Since the inception of video-on-demand streaming services, traditional cable TV has been declining, somewhat rapidly and rightly so, as well. The only reason that it had been surviving till now was the appreciation of the live channels. Content like sports, news, and reality shows are meant to be consumed as they are produced. Although, streaming services have now taken out such reasons as well. The unique selling point of cable service is now dropped out and we will have to see what comes next. There is news surrounding the fact that media companies like NBCUniversal and ViacomCBS are following the steps of WarnerMedia and Disney and are ready to enter the streaming world with their own services in 2021 so does that mean the end of cable TV? Well, only time will tell. In the event that you are a traditional cable fanatic, we recommend you to explore Optimum TV for some amazing cable packages and deals.
What is a live streaming service?
Live streaming services are kind of like a one-stop-shop for all your entertainment needs. They come with the familiarity of cable TV and the convenience of streaming services.
You can start with live streaming services right now if you have the following essentials:
A high-speed internet connection is a must. You cannot access anything when using streaming services without the internet and so you need to make this decision in the best fashion. Get connected with an ISP that is reliable and offers ultra-fast download speeds for uninterrupted entertainment.
If you’re a proud owner of a smart TV like the 109 million U.S. citizens, you are all set to consume live content by the benefit of your streaming service. However, if not, or if your smart TV is not that up-to-date, you might want to invest in a streaming device. Amazon Fire TV, Roku, or a gaming console can be very well used for streaming.
Best live streaming services at a glance
- fuboTV
- AT&T TV Now
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- Philo TV
fuboTV
Monthly Cost: 64.99 USD to 84.99 USD
Number of streams simultaneously: 3
Number of Channels: 109 to 156 channels
DVR storage: 250 to 1000 hours
For crazy sports fans, fuboTV is the ideal choice. You get almost a hundred channels with the base plan of fuboTV and that too including major network channels like TLC and AMC. It brings almost all the popular local and international sports channels and will enable you to watch sports content as vast as watching German Supercup and English Premier League. You would also find channels like Disney and ABC with some great video-on-demand movies as well.
Works well with: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Android TV, Roku, and Samsung TVs.
AT&T TV Now
Monthly Cost: 55 USD to 80 USD
Number of streams simultaneously: 3
Number of Channels: 45 to 60 channels
DVR storage: 500 hours
AT&T TV Now is the same streaming service that was previously called DirecTV Now. It is among the very few services that house a wide range of premium channels like CBS, CNN, FOX, ESPN, Nickelodeon, and ABC. Upgrading your package to get sports channels is also an option when it comes to AT&T TV Now. International language channels are also included in some of the packages of this service.
Works well with: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Android TV, and Roku.
Sling TV
Monthly Cost: 30 USD to 45 USD
Number of streams simultaneously: 1 to 4
Number of Channels: 30 to 50 channels
DVR storage: 10 hours
Sling TV is often called the Kids’ service because of the enormous amount of kids friendly channels. Sling TV comes with three plans. Although the number of channels is not that great, you should know that you certainly don’t need all that channel lineup. Everyone is interested in a few channels and if you get all those with this service, there is no known reason to pay more for channels you don’t want. Sling Blue and Sling Orange plan cost the same amount of 30 USD with Blue plan having 47 channels blaring FOX and NBC and Orange having 32 boasting Disney and ESPN.
Works well with AirTV Player, Google Chromecast, Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, LG TVs, Samsung TVs, and Xbox consoles.
YouTube TV
Monthly Cost: 64.99 USD
Number of streams simultaneously: 3
Number of Channels: 85+ channels
DVR storage: Unlimited (09 months)
One of the best services when it comes to live streaming, housing more than 85 channels in its basic plan, YouTube TV includes major local and international networks including CNN, MTV, Comedy Central, and ESPN. It also boasts some great sports channels as well including NFL Network, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, MLB Network, NBA TV, and ESPN Network.
One of the features that make this service ideal is its unlimited DVR capacity that lets you record content and watch for a period of almost nine months.
Works well with Apple TV, Xbox consoles, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, PS 4, LG TVs, and Samsung TVs.
Philo
Monthly Cost: 20 USD
Number of streams simultaneously: 3
Number of Channels: 60 channels
DVR storage: Unlimited (01 months)
Philo is the cheapest form of live streaming. It is best if you want to be able to stream anywhere, anytime without spending too much money. It offers around sixty channels including some of the big guns like BET, Discovery, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, TLC, A&E, and VH1.
Sports fans might be a bit disappointed with the service as it does not offer that many sports channels and you might not find ESPN altogether.
Works well with: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Google Chromecast, and Roku.
