The Best Live TV Streaming Services in 2026

The cable TV landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. More than 56% of Americans now watch TV via streaming services, compared to 76% who had traditional cable subscriptions back in 2015. If you're ready to cut the cord but still want live TV, a live TV streaming service is the perfect solution.

What Is a Live TV Streaming Service?

Live TV streaming services deliver real-time broadcast content — including sports, news, and local channels — over the internet, without a cable or satellite subscription. Unlike on-demand platforms like Netflix or Disney+, these services let you watch live events as they happen.

Top Live TV Streaming Services Compared

1. YouTube TV — Best Overall

YouTube TV is our top pick for most cord-cutters. At $72.99/month, it offers 100+ channels including all major broadcast networks, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and up to 6 accounts per household. The interface is clean, and Google's integration means seamless discovery across YouTube and live TV.

  • Price: $72.99/month
  • Channels: 100+
  • DVR: Unlimited cloud storage
  • Streams: Up to 3 simultaneous

2. Hulu + Live TV — Best for Entertainment Bundle

Hulu + Live TV starts at $82.99/month and bundles live TV with Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu's on-demand library. It's the best choice for households that want both live programming and a deep streaming catalog. You get 85+ live channels and unlimited DVR storage.

  • Price: $82.99/month
  • Channels: 85+
  • Extras: Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu on-demand included

3. Sling TV — Best Budget Option

Sling TV is the most affordable live TV streaming service, starting at just $40/month for Sling Orange or Sling Blue. Sling Orange includes ESPN channels while Sling Blue has FOX and NBC — combine both for $55/month. Great for sports fans on a budget.

  • Price: From $40/month
  • Channels: 30–50+ depending on plan
  • DVR: 50 hours included

4. DIRECTV Stream — Best for Sports

DIRECTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) excels at live sports coverage, offering every major sports channel including regional sports networks unavailable on most streaming services. Plans start at $69.99/month for the Entertainment tier.

5. Philo — Best Cheap Option Without Sports

At just $25/month, Philo is the cheapest live TV streaming service available. The catch: no sports channels and no local broadcast networks. But if you mainly want entertainment channels like HGTV, Discovery, Comedy Central, and AMC, Philo is an excellent deal.

6. FuboTV — Best for International Sports

FuboTV was built for soccer fans but now covers nearly every sport. Starting at $79.99/month, it offers 200+ channels with a strong international sports lineup, 4K streaming, and 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.

How to Choose the Right Live TV Streaming Service

Consider these key factors when choosing: 1) What channels do you need? 2) Do you need local broadcast channels? 3) How important is sports coverage? 4) How many people will be watching simultaneously? Use our ZIP code search to find which services are available in your area.