR
Why we hate it: Small channel lineup, no local or sports channels, and maybe too prudish for some.
We all have limited dollars, and in this inflated economy, we have to make ’em stretch. That’s where Frndly TV shines. For just $6.99–$11.99/mo., Frndly TV gives you 50+ live TV channels, unlimited Cloud DVR, and up to four streams. That’s a screamin’ deal, but your enthusiasm might wane once you learn the catch: Frndly TV lacks local, news, and sports channels, and its lineup is strictly family-friendly.
Depending on your tastes, the squeaky-clean vibe can be a bug or a feature. If you’re wholesome, you’re gonna love it. I’m wholesome enough, but also spicy, so I find Frndly TV a bit unsatisfying without staples like Comedy Central, TNT, or ESPN. If you’re like me, you might prefer Philo, which offers a bit more “edge” (and AMC+) for a higher price.
Still, looking closer at the lineup, Frndly TV is a budget hero for specific channels. It carries A&E, History, and Lifetime—networks that even YouTube TV lacks—plus all three Hallmark channels and adventure favorites like the Outdoor Channel. Because it’s so affordable, many people actually use it as a cheap “add-on” to supplement other services just to get these missing channels.
Frndly TV’s focus and pricing remain a hit with customers. It earned a solid 88% price satisfaction score in our 2026 survey. If you can live without the “spicy” channels and pair it with a digital antenna for locals, it’s the best way to save a buck.
Hear from a real Frndly TV customer:
"It's extremely cheap, and I get the channels I want with an unlimited DVR."
Fubo
Price: $14.99–$94.99/mo. | Live channels: 50–291+ | DVR storage: Unlimited | Free trial: 5 days
Why we love it: Excellent international sports coverage and large channel counts.
Why we hate it: Expensive plans and no NBC Sports or TNT Sports channels.
Once upon a time, we loved Fubo. It had affordable, channel-packed packages and generous perks. Then the problems started. Fubo got wrapped up in confusing rebrands, aggressive price hikes, and a mandatory RSN fee. Even worse, its carriage disputes led to the loss of key channels like Discovery, HGTV, TBS, and TNT.
Things have only gotten rockier. Recently, Fubo lost access to NBCUniversal (Bravo, USA Network, E!) and TelevisaUnivision channels, leaving giant holes in its lineup. That’s a rough spot to be in, and surprisingly, even the business combination with Hulu + Live TV in October 2025 hasn’t resolved any of it.
Fubo tries to mask these losses with volume, offering plans with 219+ channels for $84.99–$94.99 monthly. But don’t be fooled: Dozens of those are free ad-supported channels you could watch elsewhere for nothing. When you combine the “fluff” channels with the annual price hikes, the value crumbles.
In our last two annual surveys, users consistently cited high costs for less content as their main gripe. As one subscriber, Grant B., put it: “If local sports were available elsewhere, I would stop subscribing.” Until the Hulu partnership actually delivers shared content or lower prices, Fubo feels like a service shrinking in value while growing in cost. In short, I’d go with YouTube TV before Fubo.
Sling TV
Price: $19.99–$60.99/mo. | Live channels: 10–48+ | DVR storage: 50 hrs. included (unlimited upgrade available) | Free trial: N/A
Why we love it: Budget-friendly plans, diverse sign-up deals, and several add-on options.
Why we hate it: Weak local channel coverage and limited DVR storage.
Sling TV lands somewhere between “skinny” live TV services (Frndly TV, Philo) and the heavy hitters (YouTube TV, DIRECTV). Think of it as a stripped-down version of the big guys—or at least, that’s the idea.
If only it weren’t such a mess. Since launching in 2015, the service’s prices have risen 152–223%, and its channel count has dropped 15%. The packages still don’t make sense: Sling Blue has your news and entertainment, while Sling Orange holds ESPN and Disney channels hostage. Why can’t we just have both?
To get a cohesive lineup, you usually have to pay for the Orange & Blue plan ($60.99/mo.). That’s getting dangerously close to YouTube TV prices, yet you still get less: fewer local channels, a clunky interface, and a measly 50 hours of DVR storage (unless you pay another $5.00/mo. for the upgrade).
Unsurprisingly, customers are fed up. In our 2026 satisfaction survey, Sling TV scored near the bottom on almost every metric—from app reliability to channel lineup. It seems the service is having an identity crisis: It’s no longer cheap enough to be a budget pick, but it’s too confusing and limited to be a premium one.
Pro tip: If you do brave Sling TV, check our Sling Deals guide first. They often run steep discounts for new customers that make the headache slightly more bearable.
Hear from a real Sling TV customer:
"Sling really, really sucks, and I only use it because it is cheap."
What to look for in a live TV streaming service
A live TV streaming service should be simple and flexible: affordable plans, popular channels (including locals), generous Cloud DVR and simultaneous stream allotments, no contracts, and no hidden fees. Ideally, it should also offer a free trial, have a solid menu of add-ons, and be compatible with your streaming devices.
Let’s go over some of these in more detail.
Free trial
One of the ever-so-wonderful perks of streaming TV services is the free trial period. Unlike cable or satellite, streaming TV services don’t have installation appointments or contracts, so taking a service for a spin is simple and costs nothing. The trial windows are brief (usually seven days) but adequate.
I’m lucky. My job pays for the streaming services I cover—but we don’t subscribe to everything. Whenever I’m interested in a service we don’t have, I always do the free trial. It’s saved me from subscribing to several streaming services. Just remember to cancel before the trial period ends.
Price
This one’s easy: Is the plan price justifiable, given the included channels and features? Can you afford it? If you answered “yes” to both questions, move along to the next section. Otherwise, here are tips to help you decide.
- Live TV streaming service prices generally range from $9–$160+ monthly.
- Average plans (like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV) cost $83–$90 monthly.
- Budget-conscious folks can still find good plans for $9–$45 a month (Frndly TV, Philo, Sling TV).
Watch out for “hidden” costs. While most streamers have flat rates, services like Fubo and DIRECTV charge extra regional sports fees that can add around $15+ to your monthly bill.
Channels—including local channels and add-ons
Does the channel lineup include all the networks you and other household members want? Are there any missing channels (such as the A&E channels mentioned earlier in this piece)?
What about your local channels, like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and The CW? If a streaming TV service doesn’t carry local affiliate channels, you could miss out on those shows, as well as area sports, news, and weather.
If these are important to you, check the availability of local affiliates on streaming TV services you’re interested in. A digital antenna can make up the difference if they’re unavailable (like with Frndly TV, Philo, and most Sling TV markets).
Finally, a good live TV streaming service should have a robust roster of affordable premium add-ons and channel packs. You can use these to customize your streaming package with extra movies, shows, and sports.
DVR specs
Most streaming TV services that offer live TV also include Cloud DVR storage with the package. Like a physical DVR, though, they do have limits on space and time.
Most of the services covered here have unlimited Cloud DVR space. Note that “unlimited” applies only to an extent (or “limit”). You might be able to fit your entire Hoarders episode backlog, but it could get auto-deleted if you don’t watch it within 9–12 months. Ironic.
App compatibility
As I mentioned above, setting up and trying out a streaming TV service is as easy as downloading an app, but is that app available on your preferred set-top box and mobile devices?
Most services reviewed here are available as smart TV apps, though we recommend streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Roku for better reliability and performance. I’ve used all of these and more, and I prefer the Roku Ultra’s user interface and broad app support. (I also appreciate the remote-locator button for obvious reasons.)
Best live TV streaming services FAQ
What is streaming TV?
Live TV streaming (and on-demand TV streaming) is television programming delivered over the internet instead of through traditional cable TV lines or satellite TV signals. In most cases, live streaming TV looks and functions the same as cable, just without the cable box and equipment fees.
What’s the difference between live TV streaming and on-demand streaming TV?
With live TV streaming, the operative word is "live"—programming is broadcast in real time on major networks (like watching the NHL on TNT or The Bachelor on ABC). "On-demand" streaming means shows and movies can be called up whenever you want to watch them. Think of Netflix, the biggest on-demand platform around (well, that and YouTube).
Do I need a fast internet connection for live TV streaming?
Yes. While most services claim a minimum of 7 Mbps is enough, that assumes no one else is using your Wi-Fi (an unlikely scenario). We recommend at least 25 Mbps of internet speed for smooth, buffer-free streaming, and double that if you plan to stream in 4K or have a household full of gamers.
What is the #1 best live TV streaming service?
YouTube TV ($82.99/mo.) is our "Best of the Best" pick for the fifth year running. It offers the best balance of price and performance, featuring 100+ channels, unlimited Cloud DVR storage (with a 9-month keep time), and a snappy interface. It also excels in sports with the option to add NFL Sunday Ticket. While the price isn't cheap, it's the most complete replacement for cable TV on the market.
What streaming service is best for local channels?
YouTube TV is the undisputed king of local channels. It carries the "Big Four" local networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) in almost every U.S. market, plus PBS and The CW in most areas. Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV carry local channels in most areas, while Sling TV has local channels in select markets only. Philo and Frndly TV carry no local channels.
What is the cheapest live TV streaming service with local channels?
The least expensive streaming service with live TV and local channels is Sling TV's Sling Blue plan, which carries local ABC, FOX, and NBC channels in select markets. To stream more local channels, you'd need to subscribe to a more expensive service (like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV) or purchase an over-the-air antenna to receive area broadcasts for free.
What is the cheapest live TV streaming service?
If you don't need local, news, or sports channels, Frndly TV (starting at $8.99/mo.) and Philo (starting at $28.00/mo.) are good choices. Some free ad-supported TV (FAST) streaming services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel offer limited live TV coverage and 24/7 looping channels of syndicated content.
What live TV streaming service is the most cost-effective?
The most cost-effective TV service is Frndly TV, which charges $8.99/mo. for 50+ channels. But all its channels are family-friendly, which might not be your thing. Also, Frndly TV has no local networks. (You can add local channels easily with an affordable digital antenna.)
How can you watch live TV without cable?
There are three main ways to ditch the cord:
- Live TV streaming: Services like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV deliver cable channels over the internet. There are no contracts, and you can cancel anytime.
- Digital antennas: An over-the-air (OTA) antenna (one-time cost of $30–$75) lets you pick up live local broadcast networks for free.
- Free streaming: Apps like Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel offer free, ad-supported live channels (mostly reruns and news clips) if you want to pay $0.
Why you should trust us
For this guide, CableTV.com Senior Staff Writer Randy Harward led a comprehensive evaluation of the market’s top live TV streaming services. Supported by a team of TV experts, Randy and his colleagues employed thousands of hours of personal hands-on testing to rate these services on bang for your buck, reliability, features, and customer satisfaction.
Randy then compared the live TV streamers head-to-head, combining their real-world testing data with results from our latest Customer Satisfaction Survey to give readers a clear picture of each service’s strengths and weaknesses.
For more on our methods, check out our How We Rank page.
Disclaimer
*ENTERTAINMENT: ($99.99/mo. w/$10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime. CHOICE: ($124.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $19.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime. ULTIMATE: ($154.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $19.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime. PREMIER™: ($199.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $19.99/mo. & Gemini $10/mo. lease). Cancel anytime. OPTIMO MÁS: ($94.99/mo. w/ $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime.
