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Thinking about alternatives to cable? Live TV streaming services provide an easy way to watch cable channels without needing a contract. These cable replacements stream over the internet, but unlike on-demand services such as Netflix, they let you channel surf among the most popular live channels. For a flat monthly fee, subscribers can watch sports, news broadcasts and primetime TV shows. We've compared all of the apps on mobile devices, streaming sticks and smart TVs.
While live TV streaming is more sophisticated than ever, some services cost the same as the cable services they are designed to replace. Indeed, pricing and channel availability are in a constant state of flux. After recent increases, Hulu's live platform is now $90 a month, YouTube TV is $83, and DirecTV, Fubo and Philo have also gone up. Meanwhile, Fubo and Hulu have announced they will merge, pending regulatory approval. But change is all part of the brave new world of live TV streaming. Here's what you need to know.
What's the best live TV streaming service overall?
We've tested all of the popular paid live TV streaming services including Sling TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV, Philo and Fubo. Among this competition, our top choices in this category are YouTube TV and the budget-friendly Sling TV. At the affordable end of the spectrum, Sling's Blue package carries many basic channels for $46 a month, while YouTube's channel lineup is worth the $83. Each service provides a user-friendly layout and a blend of live channels with unlimited DVRs and on-demand content. Beyond those two, all of the cancel-anytime live TV packages we've evaluated on this list allow you to watch local and national news and live sports and events. You can stream live channels such as CNN, NBC, ESPN and Fox on a host of different devices. You can compare the services' channel lineups here.
Best live TV streaming services of 2026
Ty Pendlebury/CNET Photo Gallery 1/1 Ty Pendlebury/CNET Best for on-demand Hulu Plus Live TV 8.8 /10 SCORE Pros Unlimited DVR
Inclusion of Disney Plus and Hulu on-demand content
Solid channel roster Cons Price hike
YouTube TV's channel selection is better For people who want the best mix of live streaming and on-demand, Hulu Plus Live TV is a good option. Its channel selection may not be as robust as YouTube TV, but it's almost there -- especially with the addition of PBS and Magnolia. Yet, it's Hulu's significant catalog of on-demand content that helps set it apart. Hulu's exclusive titles include Shogun and Only Murders in the Building, plus it has a massive catalog of broadcast programming, which grants it a content advantage no other service can match. The $90 service includes an unlimited DVR plus the ad-supported version of the Disney Bundle (Hulu Basic, Disney Plus and ESPN Select), and if you want the ad-free bundle, the price is $100. In terms of usability, the interface is friendly with plenty of options for content discovery, and all of the sections are clearly marked. Like most of its competition, it has an unlimited DVR, so you will have plenty of space for any program you feel like marathoning later on. The only annoyance is that if you want to record a show while you're watching it live, you need to exit to the guide to press the record button. Last year, Hulu announced it was merging with Fubo in a deal that ended the litigation between the two companies over the Venu Sports streaming service. The merger is subject to regulatory approval, and no official date has been set. Top channels not available on Hulu Plus Live TV: AMC, BBC America and NBA TV. ... Show more Get it now $90 at Hulu Specs & Configurations Price $90 Simultaneous streams 2, but you can pay extra for unlimited Channels Over 95 Learn more Hulu Plus Live TV review Add to compare
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