- As low as $20 for the 1st month
- Watch on up to 4 screens simultaneously
- Football Pass: Starting at $90 for 3 months
- Watch NFL & 2024 college football games
“One of the most affordable options for accessing news, sports, entertainment, and kid-friendly programming.“ (Jun 2024)
- Unlimited DVR recording
- Watch on 2 screens simultaneously
- Offers bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+
- 75-150+ channels with 5-day free trial
- Special offer on premium channels
- Regional sports networks for no added fees
- Unlimited recording on DVR
- Watch on up to 3 screens at once
- Stream thousands of shows and movies
- Unlimited downloads on up to 10 devices
- Watch on up to 4 screens
- 300+ titles in 4K UHD & HDR
- As low as $20 for the 1st month
- Watch on up to 4 screens simultaneously
- Football Pass: Starting at $90 for 3 months
- Watch NFL & 2024 college football games
“One of the most affordable options for accessing news, sports, entertainment, and kid-friendly programming.“ (Jun 2024)
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 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 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.
As streaming services continue to dominate Americans’ media consumption, our survey of over one thousand adults reveals that content is king and the public have some major concerns about the concept of AI-generated shows and movies.
To better understand consumer streaming preferences, we asked the general public about what attracts them to (and repels them from) a top TV streaming service, how much they’re willing to spend, and how they feel about the prospect of AI-generated content showing up on their screens.
Key Takeaways:
- The most commonly used streaming platforms among survey respondents are Netflix (60%), Amazon Prime (57%), and Hulu (45%).
- Some 44% of streaming viewers are open to watching AI-generated content.
- The spread of misinformation and the potential loss of human jobs are tied for the biggest concerns about AI-generated media content, at 23% each.
- Subscribers of smaller platforms such as Sling TV, fuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and Philo are the happiest with their platforms’ AI-generated content suggestions.
- Almost 50% of streaming consumers sign up based on content quality or platform-exclusive content.
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.
FAQs
Do I need a new TV to use TV 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.
Can I watch live TV through TV streaming?
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.
Will I be able to record shows to watch later?
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.
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
$20 for 1st monthFreedom to create customized entertainment plans$20 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 - 2Stream unique content and select various add-ons
- Best for - Those looking for an affordable streaming service and a range of add-ons
- Base price - $6.99/month
- Bundle options - Yes, can bundle with HBO, Showtime, ESPN+, Disney+, Cinemax, and Starz
- Mobile app - Yes
- Offline download - Yes, on select shows and movies
Stream unique content and select various add-onsRead Hulu + Live TV ReviewHulu - The best mix of network TV and original content
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.
Hulu + Live TV Pros & Cons
PROS
Affordable price for a basic planQuality original programmingVarious bundles and add-ons availableCONS
Frequent commercials (“no ads” add-on available)Limited download availability - 3Unlimited 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 Stream ReviewDIRECTV Stream - Best for live TV offerings
DIRECTV Stream 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 Stream'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 Stream'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 Stream 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