Compare Television Streaming Services: Features Side by Side

Live TV streaming services replaced the cable box for millions of US households. They stream cable networks — and, in most cases, local broadcast stations — to apps on TVs, phones and computers, with no installation and usually no contract. They also differ in ways that matter: which channels they carry where you live, how recording works, how many people can watch at once, and what they cost.

This guide compares the main services side by side on features. Prices change often, so for pricing we explain the tiers rather than quote figures that may already be out of date.

Features, channel lineups and prices change frequently. Treat the details below as a snapshot at the time of writing and confirm on each provider's website before subscribing.

What defines a live TV streaming service?

A live TV streaming service (sometimes called a virtual pay-TV service) offers:

• a package of live cable networks, and usually local broadcast stations;
• a programme guide and cloud DVR;
• apps for TVs, streaming devices, phones and computers;
• month-to-month billing without a long contract.

It differs from on-demand services like Netflix, which have no live channel lineup, and from free ad-supported services like Pluto TV, which carry their own channels rather than cable networks.

The main services at a glance

YouTube TV

A full lineup of broadcast and cable networks, with local stations in most US markets, unlimited cloud DVR storage (recordings kept for a limited period) and a polished interface. It is also the home of NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on. Positioned in the higher price tier.

Hulu + Live TV

A full live lineup combined with Hulu's on-demand library and, in recent packaging, the Disney+ and ESPN streaming services. Disney agreed in 2025 to combine its Hulu + Live TV business with Fubo, so packaging may continue to evolve. Higher price tier.

Sling TV

Built around two smaller base packages — Sling Orange (with ESPN channels, one stream) and Sling Blue (more news and entertainment channels, more streams) — plus inexpensive add-ons. Local stations are limited to some markets and some channels. Lower to middle price tier, with more flexibility and more assembly required.

Fubo

Sports-focused, with a large number of sports networks and regional sports networks in some markets, alongside entertainment and news channels. Offers 4K for selected events. Higher price tier.

DirecTV's streaming packages

DirecTV's internet-delivered service (formerly DirecTV Stream) offers cable-like packages, including tiers with regional sports networks in many markets, with no satellite dish. Higher price tier, with several package levels.

Philo

An entertainment and lifestyle lineup with no sports networks and no local stations, at a much lower price than full-lineup services. Ideal for households that don't watch live sport or local news.

Feature comparison

Allowances, retention periods and stream limits are the providers' to change; check current terms.

How to choose between them

If you watch local sport

Check which services carry your regional sports network in your ZIP code. That single channel often decides the choice. See which services carry your top channels.

If you want everything in one place

YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo or DirecTV's packages provide the most complete lineups. Compare their DVR, number of screens and interfaces on your devices.

If you want to spend less

Sling TV lets you build a smaller package; Philo is the budget choice if you don't need sport or locals. Add an antenna for free local channels.

If you have a big household

Look at simultaneous streams and whether you can add more, plus profiles for each person.

If you care about picture quality

Check which events are offered in 4K and whether 4K requires an add-on. Remember that frame rate and bitrate matter for sport — see 4K live TV explained.

Interfaces and devices

All of these services have apps for major streaming devices (Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Google TV/Android TV) and for most recent smart TVs, plus phones and web browsers. Interface quality varies; use a free trial where offered, or a single month, to try the app on your main TV before committing.

Contracts, trials and switching

Most services are month-to-month and can be cancelled anytime, which means you can switch when a lineup changes or a season ends. Free trials come and go, so check current offers. Recordings generally don't transfer between services.

Frequently asked questions

Which live TV streaming service has the most channels?

Full-lineup services — YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and DirecTV's higher tiers — carry the most channels. The more useful question is which one carries your channels in your ZIP code, so use each service's official channel lookup.

Do these services include local channels?

Most full-lineup services include local ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX stations in most markets. Sling carries locals only in some markets and Philo carries none. An antenna fills the gap for free.

Can I watch away from home?

Yes, on phones, tablets and computers, although some services restrict certain channels away from home or ask you to sign in from your home network from time to time. The rules differ by service.

Is there a contract?

These services are generally month-to-month with no long-term contract, so you can cancel at the end of a billing period and switch when your needs change.

The bottom line

The "best" live TV streaming service depends on your channels and habits: local sports fans should start with RSN coverage, households wanting everything should compare the full-lineup services, and budget-conscious viewers should look at smaller packages plus an antenna. Use this comparison as a map, then confirm details on each provider's site with your ZIP code.

For the cost side — fees, add-ons and how to budget — read TV streaming packages: plans and prices explained.