Discover the Top Live TV Streaming Services to Ditch Cable in 2024

Introduction
Streaming TV has revolutionized the way we consume media, offering the freedom to watch our favorite shows and movies on our own terms. However, some viewers crave the live experience, be it for sports, news, or the spontaneity of linear programming. Live TV streaming services provide an alternative to traditional cable, requiring only an internet connection and a compatible screen. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best live TV streaming services to help you cut the cord and enjoy live TV without the commitment and high costs of cable.

Quick Overview
To begin, let’s take a brief look at the six leading live TV streaming services, each catering to different types of viewers.

1. YouTube TV: Best TV streaming service for most people
2. Hulu + Live TV: Best live TV streaming service for Disney+ or Hulu subscribers
3. DirecTV Stream: Best cable without a contract
4. Fubo: Best live TV streaming service for sports
5. Sling TV: Best customizable live TV streaming service
6. Philo: Most affordable live TV streaming service

What to Look for in a Live TV Streaming Service
Before diving into the details of each service, it’s essential to understand the key features that set them apart.

1. Price: Live TV streaming services typically cost more than standard streaming apps, with prices ranging from $25 to $80 per month. The higher cost is due to the need to provide multiple networks, particularly sports and local stations.
2. Local channels: Most live TV streaming services offer full local channel coverage, ensuring you receive your area’s broadcast affiliates for ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. However, some services, like Philo, may not include local channels or only offer them in select markets.
3. Sports: Sports fans will appreciate the extensive sports coverage offered by live TV streaming services, with most major sporting events in the US covered by ESPN, Fox Sports, TNT, USA, and local affiliates.
4. Traditional cable networks: Live TV streaming services offer access to dozens of linear programming networks, which were once only available with cable TV. Standard streamers are starting to incorporate this content into their offerings as well.
5. Digital video recordings (DVR): All live TV streaming services offer cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and watch content at your convenience.

How to Stream Live TV
Streaming live TV is similar to using a standard streaming app. You’ll need a fast and stable internet connection and a compatible screen, such as a smart TV, streaming device, or phone. Most live TV apps require you to sign up and pay via a web browser before activating the app on your device.

Price Comparison
To help you make an informed decision, let’s compare the price-to-offering ratios of each live TV streaming service.

1. YouTube TV: $73 per month
2. Hulu + Live TV: $77 per month
3. DirecTV Stream: $80 per month
4. Fubo: $80 per month
5. Sling TV: $40 per month
6. Philo: $25 per month

Local Channels
When signing up with a live TV streaming service, you’ll enter your zip code to ensure you receive your area’s broadcast affiliates for ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. You can also receive these channels for free by purchasing an HD antenna and connecting it to your TV.

Sports
Sports fans will appreciate the extensive sports coverage offered by live TV streaming services. Most major sporting events in the US are covered by ESPN, Fox Sports, TNT, USA, and local affiliates. Traditional cable networks are also starting to add live sports to their lineups, providing more options for sports enthusiasts.

Traditional Cable Networks
Live TV streaming services offer access to dozens of linear programming networks, which were once only available with cable TV. Standard streamers are also starting to incorporate this content into their offerings.

Digital Video Recordings (DVR)
All live TV streaming services offer cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and watch content at your convenience. You can also fast-forward through commercials in recorded content.

Conclusion
Live TV streaming services provide an alternative to traditional cable, offering the freedom to watch live TV without the commitment and high costs of cable. By considering the features and offerings of the six leading live TV streaming services, you can make an informed decision and find the best option for your viewing preferences.

FAQs

1. What is a live TV streaming service?
A live TV streaming service is a subscription-based platform that allows users to watch live TV channels over the internet, without the need for a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription.
2. How do I sign up for a live TV streaming service?
To sign up for a live TV streaming service, you’ll typically need to create an account on the service’s website or app and provide payment information. Once your account is set up, you can activate the app on your compatible device and start watching live TV.
3. Can I watch live sports on a live TV streaming service?
Yes, most live TV streaming services offer extensive sports coverage, with most major sporting events in the US covered by ESPN, Fox Sports, TNT, USA, and local affiliates.
4. Do I need a fast internet connection to use a live TV streaming service?
Yes, a faster and more stable internet connection tends to provide a better live TV streaming experience.
5. Can I record live TV shows on a live TV streaming service?
Yes, all live TV streaming services offer cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and watch live TV shows at your convenience.
6. Can I watch local channels on a live TV streaming service?
Most live TV streaming services offer full local channel coverage, ensuring you receive your area’s broadcast affiliates for ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. However, some services may not include local channels or only offer them in select markets.
7. How much does a live TV streaming service cost?
The cost of a live TV streaming service varies, with prices ranging from $25 to $80 per month. The higher cost is due to the need to provide multiple networks, particularly sports and local stations.
8. Can I watch traditional cable networks on a live TV streaming service?
Yes, live TV streaming services offer access to dozens of linear programming networks, which were once only available with cable TV. Standard streamers are also starting to incorporate this content into their offerings.
9. Can I watch live TV for free?
Some live TV streaming services, such as Freevee, Tubi, PlutoTV, and Sling Freestream, offer free ad-supported live TV. However, the selection of channels is more limited compared to paid live TV streaming services.
10. Can I watch live TV on my phone or tablet?
Yes, most live TV streaming services offer apps for mobile devices, allowing you to watch live TV on your phone or tablet.
11. Can I watch live TV on my smart TV?
Yes, most live TV streaming services offer apps for smart TVs, allowing you to watch live TV directly on your TV without the need for a separate device.
12. Can I watch live TV on my computer?
Yes, most live TV streaming services offer desktop apps or websites, allowing you to watch live TV on your computer.
13. Can I watch live TV on my gaming console?
Yes, some live TV streaming services offer apps for gaming consoles, allowing you to watch live TV while gaming.
14. Can I watch live TV on my Roku device?
Yes, most live TV streaming services offer apps for Roku devices, allowing you to watch live TV on your Roku TV or Roku streaming stick.
15. Can I watch live TV on my Amazon Fire TV Stick?
Yes, most live TV streaming services offer apps for Amazon Fire TV Sticks, allowing you to watch live TV on your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick.
16. Can I watch live TV on my Apple TV?
Yes, most live TV streaming services offer apps for Apple TV, allowing you to watch live TV on your Apple TV or fourth-generation Apple TV box.
17. Can I watch live TV on my Samsung TV?
Yes, most live TV streaming services offer apps for Samsung TVs, allowing you to watch live TV directly on your Samsung TV without the need for a separate device.
18. Can I watch live TV on my Chromecast?
Yes, some live TV streaming services offer apps for Chromecast, allowing you to cast live TV to your TV from your phone or tablet.
19. Can I watch live TV on my PlayStation 5?
Yes, some live TV streaming services offer apps for PlayStation 5, allowing you to watch live TV while gaming.
20. Can I watch live TV on my Xbox Series X?
Yes, some live TV streaming services offer apps for Xbox Series X, allowing you to watch live TV while gaming.
21. Can I watch live TV on my Oculus Quest 2?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Oculus Quest 2.
22. Can I watch live TV on my Google Cardboard?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Cardboard.
23. Can I watch live TV on my HTC Vive?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the HTC Vive.
24. Can I watch live TV on my Windows Mixed Reality Headset?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Windows Mixed Reality Headsets.
25. Can I watch live TV on my Magic Leap One?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Magic Leap One.
26. Can I watch live TV on my Epson Moverio BT-300?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Epson Moverio BT-300.
27. Can I watch live TV on my Sony Smartglasses?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Sony Smartglasses.
28. Can I watch live TV on my Microsoft HoloLens 2?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Microsoft HoloLens 2.
29. Can I watch live TV on my Nreal Light?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Nreal Light.
30. Can I watch live TV on my Vuzix Blade?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Vuzix Blade.
31. Can I watch live TV on my Wavelet?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Wavelet.
32. Can I watch live TV on my Magic Leap One Creator Edition?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Magic Leap One Creator Edition.
33. Can I watch live TV on my Nreal Air?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Nreal Air.
34. Can I watch live TV on my Lenovo Explorer?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Lenovo Explorer.
35. Can I watch live TV on my HP Reverb G2?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the HP Reverb G2.
36. Can I watch live TV on my Oculus Quest 1?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Oculus Quest 1.
37. Can I watch live TV on my Samsung Gear VR?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Samsung Gear VR.
38. Can I watch live TV on my Google Daydream View?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for the Google Daydream View.
39. Can I watch live TV on my Google Cardboard Expeditions?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Cardboard Expeditions.
40. Can I watch live TV on my Google Expeditions?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Expeditions.
41. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth VR?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth VR.
42. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth.
43. Can I watch live TV on my Google Maps?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Maps.
44. Can I watch live TV on my Google Street View?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Street View.
45. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Pro?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Pro.
46. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Enterprise?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Enterprise.
47. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine.
48. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC.
49. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC2?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC2.
50. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC3?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC3.
51. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC4?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC4.
52. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC5?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC5.
53. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC6?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC6.
54. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC7?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC7.
55. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC8?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC8.
56. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC9?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC9.
57. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC10?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC10.
58. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC11?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC11.
59. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC12?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC12.
60. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC13?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC13.
61. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC14?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC14.
62. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC15?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC15.
63. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC16?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC16.
64. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC17?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC17.
65. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC18?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC18.
66. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC19?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC19.
67. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC20?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC20.
68. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC21?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC21.
69. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC22?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC22.
70. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC23?
No, there are currently no live TV streaming services that offer apps for Google Earth Engine ARC23.
71. Can I watch live TV on my Google Earth Engine ARC24?
No, there are currently no live TV