The best (and cheapest) live TV streaming services in 2023
Amanda Morgan
November 13, 2024
Live streaming TV services are a great way to watch TV without a cable or satellite subscription. With live streaming TV, you can watch live, on-demand, or recorded shows and movies. Most live streaming TV services also offer a selection of on-demand content that you can watch at any time. The good news is that there are a number of free and low-cost options available.
So, if you're looking to cut the cord but still want to keep up with your favorite sports and shows, keep reading. In this article, we'll take a look at the best free live TV streaming services, like YouTube TV and Hulu Live, in detail to help you can choose the one that's right for you.
The benefits of live TV plans
There are a number of benefits to using live streaming TV services. They are a more affordable alternative to traditional cable and satellite TV providers, provide more flexibility in terms of where and when you can watch your favorite shows, plus, they offer a wider selection of channels and on-demand content than most cable and satellite providers.
Some of the top live TV streaming services we discuss in this article offer live broadcasts, live sporting events like the NFL, live news broadcasts such as BBC world news and so much more. Streaming video content has become so popular and easily accessible because of the variety of platforms that offer live TV. If there was ever a time to stream live TV, it's now.
Choosing the best live streaming TV service for you
When choosing a live TV service, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider your budget and whether you're willing to pay for a subscription. Second, think about what type of content you want to watch and whether you need access to live or on-demand content. And finally, make sure to check out the selection of channels offered by each live streaming TV service.
The streaming service you choose should ideally be available in your area, within your budget, and offer most (if not all) of the content you enjoy seeing.
Top 10 best live TV streaming services of 2023
You may be surprised to learn that there are a number of free live streaming TV services available. Some of which are well-known and even considered major streaming services. While some require a subscription, others are completely free or start you off with a free trial.
To give you a headstart on your decision-making journey, we've rounded 10 of the best live TV streaming services below.
1. Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most popular live video streaming services available. It offers a variety of live and on-demand television shows, movies, and channels including ESPN, CNN, and HGTV, and you can watch it on virtually any streaming device comfortable to you - your TV, phone, or tablet.
You don't need a cable subscription to use Sling TV, and it's easy to cancel if you're not happy with the service. SlingTV starts at $20 per month. The only draw back with Sling TV is that it does not offer any local channels, so if you live in an area where local channels are important to you, this may not be the best option. Keep reading, we have 9 more options for you to choose from.
2. Hulu with live TV
If you're looking for a comprehensive live TV service with more than 60 news, sports, and entertainment channels and networks, Hulu with Live TV is a great option. You can watch live news, shows, sports events like NFL games, and more on channels like ABC, NBC, CBSN, Fox News, ESPN, HGTV and Bravo.
Plus, it comes with all the benefits of a regular Hulu subscription, like access to the Hulu streaming library with tons of television shows and movies. That said, if you're already a Hulu subscriber, Hulu with Live TV is a good option.
If you're looking for a live TV streaming service, it's important to keep in mind that they are typically more expensive than regular TV packages. So, if you're working with a limited budget, you may want to explore other options. However, if price isn't an issue, Hulu with Live TV is definitely worth considering.
3. AT&T WatchTV
AT&T WatchTV is a live streaming TV service with a selection of TV shows, movies, and more. AT&T’s Watch TV offers more than 30 channels of live TV for a starting price of $15/month. AT&T’s offering comes along with a massive 250-hour storage limit and no playback restrictions.
Plus, you can stream on two devices at the same time with this plan. Some of the channels included in this package are AMC, Cartoon Network, CNN, Comedy Central, Discovery, HGTV, TLC, and Viceland. And did we mention there’s also a 7-day free trial available?
4. YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a wide selection of channels to choose from. A YouTube TV plan starts at $50 per month, and there are no contracts. YouTube TV also has DVR capabilities, so you can record your favorite shows and watch them later from anywhere. One of the best things about YouTube TV is that it's available on a variety of devices, so you can watch it on your phone, tablet, or even your gaming console.
And if you're worried about missing out on live sports, don't be - YouTube TV has you covered with streams of major live sporting events. It's an on-demand streaming service for all things sports, movies and shows, plus much more.
5. PlayStation Vue
If you're a fan of live television, PlayStation Vue is one of the best streaming services out there. It offers a great selection of live channels, including ESPN, TNT, Fox News, and more. Not only do you have the option to stream from your console if you're already a PlayStation owner, but you can also watch on your computer, phone, or tablet.
One of the best things about PlayStation Vue is its cloud DVR feature. This lets you record live TV and watch it later at your convenience. You can even fast-forward through commercials!
PlayStation Vue does have some downsides, however. First, it's not available in all areas - you'll need to check if it's available in your zip code. Second, it's a bit more expensive than some other streaming services, starting at $40 per month. But if you're looking for a top-notch live TV experience, PlayStation Vue is a great option.
6. DirecTV Now
DirecTV Now is a live streaming service from DirecTV. It’s available on an array of platforms, including Roku. You can watch it without a contract, and it doesn’t require a satellite dish.
DirecTV Now offers 60+ channels in its basic package, which costs $35 per month. It also offers add-on packages with more channels, starting at $5 per month. If a great live streaming TV service is what you have in mind, you can't go wrong with DirectTV. DirectTV offers a wide variety of channels, including many popular ones like ESPN, CNN, and HBO. And best of all, you can get started with a free trial.
7. FuboTV
Fubo TV is another great live streaming service for sports fans and cord-cutters who want to watch live TV without a cable or satellite subscription.
Fubo TV offers a wide variety of channels and plans, with a mix of sports, entertainment, news, and more. They have some the largest variety of sports content compared to any other live streaming services. If you're a fan of live sports, then Fubo TV is the best streaming service for you.
Fubo TV offers a free trial, so you can try it before you buy it. After the free trial ends, you can sig up for the service at $39.99 per month. You can watch Fubo TV on almost any screen - your computer, phone, or tablet.
8. Philo
Philo offers a great selection of channels, including many popular cable networks making it one of the best live streaming TV services available. Philo differentiates itself from other live streaming TV services by focusing on entertainment channels.
While you'll find some news and sports channels included, Philo really shines when it comes to offering a wide range of cable networks like AMC, HGTV, Comedy Central, and more. If you're looking for a great selection of entertainment channels at a reasonable price, Philo is the best option available.
The TV service starts at just $16 per month and you also have the option to add premium channels like HBO or Showtime for an additional fee. Philo does not require a contract, so you can cancel at any time. And if you're looking for a free live streaming TV service, Philo also offers a 7-day free trial.
9. Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers live streaming TV service that is completely free. Pluto TV streams live news, sports, and entertainment to your desktop or mobile device. And the best part? You don’t need a subscription to watch it. There is no contract, no monthly fee and no strings attached, making it a great option for recent cord-cutters trying out live TV.
You can choose from over 100 channels of live and on-demand content. Their services include news, sports, movies, and tv shows. There's even a section devoted to kid's content!
As if that wasn't already enough, Pluto TV also offers content from popular networks like HBO and Showtime. The only downside is that it is ad-supported. Aside from that, Pluto TV is available on a variety of devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android, iOS, Chromecast, and more.
You can watch it from almost anywhere and any device - your smartphone, tablet and laptop.
10. Apple TV
Last but not least is Apple TV+, which offers a variety of live and on-demand content. Apple TV+ is known for its original programming, movies, and more. It's one of the newer services on the market, but it's quickly become a favorite among many users. One of the best things about Apple TV+ is that it offers a 7-day free trial. This means that you can try out the service before you decide whether or not you want to commit to it.
While it doesn't offer as many channels as some of the other live streaming services, it does have a number of great features, including AirPlay, which allows you to watch content from your iPhone or iPad on your Apple TV.
What's great about live streaming services like Apple TV+ is that they offer an alternative to traditional cable television.
If you're interested in a live streaming service offer with the best of both worlds, original programming and a free trial, then Apple TV+ is definitely worth checking out.
There are a number of ways to watch live TV without cable tv, and Apple TV is one of them.
Start your live TV streaming experience
While you used to have to pay for a cable or satellite subscription to get live TV, there are now a number of live streaming services that provide access to live TV channels without the need for a traditional television package. With live streaming, you can watch your favorite shows and movies without having to worry about expensive monthly bills.
There are a lot of great live streaming TV services available, but it can be hard to know which one is right for you. When choosing a live streaming TV service, consider your budget, what type of content you want to watch, and the selection of channels offered. Some live streaming TV services are free to use with no monthly subscription required, while others require a paid subscription.
All of these services are legal to use. However, some live streaming TV services may only be available in certain areas. The good news is that with so many options to choose from, you can compare live TV streaming services to find the best service for you. That said, do your research and make sure the service you choose is available in your area and the right fit for your content needs. Go forth and stream live TV!
Written by:
Amanda Morgan
Hey, I’m Amanda! A big fan of sunny days, good coffee, and making life easier for you. When I’m not exploring how technology can improve our everyday lives, I’m all about finding simple ways to explain those benefits to you. I love chatting about how a smart home setup can make your mornings smoother or how the right internet plan can change your streaming experience. Life’s complicated enough—your tech shouldn’t be!
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