Three tools to pick the right service
Compare the major live-TV services
| Service | Our score | From /mo | Free trial | Streams | Cloud DVR | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | 8.6 | $40 | None (occasional promos) | 1 (Orange) / 3 (Blue) | 50 hours included | you want the cheapest route into live sports and news and don't rely on local broadcast channels everywhere |
| FuboTV | 9.0 | $80 | 7 days | Up to 10 at home | Unlimited (varies by plan) | you want a sports-heavy lineup with a high channel count and lots of simultaneous streams |
| YouTube TV | 9.3 | $83 | Varies | 3 | Unlimited | you want a broad, mainstream lineup with unlimited DVR and reliable local channels in most areas |
| Hulu + Live TV | 9.0 | $83 | Varies | 2 (unlimited add-on) | Unlimited | you want live TV bundled with a huge on-demand library plus Disney+ and ESPN+ |
| DirecTV Stream | 8.7 | $87 | 5 days | Unlimited at home | Unlimited | you want a cable-like experience with regional sports networks and unlimited in-home streams |
| Philo | 8.4 | $28 | 7 days | 3 | Unlimited (1 year) | you mostly watch entertainment and lifestyle channels and want to pay as little as possible |
Prices are starting monthly prices seen at last review and exclude taxes/fees. Always confirm the current price and channel lineup on the provider’s site.
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Ultra-cheap services promising every channel and every game are almost always unlicensed — and using them can mean malware, sudden shutdowns, and legal exposure. There are affordable, fully legal ways to get the same live TV. See the legal alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best live TV streaming service?
It depends on the channels you watch. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are strong all-rounders, FuboTV and DirecTV Stream lead for sports, and Sling TV is the value pick. Use our channel finder to match a service to your channels.
Is streaming really cheaper than cable?
Usually, if you subscribe only to the services you need and use a free antenna for local channels. Cable bills often add equipment and regional fees that inflate the advertised price.
Do I need a special device to stream live TV?
You need home internet and a streaming device such as a Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV or Chromecast. Many smart TVs already have the apps built in.