You can watch all your favorite cable channels live without cable with any of these streaming services: Philo, fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, and Youtube TV. In this article, we'll help you decide which streaming option is best for you. Let's get started!
The Cheapest Cable Alternative: Philo
Source: Philo
If you don't like the idea of spending money on TV entertainment, you may want to check out Philo-- an inexpensive, bare bones cable replacer with an unlimited DVR and many other excellent features. The base subscription includes all kinds of popular cable TV channels, including A&E, BET, HGTV, Nick and more. Another interesting thing about Philo is that it's working on a social network that will let its subscribers share cable TV content with their friends and family via the internet.
Philo Pricing and Packages
A subscription to Philo costs only $20. That makes it one of the cheapest options out there for watching cable TV live without a traditional cable TV subscription. You can even try out Philo for a full week without having to pull out your credit card. All you have to do is provide your phone number to give Philo a whirl.
For more information on Philo plans, check here.
Philo Channels
Philo's base plan comes with 58 channels. There used to be an upgrade plan that lets you get more channels, but Philo seems to have merged that upgrade into its core plan. Some of the most popular channels in Philo's lineup include VH1, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, Nick, A&E, AMC, BET and Comedy Central. There lots of other great channels that you don't have to give up anymore once you cut the cord, as well.
For more information on Philo channels, check here.
Philo Supported Devices
With apps for iPhone, Android, Chromecast, Roku, Philo has good app support. There is one minor downside, though: the Android mobile app doesn't play live streams. You can still watch Philo on an Android phone, but you have to use your mobile Chrome browser to do it.
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all models), Chromecast and Roku (all current models).
- Smart TVs: Android TV (5.0 and up).
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (7.0 and up, Chrome browser), iOS (10.3 and up).
- Game consoles: None.
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers.
Check here for more information on Philo's supported devices.
Philo Simultaneous Streams
Philo lets you share your account with two other friends when you watch TV. In other words, the simultaneous stream limit is three devices. As mentioned earlier, Philo is working on a social network that will likely expand the streaming service's account sharing capabilities. However, the company has yet to reveal exactly how their social network will work.
To learn more about Philo's simultaneous streams, click here.
Philo DVR
Philo has an excellent unlimited DVR. You can record as much programming as you like, without having to be concerned about running into limits or paywalls. Many streaming services-- some of which are much more expensive than Philo-- have stricter DVR limits.
Check here to learn more about Philo's DVR.
Philo On-Demand Library
Though Philo does have some on-demand content, it's no match for the likes of Hulu and Netflix. The Philo website says that its on-demand library includes 25,000 on-demand titles.
Click here to learn more about Philo's on-demand library.
The Best Cable Alternative for Sports Fans: fubo
Source: fuboTV
Half of the channels you get when you subscribe to fuboTV are sports channels. You can't get any of the ESPN channels, but fuboTV does carry plenty of rare sports channels that other streaming services don't carry.
FuboTV Pricing and Packages
Unlike some streaming services, fuboTV includes most of the channels that it carries in its base plan: fubo Standard. Other plans include fubo Family, fubo Entertainment and fubo Ultra.
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To learn more about fuboTV’s pricing and packages, click here.
FuboTV Channels
Fubo Standard has around 90 channels. You'll get more or less channels depending on where you live. Check the fuboTV website and type in your zip code to see exactly which channels you'll get.
To learn more about fuboTV's channels, click here.
fuboTV Supported Devices
fuboTV has above average device support:
- 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
fuboTV lets you watch TV on two devices at once. If you have a larger number of people you intend to share your account with, you may want to upgrade to the fubo Family and get three simultaneous streams.
To learn more about fuboTV’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
FuboTV DVR
fuboTV's base cloud DVR service lets you record 30 hours of content without any additional costs. An upgrade boosts your recording limit to a rather impressive 500 hours.
To learn more about fuboTV’s DVR, click here.
FuboTV On-Demand Library
fuboTV's on-demand library isn't huge, but it has a decent amount of content.
Click here to learn more about fuboTV's on-demand library.
The Cable Alternative with the Most On-demand Content: Hulu With Live TV
Source: Hulu With Live TV
Hulu with Live TV has a much bigger on-demand content library compared to most live TV streaming services. Another selling point is an upgrade that lets you stream to an unlimited number of devices on your home network.
Hulu with Live TV Pricing and Packages
Hulu with Live TV offers just a few all-inclusive plans. The main package has 60+ channels. You get two simultaneous streams and you don't have to pay extra to get ESPN and Disney.
To learn more about Hulu with Live TV's pricing, click here.
Hulu with Live TV Channels
As is the case with most cable alternatives, Hulu with Live TV has a free trial that lets you test the service for yourself. This lets you see what kind of channels are available. Most of the channels that Hulu offers are in its core plan, but there are some add-ons you can get as well.
Click here to learn more about Hulu with Live TV's channel options.
Hulu with Live TV Supported Devices
Hulu with Live TV has great device support. The most popular streaming devices are available.
- 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
The base subscription comes with only two simultaneous streams. Hulu’s Unlimited Screens add-on lets you stream to an unlimited number of devices on your home network.
To learn more about Hulu with Live TV's simultaneous streaming policy, click here.
Hulu with Live TV DVR
A robust 50-hour cloud DVR comes free with the basic subscription. Your storage capabilities can also be increased up to 200 hours with the Enhanced Cloud DVR add-on.
To learn more about Hulu with Live TV's DVR storage options, click here.
Hulu with Live TV On-Demand Library
Hulu with Live TV's best feature is its huge on-demand catalog.
You can learn more about Hulu with Live TV's on-demand library by checking here.
The Most Customizable Cable Alternative: Sling TV
Source: Sling TV
Sling TV is worth considering if you want to save money and you're only interested in a handful of channels. You can choose from one of two base plans and then customize your experience from there by buying option channel add-on packs.
Sling TV Pricing and Packages
In order to get Sling TV's channel add-on packs, you have to buy at least one base plan. There are three base base subscription options. You can choose between two different base plans or get both base plans for a discounted price. Both base plans cost $25.
To learn more about Sling TV pricing, check here.
Sling TV Channels
Neither of Sling TV's base subscription plans has a clear theme. Sling Orange and Sling Blue both have a mix of family, sports and news entertainment.
Click here to learn more about Sling TV's channel menu.
Sling TV Supported Devices
Sling TV has great device support:
- 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 is recommended for use with Mac and Windows.
Check here for more info on Sling TV's supported devices.
Sling TV Simultaneous Streams
With Sling Blue, you get three simultaneous streams. However, all Sling Orange channels can only be streamed to one device at a time.
To learn more about Sling TV's simultaneous streams, click here.
Sling TV DVR
Sling TV doesn't come with a free DVR, but you can add recording functionality for $5/month extra. You can't record any Sling Orange channels, though.
To learn more about Sling TV's DVR, check here.
Sling TV On-Demand Library
Sling TV does have an on-demand content library, but it's somewhat limited compared to some streaming services.
Click here to learn more about Sling TV's on-demand library.
DirecTV Now
Source: DirecTV Now
DirecTV Now tries to provide the full cable experience for much less. At $40 per month, DirecTV Now’s entry-level “Live a Little” plan is the third-cheapest way to replace cable. You’ll get at least sixty channels and maybe more, depending on the availability of local stations and regional sports networks.
If you find holes in that lineup, then you can step up to slightly more expensive plans that add even more channels.
- Live a Little: 60+ channels / $40 per month.
- Just Right: 80+ channels / $55 per month.
- Go Big: 100+ channels / $65 per month.
- Gotta Have It: 120+ channels / $75 per month.
DirecTV Now’s parent company, AT&T, is investing millions to make the service more competitive. A cloud DVR is now available but offered with rather slim 20 hours of storage, and a particularly restrictive 30-day expiration date on recorded videos. Other upgrades include support for a third simultaneous stream and support for Ultra HD 4K content.
With the exception of game consoles, you will find DirecTV Now in the app stores of a wide range of streaming platforms.
- Living room devices: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku.
- Smart TVs and Blu-ray players: None.
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS.
- Game consoles: None.
- Desktop browsers: Chrome and Safari.
More than fifty networks will give DirecTV Now subscribers full access to their own apps.
YouTube TV
Source: YouTube TV
If watching your local ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC stations is important, then YouTube TV may be your best bet. We found that YouTube’s streaming service has the best support for local stations in the markets it serves. Although only available in one hundred markets, those markets serve 85% of the American population.
YouTube TV’s $40 subscription gives you more than 60 channels as well as industry-leading features. The cloud DVR, for example, has an unlimited recording capacity and the recordings won’t expire for nine months.
Like other services, however, YouTube TV only lets you and your household stream to three devices at the same time.
- Living room devices: Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast and Roku.
- Smart TVs and Blu-ray players: Certain models from LG and Samsung.
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS.
- Game consoles: Xbox One.
- Desktop browsers: Chrome.
A YouTube TV subscription will unlock many network apps. Unlike the other streaming services, however, Google doesn’t tell you which networks support YouTube TV. You’ll have to check each network one by one. (No, googling won’t be much help.)
Alex Munkachy • Author
Alex Munkachy is a freelance writer, game developer and hobby robotics enthusiast.
Davan Hamilton • Editor
Davan Hamilton is an editor and writer based in Jacksonville, FL. Holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her writing spans a wide range, from essays on film criticism and analysis to surreal poetry. Now, she works for Flixed as an editor, continuing to ignore the list of passion projects she’s accumulated. When she’s not glued to her computer, you can find her building endless amounts of Lego sets, binge-reading manga, or playing with (fighting) her cat.