One of the most anxiety-inducing parts of making the decision to cut the cord is trying to figure out where to find the content you love without a cable or satellite subscription. Yes, streaming services can help fill the void, but there are way too many streamers out there for the uninitiated to simply jump in cold and begin watching without some hiccups.

That’s exactly why The Streamable is here. We want to help our readers find the right streaming service for them after leaving traditional pay-TV, and the best place to start is by narrowing your search to what are called live TV streaming services. Live TV streamers offer live cable and broadcast channels, but they’re delivered via a wireless internet connection.

These services are the best way to replace cable or satellite, but there are still seven major live TV streamers in the United States to pick from, and they’re all pretty different. We’ll run through all the basics of live TV streaming below, including what exactly it is, and which streamers we think are the best for watching live channels.

Which live TV streamer is best? What you need to know

What is live TV streaming?

Live TV streaming is, as mentioned, a way to receive live cable and broadcast channels via your home’s wireless internet connection. That connection type is the main difference between live TV streamers and more traditional pay-TV distributors, which usually deliver channels via a coaxial cable or a satellite dish.

Another major difference between live TV streaming and cable is the way in which subscribers are charged for service. Cable and satellite usually require customers to sign up for longer-term contracts, often multiple years at a stretch. Live TV streamers typically offer month-to-month contracts, letting customers cancel their subscription with more flexibility.

Otherwise, live TV streamers closely resemble cable and satellite plans overall. Many live TV streaming services offer large channel packages with sports, entertainment, and news networks all in the same subscription, and some even include set-top boxes. Viewers can browse electronic programming guides on live TV streamers just as they can on cable or satellite, and cloud DVR lets customers record live TV to watch on demand later, with the option to fast-forward through ads.

Introducing the major live TV streamers

DIRECTV

Satellite TV customers will be quite familiar with DIRECTV, but they may not know that the company offers a robust selection of streaming plans, as well. Viewers can choose to receive a streaming package from DIRECTV in one of two ways: they can stream the plan using the DIRECTV app on a smart TV or connected streaming player, or they can rent a Gemini device from the company and stream their channels through it.

All of the same DIRECTV Signature channel packages that the company distributes via satellite are also available through streaming. These plans start with the $90-per-month ENTERTAINMENT package, and range up to the $170-per-month PREMIER plan, which has more than 185 channels. Each DIRECTV Signature channel package offers local broadcast channels ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, NBC, and PBS in nearly all American markets, and a mix of entertainment, news, and sports channels.

DIRECTV’s Genre Packs are a little different. These plans focus only on a particular genre of programming, with smaller channel counts and a lower price overall. The company also has a variety of add-on packs for viewers who want extra channels, as well as premium channels like HBO Max and STARZ. All DIRECTV packages include access to ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost, and some include on-demand streamers such as Disney+, Hulu, and even Netflix for customers who opt to receive their channels through a Gemini device.

5-Day Trial

directv.com

DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

…

Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial

$59.99+ / month

directv.com

Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

Frndly TV

Frndly TV isn’t on the same level as DIRECTV, YouTube TV, and all-in-one streaming services. Its channel package is focused on family-friendly networks like A&E, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, and others. It doesn’t have any local broadcast channels, cable sports or news networks, or any of the spicier cable entertainment networks like Bravo or FX.

As a result, viewers can expect to pay far less for a Frndly TV subscription than for some other services. The package starts at just $7 per month for customers who sign up for the streamer’s annual plan, and even its most expensive annual subscription costs less than some live TV streamers’ monthly packages.

7-Day Trial

frndlytv.com

Frndly TV

Frndly TV is a budget-friendly live TV streaming service in the United States that focuses on family-friendly and lifestyle programming. Launched in 2019, the service offers a curated lineup of channels that includes Hallmark Channel, UPtv, Lifetime, MeTV, INSP, The Weather Channel, Game Show Network, and dozens more. It’s designed for viewers who want wholesome content without the’ high cost or complexity of larger streaming bundles.

…

Frndly TV does not carry sports or news-heavy networks, instead prioritizing entertainment, classic television, educational content, and movies suitable for all ages.

Viewers can access Frndly TV on most major devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, smart TVs, iOS, and Android devices, and web browsers. The service offers multiple subscription tiers, starting at a low monthly cost, with features like unlimited DVR, multiple screens, and on-demand access depending on the plan.

On May 1, 2025, it was announced that Roku was set to acquire Frndly TV, a deal that would close in the second quarter of 2025.

With its affordable pricing, simple interface, and focus on positive, family-oriented entertainment, Frndly TV is a popular choice for households looking to stream classic and uplifting content.

7-Day Trial

$8.99+ / month

frndlytv.com

Fubo

Fubo was first launched as a sports-first streaming service, and while it still provides fantastic access to a large selection of live sports channels, it has also expanded to a well-rounded live TV streaming service. Both of its base channel packages come with at least 200 channels, including broadcast channels, sports, news, and entertainment networks.

The streamer also offers one genre-based channel plan called Fubo Sports, which offers only sports and news channels. Fubo is one of the few streamers that has a large selection of regional sports networks (RSNs), so fans of the NBA, NHL, and MLB will be able to count on it to deliver a wide range of regular season games from each league in the home markets of the respective teams.

Free Trial

fubo.tv

Fubo

Fubo is a live TV streaming service offering a robust lineup of approximately 150 premier channels, with plans starting at $63.99 per month. This entry-level package provides access to local broadcast affiliates 18 of the leading 35 cable channels channels, and valuable regional sports networks (RSNs).

…

For many other sports enthusiasts, particularly those who prioritize access to local sports broadcasts, Fubo is a compelling choice in our view. Featuring FanDuel Sports RSNs in its channel lineup, Fubo stands out as the most budget-friendly option for RSN access across numerous markets, including Altitude, AT&T Sports, Fox Sports, Marquee, MSG, NBC Sports, and NESN. (Explore the comprehensive list of Fubo’s sports channels.) Fubo recently launched an add-on to their sports package, allowing subscribers access to local RSNs as well.

In September 2025, Fubo also launched its Sports package for $45.99 per month, featuring a variety of sports-oriented channels including ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates (in select markets) as well as ACC Network, Big 10 Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox News, FS1, FS2, Fubo Sports Network, ION, NFL Network, SEC Network and Tennis Channel.

Fubo further enriches its sports offerings by including MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, NFL RedZone , NHL Network and beIN Sports (a channel not commonly found on competing services). For expanded soccer coverage, you can opt for Fox Soccer Plus via the International Sports Plus add-on for an additional $7/month.

Additionally, you have the option to enhance your channel variety with the Fubo Extra ($8), which incorporates approximately ~38 channels more channels, featuring popular selections like GSN.

Free Trial

$63.99+ / month

fubo.tv

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV keeps things relatively simple, offering a single channel package that closely resembles traditional cable plans by offering news, sports, entertainment, and local broadcast channels. It has 90+ selections in total, and all the usual bells and whistles like unlimited Cloud DVR. The real advantage Hulu + Live TV offers is included access to the Disney Bundle; at no extra cost, customers can watch Disney+ and Hulu with ads, as well as watch ESPN Unlimited through the ESPN app with a Hulu + Live TV subscription,

Free 3-Day Trial

hulu.com

Hulu Live TV

Hulu Live TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 70 channels for $89.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV base plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs). Subscribers get free access to Disney+ and ESPN Select at no extra charge.

…

Where it really separates itself is value. Your subscription doesn’t just cover live TV — it also includes full access to Hulu’s on-demand library, plus bundled subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN Select content at no extra cost. That means you’re getting everything from next-day network TV episodes and Hulu Originals, to Marvel, Star Wars, and live sports content all in one place without juggling multiple bills.

For sports fans, Hulu + Live TV also includes regional sports networks (RSNs) in select areas, a feature many competing services have dropped. That can be a big deal if you’re trying to follow local MLB, NBA, or NHL teams.

The DVR experience is another strong point. Subscribers get unlimited cloud DVR storage and the ability to fast-forward through commercials on recorded content — a feature that used to cost extra but is now standard. It’s designed to feel closer to a traditional cable DVR, just without the box.

If you want to customize further, several add-ons are available. You can upgrade to premium channels like HBO, Showtime, or Starz, add an unlimited streams option for households with lots of viewers, or go ad-free on Hulu’s on-demand content (live TV will still include ads).

Overall, Hulu + Live TV is less about being the cheapest option and more about being the most comprehensive. It’s built for people who want live TV, on-demand shows, and bundled streaming services all under one roof — without having to piece everything together themselves.

Free 3-Day Trial

$89.99+ / month

hulu.com

Philo

Philo is a bit similar to Frndly TV, in that its channel packages omit live sports and news channels, as well as local broadcast channels. Philo keeps its focus on cable entertainment channels, and while it doesn’t offer a complete list of these, it does have popular selections like A&E, AMC, Discovery, Hallmark Channel, History, Lifetime, VH1, and more.

Both Philo plans have the same channel package, but the Bundle+ plan comes with a great selection of on-demand entertainment as well. The package includes AMC+, discovery+, and HBO Max, and customers can watch content from the first two of those streamers directly through the Philo app.

7-Day Trial

philo.com

Philo

Philo is a live TV streaming service designed for entertainment lovers, offering flexible ways to watch without the high price of traditional TV bundles. The service now features two paid plans — Essential and Bundle+ — alongside its existing free streaming offering, giving customers a range of options depending on how much live and premium content they want.

…

The Essential plan costs $25 per month and includes 70+ live TV channels focused on entertainment and lifestyle programming, such as AMC, HGTV, Hallmark Channel, Nickelodeon, and Food Network. Subscribers also get access to 120+ free streaming channels, more than 80,000 movies and shows on demand, and unlimited DVR with one-year storage. Essential also includes a 7-day free trial for new customers.

For viewers who want more premium content, Philo offers the Bundle+ plan for $33 per month (formerly the Philo Core plan). Bundle+ includes everything in Essential, plus ad-supported AMC+ and access to the HBO Max (Basic with Ads) app. Users can also access discovery+ content directly within the Philo app. While Bundle+ adds a full premium streaming bundle for just $8 more per month, it does not include a free trial.

The service is available on most major devices, including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers. In addition to its paid plans, Philo also offers a free ad-supported streaming experience, allowing users to explore content before deciding whether to upgrade to a live TV subscription.

While it doesn’t include local broadcast stations or sports networks like ESPN, FS1 or NBC Sports Network, Philo remains one of the most affordable live TV streaming options for entertainment-focused viewers. With a simple lineup, generous DVR storage, and a clear path from free streaming to live TV and premium bundles, Philo is an appealing choice for cord-cutters who want to keep costs down while still enjoying a wide range of popular programming.

7-Day Trial

$25+ / month

philo.com

Sling TV

Sling TV keeps its channel packages smaller as well, so that it can keep its monthly subscription price lower. The streamer actually does offer cable sports and news channels, but its selection of local channels is quite limited; Sling only has ABC, Fox, and NBC, and only in a small selection of markets.

Sling’s packages divide popular cable channels up so that customers can choose their preferred programming and pay a lower price for it. The Orange and Essential plans are more focused on sports and family programming, while the Blue and Select plans are more geared toward news and entertainment.

Customers can also bundle Sling channel packages to get the best channels of each at a discounted price. Sling also has a unique product not offered by other services: short-term subscriptions called Passes that allow viewers to sign up for its Orange package for $5 per day, $10 for three days, or $15 for seven days.

Save with Sling

sling.com

Sling TV

Sling TV is The Streamable’s choice for cord-cutters on a budget. Sling is a live TV streaming service with multiple channel packages. The $45.99/month Sling Orange plan offers about 30 channels, including Disney Channel and ESPN. The $45.99/month Sling Blue plan offers about 40 channels, including ABC, Fox, and NBC in major markets.

You can combine Orange+Blue for a total of $60.99 / month. Sling also offers many channel add-on packages starting at $6/month.

Save with Sling

$19.99+ / month

sling.com

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is one of the most popular live TV streamers on the market. Its core package offers a little of everything, including sports, news, local broadcast channels, cable entertainment networks, and features like its famous multiview.

There are also a number of genre-based channel packages offered by YouTube TV. Its Sports Genre Plan and Entertainment Genre Plans can also be bundled with other channel categories, such as news and family channels if viewers want to hone in on the specific programming that suits them best.

Free Trial

tv.youtube.com

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 60 channels for $82.99/month. This plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs) in select markets. The base plan includes more than 100 live channels, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as popular cable channels such as ESPN, CNN, FX, USA Network, and TNT. Local channels are included in most markets, making YouTube TV a full replacement for traditional cable for many viewers.

…

Sports are a major focus for YouTube TV, with access to national and regional coverage, league networks, and marquee events. The service also serves as the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, available as an add-on, giving fans access to out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. YouTube TV also offers a smaller sports plan, allowing subscribers access to 30+ sports-oriented channels, including local networks in select markets.

YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost, allowing subscribers to record as many shows as they want and keep recordings for up to nine months. The service is available across a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming players, mobile devices, and web browsers. New subscribers can typically start with a free trial, though the trial length may vary by promotion.

With its broad channel lineup, strong sports offerings, unlimited DVR, and wide device support, YouTube TV remains one of the most comprehensive live TV streaming services for viewers who want a traditional TV experience without a cable contract.

Free Trial

$82.99+ / month

tv.youtube.com

New customers can save $15 per month for 5 months.

Ranking the best live TV streamers for watching local channels

YouTube TV takes the top spot here because it offers ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, NBC, and PBS with its core channel package, as well as several genre plans, including the Sports and Entertainment plans. DIRECTV omits local channels from its MyEntertainment Genre Pack, and only carries ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC — no PBS or The CW.

Hulu + Live TV offers all six major broadcast channels in most markets, but has no genre plans. Fubo carries ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC in its Fubo Sports genre plan, but this package does not have The CW, and Fubo doesn’t have PBS in any package or market. Sling TV has ABC, Fox, and NBC in some of the largest American media markets, but only in eight to 10 markets each. Philo and Frndly TV omit local broadcast channels

Ranking the best live TV streamers for watching sports

DIRECTV edges out Fubo here because the latter service is missing a couple of major national sports networks: TNT Sports channels and USA Network, all of which are available on DIRECTV. DIRECTV and Fubo both have far more RSNs than YouTube TV or the other streamers on this list, and Sling is the last streamer on the list that includes ESPN. It’s pretty hard to find any sports coverage on Philo or Frndly TV, which is partially how the streamers keep prices low.

DIRECTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV all include access to ESPN Unlimited. YouTube TV subscribers can watch ESPN Unlimited content through the YouTube TV app.

Ranking the best live TV streamers for watching news

Live news channels like CNN, Fox News, and MS NOW are widely available on the first five streamers on this list, but local channels are a little trickier to find on Sling TV. DIRECTV and YouTube TV both offer news-only genre plans, which is why they rise to the top of this list. Fubo’s genre plan also includes live news channels, though the service does not offer a news-only package. Hulu + Live TV has cable news and local broadcast channels in most places, but Philo and Frndly TV mostly omit these channels as well.

Ranking the best live TV streamers for watching entertainment

DIRECTV tops our list again, specifically because of the selection of popular cable entertainment networks in its Signature packages, as well as its MyEntertainment Genre Pack. This plan includes 60+ channels, plus on-demand entertainment from AMC+, Disney+. HBO Max, and Hulu at no extra charge. Hulu + Live TV includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited access in addition to cable entertainment networks, which is why it climbs to No. 2 on this list. YouTube TV has an Entertainment Genre Plan as well, but it doesn’t include on-demand services as DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV do.

Sling and Fubo both have more entertainment networks than Philo and Frndly TV, but all of the services on this list actually provide at least a smattering of quality entertainment channels.

Ranking the best live TV streamers by affordability

Philo is the best intersection of price and content on this list, in our eyes. At only $33 per month for Philo’s package and the three streamers that come with it, the service has a fantastic affordability score. Sling comes in a close second, with only one package over $60, plus access to popular sports and news channels that Philo omits. Frndly TV is certainly the most inexpensive streamer here, but it also has much less content than even Philo.

DIRECTV and YouTube TV both offer genre-based channel packages that clock in at a much lower price than larger plans, so viewers should definitely think of them as affordable. Fubo offers just one of these packages, and Hulu + Live TV doesn’t offer any — though it does include the Disney Bundle in its subscription price, at least.

Ranking the best live TV streamers by features

YouTube TV takes the top spot here thanks to its customizable multiview, which viewers can use to watch any four channels in their YouTube TV package. Sling TV’s short-term Passes for its Orange package allow it to come in second, as no other streamer has such short-term subscription options. DIRECTV has a non-customizable multiview of its own, and while Fubo’s multiview can be customized, it’s only available on a few devices. Sling and DIRECTV offer Ultra-High-Definition 4K broadcasts at no extra charge, and Fubo has ESPN 4K channels in both its Pro and Elite plans, but YouTube TV charges a little extra on top of its cheapest plans to access 4K content.

Frndly TV’s 72-hour lookback feature is the most intriguing of the back half of this list; viewers can re-watch any live broadcasts from channels in the Frndly package from the last three days without having to record them.

DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live V, Philo, and YouTube TV all offer unlimited Cloud DVR space. Sling TV has only 50 hours that come standard with base packages, and Frndly TV offers DVR storage only on its Classic and Premium plans, though that storage is unlimited. Most streamers keep your recordings for nine months, but Philo will store them for 12.

Which live TV streamer is the best?

When scrolling back through our rankings, the streamer that was most consistently at or near the top is DIRECTV. It never rates lower than fourth and has a fantastic selection of channels and channel packages, as well as great features — including extra streaming services that viewers can watch at no extra cost like Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu.

DIRECTV doesn’t offer a true à la carte channel selection option — no streamer does. But viewers can pick between all-in-one DIRECTV Signature plans and a number of Genre Packs that help customers zero in on exactly the type of programming they want at an affordable price.

Ancillary features like unlimited Cloud DVR, a large selection of optional streaming add-ons and bonus channel packages, an up-and-coming multiview, and the ability to watch on a huge selection of devices are also points in DIRECTV’s favor. When we weigh all the factors that are most important to first-time cord-cutters, DIRECTV comes out on top.

This isn’t to say that there’s a bad streaming service on the list — there isn’t! They all serve different audiences, but DIRECTV stands out as the service that provides the best variety, with options at nearly every price point and for nearly every demographic of viewer in The Streamable’s opinion. If you still need help deciding on the best streamer for you, use our Service Matchmaker tool below to start diving deeper!

Live TV Streaming Find out more >

Service Matchmaker

Our Matchmaker lets you compare multiple channels across all live TV streaming services. Just tell us what you watch and we’ll handle the rest.

Start Matchmaker

$20

$21

$90

$64

$25

$83

The Streamable is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission when you sign up with our links. Learn More