Our Top 3 Picks
- 1Freedom to create customized entertainment plans
- Best for - Customizing your entertainment package
- Base price - $40-$60
- Bundle options - No
- Mobile app - Yes
- Offline download - No
From $23 for 1st monthFreedom to create customized entertainment plansFrom $23 for 1st monthRead Sling TV ReviewSling TV - Best TV Streaming Service overall
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 $40 to $60. 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.
Sling TV Pros & Cons
PROS
200+ channels and 85,000+ on-demand movies and shows3-day free trial on paid plansThousands of hours of free contentCONS
Poor reviews on TrustpilotLimited availability of local channels - 2Unlimited cloud DVR recordings
- Best for - Dedicated TV, sports, and movie fans
- Base price - From $79.99 per month
- Bundle options - Bundle with AT&T internet (networks depend on bundle chosen and local availability)
- Mobile app - Yes
- Offline download - No
Unlimited cloud DVR recordingsRead DIRECTV ReviewDIRECTV - Best for live TV offerings
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 $79.99 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.
DIRECTV Pros & Cons
PROS
Up to 65,000 on-demand titles and 140+ live TV channelsFree trial availableUnlimited streams availableCONS
Relatively high monthly feesPoor reviews on Trustpilot - 3Low monthly fee of $25
- Best for - Affordable access to live and on-demand viewing
- Base price - $28/month
- Bundle options - None at this time
- Mobile app - Yes
- Offline download - No
Low monthly fee of $25Read Philo ReviewPhilo - Best budget TV choice
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.
Philo Pros & Cons
PROS
24/7 customer service7-day free trialUnlimited DVR recordingsCONS
Only 1 plan availableLimited selection of news and sports programming