Below is a comparison of major live TV streaming providers in 2025, focusing on price and channel lineups. Prices and channel offerings are based on the most recent data available and reflect base plans unless noted. Note that channel lineups vary by region, and some services may require add-ons for specific channels. Always check the provider’s website with your zip code for exact availability.
- Price: $82.99/month
- Channel Count: 100+ channels
- Key Channels:
- Local: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS (in most markets)
- Cable: AMC, Bravo, CNN, Disney, ESPN, ESPN2, Food Network, FX, HGTV, MSNBC, National Geographic, TBS, TNT, USA
- Sports: CBS Sports, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, NBA TV, Tennis Channel
- Exclusive: NFL Sunday Ticket (add-on, additional cost)
- Notable Features:
- Unlimited Cloud DVR (recordings saved for 9 months)
- 3 simultaneous streams, 6 profiles
- Add-ons: Max, Showtime, Starz, 4K viewing ($10/month extra)
- Missing Channels: A&E, History, Lifetime, Bloomberg TV, MLB Network (available on Hulu)
- Best For: Sports fans (especially NFL with Sunday Ticket) and those wanting a broad channel lineup with unlimited DVR.
- Price: $82.99/month (with ads, includes Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+); $95.99/month (ad-free on-demand)
- Channel Count: 85+ channels
- Key Channels:
- Local: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC (most markets)
- Cable: A&E, Bravo, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, FX, HGTV, History, Lifetime, TBS, TLC, TNT, USA
- Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, NFL Network, SEC Network, ACC Network, CBS Sports
- Exclusive: Hallmark, The Weather Channel, Hulu Originals (e.g., The Bear, Only Murders in the Building)
- Notable Features:
- Unlimited Cloud DVR (fast-forwarding enabled)
- 2 simultaneous streams (upgradable)
- Includes Hulu’s on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+
- Missing Channels: AMC, BBC America, NBA TV, Sundance TV
- Best For: Cord-cutters wanting live TV plus a strong on-demand library and Disney bundle.
- Price:
- Sling Orange: $46/month (32 channels)
- Sling Blue: $46/month (40 channels)
- Sling Orange + Blue: $61/month (all channels)
- Key Channels:
- Orange: ESPN, ESPN2, Disney, Freeform, Cartoon Network
- Blue: FOX, NBC, ABC (select markets), CNN, MSNBC, TBS, TNT, USA, Bravo
- Combined: AMC, Food Network, HGTV, IFC, Nick Jr.
- Add-ons: Sports Extra ($11, includes Pac-12 Network), News, Lifestyle, Kids
- Notable Features:
- 50 hours DVR (200 hours for $5/month)
- Orange: 1 stream; Blue: 3 streams; Combined: 4 streams
- Flexible add-on packs ($6–$21/month)
- Missing Channels: CBS, PBS, local channels in many markets, regional sports networks (RSNs)
- Best For: Budget-conscious viewers who want customizable plans and don’t need local channels.
- Price:
- Entertainment: $86.99/month (90+ channels)
- Choice: $114.99/month (125+ channels, includes RSNs)
- Ultimate: $129.99/month (160+ channels)
- Key Channels:
- Local: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC (most markets)
- Cable: AMC, Bravo, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, FX, HGTV, TBS, TNT, USA
- Sports: ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, NBA TV, RSNs (Choice and above, e.g., Bally Sports, Comcast, Spectrum)
- Premium: Max, Showtime, Starz (higher tiers)
- Notable Features:
- Unlimited Cloud DVR (recordings saved for 9 months)
- 20 simultaneous streams (in-home)
- No contract, but frequent price changes
- Missing Channels: Pac-12 Network, some niche cable channels (e.g., Logo, Smithsonian) in base plan
- Best For: Sports fans needing RSNs and those wanting a cable-like experience with many channels.
- Price:
- Essential: $84.99/month (200+ channels)
- Pro: $84.99/month (sports-heavy)
- Elite: $94.99/month (300+ channels, 4K)
- Key Channels:
- Local: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC (most markets)
- Cable: AMC, Bravo, Discovery, FX, HGTV, Syfy
- Sports: ESPN, FS1, FS2, BeIN Sports, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, Pac-12 Network (add-on), RSNs
- Notable Features:
- 250–1,000 hours Cloud DVR
- 10 simultaneous streams (in-home)
- 4K streaming for select content
- Missing Channels: Warner Bros. Discovery networks (CNN, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, Food Network, HGTV)
- Best For: Soccer fans and sports enthusiasts needing RSNs and niche sports channels.
- Price: $28/month
- Channel Count: 70+ channels
- Key Channels:
- Cable: AMC, BBC America, Comedy Central, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon, TLC
- Add-ons: MGM+ ($6), STARZ ($9)
- Notable Features:
- Unlimited Cloud DVR (1-year storage)
- 3 simultaneous streams
- Includes AMC+ in base plan
- Missing Channels: Local channels, sports (e.g., ESPN, FS1), news (e.g., CNN, MSNBC)
- Best For: Budget viewers who prioritize entertainment and lifestyle channels over sports or news.
Comparison Summary
| Service | Price | Channels | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $82.99/mo | 100+ | Broad lineup, unlimited DVR, NFL focus | Pricey, missing some cable channels |
| Hulu + Live TV | $82.99–$95.99/mo | 85+ | Disney bundle, on-demand library | Fewer channels than YouTube TV |
| Sling TV | $46–$61/mo | 32–40+ | Affordable, customizable | Limited locals, no CBS, weak sports |
| DIRECTV Stream | $86.99–$129.99/mo | 90–160+ | RSNs, cable-like experience | Expensive, frequent price changes |
| Fubo | $84.99–$94.99/mo | 200–300+ | Sports-heavy, 4K, RSNs | No Warner Bros. Discovery channels |
| Philo | $28/mo | 70+ | Cheapest, entertainment-focused | No sports, news, or local channels |
Key Considerations
- Budget: Philo ($28) and Sling ($46) are the most affordable, while DIRECTV Stream and Fubo are pricier ($85–$130).
- Sports: Fubo and DIRECTV Stream excel for RSNs and niche sports; YouTube TV is best for NFL (Sunday Ticket). Hulu and Fubo offer NFL Network/RedZone.
- Local Channels: Most services (except Sling Orange and Philo) offer ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC in most markets. Check availability by zip code.
- On-Demand: Hulu + Live TV stands out with its on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
- DVR/Streams: YouTube TV and Hulu offer unlimited DVR; DIRECTV Stream supports 20 streams. Sling’s DVR and streams are limited unless upgraded.
Recommendations
- Best Overall: YouTube TV for its balance of channels, DVR, and ease of use.
- Best Value: Philo for entertainment-focused viewers on a budget.
- Best for Sports: Fubo (soccer, RSNs) or DIRECTV Stream (RSNs, broad sports).
- Best for Families: Hulu + Live TV for Disney+ and kid-friendly content.
- Best for Customization: Sling TV for flexible, low-cost plans.
For the latest pricing and channel details, visit provider websites (e.g., YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling) and enter your zip code to confirm local channel availability. Most services offer free trials (7–14 days) with no contracts, so you can test before committing. Other Streaming Services not reviewed here may offer different better pricing or be better options.