Take note of how many screens you can watch at a time. For example, YouTube TV allows you to stream on three devices at once, while Hulu grants you two, with the option to pay extra for more screens. Look for platform offerings that fit your household's needs.
You can choose a streaming service subscription that aligns with your budget, and there are multiple services available. Prices range from $25 to over $100 per month, depending on what you want. When considering costs, review the channel selection, cloud DVR abilities, price of premium add-ons, and how many devices you can stream on simultaneously.
Live TV streaming services may offer different packages and add-ons for viewers, but you want to ensure you can watch your local channels along with cable networks and on-demand videos. Not every service provides access to local programming (like PBS, ABC or NBC), sports or channels you'd typically find on cable and satellite TV. Compare channel lineups before choosing.
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review products and services. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
If you've been considering ways to replace cable, live TV streaming services offer a convenient method of watching cable channels without a contract. These cable replacements are streamed 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, these services offer can watch sports, news broadcasts, primetime TV shows, and we have compared all of the apps on mobile devices, streaming sticks and smart TV. Plus, as many of these services offer unlimited recordings, you can record all of your shows and watch them later.
While the live TV streaming available today is more sophisticated than ever, some services cost the same as the cable they are designed to replace. Indeed, pricing and channel availability are in a constant state of flux. After recent increases YouTube TV is now $83, DirecTV bumped its price up to $87, Fubo's basic package now costs $85 and Hulu Plus Live TV is now $83. Meanwhile, Fubo and Hulu have announced they would merge -- pending regulatory approval. But change is all part of the brave new world of live TV streaming over the internet. Here's what you need to know.
Want to save even more money? See the Best Free TV Streaming Services: Plex, Pluto TV and more.
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 Hulu Plus Live 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 Hulu's live offerings include a Disney streaming bundle for $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 bundles 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 2025
Sarah Tew/CNET Photo Gallery 1/1 Sarah Tew/CNET Best streaming service for sports DirecTV 7.4 /10 SCORE Pros Good for channel surfers
Offers most regional sports networks on higher tier Cons Expensive
Not as many non-sports channels as competitors DIrecTV, formerly known as DirecTV Stream, is the most expensive service at $87, 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. DirecTV recently announced its Genre Packs, starting at $35, which slim down channel offerings into compact packages. These are MySports for $70 a month, MyEntertainment (which includes more than 40 channels, such as Food and FX), MyNews and MiEspañol. Subscribers can add Mini Packs to these, which include sports and movies. For cord-cutters who want to follow their local NBA or MLB team, DirecTV's $130 Choice package is a competitive live TV sports pick, because it has access to more regional sports networks than the competition. Additionally, DirecTV includes channels some other services can't, including almost 250 local PBS stations. Top channels not available in base package: MLB Network, NFL Network and Travel Channel. ... Show more Get it now $87 at DirecTV Specs & Configurations Price $87 Simultaneous streams 2, but you can pay extra for unlimited Channels Over 90 Learn more DirecTV review Add to compare
Hulu Photo Gallery 1/1 Hulu Start your 3-day free trial Hulu Plus Live TV Watch live and on-demand TV from 100-plus top channels, including sports and news. Stream full seasons of exclusive series, hit movies, current episodes, Hulu Originals and more on Hulu, along with endless entertainment on Disney Plus and live sports on ESPN Plus. ... Show more Get it now $83/month at Hulu
How we test live TV streaming services Sling TV We have ordered these services based on the score each streaming service received in their individual review, and based on a number of criteria including the number of platforms, ease of use, features, cost and channels. We test each service's apps on multiple platforms including Android, iOS, Apple TV, Google TV and internet browsers, and note whenever features aren't available on some of them. Design: We take into account the design of the service including its ease of use, and the layout of the program guide -- for example, how easy it it to find the content you want, or to record a show? Content: A live TV streaming service is only as good as the channels it offers, and we take into account the number of popular channels it supports. We also note any sports offerings, add-on packages, plus the quality of originals and back catalog content. Value: In terms of price, there are three tiers of live TV streaming services: free, budget and premium. While we cover free services here, the budget tier includes services like Philo and Sling TV, while the premium services like YouTube TV cost from $80 and up. We try to balance the other factors such as content and features, and how much they correlate to your "bang for buck." Features: We pay special attention to features like 4K HDR, DVR and number of multiple streams, as well as unique features such as DirecTV's "channel flipping" mechanic which helps the service feel more cable like.
Best live TV streaming services