You can legally watch live TV on iPhones and iPads legally in 2019 thanks to available apps for the following services: Philo, fuboTV, Hulu With Live TV, Sling TV, AT&T TV Now (formerly DirecTV Now), PlayStation Vue, YouTube TV, and AT&T WatchTV. For live sports, you can use a few options, including ESPN+ or DAZN. CBS All Access also offers live TV for your local CBS station, while Xumo, PlutoTV, and NewsON (for local news channels from across the US) offer free live TV streaming. In this article, we’ll help you decide which option is best for you. Let’s get started!
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.
Watch Live TV on iPhones and iPads with Philo
With over 55 entertainment, lifestyle, and news channels to offer, Philo is a great choice to consider for those who want cheap access to live TV on iPhones and iPads.
Philo Pricing and Packages
A low-cost option for cord-cutters, Philo provides 55+ channels for $20 per month.
| 64 Channels 7-day free trial $25.00/ month | 60+ channels Starz and Epix add-ons 3 simultaneous streams Unlimited DVR | Try Free |
There’s only one package and no add-ons, making this service easy to navigate during the sign-up process.
For more information on Philo plans, check here.
Philo Channels
This service is designed for those who dont’t need or don’t want sports channels or local broadcast networks. Instead, you’ll find an array of popular entertainment and lifestyle networks normally found only through traditional cable TV, including AMC, A&E, History Channel, Discovery Channel, Science Channel, BBC America, and more in a similar vein.
For more information on Philo channels, check here.
Philo Supported Devices
Philo works well on the iPhone and iPad and functioned on Apple devices long before Android support was added.
Check here for more information on Philo’s supported devices.
Philo Simultaneous Streams
You can stream this service on up to 3 devices at once for no additional cost. However, you can’t add any additional streams.
To learn more about Philo’s simultaneous streams, click here.
Philo DVR
This service provides users with unlimited DVR storage. Your videos will expire in 30 days, however. Philo also lets you create up to 2 user profiles, each which get their own cloud DVR.
Check here to learn more about Philo’s DVR.
Philo On-Demand Library
Although you may be looking for live TV, Philo’s on-demand library provides 20,000+ TV show episodes and movies to watch at any time. The service also provides a 72-hour rewind feature that makes most channels’ live TV content available on-demand even if you didn’t save it to your DVR.
Watch Live TV on iPhones and iPads with FuboTV
Perhaps the exact opposite of Philo, fuboTV is a sports-heavy streaming service that offers over 100+ channels across a variety of genres.
FuboTV Pricing and Packages
You can a large number of sports and other live TV on iPads and iPhones through fuboTV, starting at $64.99 per month.
| 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 |
This service starts users at 90+ channels through the Fubo Standard package, but you can upgrade to get more channels and more features on the higher end.
Learn more about fuboTV’s pricing and packages here.
FuboTV Channels
Its basic channel package offers major sports networks like CBS Sports, NBC Sports, FOX Sports, as well as entertainment networks like SYFY, AMC, TBS, USA, and many others. You’ll also get access to major TV news networks, like CNN, and potentially some local broadcast networks (such as FOX and NBC), depending on where you live.
Learn more about fuboTV’s channel packages here.
FuboTV Supported Devices
This service has an app readily available for most iOS devices, including the iPad and iPhone.
To learn more about fuboTV’s supported devices, check here.
FuboTV Simultaneous Streams
You can stream on up to two devices at once, or three devices if you opt for Family Share add-on or one of the higher-priced packages.
You can learn more about fuboTV’s simultaneous streaming policy here.
FuboTV DVR
This service gives you a 30-hour cloud DVR to as part of the cost. If you need more storage, you can upgrade to a 500-hour cloud DVR (available through an add-on, or one of the higher-tier streaming packages).
You can learn more about fuboTV’s cloud DVR here.
FuboTV On-Demand Library
Your on-demand options through fuboTV depend on the package and add-ons you have. That said, with 90+ channels at the base level and a 72-hour rewind feature for most channels, fuboTV provides thousands of hours of on-demand content immediately upon sign-up.
Learn more about fuboTV’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on iPhones and iPads with Hulu Live TV
An interesting option to consider, Hulu With Live TV has a package of channels and features that make it great for watching live TV on iPhones and iPads and for on-demand content.
Hulu With Live TV Pricing and Packages
Hulu With Live TV has just one core package (with a few adjustable options) starting at $44.99 per month.
| 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 can learn more about Hulu’s packages here.
Hulu With Live TV Channels
Among its 60+ channels, you’ll find popular options for sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and news. Major networks include ESPN, CBS, ABC, TNT, Disney Channel, History Channel, TruTV, Lifetime, MotorTrend and more.
To learn more about Hulu’s live TV channels, check here.
Hulu With Live TV Supported Devices
Hulu has among the best device support, which includes almost every Apple device currently on the market.
To learn more about Hulu’s supported devices, click here.
Hulu With Live TV Simultaneous Streams
You can share your account and watch live on or on-demand content on up to 2 devices at no extra cost. Hulu also lets you add an unlimited screens add-on that offers 3 simultaneous streams for any device anywhere, and an unlimited number of devices connected to your home network.
To learn more about Hulu’s Live TV streaming policy, check here.
Hulu With Live TV DVR
Hulu’s Live TV service offers a 50-hour cloud DVR with the cost of your subscription. You can also increase your storage to 200 hours with its Enhanced Cloud DVR add-on.
You can learn more about Hulu Live TV’s DVR here.
Hulu With Live TV On-Demand Library
On-demand is what Hulu specialized in before it offered live TV. Now, you can watch live TV on iPhones and iPads, as well as enjoy over 85,000 on-demand titles through Hulu. That includes content from the live TV service and Hulu’s separate on-demand streaming service.
You can learn more about Hulu’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on iPhones and iPads with Sling TV
Sling TV offers a good, low-cost channel package with lots of add-on channel options. You can use this service to watch live TV on iPhones and iPads, as well as other Apple devices, the like Apple TV.
Sling TV Pricing and Packages
For $40 a month
| 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 |
You can choose between Sling Orange, Sling Blue, or combine them into Sling Orange+Blue. The service also offers over a dozen add-on packages that range from $5 to $20 dollars extra per month.
Sling TV Channels
The channels you get through Sling TV depends on the package you choose. Sling Orange has a Disney-owned network focus, to include ESPN and Disney Channel, while Sling Blue focuses on offering FOX-owned networks, like local FOX broadcast networks, FX, and others.
You can learn more about Sling TV’s channels here.
Sling TV Supported Devices
This service launched in 2015 with early support for iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices.
You can learn more about Sling TV’s streaming policy here.
Sling TV Simultaneous Streams
If you sign up for Sling Blue, you can watch on up to 3 devices at once. However, Sling TV’s contract agreements with Disney restrict your simultaneous streaming through Sling Blue to just one stream per account.
To learn more about Sling TV’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
Sling TV DVR
There’s no DVR included with Sling TV, but you can add one for an extra $10 per month.
To learn more about Sling TV’s DVR, check here.
Sling TV On-Demand Library
There are 10,000 on-demand titles available through Sling TV. The service also has a growing library of TV Everywhere apps that make it easier to access more on-demand content through dedicated channel apps on the iPhone and iPad.
You can learn more about Sling TV’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on iPhones and iPads with AT&T TV Now
One of AT&T’s growing library of live TV services, AT&T TV Now(formerly DirecTV Now) has a wide selection of channels but at a somewhat expensive price.
AT&T TV Now Pricing and Packages
If you’re willing to spend a bit, you can get AT&T TV Now starting at $50 per month. The service’s packages go up to $135. The channel packages include:
- PLUS: $50/month with 45+ channels
- MAX: $70/month with 60+ channels
- ENTERTAINMENT: $93/month with 65+ channels
- CHOICE: $110/month with 85+ channels
- EXTRA: $124/month with 105+ channels
- ULTIMATE: $135/month with 125+ channels
- OPTIMO MAS: $86/month with 90+ channels (Spanish-language focus)
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s pricing here.
AT&T TV Now Channels
By offering up to 125 channels, there are few channels you might want that aren’t available through AT&T TV Now. The only limitation will be how much you’re willing to spend to get those channels.
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s channels here.
AT&T TV Now Supported Devices
iPhones and iPads are primary devices for AT&T TV Now. You can use this service on most Apple devices.
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s streaming policy here.
AT&T TV Now Simultaneous Streams
Two device streams are available through AT&T TV Now. You can add a third stream for $5 per month extra.
To learn more about AT&T TV Now’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
AT&T TV Now DVR
This service offers a painfully restricted DVR. You’ll get a 20-hour cloud DVR that also includes a 30-day expiration date on your video recordings.
To learn more about AT&T TV Now’s DVR, check here.
AT&T TV Now On-Demand Library
Since the comapny owns a lot of content and has good partnerships, it also has a wide selection of on de-demand TV shows and videos. The service has 30,000 TV shows and episodes available for subscribers, with a 72-hour rewind feature that provides fresh content daily.
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on iPhones and iPads with PlayStation Vue
Recent reports show Sony may be winding down its PlayStation Vue service. If you’re interested in getting access to it before it disappears, read on.
PlayStation Vue Pricing and Packages
You can choose between PlayStation Vue’s four channel packages, which start at $49.99 per month.
| 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 serivce offers between 35 to 90+ channels, depending on the package you choose.
You can learn more about PlayStation Vue’s pricing and packages here.
PlayStation Vue Channels
Almost every major TV network is available through at least one of this service’s packages. Everything from major sports channels (ESPN, FOX Sports) to entertainment (FX, Cooking Channel) to news channels (CNBC, CNN) are available.
To learn more about PlayStation Vue’s channels, check here.
PlayStation Vue Supported Devices
Ignore the name. A PlayStation Vue app is available for those who want to watch live TV in iPhones and iPads, even without having a PlayStation console.
You can learn more about PlayStation Vue supported devices here.
PlayStation Vue Simultaneous Streams
Sharing is easy with PlayStation Vue thanks to its 5 simultaneous streaming policy.
To learn more about PlayStation Vue’s streaming policy, check here.
PlayStation Vue DVR
PS Vue’s storage limits are similar to what Philo offers. You can store an unlimited number of videos, but they’ll expire 28 days after you record them.
Learn more about PlayStation Vue’s DVR option here.
PlayStation Vue On-Demand Library
On-demand libraries vary mostly by package size with PlayStation Vue. Even at the base level, you’ll still get thousands of hours of on-demand content, but you’ll find a massive amount of content available through the higher-tier packages.
Get a more detailed breakdown of PlayStation Vue’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV iPhones and iPads with YouTube TV
Need something a little different? YouTube TV offers 70+ channels and works well for live TV on iPhones and iPads.
YouTube TV Pricing and Packages
Similarly priced to PlayStation Vue and DirecTV Now’s introductory package, YouTube TV offers 70+ channels for $49.99 per month. It also only provides one channel package, with a small number of add-ons available.
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s pricing here.
YouTube TV Channels
This service makes sports and locals a key focus. You’ll get major sports networks like ESPN, CBS Sports, NBA TV, and every major local broadcast network (in most regions). YouTube TV also emphasizes cable TV news and entertainment networks, like FOX News, CNN, AMC, A&E, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, E!, Investigation Discovery, and more.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s channels, check here.
YouTube TV Supported Devices
This service made Apple devices a priority when it launched in 2018. You can watch live TV on iPhones and iPads through its well-regarded app.
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s supported devices here.
YouTube TV Simultaneous Streams
Unlike most other services, YouTube TV offers 3 simultaneous streams per account at no additional cost.
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s streaming policy here.
YouTube TV DVR
This service offers what is inarguable one of the best DVR options for cord-cutters. You can record an unlimited amount of content with a 9-month expiration date on videos. You can also create up to 6 user profiles, all of which get individual cloud DVR.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s DVR storage, check here.
YouTube TV On-Demand Library
The service doesn’t advertise its on-demand library size. However, with 70+ channels available and many newly-released episodes available almost immediately after airing, you’ll have thousands of hours of content to enjoy.
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on iPhones and iPads with AT&T WatchTV
Coming in with a service similar to Philo, AT&T WatchTV is a good option to consider if you’re on a budget and only need a small selection of entertainment and news networks.
AT&T WatchTV Pricing and Packages
You can get AT&T WatchTV for just $15 per month, or $5 cheaper than Philo.
You can learn more about AT&T WatchTV’s pricing here.
AT&T WatchTV Channels
AT&T WatchTV mimicks Philo’s no sports, no locals package. You’ll get access to major entertainment TV channels, as well as some sports networks. Unlike Philo, you can also add several movie channels for an added cost.
To learn more about AT&T WatchTV’s channels, check here.
AT&T WatchTV Supported Devices
AT&T WatchTV has a limited number of supported devices, but thankfully, iOS devices are in that family. You can watch live TV using iPhones and iPads with this service.
You can learn more about AT&T WatchTV’s supported devices here.
AT&T WatchTV Simultaneous Streams
Unlike Philo, AT&T WatchTV only allows 1 stream per account, making it a poor option for sharing.
You can learn more about AT&T WatchTV’s streaming policy here.
AT&T WatchTV DVR
There is currently no DVR option available through AT&T WatchTV.
To learn more about AT&T WatchTV’s DVR storage, check here.
AT&T WatchTV On-Demand Library
The lack of a DVR is somewhat made up for with a large on-demand library. AT&T WatchTV offers 30,000+ TV shows and episodes to view on-demand as soon as you gain access to the service.
You can learn more about AT&T WatchTV’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on iPhones and iPads with ESPN+
ESPN+ does not offer a selection of channels but instead features live sports on a rolling and regular basis.
ESPN+ Pricing and Packages
Through ESPN+, you’ll get major sports like MLB, MLS, and UFC for just $4.99 per month.
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 watch ESPN+ live on iPhones and iPads, as well as other Apple devices.
You can learn more about ESPN+ supported devices here.
ESPN+ Simultaneous Streams
Despite the low cost, ESPN+ offers a generous 3 streams per account.
To learn more about ESPN+’s streaming policy, click here.
ESPN+ DVR
There is no DVR available through ESPN+.
You can learn more about this service’s DVR policy here.
ESPN+ On-Demand Library
This service does not offer a traditional on-demand library, although there is content available to watch. Most content includes previously-aired sports broadcasts and some historic sporting events and original content.
To learn more about ESPN+ and its on-demand library, click here.
Watch Live TV iPhones and iPads with DAZN
If you’re into fight sports like boxing and MMA, DAZN is one of the best options for live TV on iPhones and iPads in 2019.
This review covers the US DAZN, but you can learn more about DAZN Canada here.
DAZN Pricing and Packages
In the US, DAZN costs either $19.99 per month or $99 per year (a significant cost saving).
| DAZN U.S $19.99/ month | Matchroom Boxing events Bellator MMA events 100+ sports events. 3 simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
You can learn more about DAZN’s pricing and packages here.
DAZN Supported Devices
As long as you have an iOS device running version 9.0 or above, you can easily watch live TV on iPhones or iPads through DAZN.
You can learn more about DAZN’s supported devices here.
DAZN Simultaneous Streams
For the price, you’ll get 3 simultaneous device streams per account through DAZN.
To learn more about DAZN’s streaming policy, click here.
DAZN DVR
There is no DVR available through this service.
You can learn more about this service’s DVR policy here.
DAZN On-Demand Library
There’s a non-traditional on-demand library available through DAZN. Most of its live sports are made available after they air, and you can get a wide selection of on-demand sports from different categories, including cycling. DAZN also offers some original content for subscribers.
To learn more about DAZN and its on-demand library, click here.
Watch Live TV on iPhones and iPads with CBS All Access
A good option to pair with a Philo account, CBS All Access offers local and national CBS live and on-demand for iPhone and iPad users.
CBS All Access Pricing and Packages
You can get CBS All Access for as little as $5.99 per month for its ad-supported option. If you don’t like ads, the service is available ad-free for $9.99 per month.
| Essential - With Commercials 7-Day Free Trial $4.99/ month | 40K+ episodes on-demand Paramount+ Originals Watch CBS & CBSN live 3 Simultaneous streams | TRY FREE |
| Paramount+ Bundle 7-Day Free Trial $11.99/ month | 40K+ episodes on-demand Paramount+ Showtime Watch CBS & CBSN live 3 simultaneous streams No commercials | TRY FREE |
CBS All Access Supported Devices
You can stream live TV on iPhones and iPads with any CBS All Access subscription.
For more information about CBS All Access’ device support, click here.
CBS All Access Simultaneous Streams
The service is surprisingly generous for the price, offering up to 5 simultaneous streams per account.
For more information about CBS All Access’ simultaneous streaming, click here.
CBS All Access DVR
Due to the nature of the service, there is no DVR available.
For more information about CBS All Access’ DVR, click here.
CBS All Access On-Demand Library
There are 10,000+ on-demand videos available through CBS All Access. That includes new release episodes, older seasons of popular CBS shows, and its growing original content library that doesn’t air on live TV.
Watch Free Live TV on iPhones and iPads
A good selection of apps give you free live TV on iPhones and iPads in 2019, but these three are among the best options you’ll find.
PlutoTV on iPhones and I
An app with over 100 live TV channels, PlutoTV offers content from many popular and well-known networks, as well as unique channels you won’t find anywhere else. The app is completely free to use, and you don’t even have to create an account to use it.
Xumo on iPhones and iPads
Similar to PlutoTV, Xumo is a great option for Apple device users who want variety in their live TV streaming. The app features unique channels, and some content from major networks, including Stadium and Bloomberg.
NewsON on iPhones and iPads
A particularly good pairing for Philo or Sling TV, NewsON provides news broadcasts from across the US, completely free for users.
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.
