Are you an avid fan of sports, news, or reality television? Do you want to be able to access your favorite shows and events from anywhere? If so, live streaming services are the perfect way to stay up to date with the latest programming. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the top live streaming options available on the market today.
Introduction to Live Streaming Services
Live streaming services are becoming more and more popular as people look for ways to watch their favorite shows and movies without the hassle and expense of a cable subscription. Live streaming services allow you to watch content when it airs, or to watch it on-demand whenever you like. You can access these services through a variety of devices, including your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. There are a number of different live streaming services available, each with its own unique set of features. Read on to learn more about the various live streaming services you can use to enjoy your favorite content.
Hulu (With Ads)
Hulu (With Ads) is an excellent choice for live streaming services. It offers a variety of subscription plans, starting as low as $6.99 for Hulu, or $69.99 for Hulu Live TV now with Disney and ESPN included. With no-hassle setup, no hidden fees, and access to thousands of hit shows, movies, and more from the Hulu streaming library, it’s a great option for those who want to make the switch from cable. Plus, Hulu (With Ads) Live TV now includes Unlimited DVR at no additional cost for $69.99/month. Ads are typically shown at the beginning and end of each show or movie, so you don’t have to worry about them interrupting your viewing experience.
Top Live TV Streaming Services Compared
Now that we have discussed Hulu and their ad-supported option, let’s compare the top live TV streaming services in terms of price and channel selection. The cheapest live TV streaming service is Philo TV which carries 65 channels, and includes A&E, Discovery Channel, Comedy Central, and more. YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Philo, fuboTV, and Sling TV are the best live TV streaming services. Of these five services, YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV are the most expensive with fees starting at $65/month while Philo, fuboTV, and Sling TV are the less expensive options. Each of these services offers a number of channels to choose from, so you are sure to find something that fits your budget.
Combining Old and New Streaming Services
For those looking to combine old and new streaming services, there are now several options. Disney has already merged FX Now into Hulu and Simpsons World into Disney Plus. ViacomCBS has announced that they will incorporate their Viacom streaming services into CBS All Access. HBO Max and Discovery are set to combine into a single streaming service by summer of 2023, and Paramount and Peacock are already the streaming home for live shows such as Saturday Night Live and awards shows like The Oscars. For those looking for an all-in-one solution, Oneflix is the go-to option, with over 300 free and paid streaming services all in one place. Consumer Reports’ guide to streaming video services is a great way to keep up with the latest pricing, programming, and new services available.
Best for Replacing Cable
For those looking for a true cable replacement, DirecTV Stream is the perfect service. With its high price tag comes a hefty channel lineup, and the service’s top option includes over 65 channels, including HBO and Cinemax. Plus, DirecTV Stream is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. However, if you’re looking for more of a budget-friendly option, Philo is your best bet. This live streaming service offers over 50 channels for just $20 a month and features popular networks such as AMC, Comedy Central, and MTV. Hulu with Live TV is another great alternative for cable replacement, and it’s the only streaming service that bundles both live TV and on-demand services. It also boasts some of the best original programming such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Castle Rock.
Best All-in-One Service
Hulu is one of the best, all-in-one options for cord cutters, given its diverse set of streaming options. In addition to a strong library of classic shows, Hulu also offers a live TV service with more than 65 channels—including ESPN and local channels—and an impressive 50 hours of included Cloud DVR storage. With Hulu, you can also add premium networks like HBO and Showtime for an extra fee. In addition to the live TV streaming service, Hulu also offers a large library of on-demand content for no extra subscription cost. All in all, Hulu is the perfect solution for those who want the best of both worlds: traditional TV and streaming video.
Live TV Streaming Services Coverage Areas
Live TV streaming services coverage areas can vary greatly from one provider to another. Spectrum TV, for example, will not say which channels will come with your package, but if you live in an area where all of their channels are available, there could be an extensive range of content. Hulu with Live TV, on the other hand, offers a single plan with 75 channels and access to the Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus on-demand libraries. YouTube TV offers 85 channels and access to additional on-demand content as well. fuboTV also offers 85 channels and access to a variety of on-demand content, and Sling Orange provides access to 30 channels and access to select on-demand content. All of these services are available in most coverage areas in the US, so you can get the content you need no matter where you live.
Best for Sports Fans
Sports fans have a lot of great options when it comes to live streaming services. Hulu Live TV offers a wide range of regional sports networks, and DIRECTV STREAM is our go-to overall pick for those interested in streaming live channels. Sling TV also has a great selection of sports-specific cable channels, and Paramount Plus is the best choice for golf fans. YouTube TV has excellent recording capabilities, and Sling TV offers great customization options. With these services, sports fans can stay up to date on their favorite teams without having to pay for a cable package.
Sling Orange
Sling Orange is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly way to watch their favorite shows, movies, and sports. It is one of the most affordable streaming services, with plans starting at just $20/month. You can get all the major networks, such as ABC, NBC, and FOX, as well as some popular cable networks like ESPN and AMC. You can also get access to select premium networks, like HBO Max and Starz. With Sling Orange, you’ll have access to a great selection of on-demand content and access to select local channels in select markets. Sling Orange also has a cloud DVR feature that allows you to record up to 10 hours of programming for later viewing.
Best TV Bundles
For those looking for a comprehensive live streaming service, there are a few great TV bundles available. Sling Orange Blue combines Sling’s two most popular packages and provides the most channels at the lowest price. Philo offers live TV and on-demand content in a single package, while Disney bundles its streaming service with Hulu. For those looking for more premium features, Xfinity and Peacock Premium both offer great options. Finally, YouTube TV is the best for overall experience and DVR capabilities. With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect bundle for your needs.
