Best live TV streaming services for cord cutters in 2024
Find the Best Streaming Service for You
Over the past few years, competition in the live TV streaming space has increased dramatically. As more and more people have decided to cut the cord and leave cable behind, new live streaming options have become have popped up and the entire industry has not only become more competitive, but quite honestly more convoluted as well. It can be hard to know what the best live TV streaming service is, because so much of that decision depends on what you are specifically looking for from your service.
While there may not be a single live TV streamer out there right now that’s perfect for everyone, there is one that stands above the rest for most people. Generally, when recommending the best live TV streaming service, I send people towards DIRECTV STREAM for a few reasons. Between its great channel selection, unlimited DVR, and competitive pricing model, it’s easy to recommend it — plus you can try it for free.
Live TV Services at a Glance
There are six main live TV providers available to cord-cutters, including DIRECTV STREAM, Sling, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Philo, and YouTube TV. Each offers a unique channel lineup and allows you the ability to add on extras to your channel package. Here’s a quick overview of the key information for each service.
| Feature | DIRECTV STREAM | Hulu Live TV | Sling TV | Fubo | Philo | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $86.99 | $82.99 | $45.99 | $94.99 | $28 | $82.99 |
| Base Channels | 220 | 105 | 49 | 197 | 75 | 121 |
| Local Channels | Yes | Yes | In select markets | Yes | No | Yes |
| Sports Channels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| DVR | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 Hours (upgradable) | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Free channels | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Free Trial | 5 Days | 3 Days | No | Yes | 7 Days | Yes |
What is the best live TV streaming service overall?
After having used nearly every live TV streaming service on the market, researching every single one, and chatting with the other experts here at The Streamable, I recommend DIRECTV STREAM as the top choice for anyone looking to make the move to live streaming. Whether it’s your first time cutting the cord, or you’re a seasoned pro, DIRECTV STREAM offers a great balance of features, channel selection, customer support, and more for the price.
Moving between services, or from cable to streaming, should never feel like you are giving anything up. While some of the other live TV streaming platforms may have a few extra features, there are no big, obvious omissions from the DIRECTV STREAM service. Some of the key features that make DIRECTV STREAM our top recommendation include:
- Comprehensive channel lineup: From all of the major networks to popular channels, sports streamers, and more, there’s no shortage of things to watch.
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage: With busy schedules, it can be hard to catch shows as they air live. That’s not a concern here as you can set up recordings and watch at a time that works for you.
- Simultaneous streaming: With the basic plan, you can have 20 simultaneous streams going, while the highest plan allows for up to 40.
- No contract required: If at any point DIRECTV STREAM is no longer working out for you and your family, you can cancel without any obligation.
When considering a complete package, DIRECTV STREAM is the best live TV streaming service for most people. Again, it won’t be perfect for everyone, but nothing on this list will be. However, for the large majority of people cutting the cord, it’s a great first stop.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No long-term commitment required | DVR recordings only available for 90 days |
| Large channel selection | Interface can be slow at times |
| Streaming on unlimited devices | Can get expensive with add-ons |
Best live TV streaming services of 2024
Best budget TV streaming service
Sling TV
Monthly price: From $46 | Local channels: NBC, Fox, ABC in select markets | Sports coverage: Yes | Unlimited DVR: No, 50 hours | Simultaneous streams: Up to 3 | Total channels: 30+ | Free trial: No
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to watch live TV, Sling TV is hands down one of the best options out there. As a longtime cord-cutter, I foten cycle over to Sling when I only am interested in streaming live sports, news, or my local channels for any given period of time, and it delivers exactly what I’m after, without breaking the bank.
Sling offers two main packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each with its own set of channels, including popular networks like ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. If you want more variety, you can bundle them together and add smaller, interest-focused “mini-bundles” to customize your lineup. It’s a flexible, affordable way to get all the content you love without paying for channels you don’t need.
When Sling might not be right for you:
While Sling is a fantastic choice for most, it’s not perfect for everyone. One key limitation is that it doesn’t carry CBS or any other Paramount-owned channel, which means you’ll miss out on shows like “NCIS” along with a bunch of NFL games. Additionally, NBC, FOX, and ABC availability depends on your location, so some areas might have limited access to these channels. Sling also doesn’t offer regional sports networks, which can be a dealbreaker for sports fans in some markets. Lastly, Sling’s DVR storage is capped at 50 hours. You are able to upgrade, however, should you find yourself needing more space.
Overall, Sling TV is the top choice for anyone seeking affordable live TV without sacrificing the essentials.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing with flexible plans | Limited local channel availability (depends on location) |
| Access to popular sports networks like ESPN and NFL Network | Limited cloud DVR (50 hours) unless you upgrade |
| Customizable add-ons for specific interests like sports, news, and more | No free trial |
Best TV streaming service for families
Hulu + Live TV
Monthly price: $83 | Local channels: Yes | Sports coverage: Yes | Unlimited DVR: Yes | Simultaneous streams: 2 | Total channels: 75+ | Free trial: 3 days
When it comes to family-friendly streaming, Hulu + Live TV is a standout option. It offers an unbeatable combination of live TV, on-demand content, and exclusive perks that make it a top contender for anyone looking to keep everyone in the household entertained.
One of the biggest reasons to choose Hulu + Live TV is the added value of Disney+ and ESPN+, both of which are included at no extra cost. Disney+ offers a vast library of family-friendly shows and movies that kids will love, from “The Mandalorian” to “Frozen.” ESPN+ is a game-changer for sports fans, with over 1,000 out-of-market NHL games and a huge selection of exclusive college sports. Plus, you get access to Hulu’s extensive on-demand catalog, so you can enjoy everything from “The Handmaid’s Tale” to the latest trending movies.
On top of all that, Hulu + Live TV comes with all of the major broadcast and cable channels and unlimited DVR, which is perfect for recording all your favorite shows without worrying about running out of space.
When Hulu + Live TV might not be right for you
While Hulu + Live TV is an excellent choice for most families, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, if you’re a fan of FanDuel Sports channels which offer many local MLB, NBA, and NHL team broadcasts, then you’re unfortunately out of luck as they aren’t included. And for those who are into 4K content, Hulu currently doesn’t offer it, so you won’t get that ultra-HD experience.
Hulu + Live TV offers incredible value for families, combining live TV with some of the best on-demand content and streaming perks available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra cost | Limited simultaneous streams |
| Unlimited DVR storage for 9 months | Limited regional sports coverage (depending on location) |
| Large channel selection including local channels and major networks | Short free trial for new subscribers |
Best niche sports TV streaming service
Fubo
Monthly price: From $75 | Local channels: Yes | Sports coverage: Yes | Unlimited DVR: Yes | Simultaneous streams: 3 | Total channels: 150+ | Free trial: Varies
If you’re a sports enthusiast, especially one who follows international leagues, local teams in your market, or niche sports, Fubo might be your perfect match. Fubo prides itself on being the ultimate sports fan’s streaming service, offering access to a wide variety of sports channels, including many that are hard to find elsewhere.
For soccer fans, Fubo delivers exclusive access to a range of international leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A. It’s also one of the few services that includes regional sports networks like FanDuel Sports, which is a huge perk for fans of local teams. Outside of sports, though, Fubo does offer general TV channels, but it’s primarily focused on those who want comprehensive sports coverage.
When Fubo might not be right for you:
While Fubo excels in sports, it does come with a few drawbacks. For one, it lacks key entertainment and news channels like CNN, TNT, truTV, and TBS. So if you’re looking for a well-rounded TV experience, it may not be the best fit. Additionally, Fubo has a hidden regional sports fee that can make the overall cost higher than it initially appears, which might catch some users off guard.
For sports fans who want the widest possible coverage, especially of niche sports or regional games, Fubo is a top choice. Just keep in mind that it may not be the most cost-effective or comprehensive option for those who also want a broad selection of entertainment channels.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best for sports fans with access to exclusive channels like NFL Network, NBA TV, and regional sports networks | Higher pricing compared to most live TV streaming services |
| Includes a large selection of channels, including entertainment, news, and music channels | Limited availability of local channels (NBC, CBS, etc.) depending on your location |
| Cloud DVR with 1,000 hours of storage included in most plans | Some channels, like CNN, TNT, and truTV, are missing |
Best TV streaming service for first-time cord-cutters
YouTube TV
Monthly price: $83 | Local channels: Yes | Sports coverage: Yes | Unlimited DVR: Yes | Simultaneous streams: 3 | Total channels: 100+| Free trial: Varies
If you’re cutting the cord for the first time, YouTube TV is an excellent starting point. It’s user-friendly, offers a solid lineup of channels, and comes with an unlimited DVR so you can record all of your favorite shows without worrying about running out of space.
YouTube TV includes many of the most popular channels, like ABC, NBC, ESPN, and CNN, making it a great choice for people who want to stick with familiar, must-have content. The mobile app is also one of the best in the business, making it easy to watch TV on the go. Plus, for those new to streaming, the interface is simple to navigate, which makes it a great option if you don’t want to spend time figuring out how everything works.
When YouTube TV might not be for you:
While YouTube TV is a solid option for first-timers, it’s not the most cost-effective choice once you compare it to some competitors. For example, DIRECTV STREAM offers more channels and a stronger regional sports lineup for a few extra dollars, and Hulu + Live TV gives you three extra streaming services (Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu on-demand) for the exact same price. Sling is far more affordable, making it a better option if you’re on a budget.
Another downside is that YouTube TV charges extra for 4K content while many competitors include 4K access in their base packages. So if high-definition streaming is a priority for you, that’s an additional cost to consider.
Overall, YouTube TV is an excellent choice for first-time cord-cutters who want a straightforward, reliable service with an unlimited DVR and a good channel selection. Just keep in mind that there are other options out there that might offer more value as you get used to the world of streaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited DVR storage | Higher pricing compared to some competitors |
| Comprehensive channel lineup with major networks | No support for 4K content without additional fees |
| Easy-to-use interface and mobile app | Limited availability of regional sports channels |
Best TV streaming service for older viewers
Frndly TV
Monthly price: $8 | Local channels: ABC in select markets | Sports coverage: No | Unlimited DVR: No, 20 hours included | Simultaneous streams: 1 | Total channels: 15+ | Free trial: 7 days
If you’re an older viewer looking for a simple, affordable streaming option that gives you a selection of familiar, feel-good content, Frndly TV could be a great fit. It’s a service focused on delivering classic and family-friendly TV from the kind of channels that offer reruns of your favorite shows and movies without the clutter or cost of sports, news, or trendy programming.
Frndly TV includes channels like A&E, Hallmark Channel, History, and Lifetime, which are perfect for viewers who enjoy a more traditional TV experience, with plenty of wholesome dramas, movies, and reality shows. It’s simple to use and budget-friendly, making it a great option for those who just want to unwind with familiar, comfort-food TV.
When Frndly TV might not be right for you:
While Frndly TV is ideal for viewers with narrow viewing preferences, it’s not the best choice if you want a full range of programming. If you’re someone who enjoys sports, news, or local channels, or if you want access to a wider variety of entertainment, you’ll find better value elsewhere. Services like DIRECTV STREAM or Hulu + Live TV offer much more comprehensive channel lineups that cater to a wider range of interests.
So, while Frndly TV is a great option for fans of daytime reruns and classic TV, it’s best suited for those with more narrow viewing habits who don’t need the extras that many other services provide.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing, making it a budget-friendly option | Limited channel selection, mostly focused on lifestyle and family content |
| Access to popular family-friendly channels like Hallmark, A&E, and History | No sports or news channels, limiting its appeal to certain viewers |
| Easy-to-use interface with a simple channel lineup | Lacks DVR functionality and on-demand content |
Best on-demand services with live channels
In addition to all of the live TV streaming services mentioned above, there is another set of streamers that focus more on on-demand content, but also provide access to a handful of live channels as well.
Paramount+
Paramount+ is an excellent on-demand streaming service that also doubles as a great way for NFL-loving cord-cutters to watch Sunday football games and other CBS programming. An entry-level subscription to the streamer gives you access to NFL games on Sundays, including live broadcasts of Sunday afternoon football on CBS. If you want more, you can upgrade to the Paramount+ with Showtime plan, which gives you around-the-clock access to your live, local CBS station, so you never miss local news, primetime shows, or live events.
Beyond live sports, Paramount+ offers a solid library of on-demand content. It’s particularly well-known for its Taylor Sheridan series, such as “1883”, “1923”, “Lioness”, “Land Man”, and “Tulsa King”. The service also features a wide variety of hits from major networks, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Smithsonian Channel, making it a great option for families, especially with its vast Nickelodeon library that kids will love.
If you upgrade to include the Showtime library, you get access to a fantastic selection of movies, documentaries, and mature content, including hit shows like “Dexter: New Blood”, “Yellowjackets”, and “Billions”.
Peacock
Peacock is an affordable subscription streaming service that offers a great mix of classic shows and live TV options, making it one of the best choices for viewers who want to watch NBC live without the hefty price tag of traditional cable. One of the standout features of Peacock is that Premium subscribers can watch their local NBC affiliate live, which means you get access to NBC’s prime-time shows, breaking news, and live events like Sunday Night Football and major sporting events, all without paying for a full cable package. In addition, you can watch livestreams of the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, and Hallmark Mystery, as well as cable channel REELZ.
Beyond NBC’s regular programming, Peacock also offers an extensive sports lineup, making it a solid choice for sports fans. You can catch Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, and Premier League soccer, along with a wide range of other sports like cycling, figure skating, golf, NASCAR, IndyCar, snow sports, and WWE. The service also includes coverage of major events like the French Open, U.S. Soccer, and SuperMotocross.
ESPN+
For sports fans who enjoy non-marquee matchups, ESPN+ is the go-to standalone streaming service. It offers an impressive array of live events, making it an excellent choice for those who want to watch sports outside of a traditional cable package. ESPN+ is the home of the NHL’s out-of-market streaming service, so it hosts thousands of hockey games every year and is also the place to find UFC pay-per-view events.
In addition, you can find select NFL games on the service — including occassional exclusives — as well as tons of college football, basketball, and many other sports. ESPN+ also airs hundreds of hours of PGA Tour coverage every season as well. It also offers extensive coverage of Grand Slam tennis, college sports (including football, basketball, baseball, and more from major conferences like the Big 12, SEC, ACC, and The American), and top international soccer leagues and tournaments, including La Liga, Bundesliga, and the FA Cup.
However, while ESPN+ is an excellent option for sports enthusiasts, it’s important to note that it doesn’t offer full live TV coverage of the ESPN family of networks, so if you’re looking for a more comprehensive streaming experience, you may want to consider Hulu + Live TV. ESPN+ is included for free with a Hulu + Live TV subscription, which gives you access to a broader range of entertainment channels and live TV options, making it a better all-in-one choice for those who need both sports and general TV programming.
Prime Video
Prime Video is best known as a top-tier on-demand streaming service, offering a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, including critically acclaimed hits like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Boys”. However, it’s not just about on-demand entertainment, Prime Video has also been expanding its live sports offerings, making it a great choice for viewers who want both flexibility and live sports coverage.
While Prime Video primarily focuses on on-demand content, it stands out by offering live sports as well. You can watch “Thursday Night Football” each week during the NFL season, along with a variety of other live sports events. Some notable live coverage includes the WNBA, NWSL, and games featuring the Seattle Kraken (NHL) and the New York Yankees (MLB). In addition, Prime Video broadcasts Premier Boxing Champions, Overtime Elite (youth basketball), Professional Pickleball Association, and ONE Championship (MMA).
Looking ahead, Prime Video will continue to grow its live sports lineup, with major additions like the NASCAR Cup Series and NBA games set to join the platform in 2025. This makes Prime Video an increasingly attractive option for sports fans, especially since users can also subscribe to out-of-market sports packages like MLB.TV and NBA League Pass directly through the Prime Video platform, adding even more live sports options.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is primarily known for its stellar collection of original programming, including hit shows like “Ted Lasso,” “The Morning Show,” and “Foundation.” It’s an excellent service for anyone who loves high-quality, critically acclaimed TV shows and movies. However, Apple TV+ also offers some live streaming options, making it a versatile choice, especially for those who may already have a subscription through an Apple bundle.
While its live sports offerings are still relatively limited compared to other services, Apple TV+ has made a significant push into live sports, with a growing lineup. One of its key features is “Friday Night Baseball,” which brings live MLB games every week, including exclusive broadcasts. Additionally, all Apple TV users can subscribe to MLB Season Pass, providing coverage of more games throughout the season; Apple TV+ customers receive a discount to the domestic soccer league’s service
What sets Apple TV+ apart is its unbeatable value at its price point. While it might not yet offer a broad selection of live TV, the service is highly affordable and offers excellent value, especially when bundled with other Apple services. For fans of Apple TV+ originals and those who want a little live sports without breaking the bank, this is a great option.
Free services with linear TV streaming
While I always recommend paid live TV services for the best overall experience, there’s definitely value in exploring the many free TV streaming options available. Most of these services offer a solid mix of on-demand movies and TV shows, and while their live channels may vary (some are truly live, and others just feature reruns) they can still be a great way to get some free entertainment. I recommend giving a few of them a try to see which one fits your needs best!
| Free Service | Channels | Best Features | Paid Upgrade Available? | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pluto TV | 250+ | Rerun channels of shows like “Star Trek,” “Cheers,” and “I Love Lucy” | No | Watch Now |
| Tubi | 260+ | Best VOD library, 107 local news channels | No | Watch Now |
| Sling Freestream | 500+ | Chance to win cash prizes | Yes | Watch Now |
| Philo Free | 90+ | 30-day DVR | Yes | Watch Now |
| Plex | 1,200+ | Watch/share videos on your hard drive | Yes | Watch Now |
| Roku Channel | 400+ | Original films and shows | No | Watch Now |
| Zeam | 300+ | Lots of local news channels | No | Watch Now |
| NewsON | 290+ | Lots of local news channels | No | Watch Now |
| Freevee | 500+ | Includes YouTube hits like “Hot Ones” and “MrBeast” | No | Watch Now |
It’s worth keeping in mind that these services will not operate the same as a traditional live TV streaming service does, and there are limitations.
What about the other services?
As I mentioned at the start, there are a ton of live TV streaming services, but not every one of them is included in our best list. When trying to figure out the best live TV streaming service, I had to cut some of the options out to keep things manageable and to better help you make a decision. If you haven’t found exactly what you’re looking for above, take a few minutes to enter your must-have channels into our Matchmaker tool below. Once you’ve entered all the channels that you and your family like to watch, the tool will show you the streaming services where they are available.
Live TV streaming frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between ad-supported and ad-free streaming services?
Ad-supported streaming services allow you to stream content at a lower cost, sometimes even for free. In exchange, the service includes advertisements that play during the content, which are typically short commercials that interrupt the viewing experience, much like traditional TV. Examples of ad-supported platforms include Hulu’s basic plan, Peacock, and YouTube. While this can be a downside for some viewers, the lower cost or free access is a benefit, especially for budget-conscious users. Additionally, ad-supported services often provide a more flexible entry point for new subscribers who may want to try out a service before committing to a full subscription.
On the other hand, ad-free streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+, offer a premium, uninterrupted viewing experience for a fixed monthly fee. Users pay for these services, and in return, they can watch their favorite movies, TV shows, and exclusive content without any interruptions. These ad-free platforms tend to focus on providing a seamless, high-quality user experience, which many people find worth the extra cost. While ad-free services are more expensive, they cater to viewers who prefer uninterrupted content and don’t mind paying for that convenience and enhanced experience.
Can you share streaming services with friends and family?
Sharing streaming services with friends and family is a common practice, and many streaming platforms allow it through multiple user accounts or profiles under a single subscription. For example, Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu allow multiple users to stream content at the same time under a single account, depending on the plan you have. This is a great way to save money while still giving everyone access to their favorite shows and movies. Many services even let users create different profiles for each member of the household, ensuring personalized recommendations and viewing histories for everyone. However, it’s important to note that most services have policies about account sharing, and these are intended for household use only. Sharing with people outside your household could violate the terms of service.
That said, many streaming services have become stricter in enforcing account-sharing policies. For example, Netflix recently introduced measures to limit sharing outside of one’s household, requiring users to verify devices through email or text for those trying to log in from different locations. While some families may still find ways to share accounts, it’s important to be aware of the platform’s rules to avoid potential account suspensions or additional fees. Ultimately, sharing streaming accounts is a good way to reduce costs, but users should be mindful of the terms to ensure they stay within the allowed guidelines.
Are streaming bundles worth buying?
Streaming bundles can be a great way to save money if you enjoy content from multiple services that are part of the bundle. For example, bundles like Disney+ and Hulu, or Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, often offer a discount compared to subscribing to each service individually. These bundles give subscribers access to a variety of content from different platforms at a lower overall cost than subscribing to each on its own, which can be especially appealing if you’re a fan of different genres or types of content. Bundles can also be convenient, as you only need to manage one subscription payment, which simplifies billing and access across platforms. In some cases, bundles can even include access to extra perks, like live sports or exclusive shows, which add value.
However, whether a streaming bundle is worth it or not is a very personal thing, and depends on how you consume content. If you only watch content from one or two services included in a bundle, you may end up paying for content you don’t use. For example, if you only watch shows on Disney+ and have little interest in sports on ESPN+ or Hulu’s original programming, a bundle might not provide the best value. It’s important to evaluate what content each service offers and how much you actually watch to determine if the bundle is a cost-effective choice. While bundles can offer savings, they may not always be the right fit for every viewer, so it’s important to weigh the benefits carefully based on your preferences.
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