How to Choose a Live TV Streaming Service

ByCaseyHanna

There are a few things live tv has going for it. It’s immediate, it lets you tune in to live sports and news, awards shows and special concerts, and, in the case of streaming services that offer it, it can be cheaper than paying for a pay-per-view event or a cable package. And if you have a fast enough internet connection, a live TV streamer can be just as smooth and convenient as using Netflix or YouTube.

Streaming live TV typically comes via an app on your phone, tablet, smart TV or streaming device that receives a signal over the internet. This means you don’t have to deal with a cable box and the need to set up an antenna on your roof. However, it also means that you don’t get the benefits of a set-top box like an HD remote and a DVR that can record multiple shows at once.

When shopping for a live TV service, one key consideration is how many channels are available to you. You’ll want to ensure you have all the networks you’re used to (as well as any that you may be thinking about adding in the future). In addition, if a live TV streaming service offers a-la-carte channel add-ons, it can be worth checking out what they’re offering. For instance, Hulu with live tv has a Cinemax option that starts at an additional $9 per month and includes seven live channels.

The other big factor is the selection of local and regional news channels. Unless you’re looking to save money and go with the free option of Pluto TV, all the major live streaming services deliver some sort of news selection. For example, Apple TV+ delivers a handful of local ABC and CBS stations through its partnerships with those networks while Peacock gives you some regional NBC outlets and Hulu Max includes a live CNN outlet. And even if you’re not a subscriber to those services, there are stand-alone options that provide much more expansive news selections.

For instance, Amazon’s Freevee streaming service focuses on regional news and sports with channels in Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and New York City as well as Fox in Tampa Bay. But it’s hard to find those channels without scrolling through a long guide and no way to organize them by category as you can do with the live TV section within the Prime Video app.