Are you looking for a way to watch live TV without paying for a cable or satellite subscription? If so, you might be interested in live TV streaming services. These are online platforms that let you stream live channels over the internet, using your favorite devices.
You can watch news, sports, entertainment, and more, without any contracts or hidden fees. In this article, we will review the 20 best live TV streaming services for 2024, based on their features, prices, and channel lineups.
First, check out my top picks.
| Category | Service | Key Features | Price | Channel Lineup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Features | YouTube TV | Unlimited DVR, 3 simultaneous streams, user-friendly interface | $72.99/month; Promotional rate: $52.99/month for first three months | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and more (over 100 channels) |
| Best Value for Price | Philo | 70+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage for 1 year, stream on three screens | $25/month | A&E, AMC, BBC America, Comedy Central, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more |
| Most Comprehensive Channel Lineup | FuboTV | Extensive sports coverage, 1,000 hours of cloud DVR, stream on multiple screens | Pro: $74.99/month, Elite: $84.99/month, Premier: $94.99/month, Latino: $32.99/month | Pro: 175+ channels, Elite: 240+ channels, Premier: 250+ channels, Latino: 60+ Spanish-language channels |
1. YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a comprehensive package of over 100 channels, including local and national networks. Known for its user-friendly interface and unlimited cloud DVR storage, it’s ideal for those seeking a wide range of content.
| Features | Unlimited DVR, 3 simultaneous streams, over 100 channels |
|---|---|
| Prices | $72.99/month; Promotional rate for new customers: $52.99/month for the first three months |
| Channel Lineup | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and more |
2. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers a variety of plans, including one with no ads in the on-demand content. It provides access to over 75 live channels along with its on-demand library. The service includes popular networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and others, with local channel availability in many cities.
| Features | Access to 75+ Live TV channels, 50 hours of DVR storage, on-demand library |
|---|---|
| Prices | $64.99/month for Hulu + Live TV, $70.99/month for Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV |
| Channel Lineup | ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo, The CW, and more, with local channels in most top 200 cities |
3. Sling TV
Sling TV is known for its affordability and flexibility, offering three main packages: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and the combined Sling Orange and Blue. Sling Orange is geared towards NCAA football and family content, while Sling Blue caters to pro football and news enthusiasts.
The combined package offers a more comprehensive range, ideal for those who want a bit of everything. Also, if you want to explore more, or simply aren’t interested in Sling anymore, there is a simple subscription-canceling process.
| Features | Customizable packages, multiple add-ons, 50 hours DVR storage |
|---|---|
| Prices | Sling Orange: $35/month, Sling Blue: $35/month, Sling Orange and Blue: $50/month |
| Channel Lineup | Sling Orange: 32 channels including ESPN; Sling Blue: 43 channels including NBC, Fox; Combo: 51 channels including channels from both packages |
4. FuboTV
FuboTV is a streaming service that has evolved from a sports-centric platform to a comprehensive option for live TV streaming, offering a wide range of channels and several add-ons for customization. FuboTV’s plans offer a broad selection of channels, including local networks, regional sports networks, and a variety of national and international sports channels.
The service is particularly appealing for sports enthusiasts with its comprehensive sports coverage. Additionally, FuboTV provides a Latino plan, focusing on Spanish-language content.
| Features | Extensive sports coverage, 1,000 hours of cloud DVR, stream on multiple screens |
|---|---|
| Prices | Pro: $74.99/month, Elite: $84.99/month, Premier: $94.99/month, Latino: $32.99/month |
| Channel Lineup | Pro: 175+ channels, Elite: 240+ channels, Premier: 250+ channels, Latino: 60+ Spanish-language channels |
5. DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream, previously known as AT&T TV, offers a familiar cable-like experience in a streaming format. It’s known for its extensive channel offerings and unlimited cloud DVR storage.
The Entertainment plan is a good starting point with over 75 channels. The Choice plan includes regional sports networks and is a great value for sports fans.
The Ultimate plan adds more niche programming, and the Premier plan offers an extensive list of channels, including premium networks like Cinemax, Max, SHOWTIME, and STARZ.
| Features | Large selection of channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage, unlimited streams at home |
|---|---|
| Prices | Entertainment: $80/month, Choice: $109/month, Ultimate: $120/month, Premier: $165/month |
| Channel Lineup | Entertainment: 75+ channels, Choice: 105+ channels, Ultimate: 140+ channels, Premier: 150+ channels |
6. Philo
Philo is a budget-friendly live TV streaming service known for its absence of sports and local channels. It’s designed for viewers who prioritize entertainment and lifestyle content over sports and news. Philo offers a single package that includes over 70 channels focusing on entertainment and lifestyle content.
Notably, it excludes most news channels, local networks, and sports channels, which allows it to maintain a lower price compared to other services. It offers unlimited cloud DVR storage for one year and supports streaming on up to three devices simultaneously.
| Features | 70+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage for 1 year, stream on three screens |
|---|---|
| Prices | $25/month |
| Channel Lineup | A&E, AMC, BBC America, Comedy Central, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more |
7. Vidgo
Vidgo is a live TV streaming service that offers a range of plans, emphasizing sports channels along with a mix of entertainment, news, and family channels. Vidgo’s Plus package offers over 85 channels including ESPN, Fox News, and HGTV. The Premium package includes all Plus channels with additional ones like NFL RedZone. The Spanish lineup focuses on Spanish-speaking channels.
| Features | Live TV streaming with over 85 channels, supports streaming on three devices simultaneously, 20-hour cloud DVR |
|---|---|
| Prices | Vidgo Plus: $69.99/month, Vidgo Premium: $84.99/month, Spanish Lineup: $29.95/month |
| Channel Lineup | Vidgo Plus: ESPN, Fox News, HGTV; Vidgo Premium: Adds NFL RedZone, Nick Music, Logo TV; Spanish Lineup: ESPN Deportes, Discovery en Español |
8. Peacock
Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, offers a mix of live TV, on-demand shows, movies, and sports. It’s notable for its content from NBC and Universal Pictures, as well as exclusive originals.
Peacock provides a variety of NBC shows, Universal Pictures movies, and sports like Premier League soccer and WWE. It’s a good option for fans of NBCUniversal content and offers both ad-supported and ad-free plans. The service is accessible on most devices but is not available on Nintendo consoles.
| Features | Live news and sports, on-demand NBCUniversal shows and movies, original content, offline downloads (Premium Plus) |
|---|---|
| Prices | Ad-supported: $4.99/month, Ad-free (Premium Plus): $9.99/month |
| Channel Lineup | NBC shows, Universal Pictures movies, Premier League soccer, WWE content, original series like “Poker Face” and “Saved by the Bell” |
9. Xfinity Instant TV
Xfinity Instant TV is a flexible streaming option for Xfinity internet users, offering live TV channels with various add-on packages. TV’s base plan includes local channels, with options to add entertainment, kids, and sports channels for additional fees.
| Features | Streaming on Xfinity app, 20 hours DVR, 2 simultaneous streams |
|---|---|
| Prices | Base: $18/month, Entertainment: +$15/month, Kids & Family: +$10/month, Sports & News: +$36.50/month |
| Channel Lineup | Local channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC), Add-on options for more channels |
10. Paramount+
Paramount+ stands out for offering a blend of live TV from CBS and a rich library of on-demand content. It’s a great choice for fans of CBS shows and sports enthusiasts, offering live NFL and UEFA Champions League games. The service is affordable, with two tiers that cater to different needs.
| Service | Paramount+ |
|---|---|
| Features | Includes CBS live TV, on-demand shows, exclusive originals, access to live sports including NFL and UEFA Champions League |
| Prices | Essential Plan: $4.99/month, Premium Plan: $9.99/month |
| Channel Lineup | CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and more |
11. Pluto TV
Pluto TV stands out for its unique approach to live TV streaming, offering a diverse range of channels for free. It includes news, sports, entertainment, and niche interest channels. Its ad-supported model allows users to access a wide array of content without any subscription fees.
| Service | Pluto TV |
|---|---|
| Features | Free service, wide range of live channels including news, sports, and entertainment |
| Prices | Free (Ad-supported) |
| Channel Lineup | Various channels including CNN, NBC News, CBSN, Fox Sports, Comedy Central, MTV, and more |
12. Xumo
Xumo offers a compelling mix of live and on-demand content, with an emphasis on news and entertainment. It’s another great free, ad-supported option, providing access to popular channels and a range of programming genres.
| Service | Xumo |
|---|---|
| Features | Combines live and on-demand content, news, entertainment, free to use |
| Prices | Free (Ad-supported) |
| Channel Lineup | Includes NBC News, Fox Sports, Funny or Die, PGA Tour, and more |
13. NewsON
NewsON is specialized for those who are keen on staying updated with the latest news. It offers live and on-demand news broadcasts from local stations across the United States.
| Service | NewsON |
|---|---|
| Features | Live and on-demand local news broadcasts, free access |
| Prices | Free |
| Channel Lineup | Access to local news stations across the US |
14. Crackle
Crackle is a free streaming service that offers a unique blend of classic TV shows, movies, and original content. It’s an ad-supported platform that provides a no-cost alternative to traditional live TV streaming, making it accessible to a wide audience without any subscription fees.
| Service | Crackle |
|---|---|
| Features | Free service with a mix of classic TV shows, movies, and originals |
| Prices | Free (Ad-supported) |
| Channel Lineup | A curated selection of classic TV shows and movies, along with Crackle original content |
15. Haystack News
Haystack News is a great choice for those looking to tailor their news consumption. It aggregates news from various sources, allowing users to customize their news feed according to their interests and preferred outlets.
| Service | Haystack News |
|---|---|
| Features | Aggregated news from various sources, customizable news feed |
| Prices | Free (Ad-supported) |
| Channel Lineup | News from ABC, CBS, NBC, and more |
16. AT&T WatchTV
AT&T WatchTV is a straightforward, no-frills streaming service offering a variety of popular cable channels. It’s a good option for AT&T customers, especially those who can get it as part of their wireless plan.
| Service | AT&T WatchTV |
|---|---|
| Features | Popular cable channels, included with some AT&T wireless plans |
| Prices | $15/month or free with select AT&T wireless plans |
| Channel Lineup | Over 35 channels including AMC, CNN, ESPN, and more |
17. SonyLIV
SonyLIV is popular in specific regions, especially in India, offering a mix of TV shows, movies, and sports. It’s known for its live sports coverage, including cricket, football, and more.
| Service | SonyLIV |
|---|---|
| Features | Live sports, TV shows, movies |
| Prices | Varies by region |
| Channel Lineup | Sony channels, sports coverage including cricket, football, etc. |
18. Zattoo
Zattoo is ideal for European viewers, offering a wide range of channels from various European countries. It allows users to watch live TV on multiple devices and is a good option for those looking to access European content.
| Service | Zattoo |
|---|---|
| Features | Live TV from various European countries, multi-device streaming |
| Prices | Free tier available; premium tiers vary by region |
| Channel Lineup | Channels from Switzerland, Germany, France, UK, and other European countries |
19. JioTV
JioTV is a live TV streaming service popular in India. It offers a wide range of channels in various languages and is known for its extensive live sports coverage.
| Service | JioTV |
|---|---|
| Features | Wide range of channels, multiple language options, extensive sports coverage |
| Prices | Free for Jio users |
| Channel Lineup | Over 600 channels in various languages, including sports, entertainment, news, and more |
20. SBS On Demand
SBS On Demand is an Australian streaming service offering a unique mix of international and Australian content, including news, sports, and a diverse range of TV shows and movies.
| Service | SBS On Demand |
|---|---|
| Features | International and Australian content, news, sports, TV shows, movies |
| Prices | Free |
| Channel Lineup | Australian and international TV shows and movies, news, sports |
FAQs
Can I watch live TV online for free?
Yes, you can watch live TV online for free with some streaming services. However, they may have fewer channels, lower quality, and more ads than paid services. One of the best options is
What is the best TV service?
The best TV service depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. You should consider the channel selection, the picture quality, the DVR capability, the on-demand content, and the customer service.
Is YouTube TV good?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers many channels, unlimited DVR, and multiple accounts. It is good for replacing cable, but it is also expensive.
What is the best app for live TV and sports?
The best app for live TV and sports varies depending on the sports you want to watch and the price you want to pay. Some of the popular apps are SportsFire, NBC Sports, ESPN, and CBS Sports.
Last Words
As you can see, there is a wide range of options to choose from. It is all up to your preferences and favorite type of content you love to watch. Also, some of these services are quite cheap, while there are several completely free. Therefore, you can combine them for the best experience.