Streaming Service Channel Comparison Review

There are so many great live TV streaming services out there, but which one has your favorite channel or 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.

^{*Data effective 5/15/2020.}

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.

YouTube TV packages, pricing, and channels

YouTube TV has great sports channels and is the best in the game for DVR.

YouTube TV is one of the best live TV streaming services for multiple reasons: the channel lineup, the monthly price, and the unlimited storage DVR that saves your recordings for nine months.

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.

As for the biggest bonus when it comes to sports channels: YouTube TV has NBA TV, MLB Network, NBA TV, and the Tennis Channel.

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

YouTube TV channels and packages

Hulu + Live TV packages, pricing, and channels

Hulu Live gives you access to more ESPN channels and the original Hulu streaming library.

If you’re already a heavy Hulu user and love their original content, like 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.

Hulu + Live TV channels and packages

Sling TV packages, pricing, and channels

If you’re not picky about missing traditional cable, Sling TV’s affordable packages can save you dough on subscription TV.

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 $5 more, you can get YouTube TV. And YouTube TV has more channels and an unlimited 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.

Sling TV channels and packages

AT&T TV NOW packages, pricing, and channels

AT&T TV NOW will give you a traditional TV feel, but it’s the priciest option.

AT&T TV NOW has many popular channels, even in its most basic package— but it’s a little on the pricier side.

For example, the PLUS package (the cheapest option) is $55/mo. and only has 45 channels. Whereas Hulu Live, which is the same price, has 65 channels.

But it’s an excellent option if you want the traditional TV feel and lots of channels. The ULTIMATE package will give you 125 channels for you and the family to always find something to watch.

And you may want to look into the upgraded packages if you want HGTV, Food Network, HISTORY, or Investigation Discovery. Unfortunately, this live TV streaming service doesn’t have these channels in its basic packages.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that AT&T TV NOW has upgraded from 20 hours of DVR storage to 500! Yes, AT&T. Yes. And your recordings will save in your library for three months.

AT&T TV NOW channels and packages

fuboTV packages, pricing, and channels

fuboTV is perfect for families who like basic, popular channels along with national, international, and niche sports.

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

FuboTV has you covered with soccer channels such as Zona Football, UniMás, and FOX Deportes.

But if you want national sports coverage from the best American sports channel, ESPN, you won’t find it here.

So if you can live with over 10 international sports channels and over 15 national sports channels along with channels for the family (which sounds like a pretty solid deal), then fuboTV is for you.

fuboTV channels and packages

Premium channels and add-ons

Getting a few add-ons can enhance your entire streaming experience.

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

Customize your service

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.

Recap

With all the options, it can be hard to choose.

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

If you still want to explore your options, we recommend signing up for a free trial.

YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, AT&T TV NOW, and fuboTV offer seven-day trials. Just don’t forget to pay attention to those end dates so you don’t get charged (unless you decide you want to be a subscriber).