Choosing a live TV streaming service can be overwhelming in 2024. From pricing and channel selection to DVR capabilities and device compatibility, there are many factors to consider before you cut the cable cord. As more households switch to streaming, competition among providers has grown—and so have the features. Below, we’ll compare the top live TV streaming services available today to help you find the best fit for your needs.
TLDR: If you’re looking for the most comprehensive offering, YouTube TV stands out with a large channel selection, unlimited DVR, and excellent app support. Sling TV is a good budget choice, while Hulu + Live TV provides a great all-in-one solution with access to Hulu’s on-demand content. For sports fans, FuboTV leads the pack with its deep sports catalog. Each service caters to different needs, so it’s crucial to identify what matters most to you before subscribing.
1. YouTube TV
Price: $72.99/month
Channels: 100+ including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, CNN, FX, and more
DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR with 9-month storage
YouTube TV has quickly risen to become one of the top choices in the market. It offers a broad selection of national and local channels, a user-friendly interface, and compatibility with nearly all streaming devices and smart TVs. Its unlimited DVR feature is unmatched and a huge advantage for viewers who like to record shows for later.
It also provides multiple user profiles, simultaneous streams, and full access to local sports and news affiliates in most areas.
2. Hulu + Live TV
Price: $76.99/month (includes Hulu on-demand, Disney+, and ESPN+)
Channels: 85+ including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, HGTV, Bravo, and more
DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR
Hulu + Live TV offers a compelling package for families and general entertainment lovers. In addition to live TV, users gain access to Hulu’s massive on-demand library, exclusive series, and a bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+.
This service is great for those who want both live television and robust streaming options in the same platform. However, the interface can be a bit confusing for new users, and it falls slightly behind others in regard to sports channel depth.
3. Sling TV
Price: $40/month for Sling Orange or Sling Blue; $55/month for both
Channels: 30-50+ depending on the package
DVR: 50 hours included; upgrade to 200 hours for $5/month
Sling TV is a highly customizable and budget-friendly option. It offers two base plans—Orange (more focused on sports and family content) and Blue (geared towards news and entertainment)—or you can combine both. While the channel selection is smaller compared to other providers, Sling allows affordable add-on packages to tailor the service to your interests.
It’s ideal for cord-cutters who only need specific channels and want to save money. However, Sling does not offer access to CBS or all local channels in many areas, which may be a limitation.
4. FuboTV
Price: Starting at $74.99/month for the Pro Plan
Channels: 170+ including sports-heavy networks like NFL Network, NBA TV, ESPN, and regional sports networks
DVR: 1000 hours Cloud DVR
FuboTV is a dream come true for sports enthusiasts. It boasts a deep lineup of live sports programming including international soccer, NBA, NHL, and NFL coverage. Entertainment and news offerings are also strong, but if you are not heavily invested in sports, the higher price point might not be justified.
Its user experience is smooth and the app is solid across different platforms. The 1000-hour DVR offering makes it easy to record entire tournaments or seasons. Recently, Fubo added features such as real-time stats and multiview mode, enhancing the sports viewing experience.
5. DirecTV Stream
Price: Starting at $79.99/month
Channels: 75–150+ channels depending on the plan
DVR: Unlimited DVR (requires login every 90 days)
DirecTV Stream is the most similar to traditional cable TV, complete with HBO Max and major regional sports networks in its higher-tier plans. It’s one of the few streaming services that carry Bally Sports networks, making it a rare option for local sports fans in certain markets.
However, users may find its pricing noticeably higher than competitors. DirecTV Stream also requires a strong internet connection and doesn’t offer many of the flashy modern features found in platforms like YouTube TV or FuboTV.
6. Philo
Price: $25/month
Channels: 60+ including AMC, HGTV, Discovery, and Comedy Central
DVR: Unlimited DVR for 1 year
Philo is the most affordable live TV option on the list and is best suited for viewers who don’t care about sports or local networks. It focuses primarily on lifestyle and entertainment channels and skips expensive corporate media like ESPN and CNN to keep costs low.
It’s an excellent secondary service if you already have other means of watching local sports and news, or if your interests lean toward reality TV, cooking shows, and dramas.
Comparison Table
| Service | Price | Channels | DVR | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | 100+ | Unlimited | General use, DVR users |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99 | 85+ | Unlimited | Families, streaming bundle lovers |
| Sling TV | $40–$55 | 30–50+ | 50–200 hrs | Budget-conscious users |
| FuboTV | $74.99 | 170+ | 1000 hrs | Sports fans |
| DirecTV Stream | $79.99+ | 75–150+ | Unlimited* | Local sports, premium content |
| Philo | $25 | 60+ | Unlimited (1 year) | Casual viewers, non-sports fans |
Other Factors to Consider
When selecting a service, consider the following:
- Device Compatibility: Most services work on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and mobile devices, but check before you subscribe.
- Simultaneous Streams: Some offer as few as one stream, while others allow up to ten at once in the same household.
- Local Channel Coverage: Availability of ABC, CBS, FOX, etc., depends on your region.
- Free Trials: Most major services offer at least a 5- to 7-day free trial period.
Conclusion
The best live TV streaming service for you