- Live TV streaming services may be more affordable than monthly cable fees
- Six primary services are currently available: YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Philo
- The main difference between the services is their channel selection
Despite close competition between the two, live TV streaming services may prove to be more affordable than monthly cable fees. These streaming apps not only offer a wider range of channels than antennas but also the convenience of streaming on mobile phones and computers. There are six primary services available currently: YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Philo. Our comprehensive live-TV streaming guide provides details about prices and features, but the channels they offer is what it’s all about. That’s why we’ve sifted through these services to compile a list of which ones offer the top lineups. Read more: Best Sports Streaming Service for 2023.
The main difference between the services is their channel selection. All of them offer different lineups of channels for various prices. Below you’ll find a chart that shows the top 100 channels across all six services, but note that not each service has a worthy 100. There are actually seven listed because Sling TV has two different “base” tiers, Orange and Blue. And if you’re wondering, I chose which “top” channels made the cut. Sorry, AXS TV, Discovery Life, GSN, and Universal HD. Plenty of live TV streaming choices are available to anyone who wants to cut the cable cord. Sling TV’s basic packages are $40 in most cities. But costs have increased everywhere. YouTube TV is now $73 per month. Hulu Plus Live TV offers three price plans for its service: $70 per month with ads, $83 without ads, and $69 a month for live TV only (no on-demand videos). Fubo upped the price of its base bundle to $75, and DirecTV Stream increased its plan subscriptions as well. Those changes are reflected in the chart below where applicable.
A series of price hikes has brought a number of additional channels to Hulu, including PBS and access to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, at a $70 price tag. Its channel selection isn’t as robust as YouTube TV and Fubo, yet it’s Hulu’s significant catalog of on-demand content which sets it apart. Exclusive titles such as The Handmaid’s Tale, The Orville, and Only Murders in the Building give it a content advantage no other service can match. Live TV subscribers also receive unlimited DVR that includes fast-forwarding and on-demand playback — at no additional cost. It’s a move that has aligned Hulu with its competitors in terms of features, but the channel lineup may still be a deciding factor. For example, the platform recently lost Sinclair-owned ABC affiliate channels. But, Hulu Live TV is a better value as it’s $3 less than YouTube TV and is our top choice for live TV streaming. Read our Hulu Plus Live TV review.
With an excellent channel selection, easy-to-use interface, and best-in-class cloud DVR, the $73 per month YouTube TV is one of the best cable TV replacements. It offers a $20 4K upgrade, but the downside is there isn’t much to watch at present unless you watch select channels. If you don’t mind paying a bit more than the Sling TVs of the world, or want to watch live NBA games, YouTube TV offers a high standard of live TV streaming. Read our YouTube TV review.
If you want to save a little money, and don’t mind missing out on local channels, Sling TV is the best of the budget services. Its Orange and Blue packages go for $40 per month, and you can combine them for a monthly rate of $55. The Orange option nets you one stream, while Blue gives you three. Rather than run a free trial, Sling offers a 50% discount for your first month. It’s not as comprehensive or as easy to navigate as YouTube but with a bit of work, including adding an antenna or an AirTV 2 DVR, it’s an unbeatable value. Read our Sling TV review.
DirecTV Stream is tied for the most expensive at $75, beating Hulu Plus Live TV and YouTube TV. The service does have its pluses, though — for example, it includes the flipper-friendly ability to swipe left and right to change channels. Additionally, it includes some channels the other services can’t, including nearly 250 PBS stations nationwide. The $75 Entertainment package may suit your needs with its 75-plus channels. But for cord-cutters who want to follow their local NBA or MLB team, DirecTV Stream’s $100 Choice package is our live TV streaming pick because it has access to more regional sportsnetworks. Read our DirecTV Stream review.
Fubo TV has a solid lineup of channels, including many sports channels, which makes it a great choice for sports fans. It has also recently added ViacomCBS channels to its lineup, including Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon. The downside is that it’s one of the more expensive options at $75 per month, and it doesn’t include some popular channels like CNN. But if you want a wide range of sports programming, Fubo TV is worth considering. Read our Fubo TV review.
Philo is the most affordable option, with prices starting at just $25 per month for 63 channels. However, it doesn’t offer any sports channels or local broadcast networks. It’s a great choice for those who want to save money and don’t need live sports or local news. It also has an unlimited DVR, which is a nice perk. Read our Philo review.
Overall, the best live TV streaming service for you will depend on your channel preferences, budget, and device compatibility. It’s worth considering a free trial of each service to determine which one works best for you.