Comparison of Live Streaming Services Channels
Local Channels
Providers typically offer local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels. ABC is now available on FuboTV in most local markets.
Local Availability
Even if a service claims to offer live local channels, your area's stations could not be included. You can still view the on-demand material if you live in a region without local channels.
Missing Channels
Consider subscribing to Paramount+ for $4.99 if your package doesn't include CBS. It's a monthly fee paid directly to CBS, and it gives you access to many of its shows on demand as well as live streaming of most sports on CBS. You can upgrade to their $9.99 per month Premium Tier if you want access to your local CBS affiliate.
Top Cable Channels
25–35 of the Top Cable Channels from Disney, Discovery, NBCU, WarnerMedia, ViacomCBS, Hallmark, A+E, and AMC are available on most live TV streaming services.
There are 27 Top Cable Channels on FuboTV ($69.99). They lack TNT, TBS, CNN, A&E, History, & Lifetime but do have the majority of big channels, including ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, FX, Nat Geo, Bravo, USA, FS1, and Fox News.
32 Top Cable Channels are available on YouTube TV ($64.99), but A&E, History, and Lifetime are omitted.
AMC, WE tv, and Hallmark are the only channels not available on Hulu Live TV ($69.99), which contains 32 Top Cable Channels. They cost $69.99, which is almost the same as the others, but they also come with the Disney Bundle (Disney+ and ESPN+), access to Hulu Originals, and an on-demand library ($13.99 worth of value).
Plans with DIRECTV STREAM start at $69.99+. They have more Top 35 cable channels than any other service, including 34 of the Top 35 Cable Channels. Access to regional sports networks (RSNs), which include Bally Sports RSNs, requires upgrading to their DIRECTV STREAM "Choice" ($89.99) package.
Sports Channels
FuboTV offers some RSNs, including hard-to-find ones like ROOT Sports Northwest, Altitude, MSG, NESN, Marquee Sports Network, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, AT&T SportsNet Southwest, and MSG. Additionally, it is one of the few services that offers NHL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, and NFL Network.
You'll need DIRECTV STREAM, which includes national sports channels like ESPN, FS1, USA Network, TNT, and TBS, to watch Bally Sports RSNs or YES Network. Bally Sports RSNs are no longer available on Hulu Live TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV.
National Sports Channels
Most services include USA Network, FS1/FS2, TBS, and TNT in their entry-level bundles in addition to ESPN/ESPN2. While TBS and TNT are not available on FuboTV, it does carry ESPN, USA, and FS1.
Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)
Regional sports networks (RSNs) are included in the base plans of FuboTV, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV. To access RSNs, DIRECTV STREAM needs an updated package. Bally Sports RSNs (formerly known as Fox Sports RSNs) are only currently available on AT&T TV due to contractual issues with YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV. All have NBC Sports channels like NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area.
Pro Sports
Pro sports networks are typically not included in the base plans of services. The most complete option is FuboTV, whose base package includes NFL Network. NHL Network, MLB Network, and NBA TV are available as part of their $8 "Fubo Extra" add-on. Instead, you can choose their $11 "Sports Plus" add-on, which also covers those other channels, if you want NFL RedZone.
College Sports
The ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPNU, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network are the leading college sports networks. For college sports lovers, Hulu Live TV ($69.99) and FuboTV ($69.99) are excellent choices. The Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPNU, ACC Network, and SEC Network are all available through both services. The "Ultimate" ($104.99) plan of DIRECTV STREAM is the only one that offers these channels. FuboTV provides the Pac-12 Network. It is a part of the Extra ($8) and Sports Plus ($11) add-ons for FuboTV ($69.99).
Other Sports Channels
For soccer aficionados, FuboTV is the best streaming service. BeIN is a part of the standard ($69.99) plan. Fox Soccer Plus, a $15 upgrade on other services, is available as an add-on for only $6.
Premium Channels
Most streaming services let you upgrade your membership to add premium channels like Cinemax, HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, and Epix. If you choose one of their Choice plans or above, DIRECTV STREAM will give you three months of HBO Max. You may subscribe to Showtime on Amazon for the same price as on Hulu Live TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV. Showtime is available on these services for $10–$11 per month.