Want to cut the cord, but watch live Television streaming service? Unlike other on-demand services like Netflix or Disney Plus, the platforms mentioned below allow users to enjoy a live channel lineup and channel surf.
Giving up on live TV does not need to cancel the cable contract. Even though they serve a variety of audiences, most video broadcasting services use an internet connection to provide live channels.
For instance, while some live TV services highlight on lifestyle and entertainment programming, others offer premium sports channels and are suitable for a wider audience.
Numerous platforms like online browsers, game consoles, mobile devices, and media streaming devices, are compatible with most tested Live TV Streaming alternatives. Even while these streaming video services are more expensive than others, users can still pay less a month for them than as compared to the cable subscription.
In addition to possible cost savings, some live TV services occasionally include customized channel packages (although these are getting harder to find). Whatever is the motivation for getting rid of cable, be assured that there are more and more ways to stream live TV.
Deciding the Right Live TV Streaming Service
Make sure the channel lineup of the live TV broadcasting service chosen by users suits their tastes before making decision.
Besides, compare the features and cost of the service, observing things like simultaneous streaming, cloud DVR, and any additional costs or commitments.
- Features and User Experience: It’s important to consider the platform’s usability, as well as its features, which include compatible devices, simultaneous streaming, and cloud DVR storage capacity.
- Content Services: Make sure the service offers users’ favorite sports networks, local channels, entertainment channels, and news sources by looking at the channel selection.
- Flexibility and Pricing: In addition to comparing the monthly price to the services and material available, users should look for any long-term obligations, additional costs, or package up- or downsizing flexibility.
Comparison table Live TV Streaming Services
Below is a comparison table that outlines the key features of YouTube TV, Hulu (Hulu Plus Live TV), Philo, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV based on the starting price, sports coverage, DVR storage and retention, concurrent streams, availability of on-demand movies and TV shows, and 4K live streams availability.
| Feature | YouTube TV | Hulu Plus Live TV | Philo | Fubo | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $73/month | $77/month (with ads) | $25/month | $80/month | $80/month | $40/month |
| Sports Coverage | Extensive | Good | Limited | Extensive | Good | Good |
| DVR Storage & Retention | Unlimited (9 months) | Unlimited (9 months) | Unlimited (1 year) | 250 hours (can upgrade) | Unlimited (90 days) | 50 hours (can upgrade) |
| Concurrent Streams | 3 | 2 (can upgrade) | 3 | 2 (can upgrade) | 20 on home network | 1-4 depending on plan |
| On-Demand Movies and TV Shows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 4K Live Streams | Available (add-on) | Not available | Not available | Available (add-on) | Not available | Not available |
Key Points:
- Starting Price: Philo offers the most affordable starting price, but with limited sports coverage and no 4K streaming.
- Sports Coverage: YouTube TV and Fubo are known for their extensive sports coverage, making them ideal for sports enthusiasts.
- DVR Storage & Retention: YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV offer unlimited DVR storage with a 9-month retention period, which is among the best offerings.
- Concurrent Streams: DirecTV Stream offers up to 20 streams on a home network, significantly more than other services.
- On-Demand Content: All services provide a selection of on-demand movies and TV shows, with Hulu Plus Live TV being notable for its significant catalog of on-demand content.
- 4K Live Streams: Both YouTube TV and Fubo offer 4K live streaming as an add-on feature, appealing to viewers looking for higher video quality.
This table provides a snapshot of the key features that differentiate these live TV streaming services, helping you decide which service might best meet your viewing preferences.
Let’s have a look at Top Six Live TV Streaming Services
1. YouTube TV
YouTube TV can be the best substitute for cable. Users can upgrade their membership to include additional packages like NBA League Pass, Acorn TV, and CuriosityStream if users feel YouTube TV collection is still insufficient for them.
HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz are included into the Entertainment Plus package, which costs $30 a month. For $9.99 a month, YouTube TV’s 4K Plus add-on enables 4K broadcasting, support for an infinite number of concurrent streams, and offline DVR viewing.
Users also have limitless cloud DVR storage with YouTube TV. They can stream their footage from anywhere in the US, and the service retains the recordings for nine months.
A neat multiview feature that allows users to view four selected channels at once is presently being tested by YouTube TV.
Upsides
- Ideal lineup of news, sports, and best entertainment channels
- Simplest and Robust DVR features
- Interface is Intuitive
- Supports 3 simultaneous streams every account by default
- Add-ons are Excellent
- Choose a la carte (users’ choice) channel options
Downsides
- Lacks all Bally Sports RSNs and several SportsNet
- Basic Parental Control Choices
2. Hulu
Hulu can be enjoyed by anyone who wants the ease of streaming without giving up on live, conventional television. The current monthly cost of Hulu’s primary on-demand streaming package is $7.99, while the ad-free option is $14.99.
The ad-supported version of Hulu is available to college students for $1.99 a month. The $76.99/month Hulu + Live TV subscription combines the ad-supported broadcasting plan with Hulu’s live TV service.
With the addition of Enhanced Cloud DVR, all subscribers can now store 200 hours of DVR content instead of only 50.
For an additional $9.99 per month, users may upgrade their subscription to include the Unlimited Screens package, which permits an infinite number of simultaneous device streams within home and up to three outside of it.
Upsides
- Best TV series selection
- Broad live TV channel lineup
- Strong option for cloud DVR
- Available on almost every media broadcasting device
- Attractive bundle deals
Downsides
- Base on-demand plan comes with advertisements
- Offline download option needs premium account
- Lesser high-quality originals as compared to competitors
- Missing all Bally Sports RSNs and most SportsNet
3. Philo
People who love entertainment and leisure will find Philo’s live channels extremely satisfying even though they don’t provide local news or sports coverage.
Access content from AMC, Animal Planet, BET, BBC America, Discovery Channel, Comedy Central, HGTV, Food Network, Lifetime, IFC, Logo, and The Travel Channel is available to users when they use Philo.
At just $25 a month, Philo is a majorly more attractive investment than most live TV subscriptions, which often cost much more than the average streaming video provider.
Despite being less expensive, Philo manages well to provide a great selection of channels, dependable streaming, and user-friendly DVR features.
Upsides
- Budget-friendly
- Above 70 channels
- Reliable performance of streaming
- Mobile apps can be easily used
- Simplified use of DVR
Downsides
- Covers no Sports
- Less news channels
- Doesn’t include enough parental control
- Some on-demand and saved content comes with advertisements
4. Fubo
People who love television and wish to enjoy show daily can prefer Fubo. It has great DVR capabilities, supporting up to three streams simultaneously (with an add-on, users may boost this restriction to ten).
Its default storage capacity is 250 hours, but it can be expanded to 1,000 hours. With the Lookback tool, users can catch up on anything they missed up to 3 days after it first streamed, and the Startover option lets them view events that are now airing from the beginning, regardless of when they tuned in.
Sports enthusiasts who want to cut the cord can consider Fubo, this can be an ideal choice.
Users can get roughly 150 channels with its standard membership package, Fubo Starter, which costs $74.99 a month. The precise amount varies according on location of users.
Upsides
- Multiple on-demand entertainment and live sports
- Streaming is reliable
- Superb web interface
- Proficient DVR functionality
- Most 4K content
Downsides
- Costly packages and add-ons
- Several live streams restricted to 720p
- Lacks Turner and A&E channels
5. DirecTV Stream
Users can easily use DirecTV Stream. Having 140 channels on the highest level, the service is somewhat expensive but offers a large channel lineup.
Furthermore, DirecTV Stream is the only live TV streaming service examined that provides (RSNs) regional sports networks from AT&T, Sinclair, and Comcast. ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC are the local broadcast affiliates, and they are all included.
DirecTV Stream is a high-end live streaming service with features to match. In addition to increased DVR capabilities with limitless storage and the capacity to keep nearly 30 episodes for up to 9 months, it enables 20 simultaneous streams and parental control choices.
Upsides
- Reliable performance of streaming in testing
- Supports 20 concurrent streams on users’ home network
- Lineup comprises RSNs from Comcast, Spectrum, and Sinclair,
- Comprises parental control
Downsides
- Costly
- Few interface quirks
6. Sling TV
For those who want more channels to choose from, Sling TV offers add-on channels. Local channels and limited sports broadcasts are available through the basic package.
CNN, AMC, Cartoon Network, BBC America, Disney, Comedy Central, Food Network, ESPN, IFC, HGTV, TNT, TBS, and Travel Channel are among the Blue and Orange tiers that users should definitely check out.
With the variety of customizable options offered by Sling TV, users can design the live streaming package that best suits their needs.
Some on-demand video is also available for free viewing. The cost of its highest levels has gone up over time; the combination plan now costs $60 per month.
Upsides
- Best selection of channel
- Flexible options for subscription
- Free-tier
- Reliable performance of streaming
- Movie rentals available
Downsides
- Prices keep on increasing
- Restricted offering of regional sports networks and local channels
- Unclear channel distribution
The Bottom Line
Make sure you can watch the stations you desire by carefully perusing each service’s channel listing before registering on these sites. Certain services have more restrictions than others, and regional differences may exist in the content, particularly with regard to local channels.
Also, local broadcast networks like ABC and CBS have been added to video streaming platforms; however, not all locations have access to these channels. To receive free over-the-air broadcasts, just install an antenna in case any channel is not shown.
Enjoy Streaming!
Frequently Asked Questions –
1. What is Live TV Streaming Service?
Live TV streaming service lets users watch live TV channels online without a satellite or regular cable subscription.
2. Can users watch Local Channels with Live TV Streaming Services?
Yes, absolutely! Local stations are available on most live TV streaming platforms, although availability varies depending on where users reside and which service they select.
3. Do Live TV Streaming Services need a different Equipment?
Luckily no. Essentially, the majority of live TV broadcasting services are compatible with a wide range of gadgets, including laptops, smartphones, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV. Simply, a strong internet connection is needed.
4. What are the advantages of using a Live TV Streaming Service?
The top advantages of Live TV Streaming Service are:
- Interoperability among devices
- Simple device integration and cordless service
- Broad selection of on-demand media Customization of plans
- Incredibly convenient
- DVR storage facilities available
- No long-term obligations or commitments
5. What distinguishes Video Streaming Service from Live TV Streaming Service?
Just like satellite TV or traditional cable, a live TV streaming service provides real-time television channel broadcasting over the internet. On the other hand, on-demand programming is available for viewing at any time without adhering to a broadcast schedule through video streaming services like Hulu or Netflix.