Sling TV
From $40/mo (as of June 15, 2026)
you want the cheapest route into live sports and news and don't rely on local broadcast channels everywhere
Visit official siteOpens Sling TV’s official site
Live TV streaming service comparison
Live-TV streaming services compared
| 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 |
| Frndly TV | 8.2 | $8 | 7 days | 2 to 4 (by plan) | Available on higher tiers | you want family-friendly and lifestyle channels like Hallmark and The Weather Channel for a rock-bottom price |
| Vidgo | 7.6 | $60 | Varies | 3 | Limited | you want English or Spanish-language entertainment plus some sports without a contract |
| Xfinity NOW TV | 7.4 | $20 | Varies | 2 | 20 hours | you want a cheap live-TV starter bundle that also includes Peacock Premium |
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.
How to choose a live-TV streaming service
Start with channels, not price. A cheap plan that’s missing your team’s regional network or a favorite cable channel isn’t a bargain. Use the channel finder to shortlist services that carry what you watch, then compare those on price and features.
Next, weigh simultaneous streams against your household size, check whether cloud DVR is included or extra, and confirm the service runs on your devices. Finally, use a free trial to test the lineup and app on your own TV before paying for a full month.
Quick picks by need
FuboTV
From $80/mo (as of June 15, 2026)
you want a sports-heavy lineup with a high channel count and lots of simultaneous streams
Visit official siteOpens FuboTV’s official site
YouTube TV
From $83/mo (as of June 15, 2026)
you want a broad, mainstream lineup with unlimited DVR and reliable local channels in most areas
Visit official siteOpens YouTube TV’s official site
Hulu + Live TV
From $83/mo (as of June 15, 2026)
you want live TV bundled with a huge on-demand library plus Disney+ and ESPN+
Visit official siteOpens Hulu + Live TV’s official site
Double-check before buying
- Confirm local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) are available in your ZIP code — this varies the most.
- Check whether cloud DVR is included or a paid add-on, and how long recordings are kept.
- Match the simultaneous-stream limit to how many people watch at once in your home.
Frequently asked questions
Which live TV service has the most channels?
FuboTV carries one of the largest lineups at 180+ channels, while DirecTV Stream's top tiers are the most cable-like. The best choice is the one that carries your specific channels, not simply the biggest number.
Do live TV streaming services require a contract?
No. The major live-TV streaming services are contract-free, so you can cancel any time. This makes it easy to subscribe seasonally for sports.
Can I watch on more than one TV at once?
Yes, up to each service's simultaneous-stream limit. Limits range from one stream on Sling Orange to unlimited in-home streams on DirecTV Stream, so match the limit to your household.