The Best Live Tv Streaming Services To Cut Cable In 2026 Engadget

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Dec 29, 2025, 8:35 AM

the best live tv streaming services to cut cable in 2026 engadget

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products. Price hikes, media consolidation and contract disputes that turn channels dark have made live TV streaming services feel a lot more like cable. But, for most people it’s still a better deal to cut the cord. For sports fans and news junkies, there’s still no better option than one of the best live TV streaming services.

We tried all the major players and currently recommend YouTube TV for most people. But we also spelled out just what you get from other providers (along with what we think about them) so you can decide for yourself.Editor’s note: YouTube TV will start offering genre-specific plans in... We don’t have word on the pricing or specifics yet, but will update this guide when we do. Fans looking to watch Christmas football games will need access to Netflix as well as Prime Video. We’ve detailed the schedule in the NFL streaming section below. Best live TV streaming services for 2026

Best free live TV streaming services for 2026 What to look for in a live TV streaming service Ditching an expensive cable contract doesn't mean giving up live TV. Video streaming services, such as Editors' Choice winners Hulu and YouTube TV, deliver live channels over the internet, catering to different viewers. For example, some platforms are better for general audiences, others offer top sports channels, and a few focus on entertainment and lifestyle content. Our tested options are available across many platforms, including phones, tablets, web browsers, gaming consoles, and media streaming devices.

Although these services are on the pricier end of the streaming video spectrum, you may still spend less money per month than you did with cable. If you're ready to explore the many live TV options, check out our recommended services below. You may know Hulu as an on-demand destination for current and classic TV shows, but its Live TV plan is just as impressive. Hulu features all the major news, sports, and entertainment channels and networks, plus excellent DVR capabilities. Even as its price continues to rise, YouTube TV remains a top option for cord-cutters thanks to excellent DVR tools, expansive channel variety, and terrific sports features. Fubo is an excellent streaming service for sports fans that also features many appealing news and entertainment channels for mainstream audiences.

DirecTV delivers a reliable live streaming experience with regional sports networks and DVR options, but its plans are much pricier than the competition. You love the idea of cutting your cable company loose, but you just can’t give up your favorite extended cable channels. And where would you be without the bliss of a full DVR at the end of a long week? The good news is that streaming services aren’t what they used to be, and that’s a good thing. Thanks to modern TV streaming services, like Sling TV and Philo, you don’t have to sacrifice what you love about cable to switch to a cordless option. Live TV streaming services are different from on-demand streaming platforms.

While streaming platforms like Netflix and Max offer a selection of on-demand programming, TV streaming services combine previously aired content with a line-up of live major networks. Live programming line-ups on streaming services often include a blend of local networks like ABC and NBC and national networks like ESPN, CNN, Bravo, and TV Land. Some streaming services, including Roku, have their own branded streaming devices. But you can access nearly any streaming service on your tablet, laptop, smartphone, smart TV, and other internet-connected gadgets. You may even be able to log into your streaming service from a gaming console. Once logged in, you can see your full channel line-up and access your cloud DVR (when applicable).

Read on to compare the best streaming service for your budget and specific content needs. Streaming services run the gamut of super affordable platforms with limited channels to more expensive options with line-ups that have hundreds of channels. On some services, like Hulu for example, you can even upgrade your existing account to add live TV so you don’t have to sign up for a brand new service. What we’re saying is, in the world of live TV streaming, there is something for everyone. Today there’s a long list of services to choose from, but here are the best live TV streaming services of the bunch: If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.

Pricing and availability are subject to change. I'll admit it: I miss channel-surfing. While on-demand streaming (Netflix, HBO Max, etc.) lets me watch what I want, when I want, there's still something special about hopping around the "dial" to see what's on right now. (Second act of Moneyball? I'm in. Bob's Burgers reruns?

Perfect.) Yes, live TV still means sitting through commercials, but I consider those opportunities for bathroom breaks, snack runs and, if I'm being good, a few sets of squats. The best live TV streaming services do a great job of recreating the cable/satellite viewing experience, serving up as many as 100 (or more!) channels for my surfing pleasure.Indeed, you'll get not only popular... In many cases a subscription includes extras like DVR and on-demand movies and TV shows as well.But, wow, there are a lot of different choices, with different channels, features and pricing models. Lucky for you, I watch a lot of TV — Alone, The Paper, Shark Tank, you name it — and I've put all the top services to the test: DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV,... (Note: A growing number of "traditional" streaming services, including Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock and Netflix, are dipping toes into the live-TV waters — usually with sports or special events — but they're... How did we rank these things?

Find out below in "How we tested." What are some important factors to consider when shopping for a streaming live-TV service? They're below as well, along with answers to frequently asked questions. Free trial: 3 days | Channels in base tier: 95+ | Streaming resolution: 1080p (select devices) | DVR: Unlimited | Regional sports networks: Limited Let's do some basic math: Hulu + Live TV costs $90 monthly, same as DirecTV and in the same general range as Fubo and YouTube TV. But there's one key difference: This cable alternative includes not only on-demand Hulu (with all its original content and streaming movies and shows), but also Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited. DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV promise to replicate cable TV with lower monthly bills—but their own prices are rising

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more. Every year, more people decide to ditch their cable or satellite TV providers, choosing to get all their TV entertainment and news from live TV streaming services. The growing number of choices, though, has made picking the right services more complex. This guide boils down the options.

Live streaming services are very different from on-demand streaming services such as Apple TV+, HBO Max, and Netflix, which let you watch individual TV series and movies whenever you want. Instead, they try to replicate what you’d get through cable or satellite providers by offering access to live TV—including local broadcast networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, plus cable channels—but at a... The services that stream regular cable channels include DirecTV Stream, the sports-focused Fubo service, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and Google’s YouTube TV. Thinking about alternatives to cable? Live TV streaming services provide an easy way to watch cable channels without needing a contract. These cable replacements are streamed over the internet, but unlike on-demand services such as Netflix, they let you channel surf among the most popular live channels.

For a flat monthly fee, subscribers can watch sports, news broadcasts and primetime TV shows. We've compared all of the apps on mobile devices, streaming sticks and smart TVs. While the live TV streaming is more sophisticated than ever, some services cost the same as the cable services they are designed to replace. Indeed, pricing and channel availability are in a constant state of flux. After recent increases, Hulu's live platform is now $90 a month, YouTube TV is $83, and DirecTV, Fubo and Philo have also gone up. Meanwhile, Fubo and Hulu have announced they will merge, pending regulatory approval.

But change is all part of the brave new world of live TV streaming. Here's what you need to know. Want to save even more money? See the our list of the best free TV streaming services, including Plex, Pluto TV and more. We've tested all of the popular paid live TV streaming services including Sling TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV, Philo and Fubo. Among this competition, our top choices in this category areYouTube TV and the budget-friendly Sling TV.

At the affordable end of the spectrum, Sling's Blue package carries many basic channels for $46 a month, while YouTube's channel lineup is worth the $83. Each service provides a user-friendly layout and a blend of live channels with unlimited DVRs and on-demand content. Beyond those two, all of the cancel-anytime live TV packages we've evaluated on this list allow you to watch local and national news and live sports and events. You can stream live channels such as CNN, NBC, ESPN and Fox on a host of different devices. You can compare the services' channel lineups here. YouTube TV has more top channels than any competitor at this price, and it was the first service to include local PBS stations -- Hulu and DirecTV followed suit later.

Despite a $10 price hike in January, YouTube TV service has an excellent cloud DVR, including both unlimited storage and a generous nine months to watch recordings (most rivals offer 30 days). The best live TV streaming services are a great way to cut the cord When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Editor's Note: YouTube TV has lost Disney and ESPN. For now, YouTube TV remains our No.

1 pick, but if those channels don't return, we will revise our rankings. The best live TV streaming services are a great way to ditch expensive cable and cut the cord. Trust me — I've been using a live TV service as a cable TV alternative for years now, and I'll never go back. I'm not the only one here at Tom's Guide to make the switch either. Multiple members of our staff currently use a live TV streaming service to cut the cord. When you’re finally ready to cut the cord, shopping for a live TV streaming service is an obvious starting point.

The Best Live Tv Streaming Services To Cut Cable In 2026 Engadget

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