Streaming services are finally starting to replace cable
as the go-to destination for hot shows, but broadcast TV has had one
major advantage over its online counterpart: live television. Not
anymore.
Cable Replacement Services
If you thrive on live TV but don't want to pay exorbitant cable costs, a cable-replacement service might be the way to go. These streaming programs are just like cable or satellite subscriptions, complete with live broadcasts and a variety of familiar channels, except they come over the Internet rather than through analog cables or satellite signals.MORE: Best (and Worst) Cable-Replacement Services
DirecTV Now, Sling TV and PlayStation Vue are currently the most recognizable of these services, and the three are fairly similar in practice. They're not alone, though, as YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV (currently in beta) recently joined the fray. DirecTV NOW includes channels such as E!, FX, TBS and TNT. Sling TV lets you watch channels like ESPN, AMC, Cartoon Network, HBO and Univision.
PlayStation Vue offers channels like Bravo, Fox News, Nickelodeon and USA. In addition to some of the above channels, YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV provide access to their own original programming.
All five services have dozens more channels available, and you can watch them all in real time, just as you would on a standard cable subscription.
Because these services provide regular broadcast networks like CBS and Fox, they are arguably the most complete live TV replacement you can get online. They don't come cheap, though.
A basic Sling TV package costs $20 per month and gives you about two dozen channels. You can add more, but prices and the number of channels vary, from 24 Spanish channels for $5 per month, up to HBO alone for $15 per month. Sling also offers its basic packages in Blue and Orange configurations, and charge $40 per month if you want both.
Depending on the market you live in, PlayStation Vue subscriptions can begin around $30 per month for more than 45 channels, whereas its more-available, nation-wide plan includes 49 channels for $40. Prices run up to $75 per month if you want more than 100 channels, although both selection and pricing vary by region.
DirecTV Now starts out at $35 per month for more than 60 channels, and can cost as much as $70 per month for more than 120 channels. YouTube TV costs $35 per month and gives you 48 channels. Hulu With Live TV includes 44 channels with Hulu's original programming for $40 per month.
Sling TV and PlayStation Vue are available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS and Android. Otherwise, Sling TV is available Xbox One and computers, while PlayStation Vue is available on Sony game consoles, smart TVs and Blu-ray players. DirecTV NOW is available on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, Chromecast and iOS.
YouTube TV is available on Android, iOS and Chromecast, and those with iOS devices can stream to an Apple TV via Airplay. Hulu with Live TV is more available, working on Android, iOS, Xbox One, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick and Chromecast.
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