Live sports are one of the biggest draws for cord-cutters. You can now get access to low-cost access to live sports, including NBA, MLB, NFL and even fighting sports, using the following streaming services: fuboTV, PlayStation Vue, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, ESPN+, DAZN.
There are also a few minor, free services you can use, like CBS All Access, PlutoTV, and Xumo. You’ll also find DirecTV Now is an option, but its current pricing scheme and AT&T’s future plans for it make it an option we don’t recommend (we’ll explain why).
Let’s get started exploring your top live sports streaming options.
Before we continue, we want to highlight a particularly relevant stream for news, sports, and entertainment. Sling TV is one of the best options for streaming with a rich catalogue of 50+ live channels and 50k+ on-demand movies and episodes.
Try Sling TV today.
FuboTV – The Widest Sports Collection
FuboTV got its start as a sports-only streaming service that specialized in soccer coverage. It recently branched out by adding more mainstream entertainment, news and lifestyle channels. At present, you’ll be able to get a wide selection of sports from fuboTV, including football, baseball, soccer, tennis, hockey, and more.
FuboTV Pricing and Packages
FuboTV currently offers 80-100+ channels for a minimum of $64.99 per month. The higher cost for fuboTV is related directly to the number of sports channels it offers. There are over 30 sports channels available through fuboTV, more than any live TV streaming service on the market.
| Pro 7-day free trial $69.99/ month | 138 channels 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
| Elite 7-day free trial $79.99/ month | 202 channels 54 more channels with fubo Extra 12 more channels with fubo News Plus 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
| Latino Monthly $8 off for the first month $33/ month | 45 channels 2 simultaneous streams 250 hours of DVR space | SIGN UP |
| Ultimate 7-day free trial $99.99/ month | 240 channels 54 more channels with fubo Extra 12 more channels with fubo News Plus Showtime Live and On Demand Sports Plus with NFL Redzone 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
To learn more about fuboTV’s pricing and packages, click here.
FuboTV Channels
As stated, fuboTV offers over 30+ sports channels that, together, offer content across almost every sports category most viewers want to see. That includes MLB Network, Fox Sports, NFL Network, NBA Network, beIN Sports, Eleven Sports, NBC Sports, Pac12 and more. The only limitation (but a big one) with fuboTV is a continued lack of ESPN.
To learn more about fuboTV’s channels, click here.
FuboTV Supported Devices
Considering sports fans like easy streaming access, fuboTV is a good option to consider. You can watch on most mobile devices, as well as a large number of TV-connected streaming devices.
The full list of apps includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick (1st gen and up), Chromecast and Roku (2, 3 and 4)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (4.4 and up)
- Game consoles: None
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
Click here to learn more about fuboTV’s device support.
FuboTV Simultaneous Streams
Through fuboTV, you can stream on up to 2 devices at the same time for with the Standard subscription. However, you can increase that to 3 simultaneous streams by purchasing a subscription add-on or choosing a higher-tier subscription package.
To learn more about fuboTV’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
FuboTV DVR
By default, fuboTV comes with a 30-hour cloud DVR. If this is not enough for you, however, you can upgrade your DVR storage to 500 hours. FuboTV offers this DVR upgrade via either an add-on or through its higher-tier packages.
To learn more about fuboTV’s DVR, click here.
FuboTV On-Demand Library
Most streaming services offer on-demand content directly from the channels they offer. This is true of fuboTV, as well. And since the service has around 100 channels (or more, depending on your package and add-ons), you’ll get a very large selection of on-demand content at any time.
FuboTV also offers a 72-hour rewind feature that means almost every channels’ content is available to you within 3 days of airing, without using your DVR storage.
Should you want more, fuboTV works with several dozen TV Everywhere apps.
Click here to learn more about fuboTV’s on-demand library.
PlayStation Vue – A Coveted User Interface
Contrary to its branding, PlayStation Vue works with many more devices than Sony’s game console. The service has a package specifically for sports fans, and it’s also consistently rated among the best services of its kind with high customer satisfaction ratings.
PlayStation Vue Pricing and Packages
With PlayStation Vue, you’ll have the option to choose between 4 streaming channel packages and several add-on channel options:
| Access 5-Day Free Trial $44.99/ month | 50 channels 5 simultaneous streams* ESPN and Disney Premium sports EPIX and FXM HBO and SHOWTIME | SIGN UP |
| Core 5-Day Free Trial $49.99/ month | 75 channels 5 simultaneous streams* ESPN and Disney Premium sports EPIX and FXM HBO and SHOWTIME | SIGN UP |
| Elite 5-Day Free Trial $59.99/ month | 96 channels 5 simultaneous streams* ESPN and Disney Premium sports EPIX and FXM HBO and SHOWTIME | SIGN UP |
| Ultra 5-Day Free Trial $79.99/ month | 98 channels 5 simultaneous streams* ESPN and Disney Premium sports EPIX and FXM HBO and SHOWTIME | SIGN UP |
The low-cost “Access” package comes with a few sports channels, such as ESPN and Fox Sports. But if you want more, you’ll want to consider either the “Core” package, which focuses on sports channels or higher.
Click here to learn more about PlayStation Vue’s pricing and packages.
PlayStation Vue Channels
All told, PlayStation Vue offer several dozen sports channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN, ESPN College Extra, Big Ten Networks, Fox Sports, Golf Channel, NBC Sports, MLB Network, and more. PlayStation Vue also offers a “Sports Pack” add-on which adds 10 additional sports channels to any package.
To learn more about PlayStation Vue’s channels, click here.
PlayStation Vue Supported Devices
The biggest misconception with PlayStation Vue is that you need a PlayStation video game console to use it. That’s not the case, however. You can stream PlayStation Vue on nearly a dozen different devices without ever having purchased a PlayStation.
The complete list of supported devices includes:
- Living room devices: Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku
- Smart TVs and Blu-ray players: Televisions based on Android TV or Amazon Fire TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, Amazon Fire Tablets and iOS
- Game consoles: PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4
- Desktop browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge
Click here to learn more about PlayStation Vue’s device support.
PlayStation Vue Simultaneous Streams
Sports fans who love to share will be well served with PlayStation Vue, thanks to its 5 simultaneous streams per account. You can’t expand that with any add-ons, but it’s still the most of any service on the market without paying extra.
To learn more about PlayStation Vue’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
PlayStation Vue DVR
PlayStation Vue offers a 28-day cloud DVR. Your videos will expire after 28 days of recording them. This is not great compared to some other options, but you can also create 10 individual user profiles through PlayStation Vue. Every profile gets its own 28-day cloud DVR.
To learn more about PlayStation Vue’s DVR, click here.
PlayStation Vue On-Demand Library
PlayStation Vue offer a wide selection of on-demand content from the channels in its streaming package. And depending on the package you have, you may also have a large selection of movies, as well.
You can check here to learn more about PlayStation Vue’s on-demand library.
Sling TV – Pick and Choose Your Sports Package
Sling TV was one of the first streaming TV services to hit the market back in 2015. It made a name for itself by offering low, entry-level subscription plans. A huge number of add-on channel packages lets you customize your Sling TV channel lineup to your unique tastes.
Sling TV Pricing and Packages
Sling TV offers 2 basic channel packages, which can be combined into one:
| Sling Orange Great Value $40.00/ month | 30+ channels ESPN New subscriber special 1 simultaneous stream | Try Sling |
| Sling Blue Great Value$40.00/ month | 40+ channels Fox, NBC, CNN, MSNBC New subscriber special 3 simultaneous streams | Try Sling |
| Sling Orange + Blue Best Value $55.00/ month | 45+ channels ESPN New subscriber special 4* simultaneous streams | Try Sling |
Both offer a small selection of sports channels. But if you really want to make Sling TV your own in terms of sports, you’ll want to explore the add-on channel packages it offers.
To learn more about Sling TV pricing, check here.
Sling TV Channels
Depending on the base channel package you choose, Sling TV offers ESPN (Sling Orange) or Fox Sports (Sling Blue) as the anchor sports channels. Outside of that, its service packages carry beIN Sports, ACC Network, La Liga, MLB Network, and several more. The “Sports Extra” add-on package, in particular, carries a dozen sports channels.
To learn more about Sling TV channels, check here.
Sling TV Supported Devices
You’ll be able to stream Sling TV through a large number of devices. Thanks to Sling TV’s long time on the market, it’s had the chance to vastly expand its app library.
The full list of options includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all versions), Chromecast, Roku (LT and up), AirTV,
- Smart TVs: LG TV (Web OS 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, as well as select 2016-2018 models), Samsung TV (2016 through 2018 models), Android TV (4.4 and up), Roku TV, Mi TV,
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (4.4 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Xbox One
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
Check here for more info on Sling TV’s supported devices.
Sling TV Simultaneous Streams
Sling TV is a bit weird with its simultaneous streaming. If you got for ESPN and Sling Orange, you’ll get 1 stream per account. But if you go for Sling Blue and Fox Sports, you’ll get 3 streams per account. You can’t expand your simultaneous streaming options, either.
To learn more about Sling TV’s simultaneous streams, click here.
Sling TV DVR
You will not get a DVR with Sling TV by default. However, you can add one a 50-hour cloud DVR as an add-on.
To learn more about Sling TV’s DVR, check here.
Sling TV On-Demand Library
Compared to most other services, Sling TV’s on-demand library is somewhat small. This is mostly because the service has a limited number of channels compared to other services. However, you’ll be able to enjoy a large and increasing amount of content through its TV Everywhere partnerships with the channels it offers.
Click here to learn more about Sling TV’s on-demand library.
Hulu with Live TV
Hulu jumped into the live TV business around the same time as YouTube. This on-demand/live TV hybrid service does not have as many sports channels on offer as YouTube tV, but Hulu with Live TV is among the fastest-growing options on the market.
Hulu with Live TV Pricing and Packages
Hulu with Live TV offers just one basic streaming package:
| Hulu + Live TV No Hassle TV $69.99/ month | 75+ Live TV Channels 2 simultaneous streams Unlimited DVR Disney+ and ESPN+ Included | SIGN UP |
| Hulu + Live TV No Ads $79.99/ month | 75+ Live TV Channels 2 simultaneous streams Unlimited DVR Disney+ and ESPN+ Included | SIGN UP |
You’ll get 60+ channels through Hulu with Live TV, which can be expanded with a few add-ons (although no add-ons for sports).
To learn more about Hulu with Live TV’s pricing, click here.
Hulu with Live TV Channels
Although it doesn’t make sports the primary focus, Hulu with Live TV has a healthy selection. You’ll get access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, ESPN Bases Loaded, Fox Sports 1 and 2, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, NBC Sports Network, and several others.
Click here to learn more about Hulu with Live TV’s channel options.
Hulu with Live TV Supported Devices
Hulu made its service for sharing, so you’ll find a wide selection of supported devices through this service, including TV streaming devices, mobile devices, and gaming consoles.
The full list of devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick, Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: LG TV (select models), Samsung TV (select models), Android TV and Roku TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox 360
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Smart home devices: Amazon Echo Show (video and voice controls)
- Desktop operating systems: Windows 10 (dedicated app)
To learn more about Hulu with Live TV’s supported devices, click here.
Hulu with Live TV Simultaneous Streams
By default, you’ll get 2 simultaneous streams per account. You can expand that to 3 streams per account outside of your network, and an unlimited number of network-connected devices with a service add-on.
To learn more about Hulu with Live TV’s simultaneous streaming policy, click here.
Hulu with Live TV DVR
If you love to save videos, Hulu’s 50-hour cloud DVR is generous for the price. However, you can also expand that to 200 hours with an add-on.
To learn more about Hulu with Live TV’s DVR storage options, click here.
Hulu with Live TV On-Demand Library
As stated, Hulu is a hybrid on-demand/live TV service. As such, you’ll get Hulu’s entire on-demand library, as we as the on-demand content offered by the live TV channels. That results in over 85,000 TV episodes and movies available through Hulu with Live TV, which is far more than any other service on the market at this time.
You can learn more about Hulu with Live TV’s on-demand library by checking here.
YouTube TV – A Highly Shareable Sports Package
YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV share a number of similarities, but you’ll find YouTube TV places a much larger emphasis on sports. The service carries more sports channels than Hulu and offers a more shareable experience.
YouTube TV Pricing and Packages
You can get YouTube TV for $49.99 per month. That much higher price than most of its competitors is a result of its sports-centered focus. It won’t provide as many sports channels as FuboTV, but it may be the second-most sports-centric service of its kind on the market.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s pricing options, click here.
YouTube TV Channels
Through YouTube TV, you’ll get several ESPN channels, Fox Sports 1 and 2, SEC Network, Golf Channel, MLB Network, NBA TV, Tennis Channel, and more. You can also add on NBA League Pass and Fox Soccer Plus for an additional cost.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s channel list, click here.
YouTube TV Supported Devices
YouTube TV has been adding more device support slowly, but surely. Amazon Fire TV is among the newest options to make the list, but you can also stream on a large number of other popular devices.
The full list of devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (select models), Samsung TV (2016+ models only), LG TV (2016+ models only), Vizio (select SmartCast models), Hisense (select models), Sharp (select models)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (9.1 and up)
- Game consoles: Xbox One (all versions)
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
Click here to learn more about YouTube TV supported devices.
YouTube TV Simultaneous Streams
You can stream YouTube TV on 3 devices at once, which is more than most services on the list without paying extra.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s simultaneous streams, click here.
YouTube TV DVR
YouTube TV has among the best DVR options on the market. You’ll get unlimited video recording with a 9-month expiration date on videos. Furthermore, you can share your account with up to 5 other people, all of whom get their own unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Click here to learn more about YouTube TV’s DVR options.
YouTube TV On-Demand Library
The large number of channels available through YouTube TV means you’ll get an equally large number of on-demand videos. The service also offers a 72-hour rewind feature for some channels that lets you skip through commercials. You even get access to YouTube Originals, among other things.
Several dozen TV Everywhere networks accept YouTube TV credentials.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s on-demand library, click here.
ESPN+ – A Low-Cost Option for Major Sports
ESPN+ is a unique, low-cost service offering sports across a few genres. You won’t find major NBA or NFL games on here, but you can use it for UFC, MLS and more.
ESPN+ Pricing and Packages
For $4.99 per month, you’ll be able to access ESPN+ and its hours of sports streaming content. The service has some original content, as well as multiple streams for live sports when available.
You can learn more about ESPN+ pricing and packages here.
| ESPN+ Monthly Plan $5.99/ month | NHL and MLB games Exclusive distributor of UFC PPV events. ESPN+ Originals 3 simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
| ESPN+ Annual Plan - 2 Months Free! $49.99/ Year | NHL and MLB games Exclusive distributor of UFC PPV events. ESPN+ Originals 3 simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
ESPN+ Supported Devices
You can use ESPN+ on multiple popular devices, including Android and iOS.
The full list of ESPN supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: Samsung TV (select models), Android TV and Roku TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Xbox One, PlayStation 4
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Wearable devices: Oculus Go
You can learn more about ESPN+ supported devices here.
ESPN+ Simultaneous Streams
For the subscription price, ESPN+ offers a generous 3 simultaneous streams per account.
To learn more about ESPN+’s streaming policy, click here.
ESPN+ DVR
There is no DVR option available through ESPN+. Instead, you’ll need to rely on the on-demand library.
You can learn more about this service’s DVR policy here.
ESPN+ On-Demand Library
ESPN+ makes a lot of content, including past sporting events and original shows, on-demand for its subscribers. There are even some movies available through the service to view at any time.
To learn more about ESPN+ and its on-demand library, click here.
DAZN – A Pay-Per-View Alternative for Fighting Sports
DAZN is a unique streaming service in the US and worldwide. In the US, you can use DAZN as a Pay-Per-View alternative for fighting sports. In Canada and elsewhere, DAZN is one of the best options for sports streaming and access to make US and international sports leagues.
This small review will cover DAZN US, but you can learn more about DAZN Canada here.
DAZN Pricing and Packages
In the US, you can get DAZN for $19.99 per month (no free trial). You can also sign up for a yearly subscription for $99.99, which makes it less than $9 per month equivalent.
| DAZN U.S $19.99/ month | Matchroom Boxing events Bellator MMA events 100+ sports events. 3 simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
At present, DAZN US is designed for fighting sports. The service has exclusive contracts to broadcast Bellator, World Boxing League, Gold Boy Promotions, Matchroom USA and more. The service also offers a selection of international soccer and other sports.
You can learn more about DAZN’s pricing and packages here.
DAZN Supported Devices
DAZN has fairly extensive device support, especially for a niche service.
The full list of DAZN supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (1st gen and up) and TV Stick (2nd gen and up), Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: LG TV (2015 through 2018), Samsung TV (2015 and newer), Vizio TV (P, P-Quantum, E, M, and D-series), Android TV and Roku TV (5000X)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (4.4 and up), iOS (9.0 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: PlayStation 4 (all models), Xbox One (all models)
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
You can learn more about DAZN’s supported devices here.
DAZN Simultaneous Streams
DAZN is a highly shareable streaming service for sports. You can stream on up to 3 devices at once per account.
To learn more about DAZN’s streaming policy, click here.
DAZN DVR
DAZN does not offer a DVR option. Instead, you’ll need to rely on the services’ on-demand library.
You can learn more about this service’s DVR policy here.
DAZN On-Demand Library
DAZN has a bit of an interesting on-demand library option. You’ll get most events that air on-demand after they’ve aired. The service even offers some historical content, including matches that stretch back for years (and even decades). DAZN also has some original content, including a unique show created in partnership with the MLB.
To learn more about DAZN and its on-demand library, click here.
Not Recommended: DirecTV Now
There was a time when DirecTV Now cornered the market for cord-cutters. Now, however, the service is far too pricey for what you get, and its best sports package options cost over $100 per month.
Additionally, AT&T, which owns DirecTV Now, is planning to change this service completely in the near future. AT&T is launching a new WarnerMedia-branded on-demand streaming service, which it will combine with DirecTV Now. What that new hybrid service will look like remains to be seen, but we recommend avoiding DirecTV Now until that new merger has taken place and more details emerge.
The price alone makes DirecTV Now a terrible option for live sports streaming. However, if you want to learn more about DirecTV Now, feel free to check out our 2019 DirecTV Now Review.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free live TV streaming service. It offers more than seventy news, sports, entertainment and lifestyle channels. Most of these channels are pure-digital streaming sources like Nerdist and Tastemade.
Free Pluto TV
You can find eight sports-only channels on Pluto TV.
- Sports Networks: Fox Sports
- Sport-Specific Networks: Fear Factor, Pro Wrestling, Fight, Xtreme Sports, New World Poker Tour, Glory Kickboxing
- College Networks: Big Sky Conference
Final verdict for sports fans
Pluto TV is the best free option for streaming sports. It’s also the only free live TV streaming service. Other than Fox Sports, however, Pluto TV’s selection of sports channels occupy some pretty random niches.
Did I mention it’s free?
Xumo
If you love Pluto.TV, there’s also a similar service called Xumo. Xumo offers a slightly different selection of channels but includes a fair number of sports streaming options. You’ll find coverage for alternative sports as well as on-demand options from major sports networks.
Like Pluto.tv, Xumo is also free.
How to Watch Live Sports on Amazon Fire TV
You can watch live sports on Amazon Fire TV with one of these streaming services: fuboTV, PlayStation Vue, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, ESPN+, DAZN. If you so choose, you can also use DirecTV Now, PlutoTV and Xumo on Amazon Fire TV. Those services with TV Everywhere apps may also let you login to separate sports channel apps using your login information.
How to Live Sports on Roku
You can watch live sports on Roku with one of these streaming services: fuboTV, PlayStation Vue, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, ESPN+, DAZN. There are also apps for DirecTV Now, PlutoTV and Xumo on Roku. For those multi-channel providers with TV Everywhere partnerships, you may be able to login to separate channels’ apps on Roku as well.
How to Watch Live Sports on Apple TV
The Apple TV is a great option for live sports, especially if you choose the Apple TV 4K. There are apps available for all of the following services: fuboTV, PlayStation Vue, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, ESPN+, DAZN. DirecTV Now, PlutoTV and Xumo can also be used on Apple TV devices. Your login for some services, such as fuboTV and PlayStation, may work with sports channels that have individual apps on Apple TV.
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming. He loves whittling down complex ideas within these areas that make decisions easier for buyers. When he’s not reading books with his son Miles and playing video games with the family, you can find him immersed in his growing collection of Euro-style board games.
