The Truth Is...

Cable TV is dying out. With expensive contracts, a lack of flexibility, and poor-quality customer service, hundreds of thousands of Americans have been turning their backs on the once all-powerful cable companies, becoming a new generation of cord-cutters.

For those unfamiliar with the term cord-cutting, it refers to people who have decided to ditch cable and switch to an internet-based TV streaming service. More than just a growing trend, it’s shaping up to be the way we consume entertainment in the future. So what makes it such an appealing prospect? Below are just some of the many reasons people are making the switch:

Why People Are Cutting the Cord

Streaming services are far cheaper - With average cable packages now climbing above the $200 per month mark, it’s simply become unaffordable for many families. Even the most expensive internet TV providers come in at less than half this cost, with budget options as low as $5.99 per month. Plus, you won’t be charged expensive rental fees for a cable box - all you need is a good internet connection to enjoy the shows you love.

More freedom of choice - With traditional cable, you get what you’re given. Don’t like the channels in your package? Too bad! With a streaming platform, you choose what you want to watch. Whether you’re a sports fan or really into reality TV, you can find a niche, affordable package that fits you.

No restrictive contracts - Almost all internet TV providers are contract-free, meaning you can cancel at any time with no extra fees. Cable companies have historically locked users into long 12 to 24-month contracts with steep penalties for early termination.

On-demand offerings - Alongside live channels, most streaming services include vast on-demand libraries. Watch your favorite shows whenever and wherever you want.

Of course, there are a few downsides - the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, and some services have limited local channels. But that’s exactly why we’re here. Below is a breakdown of the top live TV streaming platforms, with updated prices, features, and our recommendations for each.

Sling TV

Sling TV was one of the first major players to launch the cord-cutting revolution in 2015. It remains one of the most flexible and affordable options around.

Sling TV Pricing and Packages

Sling Orange: $45.99 per month - 30+ channels, including premium sports networks like ESPN and Disney. Stream on one device at a time.

Sling Blue: $45.99 per month - 50+ channels, including Bravo, FX, and SyFy. Stream on up to three devices simultaneously.

Sling Orange + Blue: $60.99 per month - Combines both channel lineups for the best overall experience.

New “Select” plan: $19.99 per month in select markets, offering a slim, budget-friendly option.

Channels and Features

Sling Orange focuses on sports and premium channels, while Sling Blue leans toward entertainment and news. Both include CNN, AMC, A&E, and BBC America. Add-ons (from $5 to $20 per month) let you expand your selection with options like Sports Extra, Starz, Showtime, and Kids Extras.

Local Channels

Sling offers access to local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, but you’ll need the Better Locals Bundle (normally $224.95, currently $99 with a 3-month prepay) to use an HD antenna and stream local stations.

On-Demand and Shows

The on-demand library isn’t huge, but it’s solid for the price. You’ll find shows like Battlestar Galactica, Storage Wars, and The First 48, as well as movies like Inception and The Dark Knight Rises.

Best For

Sling is ideal for budget-conscious viewers who want a mix of sports and entertainment at a fair price.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu remains one of the best all-around streaming platforms, combining a huge on-demand library with live television.

Hulu Pricing and Packages

Hulu (Basic): $7.99 per month - Access 80,000+ shows and movies on demand.

Hulu (No Ads): $14.99 per month - Ad-free on-demand content.

Hulu + Live TV: $89.99 per month - Includes 95+ live channels and 50 hours of cloud DVR.
(New subscribers often get a promo rate of $64.99 per month for the first 3 months.)

Channels and Features

Hulu Live offers a well-rounded mix: ESPN, ABC, CNN, Fox Sports, Disney Channel, Animal Planet, and more. You can add HBO, Cinemax, or Disney+ for a small extra fee.

On-Demand and Originals

Hulu has one of the biggest on-demand libraries available, with more than 80,000 titles. Its original programming includes hits like The Handmaid’s Tale, Pen15, and Only Murders in the Building. You can also stream popular licensed shows like Rick and Morty and Dancing with the Stars.

Best For

Hulu is perfect for those looking for a balanced mix of live TV, sports, and on-demand entertainment with the option to go ad-free.
 

Philo

Philo stands out as one of the best budget options for cord-cutters. It’s positioned not only as a competitor to cable companies but also as a rival to pricier streaming services like Hulu.

Philo Pricing and Packages

Single plan: $33 per month - 70+ live TV channels, unlimited DVR for up to 30 days, and streaming on up to three devices simultaneously.

Channels and Features

Philo focuses on entertainment, lifestyle, and documentaries, offering channels like A&E, Paramount Network, Hallmark, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, and Discovery. It does not include live sports or local broadcast networks.

On-Demand and Shows

Philo’s on-demand library features over 60,000 titles, including favorites like The Walking Dead, Better Call Saul, and American Pickers. You can also add Starz or Epix to boost your content library.

Best For

Philo is ideal for budget-conscious viewers focused on entertainment rather than sports or news.

DIRECTV Stream

Formerly known as AT&T TV, DIRECTV Stream brings the traditional cable experience into the streaming world with more flexibility and no annual contracts.

DIRECTV Stream Pricing and Packages

Entertainment: $89.99 per month - 90+ channels.

Choice: $94.99 per month - 105+ channels including regional sports.

Ultimate: $124.99 per month - 140+ channels including regional sports and movie networks.

Premier: $169.99 per month - 150+ channels with premium networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz included.

Channels and Features

DIRECTV Stream offers a strong mix of live sports, local news, and premium entertainment. Expect channels like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, and Bravo. It also includes 500 hours of DVR storage for recording live TV.

On-Demand and Shows

Subscribers get access to an extensive on-demand library featuring over 40,000 titles, including classics from HBO like The Sopranos and Game of Thrones, plus newer shows like Big Sky and Star Wars: Rebels.

Best For

DIRECTV Stream is best for former cable subscribers who want a similar experience but with no contracts and flexible add-ons.

Final Thoughts

Whichever streaming service you choose, you’ll likely end up with a cheaper, more flexible, and more enjoyable experience than your current cable contract. Most providers even offer free trials ranging from 7 to 30 days, so you can try before you commit.

If you love sports, check out Fubo TV or Sling Orange. For the best all-around entertainment, Hulu Live or Philo are great choices. And if you’re hesitant to leave cable completely, DIRECTV Stream offers a familiar yet modern transition.

One thing’s for sure - your wallet will thank you for cutting the cord. With prices starting as low as $5.99 per month, streaming is not just the future of TV - it’s the smarter, more affordable way to watch today.

Why This Sale Window Matters

The period from late November (Black Friday) through Cyber Monday is prime time for streaming deals. Why?

Big sports seasons are ramping up (NFL, NBA, college football) so platforms push promotions to attract sports fans.

Live-TV + streaming services often offer discounts, trial periods, or reduced first-months to lock in new subscribers now.

If you act in this window, you can secure a better price before potential hikes in 2026.

Many people bail on cable earlier in the year, so those switching now benefit from gear deals too (streaming devices, smart TVs) that amplify value.

If you’re thinking of ditching legacy cable and going full streaming (or upgrading your streaming setup), this is a smart time to lock in. Let’s dig into the three services.

Sling TV

What it is: One of the earliest live-TV streaming services, offering leaner, more flexible packages compared with full-cable replacements.

What it’s good at: Flexibility, lower cost, and add-ons. Useful for sports if you pick the right package.

Pricing (2025)

“Select” plan: $19.99/month for entry-level live TV and on-demand.

Short-term passes: $4.99 for 24 hours, $9.99 for a weekend, $14.99 for a week. Great for big games or tournaments.

Older Orange/Blue packages: around $45-$51/month.

Sale tip: During Black Friday / Cyber Monday you may find promo codes or extra add-on channels bundled. You might also get extra sports channels or free DVR time.

Content: sports / live TV / movies & shows

Sports: Sports Extra add-ons and Day/Weekend passes ideal for playoff weekends.

Live TV: General entertainment and news channels; check local availability.

On-demand / movies & shows: Not as extensive as full-library services, but decent value.

Best for

People seeking a low-cost entry into live TV + streaming.

Those who don’t need every major cable channel or a huge movie library.

Sports watchers who only need big game weekends rather than constant access.

Hulu + Live TV

What it is: Full-fledged live-TV service tied to Hulu’s on-demand library, plus bundled content from Disney+ and ESPN+ (depending on plan).

What it’s good at: Broad content mix – live sports, live channels, big on-demand library, strong for general entertainment + sports.

Pricing (2025)

Standard Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV: $89.99/month.

Limited-time promo: $64.99/month for the first three months.

Content: sports / live TV / movies & shows

Sports: ESPN, FS1, TNT, TBS, NFL Network, NBA TV (depending on region).

Live TV: 95+ channels (news, entertainment, sports, children’s).

On-demand / movies & shows: Hulu library, Disney+ library (depending on bundle), unlimited DVR in many cases.

Sale tip: Signing up during the sale window gets the three-month discounted price. Afterward, you revert to full price.

Best for

Viewers wanting a strong all-round service with live TV, shows/movies, and sports coverage.

Families who want one service to cover most content needs.

People willing to pay a premium for breadth of content.

DIRECTV Stream

What it is: Streaming version of legacy cable/satellite service (via internet), mimicking traditional TV bundles but with streaming flexibility.

What it’s good at: Large channel lineup, strong for live channels, sports, and premium content. Higher-end in cost.

Pricing (2025)

Choice plan: $94.99/month (~125+ channels)

Ultimate plan: $124.99/month (~160+ channels)

Premier plan: $169.99/month (~185+ channels)

Promo: First month may drop to $49.99 for new customers.

Note: Regional sports fees, equipment rental, and local channel availability may add extra costs.

Content: sports / live TV / movies & shows

Sports: Strong coverage with regional sports networks, ESPN, etc. Ideal for full sports coverage.

Live TV: Very large channel packages including news, entertainment, premium movie channels.

On-demand / movies & shows: Big library, DVR included in many plans, premium add-ons available.

Sale tip: During Black Friday, you may find deals waiving equipment fees or reducing first-month cost.

Best for

Heavy users or large households who watch lots of live TV and sports.

Sports fans who need full access, including regional networks.

Users willing to pay higher monthly fees for maximum content access.

How to Pick the Right One This Sale Season

What content you care about most

Sports + live channels → Hulu Live or DIRECTV Stream.

Shows/movies + live TV (less sports) → Hulu Live.

Budget-conscious, can compromise on channel breadth → Sling TV.

Full cable-replacement experience with everything → DIRECTV Stream.

How much you’re willing to spend

Sling: $19.99/month entry or short-term passes.

Hulu Live: ~$90/month after promo.

DIRECTV Stream: $95-$170/month depending on plan.

Promotion timing

Many promos end around early November or Cyber Monday.

Signing up now may lock in a promotional price for 3+ months.

Always check post-promo price, cancellation terms, and flexibility.

Hidden/extra costs & local availability

Check if local regional sports networks (RSNs) are included.

Check local broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS).

Equipment fees, device rental, and regional fees may apply.

Device/internet readiness matters, especially for 4K or multiple screens.

Sale strategy

Sign up for trials or discounted periods to test the service.

Bundle hardware + service for extra value (smart TV + streaming).

Know your renewal cost after the promo.

If unsure, start with Sling or promo Hulu, upgrade later if needed.

My Recommendations

Best overall deal: Hulu + Live TV at $64.99/month promo for live sports + shows + movies.

Best budget play: Sling TV $19.99/month “Select” plan, or weekend passes for big games.

Best premium option: DIRECTV Stream for full sports coverage + live TV + big library. Check post-promo costs and RSN inclusion.

Upgrade tip: Pair with streaming device deals (Roku, Fire TV) for best experience.

Final Thoughts

Now is the perfect time to cut the cable and switch to streaming.

Services offer sports + live channels + shows/movies at promotional rates.

Consider Hulu for all-round content, Sling for budget-conscious users, and DIRECTV Stream for full access.

Always check post-promo costs, local channel availability, and device readiness.

Lock in deals now and enjoy a cheaper, more flexible, and content-rich service than your old cable contract.

Complete Guide to Watching Fox News Live: Free and Paid Options, Streaming Services, and Cheapest Methods

Fox News is one of the most popular 24-hour cable news networks in the United States. It provides live news coverage, politics, business, and special events. Many viewers look to stream Fox News live without a traditional cable subscription, often seeking free or low-cost options. This guide will walk you through every way to watch Fox News live, including apps, streaming services, free trials, and the cheapest options available.

1. Fox News Overview

Fox News Channel offers:

24-Hour Live News – Breaking news, politics, business, and special reports.

Special Programming – Shows like “The Five,” “Hannity,” “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” and morning programming such as “Fox & Friends.”

Sports and Opinion Coverage – Occasionally, sports segments and political analysis programs are included.

Fox Business Network – Related content covering finance and business news.

2. Streaming Services That Carry Fox News

Several streaming platforms offer Fox News as part of their live TV bundles. Depending on your location, you can access the live channel via:

Hulu + Live TV – Offers Fox News along with other major cable channels. Hulu provides a 7-day free trial for new users.

YouTube TV – Includes Fox News in its bundle and allows streaming on multiple devices. YouTube TV often provides promotional free trials.

Sling TV – The Sling Blue package includes Fox News and other news channels. Sling occasionally offers free trial periods or discounts.

FuboTV – Popular among viewers who want sports and news; includes Fox News in most markets. Free trials may be available for new subscribers.

DirecTV Stream – Provides Fox News and many cable channels in a live streaming bundle.

Fox Nation – Fox News’ own streaming service, providing some live coverage and on-demand programming, especially political content.

3. Watching Fox News Without Cable

If you don’t have a traditional cable subscription, there are several ways to access Fox News:

Fox News Website & Fox News App – Stream live on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. A subscription may be required for full access, but some content is free.

Streaming Service Trials – Platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream offer free trials to new users, allowing temporary access to Fox News.

Fox Nation – Offers a subscription-based streaming option, sometimes bundled with free trials or promotions.

4. Cheapest Ways to Watch Fox News

For those looking for the most budget-friendly options:

Sling TV Blue Package – Often the cheapest streaming bundle that includes Fox News. Monthly subscription rates are lower than other full-service streaming platforms.

Free Trials – Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV occasionally provide 7-day or 14-day free trials.

Fox News App Free Content – Some live segments are available without a subscription.

Promotions or Bundled Services – Some mobile carriers or streaming platforms offer temporary free access to Fox News as part of promotions.

5. Free Options to Stream Fox News

While Fox News is primarily a paid channel, there are ways to watch portions for free:

Fox News App Free Segments – Offers limited live coverage and clips.

Promotional Free Trials – Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV.

Third-Party Apps or Smart TV Access – Some smart TVs provide trial access through their news app section.

Fox Nation Previews – Certain shows may be streamed for free as a sample to entice subscriptions.

6. Devices for Fox News Streaming

Fox News is widely accessible across multiple devices:

Smart TVs: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV.

Mobile Devices: iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android (phones/tablets).

Desktop/Laptop: FoxNews.com or streaming service websites.

Game Consoles and Streaming Devices: Xbox, PlayStation, and various streaming sticks with compatible apps.

7. Streaming Fox News and Fox Business Together

For viewers who want both news channels:

Sling TV – Sling Blue includes both Fox News and Fox Business.

Hulu + Live TV – Bundled packages include both channels.

YouTube TV – Fox News and Fox Business included in the standard package.

FuboTV – Coverage may vary by market, often includes both channels.

Fox Nation – Offers political and business content, often complementary to Fox News.

8. Streaming Service Comparisons for Fox News

When choosing a streaming service for Fox News, consider:

Hulu + Live TV: Full channel access, includes on-demand shows, 7-day trial, multiple simultaneous streams.

YouTube TV: Large channel lineup, unlimited cloud DVR, 7-day trial available.

Sling TV: Budget-friendly option with Sling Blue; smaller channel lineup but includes Fox News.

FuboTV: Best for sports and news; may include Fox Deportes and FS1.

DirecTV Stream: Full TV package with Fox News; higher cost than Sling TV but broader coverage.

9. How to Watch Fox News on Smart TVs and Devices

Download Fox News App – Compatible with Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.

Sign In Through Streaming Service – Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV credentials required for full access.

Fox Nation Access – Can be accessed directly on the app for live streams and on-demand shows.

Free Trials – Take advantage of trial periods to watch Fox News live without commitment.

10. Fox News Subscription Options

For long-term access:

Fox News Channel Subscription via Streaming Services – Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV Blue, FuboTV.

Fox Nation Subscription – $5–$6 per month for premium political content and special programming.

Bundled Offers – Some carriers bundle Fox News access with internet or mobile services.

11. Tips for Free or Cheap Fox News Access

Free Trials – Sign up for streaming services with Fox News for 7-day or promotional trials.

Fox App Clips – Some content is free; ideal for news highlights.

Promotional Offers – Occasionally, carriers or streaming services provide free Fox News access.

Combine Apps – Use Fox News app with a trial of Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV for extended coverage.

Local Fox Affiliates – Certain markets allow free over-the-air access, though this usually applies to entertainment rather than Fox News.

12. Accessing Fox News on the Web

Visit FoxNews.com/live for streaming access. Some content requires sign-in via streaming service or cable provider.

Use Fox Nation to watch premium live streams and news programming online.

Many browsers are supported, including Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox.

13. Fox News Highlights and Sports Coverage

While primarily a news channel, Fox News also covers:

Breaking news and politics – Full-time coverage with special reports.

Financial news – Coverage via Fox Business Network segments.

Sports commentary – Occasionally political commentary intersects with sports events.

Streaming these segments is possible via Fox News live apps, Fox Nation, and bundled streaming services that include Fox News.

14. Devices and Platforms Supported

Smart TVs: Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung, LG.

Mobile: iOS, Android, tablets, smartphones.

Desktop/Laptop: Browser streaming on FoxNews.com or Fox Nation.

Other Devices: Game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, and some smart TV platforms with app support.

15. Conclusion

Fox News live streaming is accessible via a wide range of platforms, apps, and streaming services. Whether you want free trials, cheap subscription options, or full access via Fox Nation, there are solutions for everyone. The cheapest way to watch Fox News typically involves Sling TV Blue, Hulu + Live TV free trial, or YouTube TV trial combined with the Fox News app for mobile or desktop. Smart TV users can easily stream Fox News via apps, while sports and business content may also be accessed on FS1, Fox Deportes, and Fox Business. For free or cheap access, leverage free trials and promotions whenever possible.

Key Takeaways:

Streaming Services: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV Blue, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream.

Fox News App & Fox Nation: Access live and on-demand shows.

Free Options: Trials, app clips, limited streaming via FoxNews.com.

Cheapest Options: Sling TV Blue package, promo trials, combining apps.

Devices: Smart TVs, mobile devices, desktops, tablets, and streaming sticks.