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 those that have decided to ditch cable and switch to an internet-based TV streaming service. More than just a growing trend, it’s looking set to be the way we consume our entertainment in the future. So what is it that makes it such an appealing prospect? Below are just some of the many reasons people are making the switch:

• Streaming services are far cheaper - With average cable packages now climbing above the $200 per month mark, it’s simply become unaffordable for a lot of families. Even the most expensive internet TV providers come in at less than half this cost, with budget options even going 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 a traditional cable contract you get what you’re given. Don’t like the channels in your package? Well, too bad! However, with a streaming platform, you choose the channels you want to watch. Whether you’re a sports nut or really into your reality TV, you can find a niche and affordable package to suit you. Most platforms also offer bolt-ons and extras, so you only actually pay for what you watch
• No restrictive contracts - Almost all internet TV providers are contract-free. This means you can cancel at any time, at no extra cost to you. Cable companies have historically locked users into long 12 to 24-month contracts, with stiff fees for anyone that dares to leave
• On-demand offerings - As well as a host of live TV channels, most streaming options will offer a huge library of on-demand content. Watch your favorite shows, whenever, and wherever, you want

Of course, that’s not to say there aren’t a few downsides. With so many alternatives to choose from, it can sometimes be difficult to know which is the best for you. Plus, if having local channels is a deal-breaker, you should be aware that some services might have a limited range of options.

Never fear, though, because that’s exactly why we’re here! Below, we’ve broken down the key features of the top live TV streaming packages currently on the market. We look into everything you need to know about each one, including channels, pricing, on-demand library content, package options, and special features. Every summary is topped off with our recommendation for who the service is best for, so you can make an informed choice.

Sling TV

Sling TV was one of the first streaming services to start the whole watching television without cable trend when it launched in 2015. It’s positioned as a reasonably priced and competitive option, with a very respectable channel lineup.

Sling TV pricing and packages

At the moment you are getting $20 Off for the 1st month. 

• Sling Blue: $30 per month - Access to 50 + channels, 10 hours of free DVR and streaming on up to three devices at once
• Sling Orange: $30 per month - While priced at the same level as the Blue package, you’ll get fewer channels with Orange, at just 30 + and you can only stream on one device at a time. This is because this level of membership has more expensive, premium channels such as Disney and ESPN, meaning a little less bang for your buck
• Combined Orange and Blue Package: $45 per month - The best of both worlds option, get all of the Orange and Blue channels for one discounted payment

What channels are available on Sling TV?

The Sling TV Orange package is more sports focused, with three ESPN stations, Stadium, and MotorTrend, on offer. Plus, you’ll be paying for more premium channels like Disney. Sling Blue, on the other hand, has about 20 more channels and leans towards more general entertainment with channels like Bravo, SyFy, TruTV, and FX. Both options include a good range of news options like BBC America and CNN as well as popular network entertainment channels like A&E and AMC.

If this isn’t quite enough for you, you’ll be able to add one of the dozens of bolt-on packages to your subscription for a small monthly charge. Prices range between $5 and $20 per month and include Sports Extra for an additional 15sports channels, plus Epix, Starz, Showtime, and a Kids extra option. This definitely makes Sling one of the most flexible streaming services on the market.

Can you get local channels on Sling TV?

Sling TV may just be the cheapest streaming service with local channels. The provider promises free local TV with networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and more to anyone signed up to either its Orange or Blue options. However, this isn’t strictly ‘free’ as you’ll first need to pay a one-off charge for Sling’s ‘Better Locals Bundle’ to purchase the required HD antenna, plus a license to watch local channels on an additional device. This usually costs $224.95 but will be reduced to $99 for anyone prepaying for at least three months of any Sling subscription upfront. Once you’ve paid this fee, you won’t pay another penny to access a huge range of local stations, news and live sports. Options vary slightly by region, so it's worth heading to the provider’s home page for a quick zip code search to see what’s covered.

Does Sling TV offer an on-demand service?

You won’t find the most extensive on-demand library here, but it’s still impressive for the money you pay. The number of add-on channels you can pack on to your subscription will also increase your library accordingly. Unfortunately, Sling suffers from the same issue as other budget streaming services in that it doesn’t own the content in its library. This means shows are subject to change frequently, and your favorites could disappear without warning.

What type of shows and movies are available on Sling TV?

Given the flexibility of the add-ons you can choose, you’ll find just about any popular TV show and movie you can think of on Sling. On its standard packages you’ll find shows like Battlestar Galactica, Stargate: SG1, Hoarders, Storage Wars, and The First 48, as well as movies like Inception and The Dark Knight rises.

What makes Sling TV streaming service stand out?

Alongside its flexibility and affordability, Sling stands out for having extra pay-per-view live events not available on other platforms, refer-a-friend discounts, and excellent device compatibility for on-the-go streaming.

Who is Sling TV best for?

The service is for those looking for a balance between sports and general entertainment.  It’s far cheaper than a cable TV subscription and has more than enough content to keep casual TV watchers happy. Although, if you’re more into your sports, we’d recommend Fubo, while the more entertainment focused might be better off at Hulu. 

Hulu Live

With more than 35 million subscribers and some of the best original content on any streaming platform, Hulu is one of the best choices out there for cord-cutters. Its combination of live TV and a large on-demand library should keep most viewers happy.

Hulu Pricing and packages

• Hulu Basic: $7.99 per month - Access more than 80,000 shows and movies on demand, and stream on two devices simultaneously
• Hulu No Ads: $14.99 per month - Exactly what it says on the tin. Get all the features of the basic package, but completely ad-free
• Hulu + Live TV: $69.99 per month - Watch more than 65 plus channels as they go out live, and record up to 50 hours worth of shows with DVR cloud storage

What channels are available on Hulu Live?

Hulu has positioned itself as a good all-rounder with a mix of sports, entertainment, and news channels. Among the 65 + on offer, you’ll find ESPN, Big Ten Network, Fox Sports, The Disney Channel, Animal Planet, ABC, CNN, and MSNBC.

Can you get local channels on Hulu Live?

Hulu doesn’t have a lot of local channels outside of the major networks and, due to licensing issues, some areas of the country are better served than others. In most states, you’ll be able to access local versions of CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and Telemundo. Some areas also have limited local sports offerings, while others have none at all. We’d recommend you get in touch with Hulu customer services to confirm exactly what’s available in your zip code.

Does Hulu offer an on-demand service?

Most definitely. With a library of almost 80,000 different shows and movies to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice. You can stream on up to two devices at a time, download shows to watch offline, and watch new shows on-demand the day after they go out live.

What type of shows and movies are available on Hulu?

Hulu has been investing heavily in its original programming and you’ll find popular shows like The Handmaid’s Tale, Pen 15, Books of Blood, and LetterKenny, among many others. It also has extensive license agreements to stream thousands of shows from popular networks, and you can find shows and movies like Rick and Morty, Dancing with the Stars, and Boston Legal. Sports fans aren’t left behind either, as you can stream live Baseball, Football, and Basketball on ESPN.

What makes this the Hulu TV streaming service stand out?

As one of the most well-established TV streaming platforms, Hulu has perfected a slick interface and great customer service over the years. It offers flexible choices too, allowing you to bolt on extra channels like HBO, Cinemax, and Disney+ for a small additional cost, meaning you only pay for the shows you want to watch.

Who is Hulu best for?

Hulu is the perfect platform for those looking for good, all-round entertainment. The channels are balanced fairly evenly between sports, news, and entertainment, but those looking for additional niche channels always have the option to include extras in their package. Its local channels are, however, a little limited. Given the provider is trying to appeal to as broad an audience as possible, this understandably means less investment in regional offerings. If you love a mix of drama, reality TV, and staying up to date with a range of news channel, Hulu has the perfect combination of live and on-demand.

Fubo TV

With its origins as a live soccer streaming specialist, Fubo TV has quickly cemented its reputation as the go-to service for anyone looking to stream live sports. From big-name events to the smallest niche, you’re sure to find the sports you love here.

Fubo TV pricing and packages

• Fubo TV Starters: $64.99 - Access 115+ live TV channels, including 250 hours of DVR storage + 3 screens at once
• Fubo TV Elite: $79.99 - Get a staggering 162+ channels of live TV, access to 47 entertainment channels +including 1000 hours of DVR storage + 10 screens at once
• Fubo TV Latino Quarterly: $33.33 - A specialist Spanish-language package with 33 live TV channels + including 250 hours of DVR storage + 3 screens at once

What channels are available on Fubo TV?

If it's a sports channel, you’re almost certainly going to find it here. You’ll get major channels like Fox Sports, NBA TV, The NFL Network, ABC Sports, and ESPN. If these aren’t enough for you, an option is available to add additional channels like NFL Red Zone, Sports Illustrated, The Fight Network, and The Tennis Channel for an extra monthly charge.

You won’t just be limited to sports, though, as Fubo has expanded its other offerings in recent years. You’ll now find A&E, BBC America, Discovery, and local news channels among its recent additions.

Can you get local channels on Fubo TV?

Yes, but local options are mixed, and dependent on the licenses, Fubo holds with different sports teams and regions. Despite this, it's still the best streaming service with local channels for sports and there’s a comprehensive choice of local team coverage through NBC, the NHL Network, Fox Sports, and ESPN, to name a few. This local coverage also extends to news and entertainment offered by the same networks.

However, due to blackout restrictions, some channels won’t be available in your area, and you’ll need to check with Fubo what’s covered where you live.

Does Fubo TV offer an on-demand service?

Yes, there’s an on-demand option available, but, given the emphasis on live sports, the library is a little smaller than those of its competitors. You should bear in mind that Fubo doesn’t actually own or control any of its on-demand content. Available shows and movies are entirely at the discretion of the networks it partners with, and can change frequently. 

What type of shows and movies are available on Fubo TV?

If we haven’t stressed it enough already, if you subscribe to Fubo, you’re subscribing to live sports. You’ll have access to more than 30,000 live sporting events each year, including baseball, football, golf, basketball, cycling, tennis, and MMA. If you’re looking for more general entertainment, shows include Killing Eve, the Big Bang Theory, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and Fixer Upper. Plus, the service has a respectable list of news options too, like BBC World News, Fox, and CNN.

What makes the Fubo TV streaming service stand out?

Not only is Fubo the top live TV streaming package for sports, but it also shows a lot of events in crisp 4K HD. The provider also has a very intuitive live channels TV app, that’s easy to use and has low latency when switching.

Who is Fubo TV best for?

Most definitely one for sports fans. To get this sort of range of choice from a cable company, you might expect to pay twice as much as the packages on offer here. While there are options to add on more general entertainment channels like Showtime and AMC Premiere, it can get a little expensive. If you want to catch the latest popular TV shows and dramas, we’d recommend trying another streaming platform.

Philo

Philo stands out as one of the best budget options for cord-cutters. It’s positioning itself not only as a competitor to the cable companies bu also as a rival to streaming services like Hulu, offering similar options at a much lower price.

Philo Pricing and packages

Things couldn’t be simpler at Philo. It only offers one price package at $25 per month. With this, you get 61 live TV channels, unlimited DVR recordings for up to 30 days, and the ability to stream from up to three devices simultaneously.

What channels are available on Philo?

Philo is very much focused on entertainment, documentaries, and lifestyle shows and has channels like A&E, The Paramount Network, Hallmark, MTV, Nickelodeon, Destination America, Motor Trend, VH1, and People TV. Unfortunately, there are no live sports and a limited selection of news channels.

Can you get local channels on Philo?

Being a budget service does mean that Philo has had to cut corners in places, and this means you’ll find no local TV or broadcast networks here. You could try connecting a HDTV antenna to your TV to pick up local stations, but the signal isn’t great on a lot of these. Another alternative is to sign up for network streaming platforms, like Paramount+, in order to watch the channels you love.

Does Philo offer an on-demand service?

Yes, the provider has been building its on-demand catalog steadily over the last few years and now has more than 60,000 titles to choose from. You’ll be able to stream on up to three devices at the same time and even share your favorite shows with your friends and allow them to watch using your profile.

What type of shows and movies are available on Philo?

Some of the most popular shows on the platform include The Walking Dead, The American West, Apple Tree Yard, Better Call Saul, and American Pickers. The movie selection might not be as extensive as other services, but you can still find some interesting picks like Super 8, Tremors, and House of Wax.

What makes the Philo TV streaming service stand out?

Apart from the budget pricing, the platform stands out for its generous DVR space, which allows you unlimited recordings; held for up to 30 days. If you think the channel offering is a little small, you have the option to add on both Starz and Epix, upping your on-demand library by an additional 9,500 titles for only a small extra charge.

Who is Philo best for?

Philo is definitely aimed at those looking for an affordable cord-cutting option that’s focused on entertainment. However, if you’re after live sports, broadcast networks, and a range of news options, you’ll need to try a different platform like Fubo TV. At such a low cost, though, we’d highly recommend it for undecided customers that are looking to dip their toes into the TV streaming water.

DIRECTV

Free Trial: DIRECTV  offers a 5-day free trial for new customers.
What’s Included: Access to live TV channels, regional sports networks, and on-demand content.
How to Sign Up: Visit the DIRECTV Stream website, select a package, and start your trial.
Key Features: Enjoy unlimited DVR, multi-device streaming, and no annual contract.
Note: Free trials are available for select packages only.

Popular Live Streaming Platforms

Hulu + Live TV

• Offers live access to major networks like ABC, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and CNN.
• Includes an extensive on-demand library with Disney+ and ESPN+ bundled.
• Price: $82.99/month.

Sling TV

• Affordable live streaming with customizable plans (Orange for sports, Blue for news and entertainment).
• Includes channels like CNN, ESPN, and TNT.
• Price: $50.99/month (with frequent discounts).

DirecTV Stream

• Comprehensive live TV service with packages including sports, news, and entertainment channels.
• Price: Starts at $79.99/month.

FuboTV

• Focuses on sports, offering channels like ESPN, FS1, and regional sports networks.
• Includes entertainment and news channels like NBC and FOX.
• Price: $84.99/month.

YouTube TV

• Features over 100 live channels, including sports, news, and entertainment.
• Unlimited DVR storage for recording live events.
• Price: $82.99/month.

Philo

• Budget-friendly option for entertainment-focused live streaming.
• Includes channels like AMC, HGTV, and Food Network.
• Price: $28/month.

Live Streaming for Sports Fans

Sports enthusiasts have plenty of options for live streaming their favorite games and events:

• ESPN+: Exclusive coverage of UFC, international soccer, NHL, and college sports.
• NFL Network: Live coverage of NFL games and analysis.
• NBA TV: Live NBA games and commentary.
• MLB.TV: Stream out-of-market MLB games live.
• FuboTV: Ideal for soccer fans with coverage of La Liga and UEFA Champions League.

Live Streaming for News and Current Events

Stay informed with live news streaming:

• CNN Live: Breaking news and political analysis.
• MSNBC Live: Progressive news coverage and investigative reporting.
• Fox News Live: Conservative news and commentary.
• Bloomberg TV: Financial news and market updates.

Live Streaming for Entertainment

For reality TV, dramas, and movies, these platforms deliver:

• Bravo: Reality TV hits like The Real Housewives and Top Chef.
• USA Network: Dramas like Law & Order: SVU and live WWE events.
• truTV: Comedy shows like Impractical Jokers and NCAA March Madness coverage.
• HBO Max: Premium movies and original series like Succession and House of the Dragon.

Advantages of Live Streaming

• Flexibility: Watch live content on-demand or record it for later viewing.
• Accessibility: Stream on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
• Cost-Effective: Many platforms offer affordable plans compared to traditional cable.
• Customization: Choose packages tailored to your interests, whether it’s sports, news, or entertainment.

Challenges in Live Streaming

• Internet Dependency: Requires a stable connection for high-quality streaming.
• Regional Restrictions: Some live content may be limited based on location.
• Subscription Overload: Managing multiple subscriptions can become costly.

Future of Live Streaming in the U.S.

The future of live streaming is bright, with advancements like:

• 5G Technology: Faster and more reliable streaming.
• AI Integration: Personalized recommendations based on viewing habits.
• VR and AR Experiences: Immersive live events like concerts and sports.

Live streaming in the U.S. offers something for everyone, whether you’re a sports fanatic, news junkie, or entertainment lover. With so many platforms to choose from, it’s easier than ever to tailor your viewing experience to your preferences.