Choosing the best TV streaming services can be an exciting decision that opens the door to a whole new world of movies, series, and live events. Streaming platforms allow you to watch TV anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected device, allowing you to choose and customize the content you want.
Whether you love TV shows, sports, award-winning documentaries, or reality shows, you’ll want to find the perfect streaming service for you and your family. This means choosing a service that not only offers your favorite series, but also meets your technical and budget needs.
But with so many options, deciding which service or services you want can be confusing. To help you better understand what they have to offer, we’ve selected 10 of the best streaming services on the market.
Our Top 10 Best TV Streaming Services in 2023:
- Honda TV. Best TV Streaming Service
- Hulu: The best combination of broadcast TV and original content
- DirectTV Streaming: The best deal for live streaming
- ESPN+: The best for live sports
- Filon: The best budget TV option
- Disney+: The best option for exclusive Disney content
- fuboTV: The best option for sports and Latino content
- Video: The best option for live sports anywhere
- Starz: The best content focused on minority voices
- Supreme+: The best way to access Paramount+-compatible channels
Not sure which TV streaming service best suits your needs? Here’s our list of the ten best TV streaming services available today and why you can join the ranks of cable TV newbies who are choosing them.
A Closer Look at the Top 10 TV Streaming Services
The best option for customizing your entertainment package
Base price: $40-$55
Mobile app: Yes
With three basic plans and a wide range of customization options, Sling TV is an attractive option for those who want to customize their streaming plan to their tastes. After choosing a basic plan, you can upgrade your subscription with sports, news, or comedy packages. You can also add premium channels like Showtime, Epix, and Starz. With a purchase, you get 50 hours of free DVR storage, which you can upgrade to 200 hours for $5 per month. While that’s more than enough for most viewers, some competitors offer unlimited DVR storage.
In terms of price, Sling TV is one of the most affordable options, with basic plans ranging from $35 to $50. Although the company has poor reviews on Trustpilot, you can try out its service with a three-year free trial or by subscribing to Sling Free.
- Over 200 channels and over 85,000 movies and TV shows on demand
- 3-day free trial with paid plans
- Thousands of hours of free content
Cons - Poor ratings on Trustpilot
- Limited access to local channels.
Ideal for those looking for an affordable streaming service with a variety of extra features.
Starting price: $6.99/month
Mobile app: Yes.
Hulu is a streaming service available in the United States and parts of Japan. With plans starting at $6.99 per month, it’s a great option for those looking for an affordable price. It offers quality original programming and frequent updates of new TV shows.
Without a ton of apps or software, Hulu offers a variety of packages and add-ons to stream content from other platforms and channels, such as BET, Bravo, TBS, MTV, ESPN, Fox News, and CNN. You can also add unlimited screens for $9.99 per month, which is useful if you live in a large house. Plus, the packages can save you money.
Hulu’s biggest drawback seems to be the frequency of ads, but that can be fixed by opting for an ad-free plan. Support is also pretty good, with 24/7 live chat and phone service. Finally, Hulu’s apps for iOS and Android let you stream content from anywhere, even on the go.
Pros
- Affordable price for the basic plan.
- Original quality programming.
- A variety of packages and apps available.
Cons
- Frequent ads (ad-free app available).
- Limited downloads.
Great for TV, sports, and movie fans
Base price: $69.99 to $149.99 per month (plus tax)
Mobile app: Yes
DirecTV offers a complete, high-tech package for viewers who spend a lot of time watching TV, sports, and movies. You can watch over 140 live channels and over 65,000 on-demand programs with four available plans. With plans ranging from $69.99 to $149.99 per month, the service may not be suitable for those on a tight budget. However, others may appreciate features like the ability to watch unlimited shows at home, the DirecTV voice remote, and the ability to record on the go. However, before signing up for a plan, keep in mind that the company has a lot of negative reviews on Trustpilot.
As with any streaming solution, it’s worth thoroughly researching your plan options before making a decision.
Pros
- Up to 65,000 on-demand titles and over 140 live TV channels
- Free trial available
- Unlimited streaming
Cons - Relatively high monthly fees
- Poor Trustpilot reviews
Ideal for live sports fans
Base price: $10.99/month
Mobile app: Yes
If you’re a sports fan, ESPN+ has a lot to offer. You can watch thousands of live sporting events, watch original sports content and talk shows, and read premium sports journalism. As a separate service from the traditional ESPN networks, you don’t need an expensive TV plan to access this content. And with simultaneous streaming on three devices, your whole family can enjoy the subscription.
ESPN+ could be especially interesting for UFC fans, who can watch exclusive paid events through the service. You can even watch them through the ESPN app. While there’s no free trial, the lack of a contract means you can try ESPN+ without committing to a pricey package. While there are some negative customer reviews, if you’re a big sports fan, ESPN+ is worth considering.
Pros
- Exclusive live streams
- Original content like sports documentaries
- Stream on three devices simultaneously
Cons
- No free trial
- Standard ESPN channels not included
Ideal for watching live and on-demand content at an affordable price
Initial price: $25/month
Mobile app: Yes
At just $25 per month, Philo is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly streaming service. Although the company only has one plan, this plan gives you access to popular entertainment channels like AMC, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Lifetime.
Another attractive feature is that Philo offers 24/7 customer support via phone and online chat, which can be very useful for those who like to stream at unusual times.
Pros
- 24/7 customer support
- 7-day free trial
- Unlimited DVR recordings
Cons - Only one plan available
- Limited selection of news and sports programming
Great for Disney and Pixar movies
Base price starts at $7.99 per month
Mobile app: Yes
Disney+ is new to the streaming market, but it’s already one of the most popular platforms. The base subscription price of $7.99 per month offers one of the best options we’ve seen, including a large library of movies from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
Additionally, Disney+ has excellent mobile apps, and we found its customer support to be very responsive, although some customers have reported less than positive experiences. As you can imagine, its catalog is heavily focused on family content, which is something to keep in mind. But if you’re looking for a streaming service that lets you watch your favorite Disney movies, Disney+ is a great option.
Pros
- Access to a ton of Disney content
- Offline downloads on up to 10 devices
- Reasonably affordable
Cons - Limited original content
- Premier Access is very expensive
Ideal for sports fans
Base price: $64.99/month
Mobile app: Yes
FuboTV is a TV subscription service that offers a variety of content without the need for a cable TV subscription. It’s perfect for sports fans, with several premium and international sports channels, so you’ll never miss a game. It even offers a three-month plan that focuses on content from the Latin American community. Streaming on 3 to 10 devices, depending on your plan, helps avoid remote control conflicts. You can record in the cloud to watch later if needed.
If FuboTV’s current plans don’t meet your needs, you can easily add additional channels with a wide range of paid add-ons. So, while FuboTV has a fairly high monthly fee (although it’s still generally cheaper than cable TV), you’re sure to find content your whole family will enjoy.
Pros
- Lots of extra features
- 24/7 email support
- Dedicated sports channels.
Cons
- High prices
- Not all events are available in 4K/HDR quality
Ideal for an affordable TV service that prioritizes women and minority voices.
Introductory price: $8.99/month
Mobile app: Yes
STARZ is a premium subscription service owned by Lionsgate. It’s a great alternative for those who have already watched most of the exciting content offered by streaming giants like HBO or Netflix. For $8.99 per month, you get 20 channels and over 1,400 movies, plus the ability to watch on up to five devices simultaneously.
STARZ is worth buying if you’re waiting for new content to be released. You can always try the free trial if you’re not interested in joining STARZ from scratch. Within seven days, you should have all the information you need to decide if a STARZ subscription is right for you.
Pros
- Monthly and annual subscriptions available
- Great streaming options for kids
- More original content planned soon.
Cons
- Lacks a robust interface
- Small TV catalog
Perfect for accessing Paramount+-compatible channels
Base price: $4.99 per month
Mobile app: Yes
At first glance, Paramount+ seems appealing, with competitive pricing, a large selection of unique titles, and attractive mobile and desktop apps. It’s relatively inexpensive, starting at just $4.99 per month for an ad-supported subscription. Customer service is mediocre at best. But if you’re looking for the titles Paramount+ offers, the 7-day free trial lets you try it out without committing to a subscription.
The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the mobile apps are clean and functional. If you can overlook the flaws, you’ll find a unique selection of media on Paramount+ that you might be interested in.
Pros
- Extensive media library
- 7-day free trial
- Easy-to-use mobile and desktop apps
Cons - General performance issues
- So-so customer service
Ideal for families with preschoolers
Base price: $7.99/month
Mobile app: Yes
Noggin includes a rich content library, including over 1,000 episodes of Nick Jr. series featuring beloved characters like Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, and Peppa Pig. You can also access videos created by educational experts, educational games, and e-books that you can read together.
Noggin can be a great option if you have children between the ages of 2 and 6. With so much to explore together, it’s more than just a TV streaming service. While it may not be suitable for older children, with a monthly subscription, you’re not locked into a long-term contract and can switch platforms when your family is ready. Noggin can support your child’s development and can also be a great way to keep them entertained.
Pros
- It’s designed to support children’s learning.
- It combines TV, books, games, and other activities.
- One account works across multiple devices.
Cons - Users have had technical issues with the app.
- It’s only suitable for preschoolers.
What is TV Streaming?
Streaming is a process that allows you to watch TV on devices connected to the internet, such as smart TVs, laptops, smartphones, and video game consoles. It allows you to stream pre-recorded or on-demand content, such as movies and series, as well as live broadcasts, whatever
How Does TV Streaming Work?
Streaming works by transmitting video and audio data over a computer network or internet connection, which your device will display in real time.
Like any file sent over the internet, audio and video files transmitted for TV streaming are broken down into data packets, each containing a portion of the file. When your device receives the information from these files, it presents them as images and sounds that appear on your screen.
Since streaming is continuous, you can start watching the content while the rest is still streaming. The rest of the file will be sent while you watch it, meaning there should be no interruptions.
Although many people confuse streaming with TV streaming, there are some key differences between the two. Unlike streaming, downloading requires the entire file to be acquired before it can be played, which usually makes streaming faster and more efficient. And unlike downloaded files, streaming content is not stored on your device.
What Do I Need to Use TV Streaming?
To start streaming TV, you usually need a stable internet connection, access to a streaming service, and an online device.
If you plan to watch on TV, you’ll need a smart TV or streaming device. Almost all TVs sold today are smart, meaning they can connect to the internet and have streaming service apps installed.
A streaming device connects to your home theater or TV and allows you to watch content via a streaming service. Popular streaming devices include Amazon Fire TV Sticks and Roku Streaming Sticks.
You should also check your data allowance before watching TV online, as streaming can use up a significant portion of your data allowance. According to Netflix, an hour of streaming video in standard definition uses approximately 1 GB of data, HD streaming can use up to 3 GB, and Ultra HD can use up to 7 GB.
How to Choose The Right TV Streaming Service for Your Needs?
With so many great streaming services out there, finding the right one is ultimately a personal decision. However, there are a few key factors to consider.
When choosing a subscription service, your top priority should be finding a provider that offers the TV shows or genres you’re interested in. If you prefer to watch live, you should also look for a provider that offers your favorite networks and channels. The chart above gives you a better idea of which services are best for each type of screen.
While there are a few free streaming services, they often offer very limited content that may not be suitable for the most dedicated viewers. For many people, ease of use is another important factor when choosing a streaming service.
If you’re not technically savvy, you won’t want to waste time searching through the service’s catalog for the show or stream you need. While more established services have a long history of creating intuitive viewing experiences, some of the interfaces on newer streaming services can be a bit more difficult to navigate.
If you like to watch TV on the go, you can opt for a streaming service with a reliable mobile app that lets you stream content to your phone no matter where you are.
You should also consider whether you need a provider that offers simultaneous streaming. As the name suggests, this feature allows you and other members of your family to watch multiple shows at the same time under one account.
If you and your family have different viewing preferences, the freedom to watch multiple shows can be important for family harmony. While every service is different, some providers allow you to watch up to four shows at the same time.
Is TV Streaming Cheaper Than Cable?
Broadcast TV is usually cheaper than cable, although this varies depending on where you live and the content you watch.
If you decide to watch live TV without a live broadcast, it will definitely be cheaper than cable, even if you subscribe to multiple streaming services. Broadcast TV is usually more affordable than cable, even including the cost of your internet service.
Cable may only be cheaper if you want to watch a lot of sports from regional sports networks.
Which Streaming Service Is Best for Live Sports?
ESPN+ is a popular option. It lets you watch thousands of live sporting events and is a standalone service that you can add to your current TV package.
ESPN+ includes a wide variety of live broadcasts, both domestic and international. It offers on-demand replays of games you’ve missed and is especially great for UFC fans, as they can get exclusive access to pay-per-view events.
FuboTV is another great option. You can choose the channel packages that interest you most. Sports Plus includes 25 specialty sports channels with NFL RedZone, while International Sports Plus offers 11 sports channels that focus on international events.
Can I Watch Local Channels Without Cable?
Many people prefer to stay connected to their traditional cable service for their local channels, but many streaming services now allow you to watch them as well. DirectTV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV are streaming services that offer local TV channels.
Other services, such as Sling TV and Vidgo, offer a more comprehensive range of local channels, but availability varies by location.
How Did We Choose These Live TV Streaming Services?
We recorded and tested live TV shows from every live TV streaming service available in the United States. Here are some of the most important criteria we consider for a great live streaming service:
- Number of channels included
- Local channel coverage
- Premium channel lineup (Food Network, Fox Sports, HBO Max, Apple TV, MLB Network, and more)
- Price
- Mobile apps
- Plan customization
- Reliability
- User interface
- User reviews
Additional features like streaming recording
More TV Streaming Services We Reviewed:
- DAZN:
- Noggin
Showtime:
Our Related TV Streaming Services Articles:
- 10 Reasons Why Streaming TV Is the Future of Television
- 10 Tips for Choosing a Streaming TV Service for the Whole Family
- 10 Reasons to Switch to Live TV
The Bottom Line
With great on-demand and live streaming options, streaming services have never been more competitive. It’s now easier than ever to replace your traditional cable service with a streaming TV service, which will save you money in the long run.
Our recommendations for the 10 best streaming TV services are: Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, ESPN+, Philo, Disney+, fuboTV, Hulu, Vidgo, Prime Video, and Starz.
Choosing the ideal streaming TV service for you will largely depend on the channels you watch and your budget. The ten streaming services above represent the best options currently available.
