Live TV streaming services are the most direct legal replacement for cable or satellite: live channels, local news and sports, cloud DVR and no long-term contract.
They differ in lineups, sports coverage, DVR rules and price, and those details change regularly. This guide shows you what to compare and which type of household each service tends to suit.
In this guide
What to compare first
- Channels you watch most: list your top 10 and check each lineup by ZIP code on the provider’s site.
- Local stations: availability of ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC affiliates varies by market.
- Sports: regional sports networks and league packages differ a lot between services.
- DVR rules: look at storage limits and how long recordings are kept.
- Screens: how many streams can play at once, at home and away.
- Price and promotions: base price plus taxes, fees and add-ons.
The major services at a glance
| Service | Best for | DVR | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | Most households wanting a broad lineup | Unlimited storage; recordings expire after a set period | Family sharing with multiple member accounts |
| Hulu + Live TV | Combining live TV with a big on-demand library | Unlimited storage | Bundle includes additional Disney streaming content |
| Sling TV | Budget-minded viewers who customize | Included, with upgrades available | Separate base packages; limited local channels |
| Fubo | Sports fans | Cloud DVR included | Some events available in 4K |
| DirecTV Stream | A cable-like lineup | Unlimited storage | Higher tiers include regional sports networks in many areas |
Which service fits which household?
Families
Look for a broad lineup, multiple simultaneous streams and profiles. Unlimited DVR helps when several people record different shows.
Sports fans
Start with your teams: check regional sports network availability by ZIP code, then look at league add-ons.
Budget viewers
A lower-cost package plus an antenna for local channels can cover the essentials for much less.
Tips to save money
- Use free trials when they’re offered — and set a reminder before they end.
- Pause or cancel during the off-season; there are no contracts.
- Add an antenna for local channels if a cheaper package doesn’t include them.
- Fill gaps with free, legal streaming apps instead of extra add-ons.
Before you sign up
Make sure your internet can handle the number of streams you need — see our speed guide — and that the service has an official app for your device. Our devices hub can help if you need new hardware.
Our take
There’s no single winner. Write down the channels you can’t live without, check each lineup with your ZIP code and use a free trial where available. The right service is the one that covers your must-haves at a price you’re comfortable with.
