Best Live TV Streaming Service for Cord Cutters in 2024
Hulu Plus Live TV, YouTube TV and Sling TV allow you to stream live sports, news and premium channels without a contract.
- Ty was nominated for Best New Journalist at the Australian IT Journalism awards, but he has only ever won one thing. As a youth, he was awarded a free session for the photography studio at a local supermarket.
- Although still awaiting his Oscar for Best Picture Reviewer, David does hold certifications from the Imaging Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology on display calibration and evaluation.
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What to consider
Channel lineup
Price
Simultaneous streams
What's the best live TV streaming service overall?
Cutting the cable cord might require you to substitute it with a live TV streaming service. Unlike on-demand platforms, live TV streaming services offer you a live channel lineup, but Hulu's live offering comes with the added perks of the Disney bundle and unlimited DVR. That's why we've chosen Hulu Plus Live TV as our top provider. No other service gives you live channels with blended on-demand content from Hulu and Disney Plus. Its user interface is comparable to its biggest competitor, YouTube TV, and the service is our current top choice because of its layout and content lineup.
These cancel-anytime live TV bundles listed here give you the ability to watch local and national news as well as live sports and events. All you need is a streaming device or smart TV. Whichever you choose, you can stream live channels such as CNN, NBC, ESPN and Fox on a host of different devices. It's easy to get started. You don't even need a technician to stop by your home.
We reviewed and tested these streaming services based on features, cost and channels. Pricing and channel availability are two things that are still in a state of flux. For instance, YouTube implemented an $8 increase, Fubo went up by at least $5, and Hulu Plus Live TV is now $77. Yet, change is all part of the brave new world of live TV streaming over the internet. If you need help deciding on the best streaming service or streaming bundle, read on. We'll continue to update this best streaming service list periodically as things change (which they frequently do).
Read more: Cable vs. Streaming Services: Which Is Cheaper? We Do the Math
Best live TV streaming services of 2024
Hulu Plus Live TV includes the ad-supported version of the Disney Bundle, and existing ad-free bundle increased to $90.
Top channels not available: AMC, BBC America, MLB Network, NBA TV.
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Hulu Plus Live TV includes the ad-supported version of the Disney Bundle, and existing ad-free bundle increased to $90.
Top channels not available: AMC, BBC America, MLB Network, NBA TV.
Best live TV streaming services compared
| Hulu with Live TV | YouTube TV | Sling | Sling Orange & Blue | DirecTV Stream ($75) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $77 | $73 | $40 | $55 | $75 |
| Total Channels | 85+ (with access to Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, Hulu on-demand) | 100+ | 30+ | 45+ | 75+ |
| Number of simultaneous streams | 2 (pay an extra $10/month for more) | 3 | 1 for Sling Orange, 3 for Sling Blue | 4 | Unlimited at home (3 outside home) |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 hours (pay $5/month for 200) | 50 hours (pay $5/month for 200) | Unlimited |
| 4K | No | Some content | No | No | Some content |
In 2024, YouTube TV is the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, with pricing starting at $249 for early birds. In addition, the video streaming service has a $20 monthly upgrade that lets you watch 4K livestreams, of college football in particular. Given a lack of 4K content otherwise, it's not a great value for a resolution boost alone, but it does add an unlimited number of simultaneous streams (up from three) and offline DVR downloads.
While both Sling TV and Hulu are cheaper, YouTube TV is still worth subscribing to if you want tightly integrated search and a great channel selection.
Note: YouTube TV is currently offering the first three months for a $8 discount at $65.
Top channels not available: A&E, History, Lifetime, MLB
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YouTube TV
YouTube TV has more top channels than any competitor at this price, and it's one of only two with local PBS stations currently -- Hulu as the latest arrival. The basic $73 YouTube TV service has an excellent cloud DVR, including both unlimited storage and a generous nine months to watch recordings (most rivals offer 30 days). The interface is no-nonsense, even if a little drab, and yet it offers most of the features a cable service can give you. YouTube TV is also the only one to offer surround sound on live broadcasts.
In 2024, YouTube TV is the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, with pricing starting at $249 for early birds. In addition, the video streaming service has a $20 monthly upgrade that lets you watch 4K livestreams, of college football in particular. Given a lack of 4K content otherwise, it's not a great value for a resolution boost alone, but it does add an unlimited number of simultaneous streams (up from three) and offline DVR downloads.
While both Sling TV and Hulu are cheaper, YouTube TV is still worth subscribing to if you want tightly integrated search and a great channel selection.
Note: YouTube TV is currently offering the first three months for a $8 discount at $65.
Top channels not available: A&E, History, Lifetime, MLB
While Sling doesn't have a free trial, it does offer a cut-down version called Freestream with a number of included channels.
Top channels not available on Sling Blue: CBS, Animal Planet, Disney Channel, ESPN, Nickelodeon. ABC, Fox and NBC are available in select markets.
Top channels not available on Sling Orange: ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Animal Planet, Bravo, CNBC, Discovery Channel, Bravo, Fox News, Fox Sports 1, FX, MSNBC, USA Network.
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Sling TV Blue
If you're looking for the cheapest live TV streaming service, and one which is still able to offer a usable amount of channels, then it's without a doubt Sling TV Blue. Yet, things are a little more complicated than they are for Sling's competitors. You see, Sling tenders two different $40-ish-per-month live TV streaming channel packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue. While a number of live TV channels are common to both, Orange is essentially the ESPN/Disney package, while Blue is the Fox/Discovery package. Meanwhile, Orange & Blue combines the two offerings for $55.
Further, the addition of ABC to five markets has increased its price there to $45 -- while it remains $40 in others. As a result, Sling TV may cost up to $20 more than Philo, but it still has better channels, more options and a comparatively better live TV streaming interface. Sling is also cheaper than most other streaming services, let alone cable. In addition to a relatively affordable price, Sling TV has two new feathers in its cap: an upgraded DVR (increased to 50 hours); and a new interface (as seen above) which makes the service a lot more fun to use.
While Sling doesn't have a free trial, it does offer a cut-down version called Freestream with a number of included channels.
Top channels not available on Sling Blue: CBS, Animal Planet, Disney Channel, ESPN, Nickelodeon. ABC, Fox and NBC are available in select markets.
Top channels not available on Sling Orange: ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Animal Planet, Bravo, CNBC, Discovery Channel, Bravo, Fox News, Fox Sports 1, FX, MSNBC, USA Network.
The service is currently offering a $10 discount on the first three months for new subscribers.
Top channels not available in base package: MLB Network, NFL Network, Travel Channel.
" page-position="" linktext="Read our DirecTV Stream review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/directv-stream-review-expensive-but-the-best-option-for-streaming-nba-and-nhl/" can-collapse="true" collapse-on-page-load="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="" techobjectinfo="" overridecredit="Sarah Tew/CNET" overridecaption="" imagegroup="{"uuid":"6553c140-93b5-431f-b90c-b538f6012186","alt":"01-at-t-streaming-tv","caption":"","credits":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageData":{"id":"6553c140-93b5-431f-b90c-b538f6012186","filename":"01-at-t-streaming-tv.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/81677647f95e3c8efb5904158cd6adeda0a0a681/hub/2019/09/11/6553c140-93b5-431f-b90c-b538f6012186/01-at-t-streaming-tv.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2019-09-11 21:46:43.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/81677647f95e3c8efb5904158cd6adeda0a0a681/hub/2019/09/11/6553c140-93b5-431f-b90c-b538f6012186/01-at-t-streaming-tv.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageAltText":"01-at-t-streaming-tv","imageFilename":"01-at-t-streaming-tv.jpg","imageWidth":3000,"imageHeight":2000,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2019-09-11","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="false" ng-block="{"id":"ihhnt9kywq3k9le","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__a36d54a4-b599-4e27-b980-a34992ad796d" index="4" imagecredit="Sarah Tew/CNET" tagslugs="disney-plus,apple-tv-plus,amazon-prime,nbc-peacock,hbo,disney,abc,amazon,cbs,comcast,directv,fox,google,hulu,nbc" contenttype="Best List - Precap" isbestlistredesign="true" filtershortcodetypes="" totalfilteritems="0" pagelayout="Best List - Precap" showdetails="true" suppressautoplay="true" tocheadlineitem="[object Object]" class="c-bestListProductListing">Best for channel flippers, sports fans
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is the equal-most expensive service at $75, but it does have some pluses, including the flipper-friendly ability to swipe left and right to change channels. The service also offers unlimited DVR capability to new users, while existing subscribers need to pay an extra $10 a month.
For cord-cutters who want to follow their local NBA or MLB team, DirecTV Stream's $99 Choice package is our live TV sports pick, because it has access to more regional sports networks than the competition. Additionally DirecTV Stream includes channels some other services can't, including almost 250 local PBS stations.
The service is currently offering a $10 discount on the first three months for new subscribers.
Top channels not available in base package: MLB Network, NFL Network, Travel Channel.
Live TV streaming services we also tested
- Philo: This $25 live TV streaming service offers a variety of channels, but it lacks sports channels, local stations and big-name news networks -- although Cheddar and BBC news are available. Philo offers bread-and-butter cable staples like AMC, Comedy Channel, Nickelodeon and Magnolia Network (formerly DIY), and specializes in lifestyle and reality programming. It now includes an unlimited cloud DVR and optional add-ons from Epix and Starz. We think most people are better off paying extra for Sling TV's superior service, but if Philo has every channel you want, it's a decent deal. Read our Philo review.
- Fubo: There's a lot to like about Fubo -- it offers a wide selection of channels, and its sports focus makes it especially attractive to football fans of all kinds. For NFL in particular, it's one of three services, alongside YouTube TV and Hulu, with NFL Network and optional RedZone. In addition, it's also suited to NBA, NHL and MLB fans who live in an area served by one of Fubo's RSNs. The biggest hole in Fubo's lineup is the lack of Turner networks, including CNN, TNT and TBS -- especially since the latter two carry a lot of sports content. Those missing channels and the price increase to $75 (plus additional RSN fees), make it less attractive than YouTube TV or Hulu for most viewers. Read our Fubo review.
How we test live TV streaming services
While you are probably familiar with the services on this list, it's not fully reflective of every live TV platform available. Fubo, Pluto and Vidgo are among the other services that may offer what you want. There are plenty of other ways to stream and other options to choose. As we analyzed these streaming platforms, we considered a few things.
This list is ordered based on the numerical value I assigned to each streaming service in their individual review, which I determined by design (ease of use and layout), features (like 4K HDR, DVR, number of multiple streams), content (number of channels, sports offerings, add-on packages and quality of originals and catalogs) and value (price compared to these other factors). Click through to the full reviews for more details.
How to shop for cord-cutting live TV services
Each of the TV streaming services above offers a different mix of channels, so your first step should be choosing one that carries your "can't miss" cable channels and shows. Some of the most important live channels are local, namely ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. Not every service offers all of them in every area, but the best streaming service for you will include the majority of what you love to watch, so it's worth shopping around.
The live TV streaming service lineups are in constant flux as networks scramble to secure access to popular channels (ones with highly watched original shows and regional sports networks are especially in demand). There's also the chance that a certain cable channel could disappear from a certain service after a network contract expires, which is what happened in 2020 with the regional sports networks.
These negotiations lead to other changes, too. Over the past few years, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu (multiple times), Philo and DirecTV Stream have all raised their prices. Google and Roku resolved a contract dispute that prevented users from downloading the YouTube TV app, while users lost Disney channels for two days due to a different dispute. Adding to this volatility is the fact that sometimes less popular services are simply phased out -- AT&T TV Watch TV, TVision and PlayStation Vue are just three examples.
Broadly, each of these streaming services can be broken down into two main groups: budget, with prices ranging between $25 and $50 and few or no local channels; and premium, with prices from $70 and up, and local channels and supercharged cloud DVRs. That's right, all of the services allow you to record and play back shows, just like a traditional cable or satellite DVR, but they often come with restrictions.
Next, there's the multistream question. If you want to watch more than one program at the same time -- for example, on your living room TV and on a bedroom TV, or the main TV and a tablet or other devices -- you'll want to make sure the video streaming service you're watching has enough simultaneous streams. Sling Orange only allows one stream at a time, and if you try to watch a second, it's blocked. Other services have higher simultaneous stream limits.
Keep in mind that, especially if you do have more than one person watching at once on supported devices, you need to make sure you have fast, reliable broadband internet. A 100Mbps download service will cost around $50 to $60 a month, and sadly that's where the savings of cutting cable can get swallowed up.
Factors to consider
- Does the service offer your "must-have" channels? See CNET's comparison of the top 100 channels here.
- Does it offer local channels in your area?
- How good is the cloud DVR?
- Does the interface make it easy to browse for shows?
- Are there enough simultaneous streams for you and your family?
- Is your internet connection up to snuff? See CNET's guide to improving streaming quality here.
What streaming TV services won't give you
Streaming TV services are great, but there are some things they can't do compared with a traditional cable box.
First, it's worth looking at the channels that you can't get with any of these live TV streaming services. For example, only two of the services are currently able to offer PBS: YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream. Meanwhile, PBS local stations will roll out on Hulu with Live TV in the coming months.
With sports, fans want to make sure they can find the sports channels to follow their teams. Most services carry ESPN and local channels for NFL football, but if you follow a professional baseball or basketball team, you might need its specific channel -- called a regional sports network or RSN -- to watch regular season games. RSN coverage varies widely for each service. Sometimes, even if you live in the right area, you may be mistakenly blacked out due to an IP address error. If this is the case, you can fix this by signing up for a sports-friendly VPN.
Live TV services can be streamed wherever you are with apps for every major device.
Every live TV service's video streaming is a few seconds to a minute or more behind the "live" stream you'll get from your local cable TV or satellite provider. That means you could get a preview of scores or big plays from Twitter, phone alerts or calls from friends slightly before you see the action on screen.
If you're used to 5.1-channel surround offered by cable or even OTA, then you may be disappointed that YouTube is the only service to offer surround sound on live broadcasts. The other services include stereo sound only on live channels, though 5.1 audio is available on some on-demand material.