Technically, deciding on a paid live TV streaming service will depend on the specifications of platforms including Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Sling TV.
Cable television contracts are expensive and ending the contract can be a tedious process. In light of this, the introduction of live TV streaming platforms has been a welcomed service that is available from a number of companies.
Moreover, throughout the years, the landscape of live TV streaming services has changed and some pre-existing services have shut down. But there are some popular streaming TV services that have stood the test of time, emerging as competition.
Deciding on which platform is best for you may be difficult, since the service you choose will be based on what you want out of it. Some of the top live TV streaming services are Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Sling TV.
Live TV streaming services versus on-demand services
It is important to distinguish the difference between live television streaming services and video-on-demand subscription services.
Video-on-demand platforms like Hulu and Netflix are usually paid subscription services that offer subscribers a variety of films, television series, and documentaries to binge from their on-demand libraries.
Live television streaming services, on the other hand, offer customers the opportunity to watch cable television channels live without an expensive cable television cable contract. Some live TV streaming services offer viewers access to an on-demand library for an additional fee.
Moreover, live TV streaming services have ads, as opposed to on-demand platforms (depending on the package you choose).
What is the best paid streaming service to watch live TV?
The best paid streaming service will be determined by the unique preferences of the customer, since the leading live television services that are currently in the market have cornered varying niches.
Hence, the decision regarding which platform is the best will be based on a range of factors like whether you want a platform that is easy on the pocket, one that prioritises sports, or one that has a comprehensive offering of local and syndicated channels.
But overall, arguably, the most regarded platform is YouTube TV. The platform is one of two live TV streaming platforms that with the most comprehensive offering in the market.
Its only shortfall is that the service does not have popular channels like A&E, the History Channel, and Lifetime. A comprehensive breakdown of YouTube TV shows the following:
YouTube TV | |
Basic package | $65 per month for 85+ channels |
Free trial | Yes |
Simultaneous streams | Three, or unlimited 4K streams for additional $20 |
Cloud DVR capabilities | Yes |
Number of profiles permitted | Up to five |
ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels | Available |
Skip or fast-forward on ads | Enabled |
There are other popular live television streaming services that may be more cost effective, be a more sports-focused platform, or touted for its on-demand library, in addition to the live television streaming features and channels.
What is the best and cheapest paid streaming service to watch live TV?
Sling TV is also one of the best streaming services for watching live TV. The service is touted for its cost-effective packages. However, the service offers fewer local channels than other popular, similar services.
Sling TV’s channels include Animal Planet, Disney Channel, ESPN, Nickelodeon, Fox, and NBC, which is limited in availability. A detailed breakdown of the service reveals:
Sling TV | |
Basic package | $35 per month for Orange with over 30 channels, or Blue with over 40 channels |
Free trial | Yes |
Simultaneous streams | 1 on Orange, or 3 on Blue |
Cloud DVR capabilities | 50 hours or 200 hours for $5 a month |
Number of profiles permitted | No |
ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels | Fox and NBC are available on the Blue plan in select cities |
Skip or fast-forward on ads | Enabled |
Sign up for Sling TV here |
What is the best sports-focused paid streaming service for watching live TV?
fuboTV is regarded as the best platform for sports enthusiasts to get. The platform is popular with customers who enjoy watching popular sporting events and the NBA, NHL, and MLB fans who live in an area served by one of fuBoTV’s RSNs.
This platform is also a great choice for NFL fans, since it is one of the platforms that has the NFL Network. A detailed look at fuboTV reveals:
fuboTV | |
Basic package | $70 per month for over 100 channels |
Free trial | Yes |
Simultaneous streams | Three |
Cloud DVR capabilities | 20 hours or $10 per month for unlimited |
Number of profiles permitted | Up to 6 |
ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels | Available in most markets |
Skip or fast-forward on ads | Enabled |
Hulu + Live TV versus YouTube TV
Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV are often compared, as the two are neck-and-neck in most aspects. Hulu + Live TV is lauded for the fact that it offers subscribers access to its on-demand library with its live streaming package.
But the service does not have as many channel offerings as YouTube TV does, hence it comes second to the latter. A detailed breakdown of Hulu + Live TV reveals:
Hulu + Live TV | |
Basic package | $70 per month for over 70 channels |
Free trial | Yes |
Simultaneous streams | 2 or $15 for unlimited |
Cloud DVR capabilities | Unlimited |
Number of profiles permitted | Up to 6 |
ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels | Available |
Skip or fast-forward on ads | Enabled |
Sign up for Hulu + Live TV here |