Cutting the cable cord is a popular way to save money. However, you might still need to supplement on-demand services such as HBO Max, Netflix and Disney Plus with live television. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best live TV streaming services.
These cancel-anytime live TV bundles give you the ability to watch local and national news as well as live sports and events. All you need is a streaming device or smart TV. Unlike on-demand platforms, live TV streaming services offer you a live channel lineup, but don’t need monthly contract as opposed to cable. The best services start at $40 a month, and this can help save you money on a cable subscription, while more expensive services such as Hulu Plus Live TV are $70 and up. Whichever you choose, you can stream live channels such as CNN, NBC, ESPN and Fox on a host of different devices. It’s easy to get started. You don’t even need a technician to stop by your home.
Read more: Cable vs. Streaming Services: Which Is Cheaper? We Do the Math
Hulu Plus Live TV is CNET’s favorite live TV streaming service Sarah Tew/CNET
What’s the downside? Pricing and channel availability are two things that are still in a state of flux. For instance, YouTube recently announced a $8 increase, FuboTV went up by at least $5 and Sling TV is up to $10 more than it was last year. Yet, change is all part of the brave new world of live TV streaming over the internet. If you need help deciding on the best streaming service or streaming bundle, read on. We’ll continue to update this best streaming service list periodically as things change (which they frequently do).
Top live TV streaming services compared
DirecTV Stream FuboTV Hulu Plus Live TV Sling TV YouTube TV Base price $75 per month for 75-plus channels $75 per month for 100-plus channels $70 per month for 90-plus channels $40 per month for 30-plus (Orange) or $45 for 40-plus (Blue) channels $73 per month for 100-plus channels Free trial Yes Yes No No Yes ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels Yes, in many markets Yes, in many markets Yes, in many markets ABC, Fox and NBC only in select cities (Blue only) Yes, in many markets Simultaneous streams per account 20 (in home, 3 outside of it) 10 (in home, 3 outside of it) 2 ($15 option for unlimited) 1 (Orange), 3 (Blue) 3 ($20 adds unlimited plus 4K streams) Family member/user profiles No Yes Yes No Yes Cloud DVR Yes (20 hours, unlimited for $10 a month) Yes (1,000 hours) Yes (unlimited) Yes (50 hours, 200 hours for $5 a month) Yes (unlimited) Fast-forward through or skip commercials with cloud DVR No (yes with $15 option) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ty Pendlebury/CNET Sling TV Blue Best TV streaming on a budget $40 at Sling TV If you’re looking for the cheapest live TV streaming service, and one which is still able to offer a usable amount of channels, then it’s without a doubt Sling TV Blue. Yet, things are a little more complicated than they are for Sling’s competitors. You see, Sling tenders two different $40-ish-per-month live TV streaming channel packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue. While a number of live TV channels are common to both, Orange is essentially the ESPN/Disney package, while Blue is the Fox/Discovery package. Meanwhile, Orange & Blue combines the two offerings for $55. Read more $40 at Sling TV
Live TV streaming services we also tested
FuboTV Hulu, with NFL Network and optional RedZone. In addition, it’s also suited to NBA, NHL and MLB fans who live in an area served by one of FuboTV’s RSNs. The biggest hole in Fubo’s lineup is the lack of Turner networks, including CNN, TNT and TBS — especially since the latter two carry a lot of sports content. Those missing channels and the price increase to $75 (plus additional RSN fees), make it less attractive than YouTube TV or Hulu for most viewers. Read our FuboTV review.
How to shop for cord-cutting live TV services
David Katzmaier/CNET
Each of the TV streaming services above offers a different mix of channels, so your first step should be choosing one that carries your
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