Find the best alternative to a cable package with these live television streaming plans.
While you may spend your weekends binge-watching the latest streaming documentary or reality show season, there is still that gene se qua about live television. Maybe it's watching the series finale of Vanderpump Rules as it airs so you won't be spoiled or catching the latest March Madness game with friends, live TV still has a primetime spot on our screens. To get the best of both worlds, we recommend opting for a streaming service with live TV packages.
From sporting events to star-studded awards shows like the upcoming CMT Music Awards, you can cut the cable cord and sign up for a streaming service that lets you watch events as they happen. Whether you're a huge sports fan who doesn't want to miss a game or a potential subscriber who wants to save while getting as many channels as possible, we've curated a list of the best options to stream live TV so you can find the right option for your viewing needs.
The Best Overall Live TV Streaming Services
If you're looking for a little bit of everything when it comes to live TV, you'll want to consider these streaming platforms that offer the most bang for your buck.
Hulu + Live TV
A standard Hulu + Live TV subscription gets you more than 75 channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ESPN 2, The CW, A&E, FX, Pop TV, TBS, TNT, USA and more. The streamer's live TV tier grants you access to a wide range of news, live sports and events — all available live or on-demand.
With a Hulu + Live TV subscription, you can watch on multiple devices, plus record live TV with unlimited DVR storage. Hulu + Live TV also includes access to regular ad-supported Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ which gives you access to great originals like Only Murders in the Building and The Mandalorian, plus all kinds of sports coverage.
Hulu + Live TV starts at $77 per month.
Philo TV
Philo is a great budget-friendly option for the TV watcher looking for a little bit of everything. The platform has over 70 channels available to watch live or record on unlimited DVR space, including HGTV, Lifetime, AMC, BBC America, the Hallmark Channel, plus kids channels like Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons. Philo also has a substantial library of on-demand titles and add-on options including MGM+ and Starz.
Philo is available for $25 per month. New subscribers can try Philo free for one week.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream — the streaming service formerly known as AT&T TV — follows a no-contract, no-hassle, loads-of-channels script that cable vets will likely find refreshing — but still utilizes the familiar tiered packages and pricing. No matter what your viewing needs are, from keeping up with the 2024 MLB season to watching the evening news, DirecTV Stream should have a monthly package that will fit your streaming needs.
Prices on DirecTV Stream services start at $95 per month, but right now new subscribers save up to $45 during their first three months.
Frndly TV
One of the most affordable live TV providers, Frndly TV gives customers access to 40+ channels, including favorites like A&E, Lifetime, the Hallmark Channel, Great American Family and more. Every show is available for 72 hours after airing, but you can also record multiple shows at a time with the unlimited DVR and keep them for up to 9 months.
Plans start at just $7 per month and Frndly TV offers eligible customers a free 7-day trial.
Best Live TV Streaming Services for Sports Fans
Whether you love March Madness, baseball, soccer, WWE, or you're an all-around sports fanatic in general, these are the best live TV streaming platforms for catching all of your favorite team's games.
FuboTV
Though FuboTV offers a wide range of 200+ channels, its main focus is on sports. The streaming platform's base tier subscription plan provides access to ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, FS1, the NFL Network and so much more.
FuboTV plans start at $80 per month. New and eligible customers can try it out at no cost because FuboTV currently offers new subscribers a seven-day free trial.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a great budget-friendly streaming option for sports fans. The service offers access to more than 40 channels, including ESPN, Disney, USA, Comedy Central, SYFY, FS1, TBS and Fox (based on your local available channels).
Sling TV plans start at $40 monthly, with their most expensive base plan starting at $60 per month. Customers also have the option to add special packages for an extra fee.
Peacock
Peacock Premium Plus subscribers enjoy access to their local NBC channel live 24/7. Premium Plus and Premium Peacock users have access to live sports including Sunday Night Football, the Premiere League, WWE, Golf, SuperMotocross and more.
Peacock subscriptions start at $6 per month and go up to $12 per month. Customers also have the option to sign up for the year, in which they get 12 months of the streaming service for the price of 10 months.
Paramount+ with Showtime
Get access to everything CBS Sports has to offer, including the NFL on CBS, the PGA Tour, the Masters and NCAA Division 1 men's basketball. Soccer fans will be especially happy with tons of soccer action available on the platform including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League.
Paramount+ with Showtime currently has two subscription tiers available: The Essential plan is ad-supported and costs $5 per month, granting access to the platform's entire library. The Premium plan is ad-free and includes access to your local live CBS station for $10 monthly. You can also try Paramount+ with Showtime free for one week.
Sign Up for Paramount+ with Showtime
Best Free Live TV Streaming Service
The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel gives viewers free, premium live TV at no cost. From classics like Murder, She Wrote to Family Feud and Duck Dynasty to Dateline, there is all kinds of content to keep you entertained. They also have Roku Originals which you can't watch anywhere else, like Weird: The Al Yankovic Story starring Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al.
There is one slight catch to watching the Roku Channel. While you can download the Roku app to your smartphone or watch from your web browser, to stream directly from your TV you'll need a smart TV that supports Roku or you'll need to purchase a streaming player that attaches to your TV.
These devices are sold for as low as $30. You can also add your other streaming services to the Roku player, which is especially handy for those without a smart TV or frequent travelers who want to watch all their streaming platforms from the comfort of their Airbnb or hotel.
Pluto TV
The fully free streaming service offers over 200 channels to stream, including content from MTV Pluto TV, Comedy Central Pluto TV, Fuse, Paramount Movie Channel, Food TV and even kid's channels like Nick Jr. and Pluto TV Kids. There are channels devoted entirely to popular shows as well, so you can always catch an episode of CSI, Survivor, Star Trek, Dr. Phil and more.
The platform boasts an ever-changing (and growing) selection of channels, shows and movies to stream live or on-demand, so if you're one of the few who truly miss the opportunity to endlessly scroll, Pluto TV might be right for you.
Pluto TV, Paramount+ with Showtime, Nickelodeon, CBS and ET are all subsidiaries of Paramount.
RELATED CONTENT:
