Best streaming platforms for watching live TV after cutting the cord with cable
As more and more households send a "Dear John" letter to their cable company, instead signing up for one (or more) streaming services or live TV streaming services, finding the right TV streaming service has never been more important. Not all streaming services are equal, with each offering different channels, packages and price ranges.
From free trials and no long-term contracts to sports and news-specific packages and services that offer live coverage of your local TV affiliates, the right streaming service can replace your local cable company -- and save you money in the process.
When you're looking to add streaming platforms, it's important to know the difference between a streaming platform and a live TV streaming platform (and which ones are which).
A streaming platform like Netflix, Hulu, Peacock and Max offer original content, plus they generally house a vast library of TV shows and movies -- often associated with a TV network owned by the same parent company. A Live TV streamer like Fubo, SlingTV and Hulu + Live TV, offers the live feed of most (or all) of your local TV affiliates' programming, as well as the live feed of some cable channels.
Streamers like Paramount+ with Showtime offer the live feed of one TV affiliate (in this case CBS), or Peacock Premium Plus subscribers can get access to the live feed from local NBC affiliates, but you won't be able to access all your local affiliates' live feed.
CBS News, CBS, Paramount+ with Showtime and Pluto TV are all subsidiaries of Paramount.
Not all streaming platforms do the same thing. Below, see our picks for which streamers are the best in their category.
Keep reading for more on each streaming platform, including what you get with each subscription (and what you don't).
In the crowded marketplace of live TV streaming platforms, Fubo stands out. The streamer earns high marks thanks to its seven-day free trial allowing one can test drive the platform before fully committing, vast channel offerings and no-commitment subscriptions that can be canceled anytime without penalty.
Fubo is a sports-centric streaming service that offers access to access to local network affiliates, ESPN and more. Sign up and begin watching immediately on your TV, phone, tablet or computer. You'll have access to NFL football, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLS and international soccer games. starting at $80 per month after your free seven-day trial with the Pro Tier.
Sports fans can also level up access by adding on the $7.99 per month Fubo Extra package, which includes MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Tennis Channel, SEC Network and more channels with live games. Or upgrade to the Fubo Elite tier and get all the Fubo Extra channels, plus the ability to stream in 4K, starting at $90 per month ($70 for the first month).
Top features of FuboTV:
What you get with a FuboTV subscription:
What you don't get with a FuboTV subscription:
The triple-threat of streaming platforms, Hulu + Live TV is not only a live TV streaming platform, it offers original content courtesy of Hulu and comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+, making it our pick for the best streaming package available.
The bundle features 95 channels, including local network affiliates where available (CBS, NBC, Fox and CBS) as well as popular cable channels such as ESPN, TNT, TBS, A&E, CNN and Bravo. It also includes the ESPN+ streaming service and unlimited DVR storage.
Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+. The streamer offers a three-day free trial and pricing tiers. A subscription to Hulu + Live TV (with ads) is $77 per month, and the ad-free (except for ESPN+) option is priced at $90 per month.
Top features of Hulu + Live TV:
What you get with a Hulu + Live TV subscription:
What you don't get with a Hulu + Live TV subscription:
One of the most cost-effective live TV streaming platforms is Sling TV. The platform's Orange + Blue tier gives subscribers access to the live feed of local ABC, NBC and Fox affiliates (where available), plus ESPN, TBS, TNT and more cable channels.
The Orange + Blue tier costs $35 for your first month, and $60 per month after that. You can cancel anytime. Add the Sports Extra package to get NBA TV, MLB Network and more for $11 per month.
Top features of Sling TV Orange tier:
What you get with a Sling TV subscription:
What you don't get with a Sling TV subscription:
For a budget-friendly live TV streaming option, look no further than Philo. The platform offers over 70 live TV options, priced at just $25 per month after a seven-day free trial. The platform offers unlimited DVR space, perfect for recording your favorite programs and movies airing on channels such as HGTV, History, Discovery, AMC, BBC America, World News and Hallmark Channel. The platform is particularly attractive for parents looking for cost-effective access to kid-friendly content airing on Nickelodeon, Nick J. and Nicktoons. The streamer also features a vast library of on-demand titles, plus the option of add-ons such as Epix and Starz.
Top features of a Philo subscription:
What you get with a subscription to Philo:
What you don't get with a subscription to Philo:
Paramount+ gives viewers access to all CBS original content and features original programming. That means NFL fans can watch every CBS-aired NFL game and the Champions League live on all of its pricing tiers (including Paramount+ Essential). With the Paramount + with Showtime tier, subscribers get access to the live feed of their local CBS affiliate, while also being able to watch top-tier awards shows and events live, that originally aired on CBS.
A subscription to Paramount + with Showtime costs $11.99 per month.
Top features of Paramount + with Showtime:
What you get with a subscription to Paramount+ with Showtime:
What you don't get with a subscription to Paramount + with Showtime:
Prime Video subscribers can access the streaming platform's vast library of movies and TV shows (some are included in the Prime membership free and some require a rental or purchase for a fee), but you can also add on top-tier cable channels and get access to the live feed of your local CBS affiliate through Prime Video Channels. Subscriptions can be managed directly from your Prime account, which means no extra apps need to be downloaded.
While most channel add-ons are only accessed for a fee (as little as $4.99 per month), some channels can be accessed for free.
Top features of Prime Video Channels:
What you get with Prime Video Channels:
What you don't get with Prime Video Channels:
Danica Creahan is an expert on streaming for CBS Essentials. When she's not evaluating the best new shows and movies to stream or comparing every way to watch NCAA March Madness this year, she's probably out playing with -- or shopping for -- her dog.