The world of streaming services has revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, offering a vast array of options to suit every taste and budget. However, with the rise of streaming, the traditional TV viewing experience has undergone a significant transformation. Many of us still crave the thrill of live TV, whether it’s to catch the latest sports events, news updates, or our favorite shows as they air. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy live TV streaming. In this article, we’ll delve into the cheapest streaming services with live TV, exploring the options that offer the best value for your hard-earned cash.
Understanding the Landscape of Live TV Streaming
Before we dive into the cheapest options, it’s essential to understand the landscape of live TV streaming. The market is dominated by a handful of key players, each offering a unique set of features, channels, and pricing plans. The main contenders include:
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu with Live TV
- AT&T TV Now
- Philo
- FuboTV
These services offer a range of channels, from sports and news to entertainment and lifestyle. However, the cost can vary significantly, depending on the provider, the number of channels, and the features included.
The Cheapest Options: A Closer Look
So, what are the cheapest streaming services with live TV? Let’s take a closer look at the options that offer the best value for your money.
- Philo: Philo is one of the most affordable streaming services with live TV, offering a range of 59 channels for just $20 per month. The service includes popular channels like AMC, Discovery, and Food Network, as well as a range of lifestyle and entertainment options.
- Sling TV: Sling TV is another budget-friendly option, offering two main plans: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Both plans cost $25 per month, but the channels and features vary. Sling Orange includes 30 channels, including ESPN and Disney, while Sling Blue offers 45 channels, including NBC and Fox.
A Comparison of Philo and Sling TV
| Service | Price | Channels |
| — | — | — |
| Philo | $20/month | 59 |
| Sling TV (Orange) | $25/month | 30 |
| Sling TV (Blue) | $25/month | 45 |
As you can see, Philo offers the most channels for the lowest price, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget. However, Sling TV’s plans offer more flexibility, with the option to customize your channel lineup and add extras like HBO or Starz.
Other Affordable Options
While Philo and Sling TV are the cheapest options, there are other affordable streaming services with live TV worth considering.
- AT&T TV Now: AT&T TV Now offers a range of plans, including the Plus plan, which costs $55 per month and includes 45 channels. While it’s not the cheapest option, it’s a good choice for those who want a more comprehensive channel lineup.
- Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV costs $54.99 per month and includes 67 channels, as well as access to Hulu’s on-demand library. It’s a good option for those who want a mix of live TV and on-demand content.
The Importance of Channel Lineups
When choosing a streaming service with live TV, the channel lineup is a crucial consideration. Different services offer different channels, so it’s essential to check the lineup before signing up. Here are some popular channels to look out for:
- Sports: ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports
- News: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC
- Entertainment: AMC, Bravo, E!
- Lifestyle: Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel
A Channel Lineup Comparison
| Service | Sports | News | Entertainment | Lifestyle |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| Philo | Limited | Limited | AMC, Bravo, E! | Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel |
| Sling TV (Orange) | ESPN | Limited | Disney, Freeform | Limited |
| Sling TV (Blue) | NBC Sports | Fox News | USA, Syfy | Limited |
| AT&T TV Now | ESPN, Fox Sports | CNN, Fox News | AMC, Bravo, E! | Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel |
| Hulu with Live TV | ESPN, Fox Sports | CNN, Fox News | AMC, Bravo, E! | Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel |
As you can see, the channel lineups vary significantly between services. Philo and AT&T TV Now offer a range of lifestyle channels, while Sling TV’s plans focus on sports and entertainment. Hulu with Live TV offers a comprehensive lineup that includes sports, news, and entertainment.
Additional Features to Consider
When choosing a streaming service with live TV, there are several additional features to consider.
- DVR: A digital video recorder (DVR) allows you to record live TV and watch it later. Some services, like Sling TV and AT&T TV Now, offer a cloud DVR, while others, like Hulu with Live TV, offer a more traditional DVR experience.
- Simultaneous Streams: If you have a large household, you’ll want to consider a service that offers multiple simultaneous streams. This allows multiple users to watch different channels at the same time.
- On-Demand Content: Some services, like Hulu with Live TV, offer a range of on-demand content, including TV shows and movies.
A Feature Comparison
| Service | DVR | Simultaneous Streams | On-Demand Content |
| — | — | — | — |
| Philo | Limited | 3 | Limited |
| Sling TV | Cloud DVR | 1-4 | Limited |
| AT&T TV Now | Cloud DVR | 2-3 | Limited |
| Hulu with Live TV | Traditional DVR | 2 | Extensive |
As you can see, the features vary significantly between services. Sling TV’s cloud DVR is a convenient option, while Hulu with Live TV’s traditional DVR offers more flexibility. AT&T TV Now’s simultaneous streams are limited, but the service offers a range of on-demand content.
Conclusion
Choosing the cheapest streaming service with live TV requires careful consideration of several factors, including the channel lineup, additional features, and pricing. While Philo is the cheapest option, Sling TV’s plans offer more flexibility, and AT&T TV Now’s Plus plan offers a more comprehensive channel lineup. Ultimately, the best service for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. By doing your research and comparing the options, you can find a streaming service that offers the perfect blend of live TV and affordability.
What are the most affordable streaming services with live TV?
The most affordable streaming services with live TV include Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Philo. These services offer a range of channels and features at a lower cost than traditional cable or satellite TV. Sling TV, for example, starts at just $35 per month for its Sling Orange package, which includes 30 channels. YouTube TV, on the other hand, offers over 85 channels for $64.99 per month.
When choosing a streaming service with live TV, consider the channels and features that are most important to you. If you’re looking for sports, Sling TV’s Sling Orange package may be a good option, as it includes ESPN and other sports channels. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive channel lineup, YouTube TV or Hulu with Live TV may be a better choice.
How do streaming services with live TV compare to traditional cable or satellite TV?
Streaming services with live TV offer several advantages over traditional cable or satellite TV. For one, they are often significantly cheaper, with prices starting at around $30-40 per month compared to $100-200 per month for traditional TV. Additionally, streaming services with live TV often offer more flexibility, allowing you to watch on a variety of devices and cancel at any time.
Another advantage of streaming services with live TV is that they often offer more personalized viewing experiences. Many services, such as Hulu with Live TV, offer features like cloud DVR and personalized recommendations, which can help you find new shows and movies to watch. Additionally, streaming services with live TV often have fewer commercials than traditional TV, which can be a major advantage for some viewers.
What channels are available on streaming services with live TV?
The channels available on streaming services with live TV vary depending on the service. Sling TV, for example, offers a range of channels, including ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. YouTube TV, on the other hand, offers over 85 channels, including local networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC, as well as cable channels like ESPN and FX. Hulu with Live TV also offers a range of channels, including local networks and cable channels like ESPN and USA Network.
In addition to these channels, many streaming services with live TV also offer add-on channels or packages that can be added to your subscription. For example, Sling TV offers a range of add-on channels, including HBO and Starz, which can be added to your subscription for an additional fee. YouTube TV also offers add-on channels, including HBO and Showtime.
Can I watch sports on streaming services with live TV?
Yes, many streaming services with live TV offer sports channels and events. Sling TV, for example, offers ESPN and other sports channels, making it a good option for sports fans. YouTube TV also offers a range of sports channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. Hulu with Live TV also offers sports channels, including ESPN and USA Network.
In addition to these channels, many streaming services with live TV also offer access to live sports events, such as NFL games and MLB games. Some services, like YouTube TV, also offer exclusive sports content, such as NFL Sunday Ticket. However, it’s worth noting that some sports events may not be available on streaming services with live TV, so it’s a good idea to check the service’s channel lineup and sports offerings before signing up.
Can I watch local channels on streaming services with live TV?
Yes, many streaming services with live TV offer local channels, such as ABC, CBS, and NBC. YouTube TV, for example, offers live local channels in many areas, making it a good option for viewers who want to watch local news and sports. Hulu with Live TV also offers local channels in many areas, including ABC, CBS, and NBC.
However, it’s worth noting that not all streaming services with live TV offer local channels, and availability may vary depending on your location. Sling TV, for example, does not offer local channels in all areas, although it does offer some local channels in certain markets. If watching local channels is important to you, be sure to check the service’s channel lineup and availability in your area before signing up.
Do streaming services with live TV offer DVR capabilities?
Yes, many streaming services with live TV offer DVR capabilities, allowing you to record and watch shows and movies later. Sling TV, for example, offers a cloud DVR that allows you to record up to 50 hours of content. YouTube TV also offers a cloud DVR that allows you to record unlimited content, although there are some limitations on how long you can keep recordings.
Hulu with Live TV also offers a cloud DVR that allows you to record up to 50 hours of content, although you can upgrade to a larger DVR for an additional fee. Additionally, many streaming services with live TV offer features like pause and rewind, allowing you to control your viewing experience even when watching live TV.
Can I cancel my streaming service with live TV at any time?
Yes, most streaming services with live TV allow you to cancel at any time. Sling TV, for example, offers a month-to-month subscription that can be canceled at any time. YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV also offer month-to-month subscriptions that can be canceled at any time.
One of the advantages of streaming services with live TV is that they often don’t require a long-term contract, making it easy to try out a service and cancel if you’re not satisfied. Additionally, many services offer free trials or promotional pricing, allowing you to try out the service before committing to a paid subscription.