As streaming has risen in popularity, so has streaming prices. These days, streaming can cost just as much (if not more) than cable did originally, especially live TV streaming.
The good news, though, is that there are still a variety of cheap live TV streaming services that offer quality content without breaking the bank. We’ve compiled a list of the best live TV streamers under $50, so you can watch your favorite shows and movies while saving a few bucks.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV, launched in 2014, is an ad-supported streaming service offering 100s of live TV channels and 1000s of on-demand titles, making it the perfect cable replacement. It features a mix of curated channels covering various genres like news, entertainment, sports, movies, and more. With Pluto TV, you’ll never be able to complain about not having anything to watch.
Plans and pricing
Pluto TV only offers one plan, and it’s absolutely free. Yes, you read that right. No account or card information is necessary—you can just go to their site and start streaming today.
Pluto TV
$0/month
Peacock
Peacock, a streaming service owned by NBCUniversal, launched in 2020. Leveraging NBC's advertising infrastructure, it aims to generate revenue uniquely. Offering popular TV shows like The Office, Law & Order SVU, and Chicago Fire, it also features next-day access to ongoing NBC and Bravo series for premium subscribers. With a growing lineup of original shows such as The Resort, Bel-Air, classic series like The Munsters and Quantum Leap, and a movie library spanning hit franchises like Harry Potter and Fast and Furious, Peacock has something for every cord-cutter.
Plans and pricing
Both of Peacock’s plan are well under $50, so you have the choice between Premium and Premium Plus. The main difference between the two is whether or not you want ad-free content, and if so, Premium Plus is your best bet.
Frndly TV
Frndly TV, launched in 2019, specializes in live TV channels focused on family-friendly content, offering entertainment, lifestyle, and kids' channels akin to traditional cable packages (very much like Philo). With selections like Hallmark Channel, Game Show Network, and The Weather Channel, it has something for everyone. It continues to expand its channel lineup, aiming to provide affordable and diverse content for families seeking wholesome programming without mature themes. Frndly TV is also one of the cheapest live TV streaming services.
Plans and pricing
All of Frndly TV’s packages are far less than $50, and all promise the same channel offerings. The differences between the three plans lie in their streaming quality, simultaneous streams, and DVR capabilities.
Frndly TV Basic
Try 7 days free
- 40+ channels
- SD video quality
- Stream on one device
- On demand content
$6.99/month
Frndly TV Classic
- 40+ channels
- HD video quality
- Stream on two screens
- Unlimited DVR space
- On demand content
$8.99/month
Frndly TV Premium
- 40+ channels
- HD video quality
- Unlimited DVR space
- Stream on four screens
- On demand content
$10.99/month
Philo
Philo, launched in 2017, caters to cord-cutters with an inexpensive live-TV streaming platform that emphasizes entertainment, educational, and lifestyle channels. While it doesn't include pricier sports or local broadcast networks, it still offers a solid range of content for those seeking a budget-friendly TV service.
Plans and pricing
There’s just one package that Philo offers, and it’s well under $50. For your money, you’ll get 70+ channels largely focusing on entertainment content, including The Discovery Channel, MTV, TLC, and more.
Philo Base
Try 7 days free
- Unlimited cloud DVR saved for 1 year
- Stream on three screens
- Shows movies and 70+ channels
- 7-day free trial
$28/month
Sling TV
Sling, launched in 2015, offers live TV streaming with dozens of channels covering sports, news, and entertainment, including TBS, TNT, and CNN. It’s around half the cost of other competitors, making it perfect for those looking for cheaper options in the era of market price increases. Sling also offers customizable bundles and add-ons, allowing cord-cutters to tailor their streaming experience to their preferences.
Plans and pricing
Sling has two plans under $50: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Both plans offer different channel packages at the same price, but if you’re looking for the most channels, your best bet is Sling Blue. But, if you’re willing to pay a little bit above $50, you can get the combination package, Sling Orange+Blue, which gives you all the channels offered by both packages.
Sling also offers Sling Freestream, a free ad-supported TV service offering hundreds of live TV channels and thousands of on-demand shows and movies, including Hell's Kitchen and The Walking Dead. No credit card information required!
Sling Orange
$20 off your first month
- 30+ channels
- ESPN
- Stream on one device
$40/month
Sling Blue
$20 off your first month
- 40+ channels
- Local channels in select cities
- News and entertainment
- Stream on three screens
$45/month
Sling Orange & Blue
$20 off your first month
- General cable replacement
- 45+ channels
- Stream on three screens
$60/month
Lisa Holden • Author
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.
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