fuboTV is a great over-the-top streaming service for sports fans. It’s also massively expanded its entertainment options, making it a notable option for TV fans who love both sports and entertainment broadcasts.
What Is fuboTV?
fuboTV is making a big push to become cord cutters’ first choice as a live, over-the-top streaming service. It has inked deals with Fox, NBC, CBS, as well as Scripps, the owner of Food Network. That expanded content makes fuboTV interesting, but interface limitations could be deal-breakers for general streaming video fans. They will find larger catalogs and better-quality services elsewhere.
Things are different for sports fans. fuboTV started as a sports network and that is where its strengths still lie. Half of its networks are dedicated to broadcasting sports – especially soccer. There are some limitations in fuboTV‘s sports coverage, with limited access to local broadcasts, restrictions imposed by the big sports leagues, and the absence of ABC and ESPN.
Despite those limitations, fuboTV makes a credible sports-centric alternative to the traditional cable providers. It is a great choice for cord-cutting sports fans of all stripes. Sports fans with broad interests will appreciate its coverage of sports ranging from darts to drag racing to Australian Rules Football. However, die-hard fans of the major American sports leagues like the NFL may find fuboTV‘s limitations outweigh the monthly subscription cost.
The fuboTV 60-Second Review
Designed with sports in mind, fuboTV offers a wide selection of sports networks. Many of the networks it offers are difficult to find on even traditional cable TV without paying exceptionally high subscription fees. Meanwhile, the service also offers dozens of entertainment-focused channels in its TV package line-up as well.
All told, fuboTV offers a unique mixture of sports and entertainment that you won’t get from any other internet TV streaming service. The real problem for new subscribers might be the cost of entry, as the service is more expensive than its competitors (primarily due to the cost of providing sports networks). That said, if you’re a hardcore sports fan, fuboTV should be one you at least give shot via its 7-day free trial.
The fuboTV Pros and Cons
With over 150+ channels to offer, fuboTV makes an attractive offer for sports fans. As with any streaming service, however, there’s a bit of give and take.
Pros
- It’s loaded with sports. fuboTV provides a wider range of sports than other OTT streaming services.
- Bang for your buck. Although the entry price is high compared to other services, fuboTV offers a large load of sports networks that typically cost a lot to access through traditional cable.
- High definition streaming. fuboTV offers consistently good quality streaming across its service.
- Large entertainment channel line-up. Those 80+ channels offer more than just sports. fuboTV provides dozens of must-have entertainment networks, as well.
Cons
- High cost of entry. fuboTV‘s cost may be good for what you’re getting, but it’s still far pricier than most competitors in this market.
- No ESPN. The lack of ESPN is likely fuboTV‘s biggest black eye.
- No gaming console apps. Gaming console users are among the biggest sports fans, making fuboTV‘s lack of any console apps a notable problem.
What are the fuboTV Channels, Plans and Pricing?
Through fuboTV, you’ll find 4 channel packages available:
| 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 |
Each package mostly differs in what additional features you receive, although you will receive an additional number of channels with each package as well. The service packages start with Fubo Standard, which offers 90+ channels and the basic features for $55 per month, up to Elite, at $74.99 per month includes 5 device streams, Showtime, an expanded DVR (up to 1000 hours), and 160+ channels.
As well, those who want a Spanish-language focus can get fuboTV for just $29.99 per month through its Latino Quarterly package. Billed every 3 months, you’ll get 30+ Spanish-language channels for the price.
Fubo Family Channels
Through the Fubo Standard and Family packages, you’ll get all of the following channels (and more):
- A&E
- ABC
- ABC News Live
- ACC Network
- AMC
- AT&T SportsNet
- BBC America
- beIN Sports (8 channels)
- Big Ten Network (4 channels)
- Brave
- CBS News
- CNBC
- Cheddar Business
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- Disney XD
- E!
- Eleven Sports
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPN3
- Freeform
- FYI
- Food Network
- Fox (local and national networks)
- Fox Business
- Fox Deportes (2 channels)
- Fox Soccer Plus
- Fox Sports 1
- Fox Sports 2
- Fox Sports Channel
- fuboTV Network
- Fuse
- FX
- FXX
- Galavision
- HGTV
- Hallmark Channel
- Hallmark Drama
- Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
- History Channel
- IFC
- Lifetime
- Lifetime Movies
- Local Now
- MSNBC
- National Geographic
- NBA TV
- NBC RSN (varies by region)
- NBC Sports Network
- NFL Network
- Olympic Channel
- Oxygen
- Pac12 Networks
- Pop
- SEC Network
- SYFY
- Smithsonian Channel
- Sundance TV
- Telemundo
- The Weather Channel
- Travel Channel
- TUDNextra (1-11)
- USA
- Unimas
- Universal Kids
- Universo
- Univision
- Univision TDN
- Viceland
- WE TV
The Family subscription offers Cloud DVR Plus (250 hours of storage) and a Family Share (3 simultaneous streams).
Fubo Elite Channels
The Fubo Elite package includes all the channels found in Family subscription but also includes 40+ additional entertainment and sports channels through the Fubo Extra add-on:
- Cooking Channel
- DIY Network
- Game Show Network
- BBC World News
- Sony Entertainment Channel
- People TV
- 4 Stadium channels
- Inspiration
- Revolt
- GiNX ESPORTS TV
- CNBC World News
- Newsy
- Tennis Channel
- Baby TV HD
- TeenNick
- NickToons
- NickMusic
- MTV2
- Logo
- BET James
- MTVU
- MTV Live
- MTV Classic
- BET Soul
- BET Her
fuboTV Local Channels
If you want local broadcast networks, fuboTV is a great option to consider. The service has broadcast rights for CBS, NBC, and FOX. A few, select cities can also receive The CW. You cannot receive ABC local broadcasts through fuboTV.
In some cases, you may see “FOXNET” in your channel line-up. FOXNET is a special version of FOX that fuboTV offers to those living in a city where no local broadcast affiliate contract exists. FOXNET provides national broadcasts for FOX content. You will not get NFL broadcasts for FOX.
This is also true of NBC. In some cities, you’ll see “NBC East” or “NBC West”. This special version of NBC is offered in fuboTV‘s coverage areas where no affiliate contracts exist. You’ll get a version of NBC that provides regionally-relevant content and national broadcasts for NBC. You will not get NFL games that might be broadcast on NBC, however.
For specific city coverage, check fuboTV’s local channel overview page.
fuboTV TV Guide – What’s on fuboTV?
Need to look up current and upcoming content on fuboTV on-the-go? Try our Flixed TV Guide for fuboTV. Web-based and completely device agnostic, you can use the fuboTV Guide from Flixed to browse content across all available fuboTV channels. Adjust your list alphabetically, get a quick content-type breakdown (TV shows, movies, or sports content), and click any available program for a brief description. You can use the Flixed TV Guide for fuboTV even while you watch streams on fuboTV.
How is the fuboTV Stream Quality?
Sports programming is where fuboTV shines – especially if you’re a soccer fan. Some of the sports-focused networks like BeIN and Eleven Sports Network provide 1080p high-definition streams while networks owned by Fox and NBC stream in 720p.
Additionally, fuboTV supports 4K streaming through every subscription plan, even the lower-cost Fubo Standard option.
Streams were clear and did present themselves in high-quality HD video, as advertised. During testing, we didn’t experience any loss or jittering in the videos and had no problems with buffering.
The fuboTV interface lets you jump into live streams either from the Entertainment screen for from the Guide screen. The player buffers each stream quickly with smooth playback thanks to the HD resolution feeds.
How is fuboTV Device Support?
fuboTV’s browser app delivers live and on-demand content to Macs and PCs. While any browser will work, fuboTV recommends Chrome since “it has all of the necessary plug-ins by default that makes it most compatible with our video player.”
fuboTV supports Android and iOS devices with native apps and streaming boxes like Roku, Amazon FireTV, Android TV, Apple TV and Chromecast. fuboTV does not support the major gaming platforms, like Xbox or PlayStation consoles.
The full list of supported devices 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)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
fuboTV on Roku
The service is delivered effectively on Roku, although there are some device limitations. According to fuboTV, you’ll need a Roku Model 3600X, or Model 3800X or newer. For Roku TVs, you’ll need Model 6000X or newer. There’s limited functionality with Roku Models 3500 or lower, and with Model 3700/3710. For Roku TVs, there’s limited functionality with Model 5900 or lower.
fuboTV on Fire TV Stick
You can install the fuboTV app on all Amazon Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Stick and Amazon Fire TV-enabled TVs. The only limitation is that the device needs Android OS 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher to work with fuboTV.
fuboTV on Apple TV
You’ll need a 4th Generation Apple TV or higher to download and stream from the fuboTV app on this device. The device also needs to have tvOS 11.0 or higher installed.
fuboTV on iPhones and iPads
The fuboTV app has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on iTunes. It’s exceptionally well received for iOS devices. The biggest complaint appears to be not related to the app’s functionality, but what fuboTV‘s service in general. Some users appear to be regularly upset over sports they thought they’d be able to receive, which aren’t present, but this mostly aligns with regional blackout rules.
fuboTV on Android Phones and Tablets
The fuboTV app has a 3.4 out of 5 stars on the Google Play Store. Negative reviews appear to consistently point to the app crashing, although we spotted a few complaints about the app crashing on Roku, which doesn’t run Google Play Store or Android apps.
What’s on the fuboTV On-Demand Library?
The service offers a rather extensive on-demand library. Some of the content is offered directly by fuboTV, but most are provided by the networks the service carries.
The Entertainment screen opens with a sampling of four live streams. Further down are galleries of recommended and recently aired programs. The sub-menu lets you explore fuboTV’s on-demand TV and movie options.
The galleries at the top of the Series screen let you see what programs are streaming live right now, what recently aired programs you can watch on demand, and what upcoming programs you can schedule to the DVR.
Scroll down a little more to get the on-demand section, which is a straight alphabetical listing of more than 400 programs. The only way you can search this list is by using the browser’s search function since fuboTV doesn’t provide filters or a search function of its own.
The Movies screen has galleries for current, recently aired, and upcoming live streams just like the Series screen.
Scroll down a bit more and you’ll see the on-demand section. It’s a little better than the Series screen since you can filter by genre, but your browser’s search function is still the only way to find titles directly.
On-Demand Television
The hundreds of programs available on-demand are respectable, even if this number pales in comparison to Netflix and Hulu. Unfortunately, there’s less to it than you’d think. During our original testing, we found that The Hallmark Channel only gives fuboTV six of the 275 episodes of Cheers. USA was a little more generous when it provided eighteen of its 410 episodes of Law & Order: SVU, but they were episodes twelve to sixteen of season four and episodes ten through twenty of season eighteen.
For current-run TV series, some networks let fuboTV stream the entire season to date while others only provide the most recent episodes. Syfy lets you watch the entire second season of Wynonna Earp through late September, but Fox only gives you the five most recent episodes of The Exorcist.
On-Demand Movies
As of early August 2018, fuboTV had 133 movie titles available for on-demand streaming, and this number has continued to increase. These streams are exactly the same as what you would see on cable, including the channel’s ads. When you filter by genre it looks like there are a lot more movies to watch, but movies are categorized in multiple genres. For example, 2012 is an Action, Drama, and Horror movie though, strangely, not a Science Fiction movie.
You can use your fuboTV account information to access TV Everywhere apps and websites for over a dozen networks in the channel line-up. That will unlock even more on-demand content from those channels, and let you bypass simultaneous streaming restrictions.
How is fuboTV DVR?
Unlike any cloud DVR you’ve ever seen, fuboTV gives you ten recording slots. It doesn’t matter if the recording’s a 30-minute rerun of Cheers or a 2-hour soccer match – they both count as one recording in the DVR.
The My DVR screen lets you watch or delete recorded programs and cancel scheduled programs. Once the number of recorded and scheduled programs hits ten, then you’re done until you delete some of your recordings.
Outside of that, fuboTV offers 30 hours of cloud DVR storage through the Fubo Standard plan. The Family subscription offers 250 hours of storage. Fubo massively expanded the upper end with the Elite package, providing 1,000 hours of storage under the package (the most of any service on the market with storage limits).
How is fuboTV Customer Support?
Thankfully, this service offers fast customer support. We’ve found that fuboTV is incredibly responsive to customers at every angle. You can find their support agents responding actively to comments and reviews on iTunes and the Google Play Store, for example, and on social media.
The service also provides three means of direct contact:
- Phone support
- Live chat
We recommend their live chat option, as it’s the quickest way to get a response and you can chat with the support agent a more laid-back scenario.
Live chat only requires your name, email address, and the question you need to answer. From our experience, the queue is usually short, so you’ll likely get an agent within seconds. The only thing you’ll need to worry about with their support is getting your question answered correctly the first time.
During our live chat, we asked if fuboTV had any plans to offer gaming console apps in the future, but were instead told more generically that they don’t offer gaming consoles. Not quite an answer to the question, so we had to ask it again to get the right response. The support agent didn’t actually know the answer, and instead responded that he “hoped so”.
From what we can tell, you’ll be able to get fast support from fuboTV‘s support agents, but you may not always get an answer that’s entirely helpful.
How to Cancel fuboTV?
If you gave fuboTV a with the 7-day free trial period and found it lacking, it’s easy to cancel the account without penalty. You can cancel your fuboTV account in 5 quick steps:
- Open your account and go to “My Account”
- Click on “Subscription & Billing”
- Click on “Cancel Subscription”
- Select a cancellation reason and then click “Continue”
- In the “Are You Sure” pop-up, click “Cancel my trial”
You’re done at that point. You can sign up to fuboTV again at any time, but you can only get the free trial once per email address and payment method.
What is the fuboTV Refund Policy?
If you’ve sailed past your free-trial period, fuboTV does not offer a refund. That includes if you have a prepaid subscription or if you’re only a few days into a monthly subscription period. You will, however, still have access to the rest of your paid month after you cancel.
Final Thoughts on fuboTV
Deciding how to evaluate fuboTV was tough. Should I treat it as a general over-the-top network that competes with Sling and DirecTV? Or should I treat it as a niche, sports-focused service that happens to have a growing entertainment lineup?
In the end, I had to treat fuboTV as a niche service. Many of my critical comments about fuboTV are common to over-the-top services. Even CBS All Access can’t stream locally in every market.
Related: How to Watch CBS Online, Without Cable – Complete Guide
From a sports fan’s perspective, however, those criticisms pale in comparison to the benefits fuboTV offers.
It’s best to look at fuboTV as an over-the-top service for sports fans that happens to have entertainment streams. That could change as the company tightens up its device support and adds more deals with networks like ABC. If you have missed sports ever since dropping your cable subscription, then fuboTV is worth considering. If you are a soccer fan, then fuboTV is the service for you. Otherwise, you’ll be better off with another service.
What are Other Great Streaming Services?
fuboTV‘s channel package is extensive, but it’s missing two key items that you might find you really want (or desperately need): high-quality on-demand content and ESPN. To cover both those bases, consider signing up for Disney+ or Hulu+Live TV.
Disney+ is a given. It provides you access to a huge library of Disney content, including Marvel Universe, Nat Geo, and Star Wars Universe content.
Then there’s Hulu+Live TV and ESPN+. With Hulu+Live TV, you’ll get a smaller channel package than fuboTV offers, but you will find several ESPN networks. ESPN+, on the other hand, offers a unique collection of sports streaming you won’t find on fuboTV, including exclusive access to major UFC events.
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.
