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.

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

Almost all of us have heard of AT&T. Not only is it the largest telecommunications company in the world, but it also provides cable subscriptions to thousands of Americans. As it loses more and more subscribers from its traditional contracts each year, the provider has decided to fight back with its own flexible streaming service.

DIRECTV pricing and packages

There are 3 live TV packages to choose from in total, as well as a number of bolt-on channels you can select as added extras. The only difference between each option is in the number of channels you receive:

• Entertainment: $69.99 per month - 65 + channels
• Choice: $84.99 per month - 90 + channels including Regional Sports networks
• Ultimate: $94.99 per month - 130+ channels including Regional Sports networks
• Premier: $183 per month - 140 + channels

What channels are available on DIRECTV?

Expect to find just about everything you would from an AT&T cable subscription, but with the convenience of a streaming service. The full range of channels will of course vary considerably depending on which package you choose, but you’ll get the most popular networks like ABC, Fox, CBS, Bravo, and The Disney Channel included in every option. Obviously, the more you pay, the greater the choice you’ll get, and the platform’s most popular package includes HBO Max bundled into the price. You’ll get a respectable mix of live sports on the most basic package, like Fox Sports 1 and ESPN, but will need to shell out more if you’d like the full range.

Can you get local channels on DIRECTV?

With its long cable TV heritage, it’s understandable that DIREC

TV is one of the best streaming TV services with local channels. You’ll find an excellent range of local sports, news and entertainment, and most major networks are included in the cheapest package. Some areas won’t be covered, but you can head over to the provider’s website and enter your zip code to see exactly what’s available in your region.

Does DIRECTV offer an on-demand service?

There’s an impressive on-demand library to be found here. Not only will you get access to thousands of TV shows and movies produced by some of the most popular networks in the country, if you choose the Max package, but you’ll also be given the entire back catalog of HBO classics going back decades. All on-demand content still includes commercials, which is disappointing given the price you’re paying here.

What type of shows and movies are available on DIRECTV?

AT&T has a huge range of diverse programming to choose from, both from its live TV options as well as its library of more than 40,000 on-demand titles. These include HBO classics like The Sopranos and Game of Thrones, as well as popular brand new shows like Big Sky, The Real Housewives of Orange County, Miracle Workers, and Star Wars: Rebels.

What makes DIRECTV streaming service stand out?

The service has a generous 500 hours of DVR storage for recording live TV, as well as a good channel lineup. For those looking for flexibility, you can choose from a number of add-on packages like Cinemax, Showtime, and Epix at a small additional monthly cost.

Who is DIRECTV best for?

AT&T TV is a good choice for those looking to transition away from their cable TV subscription, but aren’t quite ready to cut the cord completely. Customers will find a lot of the same features as they would from cable, like a diverse channel lineup and multiple packages to choose from, but will benefit from lower prices, a large on-demand library, and no restrictive contract

We hope we’ve been able to help you narrow down your choice when it comes to deciding on which TV streaming platform is best for you. It’s worth bearing in mind that whichever provider you opt for in the end, it’s highly likely you’ll be getting a cheaper, more flexible, and generally all-around better service than your current cable contract. Most of the providers we’ve mentioned here have a free-trial option, ranging between seven and 30 days. So if you’re still unsure, you could give every one of them a try, completely free and at no risk to you at all!

Remember, there are no lengthy contracts with TV streaming services, and you’re under no obligation to continue paying if you find it’s not right. It’s difficult to conclusively say which is the best; you yourself will need to decide which is right for your circumstances.

Most customers will try out at least two or three different options before making a final decision, and ultimately, it’s all about finding the best balance. If you love sports, you might want to check out Fubo TV or Sling TV Orange, while those looking for the best general entertainment packages could find everything they need at Hulu or Philo. Streaming even caters to those with a very specific niche too, with platforms like Paramount + and Showtime offering decades worth of content, all easily accessible in one place.

Perhaps most importantly of all, though, your wallet is definitely going to thank you for cutting the cord and ditching the cable companies. As you can see from the prices above, you could be enjoying the shows you love for as little as $5.99 per month in some cases. Add to this the fact that most providers allow you to add or remove channels at your leisure, and the most difficult decision you’ll have to make is what to do with all the cash you’ve saved!

Black Friday Streaming Deals: A Guide to Big Savings

Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to score incredible deals on streaming services. With platforms competing to attract new subscribers, you can expect deep discounts on subscriptions, bundles, and even streaming devices. Here’s a breakdown of what to look out for during Black Friday streaming sales:

Why Black Friday is Great for Streaming Deals

• Massive Discounts: Streaming platforms often slash their prices significantly, with some offering up to 90% off for new subscribers.
• Bundles Galore: Many services bundle their subscriptions, allowing you to access multiple platforms at a fraction of the cost.
• Limited-Time Offers: These deals are usually only available during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so it’s the perfect time to try out new services.
• Catch Up on Content: Black Friday deals give you the chance to explore platforms you’ve been curious about, whether it’s for binge-worthy shows, live sports, or blockbuster movies.

Popular Black Friday Streaming Deals

Hulu

• Deal: Hulu often offers its ad-supported plan for as low as $0.99/month for 12 months during Black Friday.
• Why It’s Great: This is one of the steepest discounts you’ll find, making it an excellent opportunity to explore Hulu’s vast library of shows and movies.

Disney+

• Deal: Disney+ frequently bundles with Hulu and ESPN+ for as low as $2.99/month during Black Friday.
• Why It’s Great: Perfect for families and fans of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.

FuboTV

• Deal: FuboTV typically offers $20 off for the first two months during Black Friday.
• Why It’s Great: Ideal for sports fans who want access to live games and regional sports networks.

Sling TV

• Deal: Sling TV often provides 50% off the first month for new subscribers.
• Why It’s Great: A budget-friendly way to access live TV, including sports, news, and entertainment.

Apple TV+

• Deal: Apple TV+ sometimes offers 3 months free for new subscribers during Black Friday.
• Why It’s Great: A chance to explore Apple Originals like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show.

DIRECTV Stream

• Deal: DIRECTV Stream may offer discounts on its packages, such as $10 off per month for the first three months.
• Why It’s Great: A solid option for those who want a traditional TV experience with streaming flexibility.

Philo

• Deal: Philo occasionally offers $5 off for the first month during Black Friday.
• Why It’s Great: Affordable access to entertainment and lifestyle channels, though it lacks sports and local news.

Streaming Device Deals

Black Friday is also a great time to upgrade your streaming setup with discounted devices:

• Roku Streaming Stick 4K: Often discounted to $29 (40% off).
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Frequently on sale for $39 (33% off).
• Chromecast with Google TV: Typically available for $37 (25% off).

Tips for Getting the Best Deals

• Sign Up Early: Some deals start before Black Friday, so keep an eye on announcements from your favorite platforms.
• Bundle Up: Look for bundles that combine multiple services for maximum savings.
• Check Device Compatibility: Ensure your streaming devices are compatible with the services you’re subscribing to.
• Set Reminders: These deals are often time-sensitive, so act quickly to secure the best offers.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to save big on streaming services and devices. Whether you’re looking to try out Hulu for less than a dollar a month, bundle Disney+ with ESPN+, or catch live sports on FuboTV, there’s a deal for everyone. Don’t miss out on these limited-time offers to upgrade your streaming experience!

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