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 (2026)

“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 (2026)

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 (2026)

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.

Streaming Services With Local Channels

For anyone wanting to cut the cord but still watch local news, sports, and major network shows, streaming services with local channels are essential. Many services now offer ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and more, either live or on-demand.

Best Streaming Services With Local Channels

Hulu + Live TV – Offers local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC in most areas. Includes cloud DVR to record shows. Ideal for viewers who want live local channels plus on-demand content.

YouTube TV – One of the best live TV streaming services with local channels. Includes ABC local channel streaming, CBS, NBC, FOX, and more. Unlimited cloud DVR storage is a major advantage.

fuboTV – Excellent for sports and local channels, including ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Known for a wide sports selection and regional networks.

Sling TV – Offers local channels in select markets, with packages like Sling Blue providing NBC, FOX, and regional sports networks. Affordable option for live local TV streaming.

DirecTV Stream – Provides a large selection of local channels, regional sports, and news networks. Includes DVR and multiple device streaming.

Philo and Pluto TV – While not primarily local channels, they include free live streaming of certain channels and on-demand content.

Peacock – For ABC shows, NBC programming, and select live content, free and premium tiers are available.

How to Watch ABC Local Channel

Streaming services with ABC: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV (select markets).

Free options: ABC offers local channel streaming online through ABC.com or the ABC app, but you may need a cable login. Some areas may access ABC via digital antenna.

Apps for streaming: Hulu, YouTube TV, fuboTV, ABC app, and some free local TV apps.

Streaming TV Services With Local Channels

These services allow viewers to watch local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, and regional channels online.

Some services include sports channels, news channels, and entertainment channels in addition to local stations.

Cheapest Streaming Services With Local Channels

If affordability is a priority:

Sling TV – starts at $40/month for one package; local channels depend on location.

Philo – cheaper option ($25/month) but limited local channels.

Pluto TV – completely free, includes a mix of live channels and on-demand content, but may not have all ABC local channels.

Peacock Free – includes select ABC content for free, but live local news may be limited.

Best Streaming for Sports and Local Channels

fuboTV – Best for sports fans, includes regional sports networks and ABC/FOX/CBS/NBC in many areas.

Hulu + Live TV – Includes local channels and ESPN for sports streaming.

YouTube TV – Excellent mix of sports, news, and local channels.

Streaming Apps and Devices for Local Channels

Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV – All major streaming apps and services work on these devices.

Smart TV apps – Most smart TVs have Hulu, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Sling TV apps built-in.

Free local TV apps – Some local stations have apps that let you stream live local channels for free, though often limited.

Free Options for Local Channels

ABC.com / ABC app – Watch some shows and live news (requires login for full access).

Antenna / digital over-the-air broadcast – Free, works with any TV with an antenna.

Pluto TV / Tubi / Xumo – Free streaming platforms offering some live channels and on-demand content.

Tips to Stream Local Channels

Check service availability by zip code – Some streaming services only offer ABC, NBC, FOX, or CBS in certain markets.

Combine free and paid options – Use ABC app or digital antenna plus Hulu or YouTube TV to cover more channels.

Use cloud DVR – Record local shows with YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

Smart TV apps – Most streaming services allow local channel streaming directly from your smart TV.

Free trials – Many services offer 7-day free trials for local channels streaming.

Best Streaming Services With DVR and Local Channels

YouTube TV – Unlimited DVR, local channels, sports.

Hulu + Live TV – 50-hour DVR, upgradeable to 200 hours.

fuboTV – 250+ hours DVR, local channels in most markets.

Sling TV – 50-hour DVR option.

How to Stream Local Channels Online

Install the service app (Hulu, YouTube TV, fuboTV, Sling).

Check your zip code to ensure local channels are included.

Use smart TVs, streaming sticks, or mobile apps for live channel streaming.

Some local channels allow free streaming on their own websites or apps.

Conclusion

For those wanting streaming services with local channels, there are options for every budget:

Premium services: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, DirecTV Stream.

Affordable services: Sling TV, Philo, Peacock Free.

Free options: Pluto TV, ABC app, local antenna.

These services allow you to watch local news, ABC live, regional sports, and entertainment without cable, often with free trials to test the service first.