Choosing a TV streaming service can be an exciting decision that opens up a new world of movies, TV shows, and live events. Streaming platforms allow you to watch TV over any device connected to the internet at any time, while being able to choose and customize the content you want.
Whether you’re a fan of drama, sports, award-winning documentaries, or reality TV, you’ll want to find the right streaming service for your and your family's needs. This means choosing a service that not only offers your favorite TV shows but one also that meets your technical requirements and budget.
But with so many to choose from, deciding what service or which services you want can be confusing. To help give you a clearer idea of what’s on offer, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best streaming services on the market.
Our Top 10 Best TV Streaming Services in 2023:
Sling TV - Best TV Streaming Service overall
Hulu - The best mix of network TV and original content
DirecTV Stream - Best for live TV offerings
ESPN+ - Best for live sports
Philo - Best budget TV choice
Disney+ - Best for exclusive Disney content
fuboTV - Best for sports and Latino-focused content
Vidgo - Best for live sports on the go
Starz - Best content with a focus on minority voices
Paramount+ - Best for access to Paramount+ supported channels
Unsure which TV streaming service best suits your needs? Here’s our round-up of the top 10 TV streaming services available today and why you might want to join the army of cord-cutters choosing them.
| Compare the Best TV Streaming Services | 1  | 2  | 3  | 4  | 5  | 6  | 7  | 8  | 9  | 10  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for | Customizing your entertainment package | Those looking for an affordable streaming service and a range of add-ons | Dedicated TV, sports, and movie fans | Live sports fans | Affordable access to live and on-demand viewing | Disney and Pixar movies | Sports fans | Affordable TV service that prioritizes women and minority voices | Access to Paramount+ supported channels | Families with preschoolers |
Base price | $40-$55 | $6.99/month | $69.99 to $149.99 per month (plus taxes) | $9.99/month | $25/month | From $7.99 per month | $64.99/month | $8.99/month | $4.99 per month | $7.99/month |
Bundle options | Yes, can bundle with HBO, Showtime, ESPN+, Disney+, Cinemax, and Starz | Bundle with AT&T internet (networks depend on bundle chosen and local availability) | Disney+ and Hulu | None at this time | ESPN+, Hulu | Multiple channel bundles available | No current bundle deals | Paramount+ and SHOWTIME | None at this time | |
Stream on multiple devices | Yes, 1 or 3, depending on plan type | Yes, up to two screens at a time | Yes, unlimited at home, 3 on-the-go | Yes - up to 3 simultaneously | Yes, 3 simultaneous streams | Up to 4 concurrent devices | Yes (3-10) | Yes - up to four | Yes - up to 3 | Yes (no limit on devices given on Noggin’s website) |
Mobile app | ||||||||||
Offline download | Yes, on select shows and movies | Unlimited on up to 10 devices | Yes, with Premium plan | Yes (interactive videos and ebooks only) |
A Closer Look at the Top 10 TV Streaming Services
- Best forCustomizing your entertainment package
- Base price$40-$55
- Mobile appYes
With 3 base plans and a wide array of customization options, Sling TV is an appealing option for those wishing to tailor their streaming plan around their specific viewing tastes. Once you have chosen your core plan, you can upgrade your subscription with packages based around themes such as sports, news, or comedy. Or, add on premium channels such as Showtime, Epix, and Starz. When you sign up for a plan, you’ll receive 50 hours of free DVR storage, which you can upgrade to 200 hours for a $5 monthly fee. Although this is likely to be more than adequate for most viewers, some competitors do offer unlimited DVR storage.
When it comes to pricing, Sling TV is among the more affordable options, with its base plans ranging from $35 to $50. Although the company has relatively poor reviews on Trustpilot, you can test its service for yourself with a 3-day free trial or by subscribing to Sling Free. As one of the company’s most impressive features, Sling Free provides access to thousands of hours of free content without any obligation to subscribe.
Pros- 200+ channels and 85,000+ on-demand movies and shows
- 3-day free trial on paid plans
- Thousands of hours of free content
Cons- Poor reviews on Trustpilot
- Limited availability of local channels
- Best forThose looking for an affordable streaming service and a range of add-ons
- Base price$6.99/month
- Mobile appYes
Hulu is a streaming service available in the United States and select parts of Japan. With plans starting at $6.99/month, it’s a great option for those looking to keep affordability in mind. It offers plenty of quality original programming along with frequent updates on new network TV shows.
Hulu also offers plenty of bundle and add-on options, so you can stream from other platforms and channels, like BET, Bravo, TBS, MTV, ESPN, Fox News, and CNN, without needing multiple programs or apps. You can also add unlimited screens for $9.99/month—helpful if you live in a big household. Plus, bundling can save you money.
Hulu’s biggest drawback seems to be its frequency of commercials, but this can be remedied by opting for a no-ads plan. The support is also quite good, with 24/7 live chat and phone service. Finally, the Hulu apps for iOS and Android mean you can stream content from anywhere, even when you’re not at home.
Pros- Affordable price for a basic plan
- Quality original programming
- Various bundles and add-ons available
Cons- Frequent commercials (“no ads” add-on available)
- Limited download availability
- Best forDedicated TV, sports, and movie fans
- Base price$69.99 to $149.99 per month (plus taxes)
- Mobile appYes
DirecTV offers a high-tech, comprehensive package for viewers who spend lots of time watching TV, sports, and movies. With 4 plans available, you can watch 140+ live channels and 65,000+ on-demand shows. With plans ranging in price from $69.99 to $149.99/month, the service may not be suitable for those on a small budget. However, others may appreciate features such as the ability to watch unlimited streams at home, DirecTV’s voice-enabled remote control, and the ability to record on the go. Before taking out a plan, however, be aware that the company has a high number of poor reviews on Trustpilot.
As with any streaming solution, it’s worth examining all plan choices carefully before making a decision. While the range of channels available on the most expensive plans is among the most attractive on the market, you may find DirecTV’s cheaper packages are more than adequate for your needs. And if you’re still not certain whether the service is right for you, sign up for a 5-day free trial on any of its streaming plans to get a taste of the service.
Pros- Up to 65,000 on-demand titles and 140+ live TV channels
- Free trial available
- Unlimited streams available
Cons- Relatively high monthly fees
- Poor reviews on Trustpilot
- Best forLive sports fans
- Base price$9.99/month
- Mobile appYes
If you’re a sports fan, there’s lots to love about ESPN+. You can watch thousands of live-streamed sports events, watch original sports TV content and talk shows, and read premium sports journalism. As it’s a separate service from ESPN’s traditional networks, you won’t need an expensive TV plan to access this content. And with simultaneous streaming across 3 devices, your whole family can enjoy the subscription.
EPSN+ might be of particular interest to UFC fans because you can watch exclusive pay-per-view events via the service. You can even watch on the go via the ESPN app. Although there is no free trial, the lack of contract means you can try out ESPN+ without being tied into an expensive package. While there are some poor customer reviews, if you’re a big sports fan, ESPN+ could be worth checking out.
Pros- Exclusive live events
- Original content like sports documentaries
- Stream on 3 devices simultaneously
Cons- No free trial
- ESPN standard networks not included
- Best forAffordable access to live and on-demand viewing
- Base price$25/month
- Mobile appYes
With a fee of just $25 per month, Philo is an excellent choice for viewers seeking a low-cost deal on their streaming services. Although the company only has one plan, its package offers access to some of the most popular entertainment channels such as AMC, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Lifetime. In addition, you can add a number of attractive premium features to your subscription, such as add-ons for movies, Starz, and Epix. Philo could be a good fit for those purchasing a streaming service on behalf of a large household, as it allows users to watch up to 3 streams simultaneously and make unlimited DVR recordings, which they can store for 12 months.
In another attractive feature, Philo provides access to 24/7 customer service over phone and online chat, which could be hugely beneficial for those who enjoy streaming at irregular hours. It is worth noting, however, that the solution may not be suitable for sports fans or those who like to keep an eye on current affairs, as it has a relatively limited offering in those areas. If you’re still undecided whether Philo is right for you, you would have nothing to lose by trying its 7-day free trial.
Pros- 24/7 customer service
- 7-day free trial
- Unlimited DVR recordings
Cons- Only 1 plan available
- Limited selection of news and sports programming
- Best forDisney and Pixar movies
- Base priceFrom $7.99 per month
- Mobile appYes
Disney+ is a newcomer to the streaming market but has already become one of the most popular platforms around. The base subscription price of $7.99 per month delivers some of the best value we’ve seen, and there are loads of titles from the Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic libraries.
On top of this, Disney+ has great mobile apps, and we found its customer support to be responsive, although some customers have reported less positive experiences. As you might imagine, its library is heavily skewed towards family-friendly content, which is something to keep in mind. But if you’re looking for a streaming service that enables you to watch all your favorite Disney movies, Disney+ is it.
Pros- Access to loads of Disney content
- Offline downloads on up to 10 devices
- Quite affordable
Cons- Limited original content
- Premier Access costs a lot
- Best forSports fans
- Base price$64.99/month
- Mobile appYes
FuboTV is a TV subscription service that gives you an enormous range of content without the need for a cable subscription. It’s particularly good for sports fans, with a range of premium and international sports channels so you’ll never miss a game, and even offers a quarterly plan focused on content for the Latino community. Streaming on 3-10 devices, depending on your plan, helps avoid arguments over the remote. And you can record onto cloud storage to watch later if needed.
If FuboTV’s existing plans don’t cover your needs, it’s easy to tack on additional channels with a wide range of paid add-ons. So, although FuboTV has quite a high monthly fee (although still generally cheaper than a cable service), you’re sure to find content your whole family will enjoy.
Pros- Lots of optional extras
- 24/7 email support
- Specialist sports channels
Cons- High prices
- Not all events available in 4K/HDR
- Best forAffordable TV service that prioritizes women and minority voices
- Base price$8.99/month
- Mobile appYes
STARZ is a premium subscription service owned by Lionsgate. It serves as a great alternative for those who have already watched most of the interesting content offered by streaming giants like HBO or Netflix. For $8.99/month, you get 20 channels and 1,400+ movies, and you can stream on up to 5 devices at once.
STARZ is worth the money, as long as you’re willing to wait for some fresher content to roll out. If you’re not interested in joining STARZ from the ground up, you can always try the free trial period. In 7 days, you should have all the information you need to decide if a STARZ subscription is for you.
Pros- Affordable monthly and yearly subscriptions
- Great streaming options for children
- Plans to produce more original content in the near future
Cons- Lacks a strong user interface
- Small TV library
- Best forAccess to Paramount+ supported channels
- Base price$4.99 per month
- Mobile appYes
Paramount+ appears like an attractive option at first glance, with competitive prices, a great selection of unique titles, and attractive desktop and mobile apps. It’s relatively cheap, with prices starting at just $4.99 per month for an ad-supported subscription. The customer service seems average, at best. But if you’re looking for the titles Paramount+ offers, the 7-day free trial will enable you to test it without committing to a subscription.
The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the mobile apps are tidy and functional. If you can look past the downsides, you will find a unique selection of media on Paramount+ which might just spark your interest.
Pros- A large media library
- Full 7-day free trial
- User-friendly desktop and mobile apps
Cons- Performance issues are common
- Customer service is average
- Best forFamilies with preschoolers
- Base price$7.99/month
- Mobile appYes
Noggin brings together a rich library of content, including over 1,000 episodes of Nick JR. TV shows featuring beloved characters like Dora the Explorer, PAW Patrol, and Peppa Pig. You also get access to videos created by educational experts, educational games, and ebooks your can read together.
If you have kids aged 2-6, Noggin could be a great choice. With so much to explore together, it’s much more than just a TV streaming service. Although it may not be suitable for older children, with a monthly rolling subscription, you aren’t tied into a long contract and can move on when your family is ready. Noggin could help boost your kids’ development and could also be a great way to entertain them.
Pros- Created to support children’s learning
- Mixes TV, books, games, and activities
- One account works on multiple devices
Cons- Users note technical issues with the app
- Only covers preschool age group
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No streaming service offers every channel, but some offer more than others. DirecTV streaming arguably wins with over 140 live and on-demand channels as well as ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS. Sling TV has even more channels, at least 200 when you include all the available local TV channels. However, it doesn’t offer some prominent cable channels like PBS.
Netflix still dominates the US video-on-demand market, with over 221 million subscribers. For ad-free live streams, YouTube TV has over 5 million subscribers, and Hulu is reported to have 4.1 million subscribers.
Many streaming services include live TV streams, which closely mirror the cable TV experience. You can even stream your local network channels if you choose the right streaming service. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, and Sling are all examples of streaming services with the option for local channel streaming.
Although you may not need a brand new model to watch TV online, your device will need to meet certain requirements for streaming to work. As a rule, you’ll need a TV that is considered smart, which means it can connect to the internet and, in all likelihood, will already have streaming apps built in at the time of purchase.
Yes, live streaming allows you to watch events such as sports games, awards shows, or political broadcasts over the internet as they happen. See the chart above for more information on which services offer live viewing.
If you’re streaming through an on-demand service, you’ll likely have no need to record shows for later viewing as all available content can be accessed through your main interface at any time. With live broadcasts, you can record these transmissions via a digital video recorder (DVR). Although some smart TVs will already have a built-in DVR, you may need to purchase a separate DVR to record your stream.
What is TV Streaming?
Streaming is a process that allows you to watch TV via devices that are connected to the internet, such as smart TVs, laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles. You can screen both pre-recorded or on demand content, such as movies and TV shows, and live events, including sports matches and awards shows.
Before you can stream TV, you’ll normally need to sign up to a subscription service, which will provide you with access to its content for a monthly fee.
Although there are dozens of streaming services available, providers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus, and Sling TV are among the biggest. Following the surge of popularity in streaming during the mid-2010s, many of the best TV shows and documentaries are now shown exclusively on these services. Some shows will also be released through other mediums such as DVD after they have premiered on a streaming service.
Unlike scheduled programming, on-demand streaming doesn’t require you to watch at a certain time of day, which makes it a more convenient option for many viewers. And, unlike network or cable television, much of the live and on demand content available through streaming services is ad free.
In addition to TV shows and movies, you can use streaming to watch—or listen to—music videos, podcasts, and webcasts.
How Does TV Streaming Work?
Streaming works by transmitting video and audio data through a computer network or internet connection, which your device will then playback in real time.
As with any files sent over the internet, the audio and video files transmitted for TV streaming are separated into packets of data, which each contain a portion of the file. Once your device receives the information in these files, it will render this data as the images and sounds that appear on your screen.
Because streaming operates on a continuous basis, you can begin watching a piece of content while the remainder is still in the process of being transmitted. The rest of the file will be sent as you watch, which means you shouldn’t experience any interruption to your viewing.
Although many people tend to confuse streaming and downloading TV, there are several key differences between the two. Unlike streaming, downloading requires you to receive an entire file before you can begin playing it back, which often makes streaming a quicker and more efficient process. And, unlike downloaded files, any content you stream won’t be saved locally on your device.
What Do I Need to Use TV Streaming?
To get started with streaming TV, you’ll normally need a stable internet connection, access to a streaming service, and a device with online capability.
If you’re planning to watch on a TV, you’ll need a smart TV or streaming device. Almost all TVs sold today are smart TVs, which means they are capable of connecting to the internet and have apps for streaming services already installed.
A streaming device is a piece of equipment that will connect to your home theater system or TV and allow you to view content through a streaming service. Popular streaming devices include Amazon Fire TV Sticks and Roku Streaming Sticks.
Before you start streaming TV, you should check your internet speed to ensure your connection can process the data required for streaming quickly enough. In general, you’ll need speeds of at least 3MBPS to stream standard definition videos and at least 5MBPS for high-definition content. If you’re planning on watching 4K Ultra HD content (which is at an extremely high resolution), you may need up to 25MBPS.
You should also check your data allowance before you begin watching TV online as streaming can eat up a good chunk of your permitted usage. According to Netflix, streaming one hour of standard definition video uses approximately 1GB of data and streaming at high definition can use up to 3GB, while Ultra HD can consume up to 7GB.
How to Choose The Right TV Streaming Service for Your Needs?
With so many excellent streaming services available, finding the right one will ultimately be a personal decision. However, there are certain key factors you might want to consider.
When you’re choosing a subscription service, your main priority is likely to be finding a provider that offers the shows, or at least the genres of TV, that interest you. Likewise, you should search for a provider that offers your preferred networks and channels if you’d prefer to stream live TV content. You can find more information about which services are best for which types of viewing in the chart above.
Although there are several free streaming services available, these tend to offer extremely limited content, which means they may not be suitable for more dedicated viewers. For many people, ease of use is another key consideration when choosing a streaming service.
If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you don’t want to waste time searching through the service’s directory to find your desired show or broadcast. Although the more established services have plenty of experience in creating user-friendly viewing experiences, you may find some of the interfaces on newer streaming services less easy to navigate.
If you’re a fan of watching TV on the go, you may prefer a streaming service with a reliable mobile app that will allow you to easily stream content on your phone regardless of your location.
You should also consider whether you’ll need a provider that offers concurrent streaming. As the name suggests, this feature will allow you—and other members of your household—to watch more than one piece of content through a single account at any given time.
If you and your family have different tastes in TV, the freedom to watch multiple streams could prove essential for family harmony. Although every service is different, some providers allow you to watch up to 4 streams concurrently.
As with any of the utilities or services in your home, cost is likely to be a key factor when you’re choosing a streaming service. As well as seeking a service with a reasonable monthly fee, you should check whether the provider offers any free trials or if you could save money by opting for a budget plan. In many cases, streaming services will charge a lower monthly fee for packages that offer only standard-definition videos or do not allow you to stream on multiple devices.
Is TV Streaming Cheaper Than Cable?
Streaming TV is usually cheaper than cable, though this does vary depending on where you live and the type of content you watch.
If you choose streaming without live TV, it will certainly be cheaper than cable, even if you choose to subscribe to multiple streaming services. Live TV streaming tends to be cheaper than cable, even when you include the cost of your internet service.
The only case where cable might be cheaper is if you want to stream a lot of live sports from regional sports networks.
Which Streaming Service Is Best for Live Sports?
ESPN+ is a popular choice. You get access to thousands of live-streamed sports events and it works as a standalone service that can be an addition to your existing TV package.
ESPN+ covers a great range of live events happening both domestically and abroad. It offers an on-demand replay option for matches you miss and is particularly good for UFC fans, as you can get exclusive access to pay-per-view events.
fuboTV is another great option. You can pick and choose the channel packages you’re most interested in. The Sports Plus with NFL RedZone includes 25 specialist sports channels. The International Sports Plus offers 11 sports channels with a focus on international events.
Can I Watch Local Channels Without Cable?
Many people hold on to their traditional cable service because they don’t want to lose their local channels, but lots of streaming services now let you view these channels too. DirectTV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV are some of the streaming services that offer local TV channels.
Other services like Sling TV and Vidgo offer some of the bigger local broadcast networks, but availability varies by location.
How Did We Choose These Live TV Streaming Services?
We signed up and tested the live TV plans from each of the live TV streaming services offered in the United States. Some of the metrics we consider to be most important to a good live TV streaming service include:
The number of channels included
Local channel coverage
Premium channel lineup (Food Network, Fox Sports, HBO Max, Apple TV, MLB Network, etc.)
Cost
Mobile apps
Plan customizability
Reliability
User interface
User reviews
Extra features like stream recording
More TV Streaming Services We Reviewed:
Our Related TV Streaming Services Articles:
- 10 Reasons TV Streaming Is the Future of TV
- 10 Tips for Choosing a TV Streaming Service for the Entire Family
- 10 Reasons to Switch to Live TV
The Bottom Line
Streaming services have never been more competitive, with several excellent options for on-demand and live TV streaming. It’s now easier than ever to replace your traditional cable service with a TV streaming service, saving you a fortune in the long run.
Our picks for the top 10 best TV streaming services are Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, ESPN+, Philo, Disney+, fuboTV, Hulu, Vidgo, Prime Video and Starz.
The right choice of TV streaming service for you mostly depends on the channels you watch and how much you’re willing to pay for the service. The 10 streaming services listed above represent the best options available today.
