Live TV Streaming Services: Ranked & Compared: The Ultimate Comparison

Ever since streaming appeared, Cable TV has started to lose its appeal. Still, sometimes you want to watch shows live, like awards shows, sports games, or the latest episode of your favorite show before you can stream it. Thankfully, you can do all these online thanks to some streaming services which now offer live TV

More and more people are leaving cable TV for streaming services and even live TV subscription services. Which services are available, and how do they compare? We’ll break down the best live TV streaming services compared in this helpful explainer and tell you how CyberGhost VPN helps you get more out of your live TV subscription

We’ve painstakingly compared every channel each streaming service offers so you can find the right one for your interests and budget. 

Do you still need cable in the age of live tv streaming?

“Cutting the cord” doesn’t have to mean giving up on live TV. Online live TV services can be a great option if you just want the “basic cable” channels and maybe a few extras. Yet sometimes keeping the cord plugged in might be more beneficial than cutting it.

If you pay your cable company for internet, it can be cheaper to pay for a cable TV and internet bundle rather than internet only plus a separate live tv subscription. You may also need multiple streaming subscriptions to access the same content you can easily find on cable. The best option for you depends on what you want to watch and how much you’re willing to spend

What’s Not on Live TV Streaming Platforms

Live TV streaming comes close to cable, but with a few caveats. These services are cheaper than cable, that’s why platforms like Philo don’t have many sports or news channels and why some services get rid of local channels. It’s a good idea to consider what channels you really watch and what you can’t do without in order to decide the best Live TV streaming service for you.

Streaming fanatics

It’s worth pointing out that except for the Hulu+ Live TV subscription, you won’t be able to access live shows on dedicated streaming platforms like Hulu or Disney+ unless you pay for a separate subscription in addition to that service as well. Netflix shows will need a separate subscription, no matter what. 

Live TV Streaming Services Compared

Entertainment Fans

ChannelsSubscription Plans
DirecTV StreamFubo TVHulu + Live TVSling TVYouTube TVPhilo
ABCAllAllAll
ABC LocalishAllAllAll
Adult SwimAllAll
A&EAllAllAllAll
AMCAllAllAllAllAll
AMC +Add-on
American Heroes ChannelUltimate and PremiereElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onHeartland Extra Add-onAll
Animal PlanetAllAllAllAllAll
Aspire Ultimate and PremiereAll
AXS.tvAllAllAll
BabyTVAdd-onKids Extra Add-on
BabyFirstAll
BBC AmericaAllAllAllAllAll
BETAllAllAllAllAllAll
BET HerUltimate and PremierElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onAllAll
BET JamsElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
BET SoulElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
Bob Ross ChannelAll
BoomerangAllAllKids Extra Add-on
BounceChoice, Ultimate, and PremierHollywood Extra Add-on
BravoAllAllAllBlueAll
Cartoon NetworkAllAllAllAll
CBSAllAllAll
Charge!All
CheddarAll
CircleElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
CinémoiHollywood Extra Add-on
Cleo TVAllAllAll
CMTAllAllComedy Extra Add-onAllAll
Comedy.tvChoice, Ultimate, and PremierAll
Comedy DynamicsAllAllAdd-on
Comedy CentralAllAllAllAllAllAll
CometAllAllAll
Cooking ChannelChoice, Ultimate, and PremierElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onLifestyle Extra Add-onAll
Court TVAll
Cozi TVChoice, Ultimate, and PremierAllAll
CrackleAllAll
Crime + InvestigationAllAll
Curiosity ChannelAllAdd-onAdd-on
The CWAllAllAll
DablAllAll
DecadesAll
The Design NetworkAll
Destination AmericaUltimate and PremierElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onHeartland Extra Add-onAll
DiscoveryAllAllAllBlueAllAll
Discovery FamilyUltimate and PremierElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onAll
Discovery LifeUltimate and PremierElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onAll
Disney ChannelAllAllAllOrangeAll
Disney JuniorAllAllAllKids Extra Add-onAll
Disney XDAllAllAllKids Extra Add-onAll
DocuramaAdd-onAll
Dove ChannelAllAll
DustElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
E!AllAllAllBlueAll
The Elvis Presley ChannelElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
FailarmyAll
FETVComedy Extra Add-on
FMUltimate and Premier
Food NetworkAllAllAllAllAllAll
FoxAllAllBlue (only in some markets)All
Fox SoulAllAll
FreeformAllAllAllOrangeAll
Fubo Movie NetworkAll
FuseChoice, Ultimate, and PremierAll
FXAllAllAllBlueAll
FXMUltimate and PremierElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onAllAll
FXXAllAllAllAll
FyiUltimate and PremierAllLifestyle Extra Add-onAll
G4AllAll
Game Show NetworkChoice, Ultimate, and PremierElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onAllAll
Get TVAllAllAll
Great American FamilyChoice, Ultimate, and PremierAllEntertainment Add-onHeartland Extra Add-onAll
Great American LivingElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onHeartland Extra Add-onAll
The Great Courses Signature CollectionAll
GRITChoice, Ultimate, and PremierHollywood Extra Add-on
Gusto TVAllAll
Hallmark ChannelAllAllLifestyle Extra Add-onAllAll
Hallmark Movies & MysteriesEntertainment and Premier (or add-on)AllLifestyle Extra Add-onAllAll
Hallmark DramaAdd-onAllLifestyle Extra Add-onAllAll
Heroes & Icons TVChoice, Ultimate, and PremierHollywood Extra Add-onAll
HGTVAllAllAllAllAllAll
HistoryAllAllAllAll
HSNEntertainment packageAll
ID (Investigation Discovery)AllAllAllAllAll
IFCAllAllAllAllAll
ionAll
InspElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onHeartland Extra Add-onAll
Justice CentralElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onAll
KINAll
LaffComedy Extra Add-on
Law & CrimeAll News Extra Add-onAllAll
LifetimeAllAllAllAll
LMNUltimate and PremierAllLifestyle Extra Add-onAll
Local NowOrange
LogoUltimate and PremierElite and UltimateComedy Extra Add-onAll
Magnolia NetworkUltimate and PremierAllEntertainment Add-onLifestyle Extra Add-onAll
MeTVAll
Military HistoryAll
MTVAllAllAllComedy Extra Add-onAllAll
MTV 2AllElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onComedy Extra Add-onAllAll
MTV ClassicUltimate and PremierElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onAllAll
MTV LiveAdd-onElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onAll
MTV UElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
My TVAll
NasaAll
National GeographicAllAllAllBlueAll
Nat Geo WildUltimate and PremierElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onAllAll
NBCAllAllBlue (only in some markets)All
NickelodeonAllAllAllAllAll
Nick Jr.Choice, Ultimate, and PremierAllAllAllAllAll
Nick ToonsChoice, Ultimate, and PremierElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onKids Extra Add-onAllAll
Nick MusicElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
NoseyElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
OutsideElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
OvationAll except Choice
OWNChoice, Ultimate, and PremierAllAllAllAll
OxygenAllAll
Oxygen True CrimeUltimate and PremierAll
ParamountAllAllAllAllAll
PBSEntertainment packageAll
PBS KidsAllAll
People TVElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onAll
People are AwesomeElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
The Pet CollectiveAll
Pocket.WatchAll
Pop TVChoice, Ultimate, and PremierAllAllAll
QVCAllAllAll
Real NoseyElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
Recipe.tvAll
ReelzAll
Retro CrushElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onAll
RevoltAll except choiceElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onComedy Extra Add-onAll
RevryElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onAll
RFD-TVAllHeartland Extra Add-on
Ryan and FriendsAll
SCIElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onNews Extra Add-onAll
Shop LCAll
Shorts TVChoice, Ultimate, and Premier
Smithsonian ChannelAllAllAll
Sony TelevisionElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
Start TVAllHollywood Extra Add-onAllAll
Story TelevisionAllAll
Sundance TVAllAllHollywood Extra Add-onAllAll
SyfyAllAllAllBlueAll
TastemadeChoice, Ultimate, and PremierAllAll
Tastemade +AllAllAdd-onAll
Tastemade TravelAll
TBSAllAllAllAll
TCMAllAllHollywood Extra Add-onAll
Teen NickAllElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-onKids Extra Add-onAllAll
TLCAllAllAllBlueAllAll
TopicAdd-on
TNTAllAllAllAll
Travel ChannelChoice, Ultimate, and PremierAllAllAllAllAll
Tru TVAllAllBlue or Comedy Extra Add-onAll
TV LandAllAllAllComedy Extra Add-onAllAll
TV One AllAll
Universal KidsUltimate and PremierAllAllAll
UPtvChoice, Ultimate, and PremierAll
UPFaith & FamilyAdd-on
USAAllAllAllBlueAll
VH1AllAllAllLifestyle Extra Add-onAllAll
WE TVAllAllLifestyle Extra Add-onAllAll
ZooMooAdd-on
911 NetworkElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on

Premium Movie Channels

ChannelsSubscription Plans
DirecTV StreamFubo TVHulu + Live TVSling TVYouTube TVPhilo
AcornAdd-on
Action MaxPremier (Add-on for Entertainment)
ALLBLKAdd-on
Cinemax EastPremier (Add-on for Entertainment)
CinemaxPremier packageAdd-on (Cinemax package)Add-on
Con TVAdd-on
DekkooAdd-on
EpixAdd-onEpix Add-on
Epix2Add-onEpix Add-on
Epix Drive-inAll
Epix HitsAdd-onEpix Add-on
FandorAdd-on
Hallmark Movies NowAdd-on
HBO ComedyPremier  (or add-on)
HBOPremier  (or add-on)Add-on
HBO MaxAdd-onAdd-on
HBO2Premier  (or add-on)
HBO FamilyPremier  (or add-on)
HBO Signature EastPremier  (or add-on)
HBO ZonePremier  (or add-on)
HDNet MoviesAdd-onHollywood Extra Add-onMovies&More Add-on
Here TVAdd-on
IFC Films UnlimitedAdd-on
Magnolia SelectsAdd-on
More MaxPremier  (or add-on)
Movie MaxPremier  (or add-on)
MovieSphereAdd-on
MGM-HDMovies&More Add-on
PixlHeartland Extra Add-on
ReelzHollywood Extra Add-on
RCN TotalAdd-on
ScreenPixAdd-on
ScreamboxAdd-on
ShowtimeUltimateAdd-onAdd-on
Showtime EastPremier  (or add-on)
Showtime 2Premier  (or add-on)Ultimate
Sho x BETUltimate
Showtime ExtremePremier  (or add-on)Ultimate
Showtime FamilyUltimate
Showtime NextUltimate
Showtime WestUltimate
Showtime WomenUltimate
ShudderAdd-on
Sony MoviesAdd-onMovies&More Add-on
StarzPremier  (or add-on)Add-onAdd-onStarz Add-on
Starz CinemaPremier  (or add-on)
Starz ComedyPremier  (or add-on)
Starz EdgePremier  (or add-on)
Starz EncoreUltimate and Premier (or add-on)Starz Add-on
Starz Encore ActionUltimate and Premier (or add-on)
Starz Encore BlackUltimate and Premier (or add-on)
Starz Encore ClassicUltimate and Premier (or add-on)
Starz Encore EastUltimate and Premier (or add-on)
Starz Encore Family Ultimate and Premier (or add-on)
Starz Encore SuspenseUltimate and Premier (or add-on)
Starz Encore WestUltimate and Premier (or add-on)
Starz Encore WesternsUltimate and Premier (or add-on)
Starz Encore In BlackPremier (or add-on)
Starz Encore Kids & familyPremier (or add-on)Starz Add-on
Sundance NowAdd-on
Thriller MaxPremier (or add-on)
YouTube Entertainment PlusAdd-on
YouTube OriginalsAll
5Star MaxPremier (or add-on)

Sports fans

This chart shows sports channels on live tv streaming services compared.

ChannelsSubscription Plans
DirecTV StreamFubo TVHulu + Live TVSling TVYouTube TVPhilo
BeIn Sports All Sports Extra and Sports Extras add-onsSports Plus Add-on
BeIn Sports channels (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)All
Billiard TVSports Plus Add-on
CBS SportsUltimate and PremiereAllAllAll
The Cowboy ChannelHeartland Extra Add-on
ESPNAll AllAllOrangeAll
ESPN2AllAllAllOrangeAll
ESPN3Entertainment packageAllAllOrangeAll
ESPN NewsChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on or Fubo Extra Add-onAllSports Extra and Sports Extras add-onsAll
ESPN UChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on or Fubo Extra Add-onAllSports Extra and Sports Extras add-onsAll
ESPN College ExtraAll
Fanduel RacingSports add-on
Fanduel TVChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereSports add-onSports Plus Add-on
Fight NetworkUltimate or Sports Plus Add-onSports Plus Add-on
Fox Soccer PlusSports Plus Add-on
Fox Sports 1AllAllAllBlueAll
Fox Sports 2Ultimate and PremiereAllAllSports Extras add-onAll
Fubo Sports Network (channels)All
Fuel TVUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on
GameUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on
Golf ChannelChoice, Ultimate, and Premiere
Gol TVAdd-on
Impact WrestlingUltimate or Sports Plus Add-onSports Plus Add-on
Insight TVAdventure Plus Add-on
Mav TVAdventure Plus Add-onSports add-onSports Plus Add-on
MLB Game of the weekAll
MLB NetworkChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereElite and above or Fubo Extra Add-onSports Extra and Sports Extras add-onsAll
MLB Strike ZoneSports Extra and Sports Extras add-ons
MLB.TVAdd-on
Motor TrendAllAllOrangeAllAll
My Outdoor TVAdd-on
NBA TVChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereElite and above or Fubo Extra Add-onSports Extra and Sports Extras add-onsAll
NBA League PassAdd-onAdd-on
NBC GolfAllSports Extras add-onAll
NBCSNAll
NFL NetworkAllBlueAll
NFL Red ZoneUltimate or Sports PackageSports add-onSports Extras add-onSports Plus Add-on
NHL NetworkUltimate and PremiereElite and above or Fubo Extra Add-onSports Extra and Sports Extras add-ons
NXL LVL SportsUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on
Olympic ChannelUlitmate and PremiereAll
Origin SportsAll
Outdoor ChannelAdventure Plus Add-onSports add-onHeartland Extra Add-on
Outside TVAdventure Plus Add-onSports Plus Add-on
Outside FeaturesAdd-on
Players TVSports Plus Add-onAll
PokerGOElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-on
PokerGO+Sports Plus Add-on
PursuitHeartland Extra Add-on
Racing AmericaUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on
SportsGridUltimate or Sports Plus Add-onSports Plus Add-on
Sportsman ChannelUltimate and PremiereAdventure Plus Add-onSports add-onHeartland Extra Add-on
StadiumUltimate or Sports Plus Add-onSports Plus Add-on
Stadium (1,2,3)Ultimate or Sports Plus Add-on
Swerve SportsAll
Tennis ChannelChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on or Fubo Extra Add-onSports Extra and Sports Extras add-ons
TVGChoice, Ultimate, and Premiere
VSiNSports Plus Add-on
Women Sports NetworkAll
World Fishing NetworkAdventure Plus Add-onHeartland Extra Add-on
YouTube TV Sports PlusAdd-on

 Philo barely offers any sports channels and offers no regional sports channels. 

If you don’t want to choose one of these Live TV providers, you may consider (more pricey) standalone subscriptions to MLB.TV, the NBA league pass, or NFL live. 

Regional sports channels

ChannelsSubscription Plans
DirecTV StreamFubo TVHulu + Live TVSling TVYouTube TV
ACCN ESPNChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereAllAllSports Extra and Sports Extras add-ons
ACCN X ESPNSports Extra and Sports Extras add-ons
B1G Network (BTN)Choice, Ultimate, and PremiereAllAllSports Extras add-onAll
LAFCAll
Longhorn NetworkSports Extra and Sports Extras add-ons
MSGAll
MSGSNAll
MSGSN2All
MSGSNEAll
PAC12 NetworkElite, Ultimate and Fubo Extra Add-on or Sports Extra and Sports Extras add-ons
PAC 12 ArizonaUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on
PAC 12 OregonUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on
PAC 12 Los AngelesUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on
PAC 12 MountainUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on
PAC 12 Bay AreaUltimate or Sports Plus Add-on
SEC ESPN NetworkChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereElite, Ultimate and Fubo Extra Add-on or Fubo Extra Add-onAllSports Extra and Sports Extras add-onsAll
SEC ESPN Network +Sports Extra and Sports Extras add-ons
SEC NetworkChoice, Ultimate, and Premiere
SNYAllAll

Other regional sports networks:

Fubo TV: Availability of other regional sports channels varies by location

Hulu + Live TV: Availability of other regional sports channels varies by location

DirecTV Stream: Availability of other regional sports channels varies by location (Not offered on entertainment package)

YouTube TV: Availability of other regional sports channels varies by location

Philo: None

News Fans

ChannelsSubscription Plans
DirecTV StreamFubo TVHulu + Live TVSling TVYouTube TVPhilo
ABC News LiveAllAllAll
AccuweatherAllAllAll
Africanews EnglishUltimate or News Plus Add-on
BBC World NewsUltimate and PremiereElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onNews Extra Add-onAllAll
Bloomberg TelevisionAllAllAllAll
Bloomberg TV+Ultimate or News Plus Add-onAll
Bloomberg QuicktakeUltimate or News Plus Add-on
CBS NewsAllAll
CGTNNews Extra Add-on
C-SPANAll
C-SPAN 2All
Cheddar NewsChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereUltimate or News Plus Add-onAllAll
CNBCAllAllAll
CNBC WorldChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereElite and Ultimate or Fubo Extra Add-onEntertainment Add-on
CNNAllAllAllAll
CNN InternationalAllAll
EuronewsUltimate or News Plus Add-on
Fox BusinessAllAllAllAll
Fox Live NowAllAll
Fox NationAdd-on
Fox NewsAllAllAllBlueAll
Fox WeatherAllAllAll
HLNAllAllBlue or News Extra Add-onAll
i24 NewsUltimate or News Plus Add-on
MSNBCAllAllBlueAll
NBC Lx NewsAllAllAll
NBC News NowAllAllAll
Newsmax TVAllAllNews Extra Add-on
News NationChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereAllAllNews Extra Add-onAll
News NetUltimate or News Plus Add-on
News 18News Extra Add-on
Revry NewsUltimate or News Plus Add-on
Ticket NewsUltimate or News Plus Add-on
The Weather ChannelChoice, Ultimate, and PremiereAllAll
The GrioAll
TYTUltimate or News Plus Add-onAll
ViceAllAllBlueAll

Local news channels:

Cutting the cord is easier if you can keep accessing your local channels. Most live TV streaming services offer local channels in some areas, but if you have an HD antenna or don’t want local channels, choosing a service that doesn’t offer them will save you money.

          • DirecTV Stream: Availability of local news channels varies by location
          • Fubo TV: Availability of local news channels varies by location
          • Hulu + Live TV: Availability of local news channels varies by location
          • Sling TV: Fox and NBC local channels Available in Select Markets
          • YouTube TV: Availability of local news channels varies by location
          • Philo: No local news channels (and few news channels at all)

Spanish Language Channels

Most live TV streaming services offer either a Spanish-language channel plan or Spanish-language channel add-ons. These are usually more affordable than other plans. Philo doesn’t offer any Spanish-language channels.

ChannelsSubscription Plans
DirecTV StreamFubo TVHulu + Live TVSling TVYouTube TV
A3S SeriesEspañol Add-on
Atres CineEspañol Add-on
Atres PlayerAdd-on
Antena 3 Español Add-on Entretenimiento Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Add-on
AztecaEspañol Add-on
Baby TV EspañolEspañol Add-onLatino Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Add-on
BandamaxEspañol Add-onEntretenimiento Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
BeIN SportsLatinoSports Extra and Sports Extras add-onsSports Plus Add-on
BeIN Sports ñAllSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
BeIN Sports extra ñLatino
Canal MexicoAdd-on
Canal 22 InternacionalEspañol Add-on
CaracolEspañol Add-on
Centroamérica TV (CATV)Español Add-onLatino or Latino Plus Add-on
Cine EstelarEspañol Add-on 
Cine MexicanoEspañol Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
Cine NostalgiaEspañol Add-on
Cine LatinoEspañol Add-onLatino or Latino Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
CNN en EspañolAllEspañol Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
De PelículaEspañol Add-onEntretenimiento Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
De Película ClasicoEspañol Add-onEntretenimiento Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
Discovery en EspañolEspañol Add-on Latino or Latino Plus Add-onEspañol Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Add-on
Discovery FamiliaEspañol Add-onLatino or Latino Plus Add-onEspañol Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Add-on
Ecuador TVEspañol Add-on
EcuavisaEspañol Add-on
EnlaceEspañol Add-on
ESPN DeportesDeportes Add-on or Español Add-on Latino and Latino Plus Add-onEspañol Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
Estrella NewsEspañol Add-onLatino Plus Add-on
Estrella TVEspañol Add-on LatinoSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
Foro TVEspañol Add-onEntretenimiento Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
Fox DeportesDeportes Add-on or Español Add-on Latino and Latino Plus Add-onEspañol Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
Fubo LatinoLatino
GalavisiónAllAllAll
Gol TV SpanishDeportes Add-on or Español Add-on Latino and Latino Plus Add-on
El GourmetLatino and Latino Plus Add-on
History en EspañolEspañol Add-onEspañol Add-on
HITNEspañol Add-on
HogarEspañol Add-on Latino or Latino Plus Add-on
¡Hola!Español Add-on
Más ChicLatino or Latino Plus Add-on
Medios TVAdd-on
MeganoticiasEspañol Add-on
MegaTVEspañol Add-on
MultimediosEspañol Add-on
Nat Geo MundoEspañol Add-onLatino or Latino Plus Add-on
NBC UniversoUltimate and Premier or Español Add-onAllEspañol Add-onAll
NTN24Español Add-onLatino
Nuestra TeleEspañol Add-onLatino or Latino Plus Add-on
Once MéxicoEspañol Add-on
PantayaAdd-onAdd-on
PasionesEspañol Add-onLatino or Latino Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
Perú MágicoEspañol Add-on
RitmosonEntretenimiento Plus Add-on
Sony CineEspañol Add-onLatino or Latino Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
SUR PerúEspañol Add-on
Tastemade en EspañolLatinoAll
TelecentroEspañol Add-on
TelefeEspañol Add-onLatino or Latino Plus Add-on
TelehitEntretenimiento Plus Add-onAll
Telehit MusicaSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
TelemundoEspañol Add-onAllAll
Televisión DominicanaLatino or Latino Plus Add-on
Tico SportsLatino or Latino Plus Add-on
TlnovelasSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
Tr3sEspañol Add-onLatino or Latino Plus Add-on
TV ChileEspañol Add-on
TveEspañol Add-on
TyC SportsDeportes Add-on or Español Add-on Latino or Latino Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
TUDNUltimate and Premiere or Deportes Add-on or Español Add-on All
TUDN XTRA (1-10)All
UnivisionAllAllAll
Univision TnovelasEspañol Add-onEntretenimiento Plus Add-on
UnimásChoice, Ultimate, and Premier or Español Add-onAllAll
VeplusEspañol Add-on
ViderolaEspañol Add-on
Vix+Add-on
ViendoMoviesEspañol Add-on
VmeEspañol Add-on
Wapa TVEspañol Add-onLatino or Latino Plus Add-onSpanish Plan or Spanish Plus Add-on
Weather Channel en EspañolLatino Plus Add-onAll
Zona FútbolLatino, Ultimate, Latino Plus Add-on, or Sports Plus Add-on or Fubo Extra Add-on

The Best Live TV Streaming Services Compared

Let’s take a look at six major Live TV streaming platforms and how they compare. We’ll consider what you get for your money and what is the best tv streaming service for your interests. We’ll also point out which services have CyberGhost streaming-optimized servers, which guarantee you the fastest possible connection. 

Live TV ServicePrice/month (tier)Live ChannelsFree trial?FeaturesCG Streaming optimized serverSupported devices
DirecTV Stream$69.99-149.99/month
75+ (Entertainment) 
105+ (Choice*) 
140+ (Ultimate*) 
 150+ (Premier*)
5-day free trialUnlimited Cloud DVR, 720p + streaming, Regional sports networks for all except Entertainment packageNoApple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, 
Fubo TV$33-99/month 45 (Latino)
124+ (Pro) 
 178+ (Elite) 
 214+ (Ultimate)
Local channels in most areas
7-day free trial1000 hours of cloud DVR (only 250 for Latino), some 4k streaming, most 720p – up to 1080p

Six profiles per account
Good for sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, Golf, Etc.
NoAmazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Xbox, Android, iOS, Chromecast, macOS, Windows
Hulu + Live TVWith Ads$69.99/month
No Ads$75.99/month
75+ live and on-demand channels
Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ 
Local channels in most areas
Not currentlyDVR recordings
1080p/60fps
2 screens at a time (six profiles)
Some regional sports networks
Yes (Hulu)Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, Samsung Smart TVs, Android TVs, Playstation, and more
Philo      $25/month60+ 7-day free trialUnlimited cloud DVR 720p live – 30fps/1080p on-demand – 30fpsNoAndroid TV, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, Roku, Chromecast
Sling $35-50/month
31 (orange)
41 (blue)
47 (blue and  orange)
Not currentlyOrange = 1 device, Blue = 3 devicesYesApple TV, Android TV, iOS, FireTV, Chromecast, Xbox, Android, Windows, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TVs
YouTube TVSpanish$34.99/month
Base$64.99/month
28+ (Spanish)
85+ (base)
YesUnlimited cloud Dvr storage
3 streams and 6 accounts 
Local channels in most areas.
YesAndroid TV, Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS, and more

How does CyberGhost VPN help you stream live TV?

Some ISPs use Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology to throttle your connection for bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming. If your ISP is a cable company, they might even speed up their own services while slowing down everything else. Thankfully, CyberGhost VPN encrypts your data, making DPI impossible so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing anymore

CyberGhost also has streaming-optimized servers for YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling, Netflix, and other streaming services. These servers are checked daily to ensure you can always connect with the fastest speeds, so you won’t miss the next Saturday Night Live episode! 

Get Your Money’s Worth

Live TV services are great because you get to keep what you love about cable without the hundreds of channels you never watched but had to pay for. Once you find the right service for you, enjoy streaming with a lightning fast-connection thanks to CyberGhost VPN.  

We have apps for every popular OS, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more. You can also install CyberGhost VPN on Apple TV, Smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, and even routers with our Smart DNS settings.

VPNs have other advantages too, like protecting your data online and shielding your identity from cybercriminals. CyberGhost is the ideal live TV streaming buddy.

FAQ

Which streaming service is best for live TV?

The best live streaming service for you depends on your budget and your motivation for watching live TV. Sports fans have a wide range of national and regional channels on DirecTV Stream and especially Fubo TV. Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV have lots to offer entertainment fans. 

If you like watching live news or Spanish-language shows, you may prefer Fubo TV or DirecTV Stream. Regardless of your live TV preferences, if you want the fastest connection possible, consider a streaming service supported by CyberGhost VPN’s streaming-optimized servers.

What’s the cheapest live TV streaming service?

The cheapest live TV service in our comparison is Philo, which costs $25 a month. For just $10 more, you can get Sling TV Orange or Blue, which is supported by a CyberGhost VPN dedicated streaming server. If you prefer Spanish-language shows, Fubo and YouTube TV have affordable tiers for Spanish-language channels. 

CyberGhost VPN is affordable too. You can connect up to 7 devices with one subscription and it includes a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can see the difference for yourself.

What’s the biggest live TV streaming platform?

The top 3 Live TV streaming services by subscriber count are YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV. CyberGhost VPN has dedicated streaming servers for all of these to make sure your connection is as stable as possible. If you need any help getting started with CyberGhost, our Customer Support team is available 24/7 to help out.


Does CyberGhost VPN improve streaming?

Yes! CyberGhost VPN encrypts your connection, so you’ll always have a secure direct connection to our servers. This prevents your ISP from seeing what you’re doing online which means it won’t automatically apply content-based throttling. We also check the connection of our streaming-optimized servers daily to ensure it’s still as stable and reliable as possible

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