The Best Live TV Streaming Services in 2024
The year 2024 has brought forth a variety of live TV streaming services that are worth considering if you want to cancel your cable contract. These services deliver live channels through an internet connection and cater to different types of viewers. Some are ideal for general audiences, some focus on sports channels, and others prioritize entertainment and lifestyle content.
Our recommended options are available on various platforms, including mobile devices, web browsers, gaming consoles, and media streaming devices. Although these services may be on the more expensive side of streaming video, they can still help you save money compared to a cable subscription. Regardless of why you are leaving cable behind, it’s important to know that the number of live TV streaming options is steadily increasing. To help you out, here are some of the best live TV streaming services in 2024. So, let’s dive in!
The 5 Best Live TV Streaming Services
1. Hulu
Hulu + Live TV is a great choice if you want both live TV streaming and premium video-on-demand content. For $77 per month, you get access to over 90 live TV channels, as well as Hulu’s catalog of on-demand shows. Additionally, you get access to Disney+ and ESPN+.
The live channels offered by Hulu + Live TV include local ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox stations in most areas, as well as ESPN and Fox sports networks. You’ll also enjoy popular channels like HGTV, Comedy Central, TNT, TLC, USA, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Disney Channel. For an extra fee, you can add channels like HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax, and NFL RedZone.
Hulu + Live TV also provides unlimited DVR storage and allows for two simultaneous streams (with the option to add more). The only downside is that Hulu, Disney, and ESPN content may include ads. However, you can upgrade to the $90 per month plan to enjoy ad-free content and downloads. If your budget permits, it’s worth considering this option to avoid dealing with ads.
2. YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a wide range of live sports and news channels, as well as popular entertainment options. Some of the notable networks available include ABC, AMC, CBS, CNN, Discovery, ESPN, Fox, FX, NBC, and PBS. However, this extensive channel selection comes at a price. YouTube TV’s recent price increase raised the monthly subscription cost to $72.99.
YouTube TV is a top choice for those looking to replace cable. If the library of content available on YouTube TV doesn’t fully meet your needs, you have the option to add other packages to your subscription, such as Acorn TV, CuriosityStream, or NBA League Pass. For $30 per month, you can also bundle HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz with the Entertainment Plus package. By subscribing to YouTube TV’s 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 per month, you can unlock 4K streaming, enjoy unlimited simultaneous streams, and even watch DVR content offline. Another benefit of YouTube TV is that it offers unlimited cloud DVR storage. Recordings are kept for nine months, and you can watch your content from anywhere.
3. DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream closely resembles cable in terms of its user experience and price. The base offer starts at $80 per month for over 75 channels. There are two additional tiers priced at $109 per month (with 105+ channels) and $120 per month (with 140+ channels). Each of these plans can be enhanced with a sports pack for an additional $15 per month, which includes channels like ESPN, NFL Network, MLB Network, and more regional sports networks than many other services on this list. (At the time of writing, there are also deals available to bundle each package with the sports pack at a discounted price.)
The base Entertainment package of DirecTV Stream includes 75+ live channels (including AMC, FX, HGTV, TBS, TCL, and Nickelodeon), as well as local news channels like ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS in most areas. Add-on channels like HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax are included for free in the first three months, and then they require additional fees.
DirecTV Stream offers unlimited in-home streams (with a maximum of three simultaneous out-of-home streams) and unlimited DVR storage. A unique feature that makes DirecTV Stream a good option for those who enjoy channel-flipping is the ability to swipe left and right to change channels.
4. Sling TV
Sling TV stands out as one of the best live TV streaming services due to its affordable price and customizable channel selection. You can choose from two plans: Orange ($40 per month), which includes seven channels like Disney Channel and ESPN, or Blue ($45 per month), which includes a few local channels like ABC, Fox, and NBC, as well as 14 more premium cable channels like FX, Bravo, NFL Network, and FS1. Both plans also provide 25 base channels, including AMC, CNN, Comedy Central, TBS, and TNT. Additionally, you have the option to combine both plans for $60 per month.
By signing up, you can get half off your first month of any plan. Sling TV also offers premium channels like Showtime, Starz, AMC+, and MGM+ for an additional monthly fee. There is currently a deal available to prepay for six months of Sling Orange plus NBA League Pass at a discounted rate. Furthermore, Sling TV has the most extensive selection of non-English channels compared to other streaming services, offering numerous options in Asian, European, Arabic, Brazilian, and Portuguese languages.
5. Fubo
If your main focus is sports, Fubo is likely the best live TV streaming service for you. You can watch ESPN, BeIN Sports, the Big 10, FS1, FS2, and the Golf Channel, along with most local networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. This means you’ll have access to NFL, NBA, MLB games, English Premier League soccer games, NASCAR races, boxing matches, and more. Check Fubo TV’s website to see the specific local channels available in your area.
Aside from sports, Fubo TV also offers live channels like FX, Bravo, E!, HGTV, Food Network, Disney Channel, Hallmark, Fox, and MSNBC. For an extra monthly fee, you can add channels such as Starz, Showtime, or MGM+. With 1,000 hours of DVR storage, you won’t likely run out of space anytime soon. Fubo TV allows you to stream on up to three devices simultaneously.
Fubo offers three different plan tiers, ranging from $75 to $95 per month. All plans include local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels in many regions. However, Fubo TV does not include TNT and TBS, both of which are popular sports channels. It also lacks the Fox regional sports networks. If you want access to league-specific channels like MLB TV or NHL Network, you’ll need to upgrade your plan or add them on.
Final Words
These are some of the best live TV streaming services in 2024. We recommended these sites because of their solid reputation and reviews from users. If you ever think of considering canceling your cable contract for a live TV streaming service, these recommended options are worth giving a try!
