The five main ways to watch
| Live TV streaming | On-demand streaming | Free ad-supported apps | Antenna (OTA) | Cable / satellite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | $$$ | $ – $$ | Free | One-time antenna cost | $$$+ |
| Live news & sports | Yes | Limited | Some | Local broadcasts | Yes |
| Local channels | Usually | Rarely | Limited | Yes, by location | Yes |
| DVR | Cloud DVR | Not needed | No | Add-on device | Box rental |
| Contract | No | No | No | No | Often |
| Equipment | Streaming device or smart TV | Streaming device or smart TV | Streaming device or smart TV | Antenna + tuner | Provider box |
Which option fits you?
You want cable without cable
Choose a live TV streaming service. You keep live news, sports and local channels with cloud DVR and no long-term contract.
You mostly binge series
One or two on-demand subscriptions are usually enough. Rotate services month to month to save money.
You want to spend as little as possible
Pair an antenna for local channels with free ad-supported apps. Add one paid service only if you miss something.
Live TV streaming services at a glance
The major US live TV streaming services differ mostly in channel lineup, local and regional sports coverage, DVR rules and how many screens you can use at once. Our detailed guide, Live TV Streaming Services Compared, walks through each one.
How we compare
- We look at official plan pages and help centers, not rumors.
- We focus on features that change your day-to-day experience.
- We don’t accept payment for placement or rankings.
- We date-stamp our guides and update them when providers change their plans.