What you get with live TV subscriptions versus streaming-only services

A live TV subscription service streams television channels in real time, the way cable or satellite does, but through the internet instead of a cable box. You watch shows as they air rather than waiting for them to appear on a streaming library. The main trade-off is cost: live TV subscriptions run $55 to $100+ per month, while streaming services without live channels cost $7 to $20 per month.

Live TV services include local broadcast channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), cable news networks (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News), sports channels (ESPN, regional sports networks), and entertainment channels (HGTV, Discovery, AMC). Which channels you get depends on the service and your location. Some services let you record programs to watch later; others do not.

If you want to watch sports, news, or shows as they air, a live TV service is the main option. If you only watch shows after they premiere or use a streaming library, a standard streaming service is usually cheaper.

Key Takeaways

  • Live TV services cost $55 to $100+ per month and include local channels, cable networks, and sports; streaming-only services cost $7 to $20 per month and do not include live broadcasts.
  • The channels available vary by service and by your zip code, so checking your local lineup before signing up is necessary.
  • Most live TV services include cloud storage to record programs, but the number of hours you can store and how long you can keep recordings varies.
  • Many services offer a trial period of 5 to 7 days, which you can use to test whether the channel lineup and streaming quality work for your home internet.
  • Cancellation is usually possible anytime without penalty, though some promotional rates require you to stay for a set number of months.

Major live TV services and what channels they include

YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month and includes ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, HGTV, Discovery, AMC, and about 85 channels total. It offers unlimited cloud recording and lets you watch on up to three devices at once. Local channels are available in most US markets.

Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month and includes the same broadcast and cable networks as YouTube TV, plus access to Hulu's on-demand library. You get 50 hours of cloud recording (expandable to 200 hours for an extra $9.99 per month). You can watch on two devices at once.

Sling TV is the lowest-cost option at $39.99 per month for its base package (Sling Orange), which includes ESPN, CNN, AMC, and about 30 channels. It does not include local broadcast channels. You can add a second package (Sling Blue) for $39.99 more to get Fox, NBC, and different cable networks. Sling TV does not offer cloud recording on the base plan.

FuboTV costs $79.99 per month and focuses on sports, with ESPN, regional sports networks, and international soccer. It includes local channels in most markets and offers 500 hours of cloud recording. You can watch on two devices at once.

DirecTV Stream costs $79.99 per month for its base package and includes ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, and about 65 channels. It offers 500 hours of cloud recording and lets you watch on two devices at once.

How to check which channels are available in your area

Local broadcast channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) are not available everywhere through every service. Your zip code determines what your local stations are, and not all services carry all local stations in all areas.

Before you sign up, visit the service's website and enter your zip code. The service will show you which local channels are available to you and which cable networks are included in your region. This step takes two minutes and prevents signing up only to find out you cannot get the channels you need.

If a service does not carry your local NBC station but you need it for a specific show, you may be able to watch that show on the NBC app or website instead, though this usually requires you to sign in with a cable or live TV subscription. Check the network's website to see what is available without a login.

Cloud recording and how it works across services

Most live TV services let you record programs to watch later, but the amount of storage and how long you can keep recordings varies significantly.

YouTube TV offers unlimited recording at no extra cost. You can keep recordings as long as you want, and there is no limit on how many shows you can record at once. Hulu + Live TV gives you 50 hours of storage included, which is roughly 10 to 15 one-hour shows. You can upgrade to 200 hours for $9.99 per month. FuboTV and DirecTV Stream both offer 500 hours, which is roughly 100 to 150 one-hour shows. Sling TV does not include cloud recording on its base plan; you must add it as an extra feature.

If you record a show, you can usually watch it on any device where you are signed into the service. Some services let you read recordings to watch offline on a phone or tablet, but this feature is not available on all services.

Internet speed and device requirements

Live TV services require a stable internet connection. Most services recommend at least 3 Mbps for one stream and 8 Mbps for multiple streams at once. If your home internet is slower than this or frequently drops, streaming live TV may be unreliable.

You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. Most services have apps for Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV. Some services also work on gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Check the service's website to confirm it works on the devices you own before you sign up.

If you want to watch on multiple devices at the same time, check the service's limits. YouTube TV allows three simultaneous streams; Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream allow two. Sling TV allows one stream at a time on the base plan, though you can add a second stream for an extra fee.

Trial periods and cancellation policies

Most live TV services offer a free trial of 5 to 7 days. During the trial, you get full access to all channels and features. This is long enough to test whether the service works with your internet speed and whether the channel lineup meets your needs.

Cancellation is usually possible anytime without penalty. If you sign up for a promotional rate (for example, $39.99 for the first three months), some services require you to stay for the promotional period or charge you the full price for the remaining months. Read the terms before you sign up to understand what happens if you cancel early.

To cancel, you typically log into your account online and select a cancellation option. Some services also let you cancel by phone. Cancellation usually takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you can continue watching until then.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch live TV on my phone while traveling?

Yes, most services let you watch on your phone anywhere you have internet. Some services limit how long you can watch outside your home network before requiring you to reconnect at home, but this varies by service. Check the specific service's policy before you travel.

Do I need a cable box or special equipment?

No. You only need an internet connection and a device like a phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. You do not need to install any hardware or have a technician come to your home.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel?

Your recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. If you want to keep a show, you need to watch it or read it before you cancel. Some services let you read recordings to your phone or tablet to keep them after cancellation, but this is not available on all services.

Can I get sports channels without paying for a full live TV subscription?

Some sports are available through league-specific apps (ESPN+, NFL+, NBA League Pass) or through individual network apps (ESPN, Fox Sports), though these usually require a cable or live TV login. If you only want specific sports, these apps may be cheaper than a full live TV service. Check what sports you want to watch and whether the league or network offers it separately.

What if my internet goes out during a live event?

You will lose the stream. Unlike cable, live TV services depend entirely on your internet connection. If you have frequent outages, a live TV service may not be reliable for you. Some services let you read shows to watch offline, but this only works for recorded programs, not live broadcasts.