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The Best Cheap Live TV Streaming Services

A guide to the best live and on-demand TV streaming services that won’t break the bank and provide variety and customization.

Let’s face it—no matter what the budget is, we all want to save money on our monthly bills. Many have looked into the pros and cons of streaming and dropped their cable TV subscriptions, instead opting to pay for live TV streaming services that provide access to the content they want most. All you need to start streaming from your favorite platforms is an Internet connection, a Roku, Amazon Fire TV,  Apple TV, or Chromecast device. As easy as that, you’re ready to start watching live TV! 

The most popular live TV streaming services in the USA currently are Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. With Hulu + Live TV you get access to more than 65 channels, including ABC, Bravo, CBS, CNN, and ESPN. However, apps like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV come with a high price tag (Hulu + Live TV costs $64.99/month), causing many streamers willing to sacrifice the wide variety of channels available to search for more affordable options. If you’re trying to figure out which cheap streaming services are best for your entertainment needs without breaking the bank, this article will provide some great options.

Philo ($25/month)

Philo has gained popularity, with over 750,000 subscribers, as the platform offers popular live, streaming, and on-demand content for a reasonable price. Their plan starting at $25/month has over 60 channels, including AMC, BBC World News, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery, and Nickelodeon. You also get access to popular on-demand content, such as Parks and Recreation, Alone, and House Hunters. Subscribers can also record as many hours of their favorite shows as they like using cloud DVR storage, as long as the recorded shows are watched within a year.

Frndly ($6.99/month)

Frndly is one of the cheapest live TV streaming services out there, and subscribers get access to over 40 live and on-demand channels. It all depends on which channels you’re looking for as to whether or not this low budget option is going to provide the entertainment that fits your needs. If you’re comparing the two cheaper options of Philo and Frndly and hoping you can swing by with the lower cost of $6.99, it might help to know that some popular channels, such as A&E, Game Show Network, Hallmark Channel, History, and Vice, are available on both platforms.

While Philo offers several channels Frndly does not, including AMC, BET, and Comedy Central, it is missing some popular ones as well. With Frndly users have access to Lifetime Movie Network, The History Channel, and The Weather Channel, among others, which are not available on Philo. 

Other Considerations

If you’re still having a tough time deciding between these options, you can always start a 7-day free trial for each service and see which one you like best. It’s also a good idea to find out how much Internet you will need for streaming and other home Internet usages.

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