You basically have three options for watching live TV at home: Hook up a digital antenna, pay for a cable subscription or sign up for a live TV streaming service. The content you get through a digital antenna is free, but limited to your local broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and PBS). Cable has historically been more expensive than live streaming services, though the gap is narrowing as nearly every streamer has raised its rates in the past year. But unlike cable, you don’t have to enter into a contract when you sign up for Fubo, Philo, Hulu + Live TV or any of the streaming services we cover — plus, you don’t need a cable box, just a smart TV and an internet connection.
Watching live sports is probably the biggest reason people opt for a live TV streaming service, but those who want lots of options for live news and enjoy flipping through a linear stream of shows and movies will also appreciate what these subscriptions offer. Of course, which one is best for you depends on what you want to watch. I tried out all of the major players — including a few free options — to come up with the best live TV streaming services for every type of cord-cutter out there to help you choose.
Table of contents
Best live TV streaming services for 2024
Monthly price: $73/mo. and up | Local channels: Yes | Sports coverage: National, local, international | On-demand: Yes | 4K live streams: Yes (with an add-on) | Total channels: 100+ (base plan) | DVR limits: Unlimited, 9 mo. expiration | Profiles per account: 6 | Simultaneous at-home streams: 3 | Picture-in-picture: Yes (mobile and computer) | Multiview: Yes (select programming) | Contract: No | Free trial: Yes (length varies)
Google’s option makes a strong case for delivering the best streaming service for live TV. Compared to our top pick for sports, YouTube TV covers major and minor teams, regional games and national matchups almost as well. It gives you clear navigation, a great search function, unlimited DVR and broad network coverage. It’s not quite as affordable as it once was, as YouTube recently raised the price to $73 per month – and it’s even more financially precarious if you’re not great at resisting temptation.
Upon signup, you’re presented with nearly 50 different add-ons, including 4K resolution, premium channels and themed packages. Even if you fight the urge to roll Max, Shudder and AcornTV into the mix at signup, the enticement remains as it’s dangerously easy to add more…