Live TV Streaming Service Channel Comparison Review

There are so many great live TV streaming services out there, but which one has your favorite channels? Or better yet, has the best channel lineup, altogether, for your home?

So we've done the research for you. Check out the channels the best live TV streaming services have and don't have, and we know you'll have an idea of which service you should subscribe to.

Let's just say, we have the lowdown on which TV service is perfect for you.

Friendly tip: make sure you check what channel lineup is available in your area with each streaming service. Just click on the service's site, enter your zip code, and the streaming service will tell you which local channels are available to you.

We also highlight the more popular channels and the channels that are available in most areas. Try using the CTRL + F command to find your favorite channel with ease.

Alright, sports fans. This streaming service is for you if you love international, national, and niche sports.

fuboTV has all of the sports coverage for MLB, NFL, college football, tennis, you name it. fuboTV also has you covered with international sports channels such as Zona Football, UniMás, and FOX Deportes.

And lastly, it has niche sports channels, such as Fight Network and MSG. But if you want Turner networks, like TBS and CNN, you won't find them here.

So if you can live with 60 sports channels along with channels for the family (which sounds like a pretty solid deal), then fuboTV is for you.

Which channels does fuboTV have?

If you want to learn more about fuboTV, check out our best streaming services for sports piece.

fuboTV made the cut because, of course, all of the sports channels it has. But this live TV streaming service is not only for sports fanatics. Your kids, spouse, roommates, and parents will all find channels they love and enjoy.

YouTube TV is one of the best live TV streaming services for multiple reasons: the channel lineup (with channels other streaming services don't have), the unlimited storage DVR that saves your recordings for nine months, and the monthly price.

No other live TV streaming service has an unlimited DVR storage space besides YouTube TV. We all know we don't like to be restricted when it comes to recording all of The Office or Friends shows.

The biggest bonus is the sports channels: YouTube TV has NBA TV, MLB Network, and the Tennis Channel. And they've recently added eight ViacomCBS channels, like Nickelodeon and Comedy Central.

But you will be missing out on the HISTORY and Hallmark channels. So which channels are more important to you?

Which channels does YouTube TV have?

If a show has aired anytime in the last week or two, the on-demand version will be available for a limited time on YouTube TV. But to be safe, just record it since you'll have up to nine months to watch it. There’s no rush to finish that rom-com you’ve been waiting to watch with some good company.

If you want to learn more about YouTube TV, check out our full review.

If you’re already a heavy Hulu user and love their original content, like The Handmaid's Tale, look no further. Adding Hulu + Live TV to Hulu’s already solid original library gives it an edge over competitors like YouTube TV.

Keep in mind, though, Hulu Live comes with only 50 hours of DVR storage. You'll likely want to upgrade, so you'll need to add $10 to your monthly bill to get 200 DVR storage hours.

Check out the Hulu channel lineup in your area by entering your zip code.

But you won't find your major sports channels here, but you will find more ESPN channels such as Bases Loaded, Goal Line, and College Extra.

Which channels does Hulu Live have?

If you want to know more about the DVR, premium channel add-ons, and fees, check out our review.

You'll also find more info on what on-demand and original TV shows and movies you'll be getting with your service. Ya know, the content that will keep you binge-watching for hours.

Sling TV may not have the biggest channel lineup or all of your favorite channels in one package, but you will save money.

But honestly, the channel lineups for Sling's three packages aren't too bad.

Sling Orange has your ESPN, Disney Channel, and Freeform, while Sling Blue has NFL Network, Fox News, and MSNBC.

But we don't recommend Sling Orange + Sling Blue, because, for just $10 more, you can get Hulu Live. And Hulu Live has 15 more channels and a 50-hour DVR storage space.

Sling TV gives you only 10 hours of DVR storage, and you'll have to tack on $5 to your subscription if you want 50 hours. Sigh.

Which channels does Sling TV have?

Check out our review on Sling TV to get more details on this streaming service. Or check out our Sling Orange vs. Sling Blue review to help you decide which of the $30 per month plans you should get.

DIRECTV STREAM has many popular channels, even in its most basic package— but it’s a little on the pricier side.

For example, the ENTERTAINMENT package (the cheapest option) is $70 per month and only has 65 channels. YouTube TV is $5 cheaper and has 20 more channels.

But it’s an excellent option if you want the traditional TV feel and lots of channels. The PREMIER package will give you 140 channels for you and the family to always find something to watch.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that DIRECTV STREAM includes some premium channels in its packages. You’ll get STARZ channels in the ULTIMATE package and STARZ, HBO, CINEMAX, and SHOWTIME channels when you upgrade to PREMIER.

Which channels does DIRECTV STREAM have?

Find out more about each package in our full DIRECTV STREAM review. 

Want to know which of the five TV streaming services get premium channels, and for what price? We got you.

We know you'll need to watch your Westworld and Billions.

Premium channel add-ons for top TV streaming service providers

If you want extra channels that aren't in any of the packages, you can add them on for $5–$15 per month.

These add-ons are worth it if you want sports, news, and lifestyle channels in your native language. Watch soccer in Spanish, TV shows in French, and a movie in Polish.

Or add on more sports because you can't ever get enough sports.

If only one streaming TV service has your must-have channel, then your decision is already made for you. But we recommend fuboTV because it has a great variety of popular channels that everyone in the house will love.

The nice thing about live TV streaming services is they don’t require you to sign a contract.

So why not try one for a month to see how you like it? And if you don’t you have four other great live TV streaming services to pick from.