What FuboTV is and who it's built for

FuboTV is a live streaming service that carries broadcast channels, cable channels, and sports networks. You watch on a phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device — not through a cable box. The service costs money each month, and you can cancel anytime without a contract.

FuboTV emphasizes sports more than most other streaming services. It includes ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV, and regional sports networks that show local teams. It also carries news channels like CNN and Fox News, and entertainment channels like AMC and Bravo. The exact channel list changes, and some channels vary by region.

You do not need to own a TV antenna, cable subscription, or satellite dish to use it. You need an internet connection fast enough to stream video — typically 25 megabits per second or higher for 4K quality, though lower speeds work for standard definition.

Key Takeaways

  • FuboTV costs between $80 and $120 per month depending on which plan you choose, with no contract or equipment rental fees.
  • You can watch on up to four devices at the same time with most plans, though only one can stream in 4K quality.
  • The service includes a cloud DVR that records programs for you to watch later, with storage limits that vary by plan.
  • FuboTV offers a trial period before you pay, so you can test whether the channel lineup and streaming quality work for your internet connection.
  • Sports channels, local news availability, and exact channel lineups change over time and may differ based on where you live.

FuboTV pricing and plan tiers

FuboTV offers three main subscription tiers. The entry-level plan costs around $80 per month and includes the core channel lineup. The mid-tier plan runs approximately $100 per month and adds more channels. The highest tier costs roughly $120 per month and includes premium add-ons. Prices vary by region and change periodically, so the exact amount you pay depends on your location and when you sign up.

Each plan includes cloud DVR storage, though the amount of storage and how long recordings stay available differs by tier. The entry plan typically stores 250 hours of recordings. Higher tiers offer more storage — sometimes 1,000 hours or more — and longer retention periods before recordings are automatically deleted.

FuboTV does not charge equipment rental fees, installation fees, or early cancellation penalties. You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings. If you cancel, you lose access to the service when ready, and you do not receive a refund for the remainder of your billing cycle.

Channels and content available on FuboTV

FuboTV carries over 150 channels across most plans, though the exact number and which channels appear depend on your plan tier and location. Sports channels include ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports 1, NFL Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, and regional sports networks that broadcast local teams. The availability of regional networks varies by city — you may see your local NBA, NFL, or MLB team's games, or you may not, depending on where you live and broadcasting agreements.

News and information channels include CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, BBC America, and local news stations in many markets. Entertainment channels span AMC, Bravo, E!, Lifetime, and others. The service also carries channels for kids' programming, international content, and niche interests like cooking and home improvement.

The channel lineup is not fixed. FuboTV adds and removes channels regularly as licensing agreements change. Before you commit to a subscription, you can check the current channel list on FuboTV's website to confirm that the channels you watch most are included in your plan tier.

How simultaneous streaming and device limits work

Most FuboTV plans allow you to stream on up to four devices at the same time. This means four people in your household can watch different channels or programs simultaneously. However, only one stream can play in 4K quality at a time — if two people try to watch 4K content at once, the second stream drops to a lower resolution.

You can use FuboTV on phones, tablets, computers, and connected TV devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV. You can also cast from your phone or computer to a TV using Chromecast or AirPlay. The app is available through each device's app store.

If you try to stream on more than four devices at once, the oldest stream will stop, and you will see a message on that device. You can restart it by signing back in, but only if you drop below four simultaneous streams first.

Cloud DVR and recording features

FuboTV includes a cloud DVR that records programs automatically or lets you record specific shows. Unlike a traditional DVR box, the recordings are stored on FuboTV's servers, not on a device in your home. You can watch recorded programs anytime, from any device where you are signed in.

The amount of storage depends on your plan. Lower-tier plans typically offer 250 hours of storage, which is roughly enough to record 10 to 15 hours of programming per week for a month before older recordings are deleted. Higher tiers offer 1,000 hours or more. Once you reach your storage limit, the oldest recordings are automatically deleted to make room for new ones.

You can set up recurring recordings for shows you watch regularly, and FuboTV will record new episodes automatically. You can also record individual programs by selecting them in the guide. Recordings are available for a set period — usually 30 to 90 days depending on your plan — before they expire and are removed.

Internet speed and streaming quality requirements

FuboTV recommends an internet connection of at least 25 megabits per second for 4K streaming and 10 megabits per second for standard definition. If your connection is slower, the video may buffer, pause, or drop to lower quality automatically. If your connection is faster, you will see better picture quality and fewer interruptions.

The speed you need also depends on how many devices are streaming at once. If four people are watching simultaneously, you need a faster connection than if only one person is watching. Most home internet plans of 100 megabits per second or higher support multiple simultaneous streams without issues.

You can test your internet speed using free tools like Speedtest.net. If your speed is below FuboTV's recommendations, you may experience buffering or quality drops, especially during peak hours when your internet provider's network is congested.

Trial period and how to start

FuboTV offers a trial period — usually seven days — before you are charged for your first month. During the trial, you have full access to the service and can watch any channel or program included in your plan. You can cancel during the trial without paying anything.

To start, you visit FuboTV's website, select a plan, and enter your email address and payment method. You will be asked to create a password and set up your profile. Once your account is created, you can read the app on your devices and sign in when ready.

If you do not cancel before the trial ends, your payment method will be charged for the first full month of your subscription. You can cancel anytime after that through your account settings — no phone call or customer service interaction is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch FuboTV outside the United States?

FuboTV is designed for use in the United States. If you try to use it from outside the country, you may see an error message or be blocked from streaming. Some users report that using a VPN (virtual private network) allows access from abroad, but FuboTV's terms of service do not permit this, and the service may suspend your account if detected.

Does FuboTV include on-demand movies and shows like Netflix?

FuboTV is primarily a live TV service, so most of what you watch is live broadcasts or recorded programs from the channels included in your plan. Some channels offer on-demand content through the FuboTV app, but the library is much smaller than Netflix or similar services. If you want a large collection of movies and shows to watch anytime, you would need a separate subscription.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel my subscription?

Your cloud DVR recordings are deleted when you cancel. You cannot read them or keep them after your subscription ends. If you want to save a program, you need to watch it or find it through another source before you cancel.

Can I use FuboTV with a VPN to watch channels not available in my area?

FuboTV's terms of service prohibit using a VPN to access content outside your region or to bypass geographic restrictions. The service may detect VPN use and suspend or terminate your account. Regional restrictions exist because of licensing agreements with broadcasters and sports leagues.

Is there a way to reduce the cost if I only want sports channels?

FuboTV does not offer a sports-only plan. All plans include the full channel lineup for that tier. If you want only sports channels, you might consider other services like ESPN+ or league-specific apps, though those have different content and costs than FuboTV.