Looking for quality live streaming services to help you save money and cut the cable cord, but don’t want to give up news stations, live sports, and seasonal shows? If this is the case, you might be interested in live TV streaming. Live streaming services are akin to on-demand streaming with their all-digital capabilities and simplicity of usage across numerous platforms. There is no set-top box, but it is similar to cable TV in that it offers local news stations, sports, and fresh episodes of current series.
We’ve listed the Best Live TV Streaming Services of 2022, with services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, and Philo TV all making the cut. Continue reading to learn more about what each service has to offer.
What Exactly Is Streaming TV?
Live streaming services might be a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to cable TV. For starters, you don’t need someone to install a set-top box or any of the other specialised equipment that cable and satellite TV services require. You also don’t have to pay for the hundreds of channels that come with a regular cable or satellite TV subscription, the vast majority of which you’re unlikely to see. Instead, you just pay for the stations you want with live streaming services. Many live streaming services have free trials, which is ideal for testing out a service without incurring any costs. You also do not have to sign a long-term contract, so you may pay month-to-month and cancel at any moment. Finally, unlike cable TV, a streaming service has no hidden costs.
You will need the following to view Live streaming services:
- A high-speed internet connection. Examine your internet connection to ensure that it is fast enough to stream internet material without buffering. The restrictions for accessing mobile hotspots for live streaming services vary, so check the tiny print. Hulu + Live TV, for example, requires a domestic, non-mobile internet connection to function.
- A gadget for streaming Most live streaming services enable you to watch live TV directly from their websites if you have a suitable browser. For YouTube TV, for example, you’ll need Chrome or Firefox. For a big-screen experience on a conventional TV, you can purchase a streaming device such as a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV. Many modern “smart” TVs, on the other hand, include built-in streaming apps. Streaming is also supported by several DVD players and gaming consoles, such as Xbox and PlayStation (PS4 or PS5). Make sure your selected streaming technique is compatible with the streaming service you pick.
Many live streaming services, like Netflix, also allow you to view movies and television series on demand. This implies you don’t have to record episodes in order to view them later. Consider subscribing to both live streaming services and a separate on-demand streaming service to get the best of both worlds. For more information on on-demand streaming, see our ranking of the Best On-Demand Streaming Services.
Consider how many individuals in your family will be using the service and if it will allow each of them to have their own profile when selecting a live TV streaming service. Furthermore, if you want cloud DVR storage, ensure that the service provides enough.
Compare Live TV Streaming Services
When it comes to network channels, local channels, the ability to watch live sports, and the quantity of cloud DVR storage, live streaming services differ greatly.
Here are some of the best rating live streaming services in 2022.
#1. fuboTV
FuboTV: FuboTV may be a good option for cord-cutters who appreciate sports-related programming. It is ranked third in our 2022 rankings of the Best Live Streaming Services and Best Sports Streaming. Starting at $64.99 a month, FuboTV includes over 100 channels, including ESPN, professional and college sports, and NFL Network. It offers three concurrent streams and comes with 250 hours of cloud DVR storage. If you need additional alternatives, FuboTV provides Latino Quarterly for $33 per month, which includes sports and other Spanish-language programmes.
For $79.99 per month, fubo Extra provides 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage space and an unlimited number of simultaneous streams. The service comes with a seven-day free trial.
#2. Sling TV
Sling TV: Tied for third place with fuboTV, SlingTV offers a variety of options that may be tailored to your specific requirements. Sling Free is a terrific alternative for people who want to test out Sling’s services without committing, and unlike many of the other services on our list, your free trial has no time restriction. The premium tiers include more material, and you can select between Sling Orange and Sling Blue or combine them for a discount. Sling Orange and Sling Blue begin at $35 per month, with the bundle costing $50 per month.
Choose Sling Orange and tailor your subscription to the channels you want if you are interested in sports and family content. If you’re searching for a sports-specific streaming service, make sure to read our guide to the Best Sports Streaming Services of 2022. Sling Blue is mostly concerned with news and entertainment. CNN, BET, ESPN, the NFL Network, AMC, and FOX News are among the channels available. All Sling TV subscriptions include 50 hours of cloud DVR storage.
#3. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is the Best Live TV Streaming Service in 2022, as well as the Best Sports Streaming Service in 2022. Your cable service may be replaced by YouTube TV, a streaming service with over 85 channels. For $64.99 per month, the service provides access to HGTV, Comedy Central, Food Network, Disney, PBS, BET, MTV, and Nick Jr., as well as various sports networks such as ESPN and NBC Sports. However, YouTube TV might not be the ideal option for out-of-market games or games involving non-local clubs.
A subscription allows you to watch content on three different devices and create six profiles.YouTube TV also features free, unlimited DVR cloud storage. As long as you are an active member, you can retain recordings for nine months. A free trial of the service is available for five days.
#4. Hulu
Hulu + Live TV: Hulu + Live TV is ranked second in our list of the Best Live Streaming Services of 2022. A Hulu + Live TV subscription offers live TV streaming as well as access to Hulu’s on-demand library, making it a unique alternative. Hulu is sometimes regarded as a direct rival to Netflix, but if you want on-demand shows as well as live TV services, Hulu may be the superior option in the long term.
Hulu + Live TV costs $69.99 a month and includes access to over 75 live channels, including local networks and sports channels, as well as 50 hours of cloud DVR storage and streaming on up to two screens. To get rid of the ad-supported Hulu service, you’ll simply have to pay six dollars extra each month, for a total of $70.99. Hulu + Live is now available in a special bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+, and you can add HBO Max to your Hulu account for an extra $14.99 per month.
#5. DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream: AT&T combined its AT&T TV Now and AT&T TV services to create DirecTV Stream, which combines on-demand and live TV streaming services. DirecTV Stream, its new service, ranks sixth in the Best Live TV Streaming Services of 2022. DirecTV Stream’s base subscription costs $69.99 per month, while the top-tier bundle costs $139.99 per month. The base package includes entertainment, sports, family, and lifestyle content. The higher subscriptions include services like HBO Max, STARZ, and SHOWTIME.
You may also create your own bundle by selecting a basic plan and paying for add-ons. For example, the most basic plan includes 20 hours of cloud DVR storage, but you can upgrade to limitless hours for an additional $10 each month. Although DirecTV Stream is contract-free, certain deals may require a 12-month commitment to enjoy the cheaper service. AT&T now combines its streaming service with AT&T Internet for even more savings.
#6. Philo
Philo: Philo ranks sixth in our ratings, with prices starting at $20 per month for 67 channels, unlimited DVR storage, up to three simultaneous streams, and an on-demand library. Epix is a $6 monthly add-on, while STARZ is a $9 monthly add-on.
There are no sports mentioned, and there isn’t much news on Philo. It does, however, give you access to channels like Food Network, Discovery Channel, and TLC, as well as TV shows like “Southpark,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “Naked and Afraid.” Philo offers a seven-day free trial to evaluate its service.
Methodology for 360° Streaming Services
We create suggestions after considering what is important to customers and expert reviewers. Based on an independent product review, we describe the most significant aspects of a streaming service. Our mission is to provide customers with the knowledge and resources they need to make educated purchasing decisions.