In today’s digital age, the demand for affordable and flexible entertainment options has surged, particularly in the realm of live TV. A multitude of top live TV streaming services now cater to this need, offering viewers the freedom to watch their favorite shows and movies on the go, all at the best possible prices compared to traditional cable subscriptions. These platforms not only provide access to a wide range of top channels but also offer unique features such as DVR storage, personalized profiles, and on-demand content.
In this article, we will delve into the top live TV streaming services for 2024, each renowned for its exceptional channel lineup, innovative features, and cost-effectiveness, making them the best choices as alternatives to traditional cable TV.
Overview
- Hulu + LIVE TV – Best for On-Demand LIVE TV Shows
- Youtube TV – Replace Traditional Cable TV
- Sling TV – Best for Add-On Channels
- Fubo – Best for Watching Sports LIVE
- DirecTV Stream – Best for Watching LIVE TV shows on 20+ Devices
- Philo – Best for watching on-demand entertainment and lifestyle channels
- JioTV – Best for watching latest Indian reality TV shows LIVE
- Airtel XStream TV – Best for watching any LIVE channels at afforable prices
Best Live TV Streaming Services for 2024
Here are the top live TV streaming services for 2024 that you should consider as alternatives to traditional cable TV. These services offer a wide range of channels, including local and premium options, and are compatible with various devices for convenient viewing. With features like DVR storage, personalized profiles, and on-demand content, they provide a flexible and cost-effective way to enjoy live TV.
1. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu is amongst the top live TV streaming services providers out there. Along with providing access to more than 90 local live TV channels, it has its on-demand library of shows and movies. Best known as the most popular live-streaming platform, especially for sports enthusiasts, Hulu Live TV is a must-try!
Pros
- More than 90 live TV channels to stream from.
- Easy cancellation policy.
- Record live TV in high quality.
- Get unlimited DVR storage.
- Creates personalized profiles as per your preferences.
- An interesting catalog of on-demand content.
- Get access to Disney+ and ESPN+ content.
Cons
- You cannot stream on multiple devices unless you purchase a premium plan
- The basic plan comes with ads hence it might create hindrance in having a seamless watching experience.
- Some channels cost extra than others.
Subscription
- Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads): $69.99/month
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $82.99/month (without ads)
2. Youtube TV
YouTube Live Home Page
Youtube has been serving as a favorite video streaming platform for users of all age groups. The leading video platform also serves as an effective alternative to your traditional cable network by providing live TV streaming services from major broadcast and popular cable networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, AMC, HGTV, TNT, etc. Youtube TV comes with a special feature called Key Plays View!
Pros
- Get to stream almost 100+ live channels.
- Unlimited DVR space to store your favorite content data.
- Fast-forward, pause, or rewind your content with the DVR function.
- You can create up to 6 individual accounts with personalized content recommendations.
- Stream on 3 screens simultaneously.
- Compatible with your smart tv. phone or tablet, game console or tv.youtube.com
Cons
- When it comes to on-demand content, Youtube TV doesn’t have much to offer when compared to other live TV streaming services.
- It is quite expensive in comparison to its counterparts.
Subscription
- Base plan: $72.99/month (6 household accounts and 3 streams)
- 4K quality add-on for $9.99/ month
- Entertainment Plus – $29.99/month
- Sports Plus – $10.99/mo
3. Sling TV
Sling TV Home Page
For the US people, Sling TV is one of the best live TV streaming services available and also is the first app-based TV service. The price point of the Sling TV packages seems quite affordable and the users can enhance their experience through customization options the streaming service offers.
Pros
- It is one of the most affordable options.
- Suitable for people looking for a budget alternative to cable connections.
- DVR allows you to fast-forward or skip through commercials.
- 200 hours of DVRcloud storage.
Cons
- The channel lineup is quite average compared to other alternatives.
- Streaming quality is only available up to 720p.
- Only one account user is allowed.
Subscription
- Sling Orange (single stream): $40/month (offers 32 channels)
- Sling Blue (multiple-stream up to 3 users): $40/month (offers 42 channels)
- Sling Blue+Orange: $55/month (offers 49 channels)
- Add-ons starting from $6/month which includes Showtime ($10/month) and Starz ($9/month)
4. Fubo
Fubo Live Home Page
Fubo is a fabulous option for all those sports enthusiasts who don’t want to miss out on even a single goal or a single stroke of their favorite sports players. Titled as the best live tv streaming service for sports in 4K, and also known for its high customer satisfaction, Fubo turns out to be worth a try.
Pros
- Get access to 250+ channels including sports, news, and kids channels.
- A vast variety of add-on options are available to suit your entertainment needs.
- Also, get to access local and regional sports networks.
- Stream on up to 3 devices simultaneously.
- Get a trial period of 7 days.
- The Latino add-on allows you to watch live sports in the Spanish language with over 45 live channels.
- Compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Android Fire TV/Google TV, Apple TV, Android/Tablets, Roku, XBox, Smart TVSs, iOS/iPad OS and web browsers.
Cons
- It can be quite costly for the users.
- You may not be able to find certain channels
- It is primarily preferable for live sports channels.
Subscription
- Pro: $75/month (offers 168 channels)
- Elite: $85/month (offers 204 channels)
- Ultimate: $100/month (offers 283 channels)
5. DirecTV Stream
DirecTv Home Page
How about a live TV streaming service that lets 20 people watch the live simultaneously on different devices? DirectTV Sream is one of the standout options when we think of a superior live streaming service provider that can subtly replace your traditional cable.
Pros
- You get to stream on as many as 20 devices at the same time.
- Get unlimited cloud DVR storage.
- 75+ channels are available to stream live including local and regional channels.
- Also, enjoy thousands of interesting VOD content.
- Comes with a parental control feature.
Cons
- It is expensive for people looking for a budget-friendly option.
- You’ll have to pay extra to access the feature of fast-forwarding or skipping the commercials with DVR storage.
- It is not ad-free.
Subscription
- Entertainment: $74.99/month
- Choice: $99.99/month
- Ultimate: $109.99/month
- Premier: $154.99/month
6. Philo
Philo Home Page
For a budget-friendly live Tv streaming experience, Philo is the best option out there. You get most of the features at a comparatively lower price if you opt for Philo.
Pros
- Watch 70+ live Tv channels.
- Rewind your favorite shows for up to 72 hours.
- More than 75,000 VOD titles to binge-watch.
- Save shows and episodes using the DVR storage for up to 1 year.
- Create up to 10 profiles on a single account.
Cons
- Sports programming is limited
- Local channels are also not included
Subscription
- Basic Plan: $25 per month
- Epix Add-on: $6 per month
- Starz Add-on: $9 per month
7. Jio TV
Jio TV is a great alternative to replace your cable wires and stream live TV on your mobile or tablet. Jio TV has enabled viewers to watch popular shows, sports, movies, and platform-exclusive content with ease and for free! The live-streaming app indeed has a lot to offer!
Pros
- 1000+ channels to browse and stream.
- Watch your favorite channels in 16+ languages and content across 13 genres.
- Get 7-days catch-up of the shows and episodes you love.
- Create a watchlist, mark favorites, and even share the programs with others across various social media platforms.
- Lock your screen while watching to avoid any disturbances or accidental screen touches that may interrupt your watching experience.
- Get personalized suggestions for watching content.
- Compatible with iOS, Android, and KaiOS devices (smartphones, feature phones and tablets).
Cons
- You will need to have a Jio sim or Jio ID and password to access the application.
- The Jio TV app can only be used on mobile devices and tablets.
Subscription
No subscription is required since the app is free to download and use on mobiles and laptops. However, you can also install a JIO STB and watch live TV through Jio TV+ on your TV screens.
8. Airtel Xstream TV
Airtel Xtream Live Home Page
Another alternative for your live TV streaming services could be Airtel Xstream TV. The service by a leading communication network across India allows Airtel users to stream live TV channels using their Airtel prepaid, postpaid, broadband, or Airtel Android box connection. The users will be able to get free access to the Airtel Xstream App.
Pros
- If you are an Airtel user, you get the live TV service for free.
- You can watch movies, tv shows, and live sports on the go.
- Watch live TV channels and other content in HD quality.
- Log in on up to 5 devices at the same time using one connection.
- Content in different languages is available to stream
Cons
- Only Airtel users can use the Airtel Xstream TV.
- The live channels catalog is limited when compared to JioTV.
Subscription
No subscription is required since the users with an Airtel sim get to access the Airtel Xstream TV app and watch live TV on the go for free! For a DTH connection, you’ll have to purchase Airtel Xstream Box.
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Conclusion
These live TV streaming services have smoothly replaced cable connections and people are continuously looking for cord-cutting alternatives that are most suitable for them. Depending upon your content requirements and the budget you can afford, you can choose one of the mentioned live TV services here to enhance your viewing experience. This way, you won’t be missing out on any of those live shows and sports, and also enjoy watching them on repeat and rewind using the DVR storage.
