Looking for a substitute for cable? Live TV streaming may simply be the reply you’ve got been looking for. With aggressive pricing and a wide range of channels, together with sports activities networks and primetime TV reveals, these streaming companies are positively value contemplating. And in case you’re somebody who values contract-free choices, you will discover these apps notably interesting. Not solely do they provide a wider vary of channels in comparison with antennas, however in addition they present the comfort of watching in your desktop or cell gadget.
Right now, there are six fundamental streaming companies to select from: YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo and Philo. However, what actually counts is the number of channels they provide, proper? That’s why we have rigorously reviewed these companies and put collectively an inventory of those that provide the most bang on your buck.
Read extra: Best Sports Streaming Service for 2024
The Big Chart: Top 100 channels in contrast, up to date March 2024
The fundamental distinction between the companies is their channel choice. All of them provide totally different lineups of channels for numerous costs.
Below you will discover a chart that reveals the highest 100 channels throughout all six companies, however notice that not every service has a worthy 100. There are literally seven listed as a result of Sling TV has two totally different “base” tiers, Orange and Blue. And in case you’re questioning, I selected which “high” channels made the reduce. Sorry, AXS TV, Discovery Life, GSN and Universal HD.
Plenty of dwell TV streaming selections can be found to anybody who needs to chop the cable wire. Sling TV’s fundamental packages are $40 in most cities. But prices proceed to go up. Fubo’s worth improve is now official, and DirecTV Stream is $80 per 30 days for its base plan. YouTube TV prices $73 per 30 days, whereas Hulu’s dwell TV service now prices $77 a month with advertisements and $90 with out advertisements. Those modifications are mirrored within the chart under the place relevant.
Some extra stuff to know concerning the chart:
- Yes = The channel is obtainable on the most affordable pricing tier. That worth is listed subsequent to the service’s identify.
- No = The channel is not out there in any respect on that service.
- $ = The channel is obtainable for an additional payment, both a la carte or as a part of a dearer bundle or add-on.
- Regional sports activities networks — native channels dedicated to displaying regular-season video games of specific professional baseball, basketball and hockey groups — should not listed. DirecTV Stream’s $120 tier has probably the most RSNs by far, however just a few can be found on different companies. See our NBA and NHL streaming guides for particulars.
- Local ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, MyNetworkTV and The CW networks should not out there in each metropolis. Since availability of those channels varies, you will need to test the service’s web site to confirm that it carries your native community.
- Local PBS stations are solely at the moment out there on YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream, and a few have been added to Hulu. Again, you will need to test native availability.
- Sling Blue subscribers in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco should now pay $45 per 30 days, however have entry to native ABC, Fox and NBC channels. Customers in Fresno, Houston and Raleigh now have each ABC and Fox on their Blue or Orange-and-Blue subscriptions at no further cost. This shouldn’t be mirrored within the chart. Check Sling’s web site to see which native channels can be found in your space.
- Fubo subscribers might discover that the ACC Network and SEC Network are included with their bundle at no further price. Check availability on your state.
- The chart columns are organized so as of worth, so if you cannot see all the things you need, attempt scrolling proper.
- Overwhelmed? An easier-to-understand Google Spreadsheet is right here.
Philo vs. Sling TV vs. Fubo vs. YouTube TV vs. DirecTV Stream vs. Hulu: Top 100 channels in contrast
| Channel | Philo ($25) | Sling Orange ($40) | Sling Blue ($40) | YouTube TV ($73) | Hulu with Live TV ($77) | DirecTV Stream ($80) | Fubo ($80) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total channels: | 42 | 24 | 35 | 78 | 74 | 57 | 56 |
| ABC | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CBS | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fox | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NBC | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PBS | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| CW | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (restricted) | Yes |
| MyNetworkTV | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Channel | Philo ($25) | Sling Orange ($40) | Sling Blue ($40) | YouTube TV ($73) | Hulu with Live TV ($77) | DirecTV Stream ($80) | Fubo ($80) |
| A&E | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | $ | No |
| ACC Network | No | $ | No | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Accuweather | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| AMC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Animal Planet | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BBC America | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| BBC World News | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | No | $ | No |
| BET | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Big Ten Network | No | No | $ | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Bloomberg TV | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Boomerang | No | $ | $ | No | $ | Yes | No |
| Bravo | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Channel | Philo ($25) | Sling Orange ($40) | Sling Blue ($40) | YouTube TV ($73) | Hulu with Live TV ($77) | DirecTV Stream ($80) | Fubo ($80) |
| Cartoon Network | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| CBS Sports Network | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Cheddar | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Cinemax | No | No | No | $ | $ | $ | No |
| CMT | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CNBC | No | No | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CNN | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Comedy Central | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking Channel | Yes | $ | $ | No | $ | $ | $ |
| Destination America | Yes | $ | $ | No | $ | $ | $ |
| Discovery Channel | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Disney Channel | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Disney Junior | No | $ | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Disney XD | No | $ | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| E! | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESPN | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESPN 2 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESPNEWS | No | $ | No | Yes | Yes | $ | $ |
| ESPNU | No | $ | No | Yes | Yes | $ | $ |
| Channel | Philo ($25) | Sling Orange ($40) | Sling Blue ($40) | YouTube TV ($73) | Hulu with Live TV ($77) | DirecTV Stream ($80) | Fubo ($80) |
| Food Network | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fox Business | No | No | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fox News | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FS1 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FS2 | No | No | $ | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Freeform | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FX | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FX Movies | No | No | $ | Yes | Yes | $ | $ |
| FXX | No | No | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FYI | Yes | $ | $ | No | Yes | $ | No |
| Golf Channel | No | No | $ | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Hallmark | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HBO/Max | No | No | No | $ | $ | $ | No |
| HGTV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| History | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | $ | No |
| HLN | No | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| IFC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Investigation Discovery | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | $ | No |
| Lifetime Movie Network | Yes | $ | $ | No | Yes | $ | No |
| Channel | Philo ($25) | Sling Orange ($40) | Sling Blue ($40) | YouTube TV ($73) | Hulu with Live TV ($77) | DirecTV Stream ($80) | FuboTV ($80) |
| Magnolia Network | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| MGM+ | $ | $ | $ | $ | No | $ | No |
| MLB Network | No | $ | $ | No | No | $ | $ |
| Motor Trend | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MSNBC | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MTV | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MTV2 | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | $ | Yes | $ |
| National Geographic | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nat Geo Wild | No | No | $ | Yes | Yes | $ | $ |
| NBA TV | No | $ | $ | Yes | No | $ | $ |
| NFL Network | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| NFL Red Zone | No | No | $ | $ | $ | No | $ |
| NHL Network | No | $ | $ | No | No | $ | $ |
| Nickelodeon | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nick Jr. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Nicktoons | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | $ | $ | $ |
| OWN | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Oxygen | No | No | $ | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Paramount Network | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Science | Yes | $ | $ | No | $ | $ | $ |
| Channel | Philo ($25) | Sling Orange ($40) | Sling Blue ($40) | YouTube TV ($73) | Hulu with Live TV ($77) | DirecTV Stream ($80) | FuboTV ($80) |
| SEC Network | No | $ | No | Yes | Yes | $ | $ |
| Showtime | No | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| Smithsonian | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Starz | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| Sundance TV | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Syfy | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tastemade | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | No | $ | Yes |
| TBS | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| TCM | No | $ | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| TeenNick | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | $ | Yes | $ |
| Telemundo | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| Tennis Channel | No | $ | $ | No | No | $ | $ |
| TLC | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TNT | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Travel Channel | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $ | Yes |
| TruTV | No | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| TV Land | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA Network | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VH1 | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vice | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | $ | No |
| WE television | Yes | $ | $ | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Channel | Philo ($25) | Sling Orange ($40) | Sling Blue ($40) | YouTube TV ($73) | Hulu with Live TV ($77) | DirecTV Stream ($80) | FuboTV ($80) |
A sequence of worth hikes has introduced numerous further channels to Hulu, together with PBS and entry to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, at a $77 price ticket. Its channel choice is not as strong as YouTube TV and Fubo, but it is Hulu’s important catalog of on-demand content material which units it aside. Exclusive titles akin to The Handmaid’s Tale, The Orville and Only Murders within the Building give it a content material benefit no different service can match.
Live TV subscribers additionally obtain limitless DVR that features fast-forwarding and on-demand playback — at no further price. It’s a transfer that has aligned Hulu with its rivals when it comes to options, however the channel lineup should still be a deciding issue. For instance, the platform not too long ago misplaced Sinclair-owned ABC affiliate channels. It’s $4 greater than YouTube TV which has extra channels, however the entry to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus might make it a extra interesting alternative for you. Read our Hulu Plus Live TV assessment.
With a wonderful channel choice, easy-to-use interface and best-in-class cloud DVR, the $73 per 30 days YouTube TV is without doubt one of the finest cable TV replacements. It provides a $20 4K improve, however the draw back is there is not a lot to observe at current until you watch choose channels. If you do not thoughts paying a bit greater than the Sling TVs of the world, or need to watch dwell NBA video games, YouTube TV provides a excessive normal of dwell TV streaming. Read our YouTube TV assessment.
If you need to save a bit cash and do not thoughts lacking out on native channels, Sling TV is one of the best of the funds companies. Its Orange and Blue packages begin at $40 per 30 days, and you’ll mix them for a month-to-month price of $55 ($60 in some areas). The Orange possibility nets you one stream, whereas Blue offers you three. It’s not as complete or as straightforward to navigate as YouTube, however with a bit of labor, together with including an antenna or an AirTV 2 DVR, it is an unbeatable worth. We’ll additionally add that the service provides native channels akin to ABC and CBS in some areas the place the month-to-month price is $45. Read our Sling TV assessment.
DirecTV Stream is tied with Fubo because the most costly, and its stiffest competitors remains to be Hulu Plus Live TV and YouTube TV. The service does have its pluses, although — for instance, it contains the flipper-friendly means to swipe left and proper to vary channels. Additionally, it contains some channels another companies cannot, together with practically 250 PBS stations nationwide. The $80 Entertainment bundle might fit your wants with its 75-plus channels. But for cord-cutters who need to observe their native NBA or MLB staff, DirecTV Stream’s $109 Choice bundle is our dwell TV streaming decide as a result of it has entry to extra regional sports activities networks than the competitors. Nonetheless, you will need to make sure that your channel is included right here, and never out there on one in all our most popular picks, earlier than you pony up. Read our DirecTV Stream assessment.
There’s lots to love about Fubo — it provides a big selection of channels and its sports activities focus makes it particularly engaging to soccer followers or NBA, NHL and MLB followers who dwell in an space served by one in all Fubo’s RSNs. It’s additionally an excellent alternative for NFL followers because it’s one in all three companies, alongside YouTube TV and Hulu, that provides NFL Network and non-obligatory RedZone. As of February 2024, Fubo is charging extra for its service and entry to Bally Sports RSNs. The greatest gap in Fubo’s lineup is the dearth of Turner networks, together with CNN, TNT and TBS — particularly for the reason that latter two carry a whole lot of sports activities content material, particularly NBA, NHL and MLB. Those lacking channels, and the $80 price ticket, makes it much less engaging than YouTube TV for many viewers. Read our Fubo assessment.
At $25 Philo remains to be an inexpensive dwell TV streaming service with a wide range of channels, but it surely lacks sports activities channels, native stations and big-name information networks — though Cheddar and BBC information can be found. Philo provides bread-and-butter cable staples like AMC, Comedy Channel, Nickelodeon and Magnolia Network, and focuses on life-style and actuality programming. It’s additionally one of many most cost-effective dwell companies that streams Paramount, dwelling of Yellowstone, and it features a cloud DVR and non-obligatory add-ons from Epix and Starz. We suppose most individuals are higher off paying one other $15 for Sling TV’s superior service, but when Philo has each channel you need, it is a respectable deal. Read our Philo assessment.
