As cord-cutting becomes more popular, television networks have responded by bringing their popular cable channels to the Internet. This means you no longer need expensive satellite or cable TV service to watch local news, sports and your favorite shows.
But with all this competition comes more confusion. Between Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and more, cord cutters have a lot to think about. Each service has its own quirks and caveats, and their channel listings (and increasingly, their prices) are constantly changing. Here are today’s top picks, with links to our in-depth reviews.
Updated May 20, 3022 to provide a link to our fully updated Sling TV review.
YouTube TV – Best TV Streaming Service Overall
Advantages
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Solid mix of channels for the money
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Includes DVR with no storage limit
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Easy to understand app design
The inconvenients
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Ad-Riddled Video-on-Demand Can Replace DVR
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Some channels do not support 60fps video
YouTube TV may not respond all cord-cutting needs, but even at $65 a month, we think it’s the best route to local stations, live news, national sports, and a wide selection of entertainment channels. It also includes a cloud DVR service that can record unlimited programs for up to nine months. If you’re looking to replace cable TV with something less expensive, this is your safest bet.
Read our full YouTube TV review
Hulu + Live TV – Best TV Streaming Service, Finalist
Advantages
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On-demand library is bigger than other bundles
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Disney+ and ESPN+ are included
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Lots of popular channels for a competitive price
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It’s easy to discover interesting things to watch
The inconvenients
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Unable to skip commercials on programs as they are recorded on DVR (only after the live program ends)
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User interface can be difficult to navigate
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Unable to watch on TV devices outside the house.
What sets Hulu’s $70 per month Live TV package apart from others is its inclusion of Hulu’s on-demand service (normally $6 per month), which includes an extensive catalog of network shows, as well than originals such as The Handmaid’s Tale and stone castle. Hulu’s interface can be busy, but it ties everything together in a way that encourages discovery. It costs $5 more per month than YouTube TV, but it includes access to Disney+ and ESPN+ (Disney owns all three streaming services).
Read our full Hulu + Live TV review
DirecTV Stream – Best TV Streaming Service for Sports Fans
Advantages
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Powerful grid guide
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The DVR has no AD skipping restrictions
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HBO is included
The inconvenients
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Limited channel selection for the price
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DVR limits both recording space and storage time
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No personalized viewing recommendations
At $90 a month for its “Choice” package, DirecTV Stream isn’t particularly great for cord-cutters, but at the time of this writing, it’s the only way to access regional Bally Sports networks ( formerly Fox Sports) or the YES network. without cable or satellite television service. This tier of service also includes NBA TV and MLB Network for good measure.
Read our full DirecTV Stream review
Sling TV – Best Budget TV Streaming Service
Advantages
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Lower entry price than any other streaming package
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Simple menu system with easy access to favorites
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The DVR supports commercial skipping, partial recordings and time shifting
The inconvenients
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The price can quickly climb to get some channels
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Most channels cap out at 30 frames per second
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Only supports one user profile
Sling TV is an intriguing option if you’re using an antenna to get local channels, as it doesn’t include much local coverage on its own. As such, its starting price of $35 per month is much lower than other plans, and you can add channel packs that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive. On the other hand, integrating local live channels with the Sling app requires additional hardware.
Read our full Sling TV review
Philo – Best Budget TV Streaming Service, Finalist
Advantages
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Less than half the price of most live TV services
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Apps are simple and easy to use
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Three simultaneous streams with no weird viewing restrictions
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No obscure restrictions on ad skipping or where you can watch from
The inconvenients
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No way to simultaneously watch and browse live channels
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60fps support remains absent
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No personalized recommendations on what to watch
Philo is the biggest bundle you can get with Nope sports channels. As such, it costs just $25 per month, with channels from AMC, Viacom, Discovery and A&E and unlimited cloud DVR service. Philo is a great add-on if you can get primetime shows and sports from an antenna.
Read our full Philo review
Other options to consider
If none of our top picks meet your needs, sports fans might want to read our thoughts on FuboTV. Vidgo is another cheaper competitor, although we were even less enthusiastic the last time we checked it.
If local channels are important to you, click on the following links and enter your zip code to see which channels are available on DirecTV streams Hulu with Live TV, Fubo TV, TV Slingand YouTube Television.
