Compare-Best Streaming Services

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 DirecTV 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 contracts.

Paramount Plus is the rebranded streaming service that replaced CBS All Access on March 4th 2021. The full content library has been transferred over, and its existing 8 million users have been moved to the new platform at no extra cost.

Paramount + pricing and packages

Limited commercials package: $5.99 per month – Get access to the full on-demand library, as well as all of CBS’s live TV channels. Commercials are shown in both on-demand and live TV
Commercial-Free: $9.99 per month – Everything from the first package, except commercials are now removed from on-demand viewing

What channels are available on Paramount +?

As you might expect, you’ll be able to watch all of the provider’s network stations, including CBS News, CBSN, CBS Sports, and CBS Home Entertainment as they go out live.

Alongside the full CBS catalog you’ll find BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, the Smithsonian Channel. Estimates put the current library of movies at around 2,500 (Including every Paramount classic) and more than 30,000 individual episodes of popular TV shows.

What’s more, you’ll get access to a range of live sports, including a pretty respectable number of local options. The platform promises at least 1,000 live sporting events per year, covering NFL games, the PGA Tour and NCAA March Madness. Soccer fans are well looked after too, with the UEFA Champions league and a number of South American leagues included. You can watch live CBS news, plus its local affiliate in any region of the US, and enjoy a range of pre recorded shows like 60 Minutes and The Lie Detector.

Can you get local channels on Paramount +?

You’ll be very well catered to here in terms of live local TV. Paramount + already has a well-established network of local programming, and you’ll find a great range of local sports, news, and entertainment.

You’re particularly well served if you love the NFL, College Basketball, The NBA, NHL, and MLB, as the provider has hundreds of local games across the country. However, due to licensing issues, you might miss out on some preseason games.

Does Paramount + offer an on-demand service?

It certainly does, and with almost seven decades of content to choose from, the on-demand library is packed with thousands of CBS and Paramount titles to keep you entertained. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need to pay a little extra to have the commercial-free version.

What type of shows and movies are available on Paramount +?

You might want to start with one of the network’s classic shows like Star Trek, I Love Lucy, Happy Days, or Taxi. Alternatively, you can watch its more modern offerings including The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Star Trek: Picard, The Good Fight, Blue Bloods, and Big Brother: All Stars. You’ll be spoiled for choice in the movie section too, with titles such as Stand By Me, The Godfather Trilogy, and Roman Holiday, to name a few.

What makes the Paramount + TV streaming service stand out?

Besides its great range of live sports and extensive back catalog, the provider stands out for its excellent device compatibility, smooth live TV streaming, and generous discounts for those choosing an annual subscription. Those paying for a full year upfront will receive a 15% discount to the total cost of their subscription.

Who is Paramount + best for?

If you’re a huge fan of the content produced by CBS or Paramount, then this is an obvious choice for you. The service is very competitively priced, and for many, this will be the only option they’ll need. It’s also cheap enough that it won’t break the bank to sign up to other platforms if you’re looking for a little more variety. It might even be enough to keep sports fans happy, given the network has more extensive live offerings than many of its competitors. If you want a more general entertainment package, then you might be better off trying one of the content aggregators like Hulu or Philo which have access to the content of more networks.

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!

Source