Like their name indicates, these services let you watch live TV and aim to provide a similar experience to what you would get with a traditional cable provider. This means that you’ll be able to watch sports, local news, and big networks like TNT or ABC. However, unlike traditional cable, live streaming TV services typically cost much less and often don’t make you sign long-term contracts.
Here’s a breakdown of the best non-cable TV options out there if you’re looking to make the switch. Of course, not all of them are the same, differing in price, number of channels, DVR, and availability of live sports.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is probably one of the most well-known examples of live streaming TV services because of how well-rounded it is. Besides offering the main networks, such as ABC, CBS, Fox, and BC, it offers more than 100 channels and unlimited DVR. If you’re a sports fan, YouTube+ also has the NFL Sunday Night Ticket, though you’ll have to pay an additional $378 per year for that, as well as the NFL and the NBA. On the tech side, YouTube TV stands out for its smooth and easy-to-use interface as well as its speedy loading times.
Furthermore, YouTube TV offers different channels if sports aren’t your thing, allowing you to add premium channels like Paramount+ and Showtime for a fee. If you’re looking for a more detailed breakdown, we also have a guide comparing YouTube TV vs. Sling TV.
- Price: Basic plan starts at $82.99 per month
Fubo
Fubo is the service for people who basically only think about sports and only want to watch sports. It doesn’t only offer coverage of one sport, it offers a full-on buffet, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, and college sports. For soccer fans, it even lets you watch some of the biggest European leagues, including the Premier League, Champions League, and Ligue 1. Of course, even big sports fans need a palate cleanser every now and then. Fubo has channels like ABC, CBS, USA, and Bravo, though not all channels are available across the U.S.
Fubo includes unlimited DVR and lets you watch on up to 10 screens. Its entry-level plan has 222 channels.
- Price: Basic plan starts at $84.99 per month
Hulu + Live TV
What makes Hulu + Live TV stand out is its add-ons, in particular, Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. For just $1 more a month ($82.99), you can get 95 channels of live TV plus access to content libraries at the three streaming platforms. There is one catch, though: It’ll include ads. If you want no ads, that’ll cost extra. Hulu + Live TV also offers unlimited DVR and the big networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC).
- Price: Basic plan with live TV only starts at $81.99 per month / $82.99 per month (or $1 more) will give you access Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ with ads
DirecTV Stream
This is another live streaming TV service made to appeal to sports fans. DirecTV Stream is similar to many of its competitors, but it stands out for offering access to regional sports networks. This allows you to watch your local NBA and NHL team during the regular season. Its entry-level plan includes more than 90 channels, unlimited DVR, and access to a library of on-demand movies and shows.
- Price: Entertainment plan starts at $86.99 per month
Google TV vs. Chromecast: Which Streaming Service Is the Best Fit for You?
Sling TV
Sling TV is another big name out there. Though it might not have as many channels as its competitors, this service stands out for its price. Its entry-level plan starts at $45.99 and includes 34 channels. While that might not seem like a lot, this plan does offer a decent mix. It features ESPN, Disney Channel, TBS, and TNT, among others. Notably, the basic plan only allows you to stream on one screen at once. This means that if you have two TVs, you won’t be able to watch Sling TV at the same time. The basic plan also only offers 50 hours of DVR.
However, paying just a little more ($50.99) for the Blue plan will increase the number of channels and the simultaneous screens on your plan, which isn’t a bad deal.
- Price: Orange Plan starts at $45.99 per month
Bottom Line
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you just want the cheapest option with the bare minimum, Sling TV will give you that and more. However, if you want live TV as well as access to three streaming services (Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+) for one price, Hulu might be the choice for you. And for hardcore sports fans, there’s no question: go with Fubo, YouTube TV, or DirecTV Stream.
The good thing about most of these services is that if you don’t like them, you can always cancel and try another one the following month. The world is your oyster.
Image | Xataka On
Related | Best Streaming TV Device: Here Are the Top Media Players of 2025
The post Best Non-Cable TV Options: A Breakdown and Comparison of the Best Live Streaming TV Services appeared first on Xataka On.
