Cutting the Cord: A Comprehensive Guide to Live TV Streaming Services

For those looking to ditch traditional cable or satellite TV, live TV streaming services offer a compelling alternative. These services deliver familiar channels over the internet to your smart TVs and streaming devices, mimicking the experience of cable but with added flexibility. They also boast cloud-based DVRs, enabling you to record your favorite shows and skip commercials. In many instances, these services provide the only way to access certain pay TV channels without subscribing to a traditional cable package.

However, the landscape of live TV streaming has evolved, with prices increasing and the experience sometimes deviating from traditional cable. This guide aims to help you navigate this market, avoid overspending, and select a service that aligns with your viewing preferences.

Understanding the Cord-Cutting Expert

This guide draws on the expertise of a seasoned cord-cutting professional who has been reviewing live TV streaming services since the launch of Sling TV in 2015. A cord-cutter since 2008, their experience extends beyond mere product reviews. They also write a weekly column on streaming and over-the-air TV, and author a popular Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter with over 30,000 subscribers.

Top Live TV Streaming Service Picks

Here’s a rundown of some top live TV streaming service options, highlighting their pros, cons, and target audiences:

1. YouTube TV

• Pros: A comprehensive replacement for cable or satellite TV; broad channel selection including local stations, live news, national sports, and entertainment; user-friendly interface; unlimited cloud DVR storage for up to nine months; option to bundle NFL Sunday Ticket at a discount.

• Cons: Relatively expensive at $83 per month; may not offer the best value compared to services that bundle other offerings or omit certain channels; may lack comprehensive regional sports coverage.

• Verdict: YouTube TV is an excellent starting point for those seeking a straightforward transition from cable without extensive research. It offers a complete package, but explore alternatives if you prioritize value, specific channels, or regional sports.

2. Hulu + Live TV

• Pros: Includes the Disney bundle (Hulu’s on-demand catalog, Disney+, and ESPN+); unlimited cloud DVR storage for up to nine months; integrates on-demand and live content in a discovery-oriented interface.

• Cons: Interface can feel cluttered; the base package includes Disney+ with ads, unless you are grandfathered in.

• Verdict: Hulu + Live TV shines if you already subscribe to Disney’s streaming services. It bundles them at no extra cost, delivering significant value.

3. DirecTV Stream

• Pros: "Choice" package ($108 per month) offers extensive sports coverage, including regional sports channels not available on other streaming services; familiar interface for cable/satellite converts; reliable cloud DVR and grid guide.

• Cons: Higher starting price ($85 per month) and even pricier "Choice" package; YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer more complete options with more comprehensive features.

• Verdict: DirecTV Stream is a strong choice for die-hard sports fans who require specific regional sports channels not offered elsewhere, even at a premium price.

4. Sling TV

• Pros: Lower starting price ($40 per month) compared to competitors; access to certain cable channels without a large bundle; integrates well with over-the-air antennas.

• Cons: Channels are split into two base packages; lacks local broadcasts in many markets; limited DVR storage (50 hours standard, 200 hours for an extra $5 per month).

• Verdict: Sling TV is an invaluable option for budget-conscious viewers who can live without a full range of local channels. An over-the-air antenna supplements its channel selection effectively.

5. Philo

• Pros: Affordable ($28 per month); offers a variety of entertainment channels; user-friendly interface; cloud DVR highlights commercial breaks for easy skipping.

• Cons: Lacks local channels, sports channels, and major cable news networks.

• Verdict: Philo is ideal for cord-cutters who prioritize reality shows, documentaries, and other "comfort food" TV. Consider other streaming services if you need live news, sports or local channels.

Evaluating Live TV Streaming Services

When choosing a live TV streaming service, consider the following factors:

• Channel Lineup: Analyze the channel list to ensure it includes your must-have channels, including local broadcasts, news, sports, and entertainment.
• DVR Capabilities: Examine the DVR functionality, including storage capacity, ease of recording access, management features, and commercial skipping.
• Video Quality: Look for support for 60 frames-per-second video across various channels for a smoother viewing experience.
• User Interface: Assess the interface design, including the grid guide, on-demand menu, and home screen, for ease of navigation and discovery.
• Simultaneous Streams and Out-of-Home Viewing: Consider the number of devices that can stream concurrently and any restrictions on viewing outside your home network.

Live TV Streaming vs. On-Demand Video Services

It’s essential to differentiate between live TV streaming services and on-demand video services (SVOD) like Netflix:

• On-Demand Services: Offer original programming and licensed movies and shows. Some are venturing into live sports, but the coverage differs from traditional cable.
• Live TV Services: Carry the same channels found in cable or satellite packages, including major networks, news channels, and sports channels. They provide grid-style channel guides and DVR features similar to traditional TV.

Key Features of Live TV Streaming Services

• Apps: Each service provides apps for smart TVs, streaming devices, smartphones, and tablets.
• Subscriptions: Subscribe through their websites or directly through the app stores.
• Cloud DVR: Record live programming and skip commercials. Recordings are stored online for access from any device.

Common Questions

• Can I watch live TV streaming services on the go? Yes, though some services have restrictions on what you can watch and how you can watch it.
• Are there activation fees? No, live TV streaming services do not charge activation fees.
• Can I watch on multiple devices? You can log in to watch on as many devices as you want at no extra charge. However, there’s usually a limit on simultaneous streams (typically two or three), which you may be able to increase for an additional fee.

About the Expert

Jared has been a freelance technology journalist for more than 15 years and regularly contributes to PCWorld, Fast Company, and TechHive. He has written a weekly cord-cutting column for TechHive since 2014. His Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter has more than 30,000 subscribers, and his Advisorator tech advice newsletter is read by nearly 10,000 people each week. Jared has a masters degree in journalism from NYU and specializes in making complex tech topics easy to understand, from streaming and cord-cutting to neat apps and useful tech tricks. He is based in Cincinnati, OH.