Cord Cutting? Here Are the Most Affordable Streaming Options for Live TV

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Thinking about switching from cable to a streaming platform? Cutting the cord is a lot easier than you might think and can save you more on your monthly bill than certain basic cable plans.

For TV lovers who want to make the leap to streaming, we’re breaking down some of the best platforms for live TV. Check below for a roundup of streaming options that range from $25 a month up to $150 a month. The services recommended below offer month-to-month subscription plans that can be canceled at any time.

From Fubo to Peacock: Best Streaming Services for Live TV

Though major league streamers like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Paramount+ produce mostly on-demand content, YouTube TV, Sling TV and Philo, and DirectTV Stream are some of the more affordable options for live content.

If you’re on a tight budget, Philo TV is the cheapest among the plans on our list at $25/month after a one-week free trial. Stream 70+ channels including MTV, BET, A&E, Food Network, Discovery, Hallmark, ID, Nickelodeon, OWN, AMC, IFC, Lifetime, WeTV, HGTV, Comedy Central, Hallmark, TLC, TV One, OWN and the Paramount Network. Philo also comes with unlimited DVR and like all other streamers, you can watch content from any compatible device.

When it comes to sports, it can be tricky finding an affordable streamer that offers your favorite games and other sporting events along with other channels. Thankfully, Fubo has a bit of everything.

Sports fans can stream NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games along with NASCAR, MLS, MMA, tennis, soccer, boxing, golf, college sports and more on Fubo. Plans start at $76 a month (after the free trial) to access over 156 channels and 100+ sporting events. Watch ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS, along with MLB Network, Golf TV, NBA League Pass and other sports-only channels in addition to MTV, ESPN, VH1, E!, FX, MSNBC, TLC, MGM+, Paramount Network, TV Land, TRVL channel, USA, Bravo, Telemundo and more.

The subscription includes 1,000 hours of DVR space and family share to simultaneously stream on up to 10 screens at home and two outside of your home internet network.

Want more channels? Subscribe to Fubo Elite and stream 224 channels for $84.99/month or join Fubo Premier to access 233 channels for $94.99/month (and free Showtime). Fubo’s Spanish Only plan is $24.99/month to stream 52 channels, 250 hours of cloud DVD and up to two screens.

On the scale of affordability, Sling TV rivals Philo as streaming plans start at $30 for your first month ($40 after). Sling’s Orange plan includes 31 channels — Bravo, ID, AMC, BET, ESPN, TLC, A&E, BET, TNT, TCM, FX, E!, Freeform, HLN, HGTV, etc. — 50 hours of DVR storage and one device stream. The Blue plan unlocks access to 42 channels, three device streams and 50 hours of DVR. The Orange and Blue plan comes with 48 channels for $50 a month.

Hulu is one of the oldest platforms in the streaming realm (subscribe for $2/month for three months) and one of the more affordable. Hulu + Live TV is $69.99 a month for 75+ channels and Hulu’s on-demand streaming library where you’ll find exclusives like The Kardashians, ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Kourtney & Travis, White Men Can’t Jump, How I Met Your Father, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Clearing and Only Murders in the Building. Hulu + Live TV also includes ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, NTVM BETM ESPN, ID, HGTV, Own, USA, TRVL channel, Oxygen, FX, Freeform and more; along with access to Disney+ and ESPN+.

DirectTV Stream plans start at $64.99/month to stream 75+ live channels and DVR recordings. Subscribe to the Premier plan and stream 150+ live channels, plus free Max, Showtime and Starz. The Choice and Ultimate plans range from $85-$110 per month for up to 140+ channels.

Streamers That Offer Live Channels

One of the perks of Peacock is that you’ll get a good mixture of live and on-demand content for $4.99/ month for ad-supported streaming but Peacock Premium subscribers can enjoy live access to NBC and commercial-free streaming for $9.99/month. Peacock gives you next-day access to current NBC programs; Premier League, WWE, Sunday Night Football, Indy 500 and other sporting events; plus movies, beloved TV shows (including Yellowstone) and original series such as Bel-Air, Poker Face, Bupkis, Ms. Davis and episode of Bravo shows like Vandperpump Rules and Below Deck.

Prime Video has live CBS stations, depending on your streaming plan. Add Paramount+ to your Prime channels (or subscribe separately) to access your local CBS channel along with hit shows, movies, soccer and other sports.

Some of the shows and movies currently streaming on Paramount+ include Fatal Attraction, The Family Stone, Rabbit Hole, School Spirits, Star Trek: Picard, 1923, 1883, Mayor of Kingstown, Seal Team, Star Trek Discovery, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Why Women Kill, Scream VI, Dungeons & Dragons and 80 for Brady.

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