5 Best Streaming Platforms for Live TV

With the ease of access to streaming platforms, it's no surprise that you can now watch Live TV.

1. Hulu + Live TV

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Hulu + Live TV is a pretty comprehensive package, so much so that it's an ideal choice if your family has a variety of interests. Not only do you get access to Hulu, but you also get Disney+ and ESPN+. Along with that, there's a long list of more than 95 live channels, including news, sports, and entertainment. For example, there's ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, CNN, Cartoon Network, BET, FX, NFL Network, FS1 and FS2, Lifetime, PBS and PBS Kids, Nickelodeon, Paramount, and more.

Plus, you get access to DVR features and unlimited cloud storage for said content. Even if you know you're going to miss your favorite show, you can still record it in advance.

2. Peacock

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If you're a bargain hunter, Peacock is one of the cheapest ways to get a streaming service and watch live TV at the same time, though Peacock is increasing its price. Even Premium Plus, the ad-free subscription, is only $14 a month. But if you're a student or teacher, you can get it for a fraction of that ($3 and $4, respectively).

In terms of content, we're talking Hallmark, NBC, Sky News, TODAY All Day, NBC Sports, Premier League TV, WWE, GolfPass, NFL Wild Card, Nascar, IMSA, and even Sunday Night Football.

Of course, Peacock is a streaming platform and has a lot of content to stream; in fact, it's where everyone's favorite show, The Office, airs.

3. YouTube TV

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While DirecTV may have more channels, YouTube TV is no slouch. In fact, it's on par with Fubo, with over 100 Live TVs to choose from. YouTube TV has the edge over the other streaming services here thanks to its customization and 21-day trial period.

For starters, the basic package alone has over 140 Live TVs, including the super chill Zen Channel. It includes a mix of major news and entertainment channels, like CBS, MSNBC, Cartoon Network, Disney, Sports Network, ESPN News, and more. YouTube TV has ESPN, FS1 and FS2, and CNBC Gold, too.

The real draw is the add-ons, where you can explore more specialized Live TV, such as Sports Plus, Spanish Plus, Filipino Plus, and Spanish Plan. That will give you access to channels like AcornTV, BET+, Cinemax, Gaia, NFL Redzone, and Curiosity Stream.

4. DirecTV

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DirecTV is the platform you want to use if you don't want to miss a channel. There are four packages - Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier - and each one adds more channels, ranging from 90+ to 185+.

Even on the cheapest package, you still get access to FX, Disney, CNN, HGTV, ESPN (and ESPN2), as well as local channels and the Sports Pack. However, if you want to watch regional sports channels, you'll get more from Choice on up. This package adds channels like Bally Sports, NBA TV, and ESPNews.

The Ultimate package offers the most, of course, like NHL Network and STARZ Encore, but regardless of which package you sign up for, you can add additional channels, just like you can with YouTube TV. It's one of the few streaming platforms (on this list) that offers international channels, like Cine Mexicano. It leaves a little wiggle room if, say, you just want the Entertainment package with a few extra sports or movie channels thrown in.

5. Fubo

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Fubo should be your primary choice if you want to focus on sports. You can access MLB, NHL, NBA, NFL, and follow the events of those leagues through ESPN. Fubo also offers add-ons. There's NFL Redzone, Sports Plus, NBA League Pass, Adventure Plus, and International Sports Plus if you're into soccer. More importantly, if Fubo broadcasts the channels your team plays on, you'll be able to record games to watch later.

Fubo also has a lot of popular Live TV besides sports. For kids, there is Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and Disney. You can relax with music channels like MTV, VH1, and CMT. One standout channel is Crunchyrolll. This is a site to visit if you like anime.

No matter what you choose, one of these streaming platforms will be a perfect fit. Fubo focuses heavily on sports; DirecTV offers the most options; YouTube TV is easy to customize; Peacock is affordable, and Hulu + Live TV has multiple streaming platforms rolled into one. It's best to make a list of channels you want to watch, then make your selections based on that list.

David Pac

Update 13 January 2025