Top Gun Maverick (2022)

This summer blockbuster follows Top Gun Ace, Maverick, 30 years after the original Top Gun movie. While still flying, Mav has to face his past while preparing a new class of graduates for the future. Stream it on Paramount+ or Prime Video.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

Kate Beckinsale and Ben Affleck light up the screen in this classic film about the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. There’s love, war, and plenty of action to entertain everyone on Memorial Day. Stream it on Max.

Captain America (2011)

See the movie that started it all in this fun flick that follow the first Avenger – Captain America. See how a scrawny boy became a hero. Watch it, and all the Marvel movies, on Disney+.

Top Gun (1986)

See the hit that catapulted Tom Cruise into a stratosphere of stardom. Meet Maverick and his pal, Goose, as they fight to fly their way to the top of their Top Gun class. Watch it now on Paramount+.

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

If you’re in the mood for a heavier tear-jerker that makes you think deeply about freedom and the value of democracy, watch this classic Tom Cruise hit. Telling the story about Ron Kovic, he goes form Vietnam War vet to human rights activist. Watch it on Netflix.

The Hurt Locker (2008)

See the thrilling war pic starring Jeremy Renner that netted director Kathryn Bigelow numerous Oscars. It tells the tale of a maverick Sergeant assigned to an army bomb squad during the Iraq War. Rent it on Apple TV+. or Prime Video

Black Hawk Down (2001)

See the heroic actions of a group of soldiers shot down from their helicopter on a routine mission in Somalia. They face off against troops they aren’t prepared to fight in a battle they weren’t expecting. Watch it on Netflix.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

When Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg pair up, great things happen. And that is definitely the case in this classic tear-jerker war film that follows a group of U.S. soldiers who go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper after storming the beaches at Normandy. Watch it on Paramount+.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Another Tom Hanks hit, this film is as American as apple pie and the perfect film for the whole family to enjoy over the Memorial Day weekend.

Watch Forrest run through the Kennedy administration, Vietnam War, Watergate and other historic American events in search of his childhood sweetheart. Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

Platoon (1986)

See Charlie Sheen light up the screen before his epic tailspin in this brutal but classic war movie. Set in Vietnam, it follows a solider caught between the wills of two sergeants. Stream it on Max.

Red Tails (2012)

Be inspired by the story of a heroic crew of African American fighter pilots as they duke it out in the Tuskegee training program. They overcome segregation to fight for America in World War II. Watch it on Disney+.

American Sniper (2014)

Settle in for a gripping story about a Navy S.E.A.L. sniper whose accuracy on the battlefield turns him into an American hero, but leads to struggles at home. Rent it on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+.

Night at the Museum (2006)

This fun family movie takes you on a magical evening with Ben Stiller and Robin Williams through an enchanted museum. If you love it, there’s two sequels to enjoy.

Stream the original on Disney+ and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb on Max.

National Treasure (2004)

See Nicholas Cage and Diane Kruger race to find the legendary Templar Treasure before a band of mercenaries gets it first. There’s plenty of American history and a solid plot to entertain the whole family.

Stream it and the sequel on Disney+.

The Patriot (2000)

Take a trip back in time to the Revolutionary War as Mel Gibson morphs from a peaceful farmer to a savage war hero after the British attack America. Rent it on Prime Video.

10 Can’t Miss Marvel Movies if You’re New to the MCU

Did you enjoy Marvel Comics as a kid? Then you’ll love these ten Marvel movies you can stream on Disney+ today.

10 Can’t Miss Marvel Movies if You’re New to the MCU

Disney+ Review: A Great Streaming Service for Families

Learn more about the streaming home to all the Marvel movies and series. It also has all the Star Wars series and films, along with everything Pixar and every Disney Princess movie.

For anyone who loves fantasy, or with kids or grandchildren, Disney+ is a must.

Disney+ Review: A Great Streaming Service for Families

Peacock vs. Paramount Plus: Which Streaming Service is Better?

The streaming platforms for NBCUniversal and Paramount Global, respectively, these two streaming services have substantial movie libraries to enjoy. They also have TV series and some live channels with plans that start at just $5 per month.

Peacock vs. Paramount Plus: Which Streaming Service is Better?

The post 15 Epic Memorial Day Movies to Watch This Weekend appeared first on Frugal Rules.

You won’t feel lost watching any of them, even if you’ve never seen a single Marvel movie. And the entire MCU library is on Disney+ so you can stream more when you’re done!

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Start your cinematic journey where it all began – with the first Avenger, Captain America. Set in the 1940s, this tale is a great summer flick that the whole family can enjoy. There’s a strong hero, a solid story, and plenty of action.

Captain Marvel (2019)

If you’re a fan of the 1990s, you’ll love Captain Marvel. It has a strong female lead, a great playlist of 90s hits running throughout, and it serves as an important introduction to the Marvel movies that come later and expand their plots to the universe beyond our borders.

Iron Man (2008)

The best thing about a Marvel Marathon is that it doesn’t cost you a thing other than your streaming subscription. In Iron Man, you can see the MCU movie that started it all from the comfort of your couch.

Robert Downey Jr. plays an intriguing Tony Stark who’s frankly just fun to watch. If you like Tony Stark, you can follow his journey in Iron Man 2 and Iron Man 3.

Thor (2011)

Who do you like more – Chris Hemsworth or Anthony Hopkins? In Thor, you don’t have to pick because you can enjoy watching them both. This hit develops the story of S.H.I.E.L.D. while also delivering plenty of interplanetary action.

The Avengers (2012)

Can’t pick your favorite hero? You don’t have to in this first Avengers movie. It brings Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, The Incredible Hulk, and Hawkeye together for an absolute show stopper.

Grab your popcorn and settle in for a thrilling ride. Looking for other action-packed movies to escape the ordinary for a few hours? Paramount+ has a decent library of films to enjoy when you’re ready for a break from Marvel.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

A truly unique superhero movie, Guardians of the Galaxy puts lovable characters, friendship and music from the 70s front and center. Plus, where else could you see Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, and Dave Bautista on screen together?

This is a fun flick that parents and teenagers can enjoy together. Plus, if you like it, you can stream Volume II on Disney+ and catch Volume III, which hit theaters in May 2023.

Black Panther (2018)

If you’ve never watched a single Marvel movie and enjoy films that add a little depth to their action, you’ll love Black Panther. This entertaining film starring Chadwick Boseman is as insightful as it is entertaining. Prepare to be moved and brought to your feet by the end.

Black Widow (2021)

Scarlett Johansson finally gets her first installment in this fun flick that explains the interesting backstory of the titular character. Chased by foes who want her dead, you’ll see plenty of action sequences as well as snappy dialogue with Natasha Romanoff’s long lost sister and father.

Ant Man (2015)

This fun film follows the fate of a lovable thief and guy who’s trying really hard to be a great dad into the tiny-size world of ants. Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly support Paul Rudd in this amusing movie that the whole family can enjoy.

Dr Strange (2016)

If you like time travel, you’ll love Dr. Strange. This first installment of the character’s trilogy is perfect for sci-fi lovers. You’ll want to pay close attention to all the twists and turns in this one.

Disney+ Review: A Great Streaming Service for Families

Learn more about the streaming home to all the Marvel movies and series. It also has all the Star Wars series and films, along with everything Pixar and every Disney Princess movie.

For anyone who loves fantasy, or with kids or grandchildren, Disney+ is a must.

Disney+ Review: A Great Streaming Service for Families

Peacock vs. Paramount Plus: Which Streaming Service is Better?

The streaming platforms for NBCUniversal and Paramount Global, respectively, these two streaming services have substantial movie libraries to enjoy. They also have TV series and some live channels with plans that start at just $5 per month.

Peacock vs. Paramount Plus: Which Streaming Service is Better?

13 Best Free Streaming Services in 2023

Looking for totally free entertainment? Free ad supported streaming services like Tubi and Pluto have a lot to offer and don’t cost a dime.

13 Best Free Streaming Services in 2023

The post 10 Can’t Miss Marvel Movies if You’re New to the MCU appeared first on Frugal Rules.

However, recent price hikes may cause the platform to be too expensive for you. Thankfully, there are several fuboTV alternatives that offer comparable levels of service. 

This guide reviews the top streaming services with live TV you may want to consider.

What are the Top Fubo Alternatives?

If you want to cancel fuboTV, finding what you want is easier than you might think. Similar live TV streaming services can meet your needs. 

As a preview, here are the top five fuboTV competitors we’ve tested. Nearly all of them are priced lower than the $74.99 plus RSN fees you will find at fuboTV.

All options have similar compatible devices, including Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku. If you have a newer smart TV, all you need is high-speed internet. 

Here are the top five alternatives to fuboTV.

1. Sling TV

Sling TV is the most affordable fuboTV alternative. The service has two base packages – Orange and Blue.

Both base plans cost $40 a month, or you can combine them for $55 a month. 

The Orange channel lineup has roughly 30 channels, and Blue has just over 40. You receive approximately 50 channels with the combined package. 

Orange is best for sports since it lets you watch ESPN without cable. Blue has Fox Sports 1 (FS1). If you want sports, Orange is best. Blue is best for lifestyle and news content. 

Sling is the closest to an à la carte TV streaming service. It offers 11 different add-on packages you can purchase, starting at $6 per month. 

Most add-ons include at least eight to ten live TV channels. 

The platform is able to keep its prices low since it only offers some local stations in a few select markets. You can pair a membership with an over-the-air antenna and save potentially $35 or more a month. 

Sling TV doesn’t typically offer a free trial, though it does offer various money-saving promotions for new users. 

Read our Sling TV review to learn more.

2. DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM is one of the top streaming apps like fuboTV. It has four packages that start at $74.99 and top out at $154.99 a month.

The higher-end packages include premium channels and are close to a cable-like experience. Entertainment, the base plan, has roughly 70 popular networks, including local channels.

What makes DIRECTV STREAM similar to fuboTV is that it has regional sports networks (RSNs), including Bally Sports. You must subscribe to the Choice plan at $99.99 a month to get these.

This monthly subscription price is similar to Fubo, when you include its RSN fees, but there is one significant difference. DIRECTV STREAM has the Turner networks, while fuboTV doesn’t.

However, DIRECTV STREAM doesn’t have the NFL Network. Fubo does. 

Like other premium cable TV alternatives, DIRECTV STREAM includes an unlimited DVR. It also boasts 20 simultaneous streams. 

DIRECTV STREAM offers a five-day free trial to test its service. 

Read our DIRECTV STREAM review to learn more.

3. Philo

Philo is your best choice if you have a limited television budget and want to save money. The satellite TV alternative costs just $25 per month. 

This platform is able to do that because it doesn’t carry live sports or local channels. Both are expensive for streaming services to offer. 

Don’t let the low price fool you, though, as it carries over 70 networks of live programming. Its wide selection of channels specializes in entertainment and lifestyle content.

Furthermore, the discount service has a robust user interface and unlimited cloud DVR. However, it doesn’t offer parental controls found with other services. 

We did not experience buffering in our testing, making it a reliable platform to watch popular TV shows. 

If you want an even more affordable service, Frndly TV is a suitable alternative starting at $6.99 a month. It has a similar lineup of channels with the same focus.

Philo TV offers a seven-day free trial to test the service.

Read our Philo TV review to learn more.

*Related: Do you want to cut the cord on cable but don’t know the best service? Take our free cord-cutting quiz to see which app is best for you.

4. Hulu with Live TV

Hulu with Live TV is a well-known service that lets you stream TV online. The service is a bit cheaper than fuboTV, costing $69.99 a month. 

Hulu Live carries almost 90 popular channels, including local broadcast affiliates and sought-after sports networks. 

All subscribers also receive the Disney bundle with their plan. This includes Disney+ and ESPN+. You get original content from Hulu as well as Disney+.

If you find that you don’t need live TV, it’s possible to downgrade to Hulu on-demand. 

Hulu streams ABC and FOX shows the day after they air live. You also get access to the same original and on-demand content. 

Like other premium services, Hulu Live includes an unlimited DVR and six user profiles. Unfortunately, Hulu Live doesn’t offer a free trial.

Read our Hulu Live review to learn more.

5. YouTube TV

With over five million subscribers, YouTube TV is the most popular live TV streaming service. YouTube TV also recently increased its price to $72.99 per month.

The service has over 100 networks and is a good option for streaming TV. It’s the closest you can get to cable, with a lower cost and no contract. 

YouTube TV carries local networks, plus dozens of popular sports and lifestyle channels. In the fall of 2023, the service will have NFL Sunday Ticket. 

The platform offers a family-sharing perk. You can create up to six profiles. Each profile gets its own unlimited DVR so that everyone can record their favorite shows. 

This is a bit better than the 1,000 hours of DVR capacity you will find at fuboTV. Read our YouTube TV vs. fuboTV analysis to learn more about how the two services compare.

Another feature that sets YouTube TV apart is that it makes it easy to get everything you watch on its platform. 

You can subscribe to different platforms within the YouTube TV app. This lets you stream movies and TV shows online, all in one place, similar to cable. 

YouTube TV offers a seven-day free trial, though it often extends it to two weeks.

Read our YouTube TV review to learn more.

Common Questions About Fubo

Fubo is an excellent choice to stream live channels, especially for sports fans. However, it may not fit your needs. 

Here are some common questions we receive from readers about the streaming service.

Why is Fubo So Expensive?

Fubo is costly because it carries two expensive offerings, including live sports and local channels. Both are high-priced, and they must pass this expense on to customers.

Fubo, and all live TV streaming apps that carry locals, are charged a broadcast retransmission fee of over $20 a month. This cost is in your monthly subscription price.

Using an over-the-air antenna to watch TV shows on local networks is a fantastic way to avoid that fee. 

Sports channels are also expensive to carry. FuboTV has over three dozen in its base package, causing the high cost.

Read our Fubo review to learn more.

Is There a Free Version of Fubo?

There is no free offering for Fubo. The service does provide a seven-day free trial to all subscribers to test the app. 

The company does have a lower-price offering, Fubo Latino. It costs $34.99 a month and includes 50 channels of Spanish-language content. However, there’s no free version of the app.

What is the Downside of Fubo?

Fubo is a fantastic service if you want to try cord-cutting. It works with most streaming devices, has many popular channels, and all you need is internet service to watch content. 

It’s also one of the most expensive services on the market. If you live in an area that is covered by an RSN, you will face an additional $10.99 or $13.99 fee. 

This brings the cost to almost $90 a month for its base plan, fuboTV Pro. If you love various live sports, it might be worth it. 

But, it doesn’t currently include the Turner networks, which many sports fans want. 

Outside of that, it’s a good but costly service. 

Bottom Line

There is a lot of competition in the streaming space. Fubo is a good service, but it’s expensive. Fortunately, the platform is not your only option..

When looking at fuboTV alternatives, consider what is important to you. It’s possible to watch what you want for less, but you may need to do some work to find the best choice for your needs.

How often do you change streaming providers?

The post Top Fubo Alternatives: 5 Top Choices to Stream Live TV appeared first on Frugal Rules.

After extensively testing both live TV streaming services, we found that each one offers an ample channel lineup, solid cloud DVR recording, and flexibility for sports fans and cord-cutters.

But which one is the superior service? Read on to find out which platform comes out on top in our fuboTV vs. YouTube TV showdown.

YouTube TV vs. fuboTV: How Do They Compare?

Fubo and YouTube TV are often thought of as premium streaming platforms. Both are fantastic replacements to what you can get via a contracted service.

While much is the same about these alternatives to cable TV, there are also some significant differences.

The live TV streaming services let you create six user profiles and watch local channels without cable. YouTube TV lets you stream on three screens at once, while fubo offers ten simultaneous screens.

Keep in mind that available channels, 4K content, and DVR recording capacity vary.

Choosing the best cable replacement comes down to knowing which streaming service has the features and list of channels you want.

Price

Price is often the most important factor when choosing a streaming service.

When comparing plans and pricing between fuboTV vs. YouTube TV, the services are pretty even. However, fuboTV has multiple plans, whereas YouTube TV only has one.

YouTube TV offers 100+ channels, unlimited DVR space, and three simultaneous screens for $72.99 a month.

FuboTV’s Pro plan offers over 140 channels, a 1,000-hour cloud DVR service, and the ability to stream on ten screens at once for $74.99 a month, plus RSN fees.

The Elite plan costs $84.99 a month and includes over 200 channels, a 1,000-hour cloud DVR, and three screens on the go with ten screens at home.

Comparing the monthly price of fuboTV’s Starter plan to YouTube TV points to an edge for the latter.

If you want a cheaper option, Sling TV is one suitable alternative. Read our YouTube TV vs. Sling TV analysis to see how the two services compare.

Hulu Live TV is another suitable option if you want a premium service at a slightly lower cost.

Price winner: YouTube TV

Free Trial

A free trial is often the best way to find your ideal streaming service faster.

In this case, both live TV services offer free trials. This means that you can test each option risk-free.

Both services let you try out the respective platform with a seven-day free trial.

Read our YouTube TV review to learn more.

Free trial winner: Tie

Channel Lineup

The ability to watch your favorite shows is critical when you cut the cord.

The YouTube TV vs. fuboTV channel lineup is a crucial consideration when deciding between the services. While both offer all your local networks, there are important differences.

Overall, fuboTV offers over 140 channels in its base package. YouTube TV offers roughly 100 channels, including 32 of the top 35 cable networks.

Notable channels missing from YouTube TV include History and Lifetime.

While fuboTV offers 27 of the top cable channels, it’s missing the Turner networks (Cartoon Network, CNN, TBS, TNT, and truTV).

This is a detractor for basketball fans since some NBA and college basketball games air on those networks.

If you’re a college basketball fan, read our guide on how to watch March Madness without cable to identify the top choices to stream the tournament.

Here are the sports channels you can expect to receive with both services.

YouTube TV includes MLB Network, NBA TV, and NFL Network as well as the Turner channels.

Plus, it offers a better selection of sports stations in its base package, including all of the ESPN networks.

FuboTV includes only NFL Network in its Pro package, making YouTube TV a better choice for pro sports fans.

See what networks are included in fuboTV’s higher tiers in our fuboTV channels list guide.

Overall, for the number of top channels and sports stations included in its base plan, YouTube TV edges out fuboTV.

Furthermore, with the addition of NFL Sunday Ticket, YouTube TV is the best streaming service for mainstream sports fans.

Channel lineup winner: YouTube TV

RSNs

Another point of comparison for sports fans is access to Regional Sports Networks (RSNs).

Both live TV streaming services offer NBC Sports Bay Area, Boston, California, Chicago, Northwest, Philadelphia & Philadelphia+, Washington, and SportsNet NY.

Furthermore, Fubo also includes carries all Bally Sports RSNs. Until recently DIRECTV STREAM was the only option to receive them.

You must subscribe to DIRECTV STREAM’s Choice package for $89.99 offers access to all your local RSNs, fuboTV offers more than YouTube TV.

It also provides access to AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain, Southwest, Marquee Sports Network, MSG and MSG+, NESN, and Root Sports Northwest. And, you get all of the Bally Sports RSNs.

Read our DIRECTV STREAM review to learn more about the service.

If RSNs are a deal-breaker for you, you’ll want to go with fuboTV.

RSN winner: fuboTV

Do YouTube TV and fuboTV Carry Local Networks?

Fear of losing local channels might be what keeps many people stuck in a cable package.

However, many live TV streaming services offer access to your local channels, proving that cable and satellite tv providers are not the only way to get them.

Both YouTube TV and fuboTV carry ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, NBC, Telemundo, and Univision.

However, only YouTube TV has your local PBS station, making it the stronger choice. 

If you go with a cheaper live service that doesn’t include local affiliates you will need an over-the-air antenna. The Mohu Leaf is an excellent option and you receive ten percent off with the code FRUGALRULES10.

Locals winner: YouTube TV

*Feeling overwhelmed about which streaming service is best for you? Take our free quiz and find out in 30 seconds!

Premium Channels and Add-ons

YouTube TV is unique in its simplicity. It has just one package for one price and only one features upgrade.

The YouTube TV 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 a month. Along with 4K content, you’ll get unlimited screens at home and the ability to watch DVR recordings offline.

FuboTV offers several feature upgrades.

Both services offer a number of channel packages that you can add on.

With more sports and language channel packages to choose from, fuboTV offers more customization than YouTube TV.

Want to know more about fuboTV? Read our fuboTV review to learn more.

Premiums & add-ons winner: fuboTV

Who Has the Better Cloud DVR – fuboTV or YouTube TV?

A cloud DVR is important because it allows you to record shows and games when you can’t be home to watch them.

With unlimited recording capacity, a YouTube TV subscription includes the best cloud DVR in the streaming space. Recordings can be kept for nine months.

FuboTV includes only 1,000 hours in its base plan. However, you can keep recordings in your fuboTV DVR for an unlimited time.

Cloud DVR winner: YouTube TV

What Are the Supported Devices?

The list of compatible devices that support these popular streaming services is extensive.

Both YouTube TV and fuboTV are available everywhere. Stream either cable replacement on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Tivo Stream, Apple TV, Onn devices, and more.

You can also stream on smart TVs, laptop and desktop computers, iOS and Android devices, tablets and smartphones, gaming consoles, and TV Everywhere.

Read our guide on top streaming devices if you need a new media player to watch either service.

Supported devices winner: Tie

Which Service Has More On-Demand Content?

While both services offer the ability to stream live and on-demand content, fuboTV has the edge.

FuboTV offers thousands of on-demand titles. It also offers a Lookback feature that lets you watch shows that aired within the previous three days but aren’t yet available on demand.

With YouTube TV, most movies and shows are available to watch anytime you want. Its on-demand catalog exceeds 2,000 titles.

The Lookback feature and included picture-in-picture option maximize the amount of content you can stream conveniently on fuboTV and give it an edge over YouTube TV.

On-demand winner: fuboTV

How Many Simultaneous Streams Do the Services Offer?

YouTube TV includes simultaneous streaming on three screens in their base packages. FuboTV allows you to stream on ten at once.

YouTube TV allows you to upgrade to unlimited simultaneous streams for an additional $10 a month in its YouTube 4K Plus add-on package.

Fubo used to only offer three simultaneous streams, so moving to ten is a significant upgrade.

Streams winner: fuboTV

Which Service Offers 4K Capability?

FuboTV is the best option in the space for streaming 4K content. It’s the only streaming service that includes 4K content without requiring an add-on.

It currently offers more than 130 4K sports events and other content, but you must pay for the Elite plan to receive 4K.

YouTube TV offers a minimal number of titles from just seven networks, including Discovery, ESPN, Fox Sports, FX, Nat Geo, NBC Sports, and Tastemade.

Additionally, you have to pay extra to get it.

While YouTube TV will start carrying NFL Sunday Ticket with the 2023 season, it won’t broadcast games in 4K. Even if you pay for the 4K upgrade, games won’t air in that quality.

4K winner: fuboTV

What are fuboTV and YouTube TV’s Internet Speed Requirements?

Fast internet is critical for an enjoyable streaming experience. Without it, you’ll suffer through annoying pixelation and buffering.

Both streaming services have the following internet speed requirements:

• Stream one video in SD: 3 Mbps

• Stream one video in HD: 7 Mbps

• Stream HD video + other devices: 13 Mbps

• Stream 4K content: 25 Mbps

Those speeds are per stream and should be multiplied by the number of simultaneous screens running at once.

You can learn more about the minimum internet speed for streaming TV you can expect to find with other services.

Is fuboTV or YouTube TV Better?

If you’re an avid sports fan, fuboTV might be better than YouTube TV.

While both services offer a great selection of professional league and sports networks, fuboTV offers more customization.

However, since fubo lacks Turner networks, basketball fans may prefer YouTube TV.

Yet, when it comes to cloud DVR recording, YouTube TV beats fuboTV.

If streaming 4K content is important to you, fuboTV has far more titles than YouTube TV.

But, if having in-app parental controls ranks high on your priority list, you’ll prefer YouTube TV since fuboTV doesn’t have them.

While both services are excellent, which one is best for you comes down to which one has more of the channels and features you want.

Overall, for its channel selection, price, features, and simplicity, we think YouTube TV is the better streaming service.

Overall winner: YouTube TV

Other Cable Alternatives

YouTube TV and fuboTV are not the only great live TV streaming services out there. Other top streaming options to consider are listed below.

Try any of these services free before committing. Then, choose the service that gives you the most number of your ‘must have’ channels and features for the best price.

Read our guide on the top FuboTV competitors to learn more about each platform.

Bottom Line

YouTube TV is the top choice, both for the channels it includes as well as features like fast-forwarding through commercials, recording unlimited content, and simplicity.

Its robust sports network offering, along with its selection of top entertainment, news, and lifestyle cable networks, make it a good fit for anyone.

How much do you spend on TV each month?

The post FuboTV vs. YouTube TV: Which is the Better Live TV Streaming Service? appeared first on Frugal Rules.

As two of the most popular live TV streaming services available, their expansive channel lineup, cloud DVR, and flexibility make them top cable replacements.

Hulu Live vs. YouTube TV

Although there is a number of similarities between the two streaming services, they also have some important differences.

These include variations in original programming and the number of screens you can watch TV on at once.

In this article, we will help answer whether YouTube TV or Hulu Live is the best live TV streaming service for cord-cutters.

How Much Do the Two Live TV Streaming Services Cost?

YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month and Hulu Plus Live TV costs a bit less at $69.99 per month. Both cable TV alternatives have one base plan.

However, Hulu with Live TV has several add-ons that increase functionality.

For an extra cost, you can get additional simultaneous streams or a no-ads version. Hulu Live did add the Disney bundle with its price increase in December 2021.

This lets users get Disney+ and ESPN+ with a subscription to Hulu Live.

YouTube TV is much simpler. All of those features are included in YouTube TV’s base package.

Both streaming TV services are easy to set up, have no hidden fees, and can be started, paused, or canceled at any time without penalty.

However, if you want a cheaper alternative, Sling TV is one suitable option. Read our YouTube TV vs. Sling analysis to see how the two services compare.

Free Trials

A free trial is not offered with Hulu Plus Live TV. However, YouTube TV does offer a trial to let you try the service before subscribing.

YouTube TV bounces between one and two-week free trial periods.

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Hulu Live - 80+ channels of live sports, news and more Stream all Hulu original shows, plus live TV from all the major networks including ESPN, HGTV, and CNN for half the cost of cable!   Try Now

Read our YouTube TV review to learn more about that service.

Price Winner: YouTube TV

Channel Lineup

Both internet-based streaming services offer a stellar streaming library with live sports and most viewers’ favorite channels.

However, there are a few differences in the channel comparison between the providers.

YouTube TV has just over 100 channels and Hulu Live has approximately 85.

But, YouTube TV includes channels like MLB, NBA networks, and PBS. Unfortunately, they’re missing A&E, History, and the Lifetime networks.

If your favorite TV shows are on one of those networks, you will have to look elsewhere to get them.

*Related: Are you a basketball fan, but want to ditch your expensive contract? Read our guide on how to stream NBA games without cable and save big bucks.

Hulu Live recently added much of the Viacom family of channels. Read our guide on the Hulu Live channels list to learn more about what they carry.

Do Hulu Live and YouTube TV Carry Local Networks?

When comparing Hulu vs. YouTube TV, many people want to know if local channels are included.

Cable and satellite TV providers used to be the only way to get local networks. Fortunately, that is no longer true.

Both streaming services carry all the major local affiliates. This means that you can cut the cord on cable and get ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and many more popular channels with either of these live streaming options.

Unfortunately, local stations come with an added cost as both streaming platforms must pass on broadcast retransmission fees they incur.

If you want to save more money, you might want to choose a lower-cost live TV provider and pair that with an over-the-air antenna to get local TV stations.

Read our guide on how to get local channels without cable to increase savings and not miss popular TV shows. 

*Related: Read our guide the best ways to watch the ABC live stream without a contract and get your favorite network shows.

Which Sports Channels do YouTube TV and Hulu With Live TV Have?

Getting live sports is essential for many cord-cutters. Neither cable replacement will disappoint. 

YouTube TV has about six more channels airing sports than Hulu Live. It is also the only streaming service that carries the MLB Network and NBA TV in its base package.

If you are a professional sports fan, this could tip the scales in favor of YouTube TV for you.

Being a Disney-owned company, Hulu Live carries all the ESPN networks and will soon have rights to air NHL games, including regular season and playoff matches.

If you need regional sports networks (RSNs), neither have many. A live TV package from DIRECTV STREAM is the top choice to get RSNs.

Here’s a glance at what sports channels each cable alternative offers.

If you prefer college sports, both services will meet your needs. However, if pro sports are of greater interest, YouTube TV is the superior choice.

Furthermore, YouTube TV will have NFL Sunday Ticket beginning with the 2023 season. It will come at an additional cost, but it’s a great option for football fans. This includes NFL RedZone for an additional cost.

Premium Channels & Add-Ons

Both services offer the ability to customize your viewing experience with premium channels and other packages that can be added for an extra cost.

YouTube TV lets you add the following channels, and more, for costs that range from $5 to $14.99 per month:

• Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ
• AMC Premiere, Sundance Now, Shudder
• EPIX, Hallmark Movies Now, Cinemax
• NBA League Pass

Hulu Live premium offerings include:

• Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ

For an extra $7.99 per month, it also offers an Entertainment add-on with 16 channels, including Cooking Channel, Discovery Family, and Nick Toons.

*Related: Read our Max review to learn more about the platform.

Hulu with Live TV offers a Sports add-on for an extra $9.99 per month with six channels including NFL Red Zone and the Sportsman Channel. 

There’s even an Español add-on with seven channels for $4.99 per month.

Finally, Hulu Live subscribers get ESPN+ and Disney Plus for no additional fee in the base package.

While YouTube TV’s add-ons won’t replace ESPN or Disney Channel content, they are terrific supplements to the parent network.

If you can stick with the included two streams, that’s not a horrible price.

You’ll get your local channels, all the popular networks for news and sports, a ton of extra sports content on ESPN+, and the entire Disney plus library.

Channel Winner: YouTube TV

On-Demand Content

Hulu is well-known for its original content. As you can imagine, it has more on-demand TV shows than YouTube TV.

YouTube TV has 2,000+ titles in its on-demand library. Hulu Live has 43,000+ shows and movies to watch on-demand. It also offers more original shows and movies.

Handmaid’s Tale, Little Fires Everywhere, Only Murders in the Building, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday are just a few of the award-winning original series and movies on the streaming service.

Hulu is constantly adding new shows and movies that are entertaining as well as interesting to watch.

On the other hand, YouTube TV’s original offerings haven’t fared as well or been as abundant. You can get YouTube Premium, but it comes at an additional cost.

Choosing the best service for you may come down to what you prefer to watch. 

Read our Hulu Live review to learn more about that service.

On-Demand Content Winner: Hulu Live

Which Service Has the Better Cloud DVR?

Recording shows and games is vital for many would be cord-cutters. Until recently, YouTube TV was an easy winner for the better cloud-based DVR.

A YouTube TV subscription includes unlimited DVR storage space with the ability to fast forward through commercials.

Recordings are kept for nine months and then deleted, but there is no limit to what you can record.

As of April 13, 2022, Hulu Live will have a vastly upgraded their DVR by having it mirror what you get with YouTube TV.

Subscribers will get unlimited recording capacity and the ability to fast-forward through commercials. Recordings remain for nine months.

Previously, the Hulu cloud DVR was much more complicated and nowhere near as good.

The service only offered a 50-hour cloud DVR. But, you couldn’t fast forward through commercials unless you added the enhanced cloud DVR feature for $9.99 per month.

Even with the upgrade you could only record 200 hours of programming. The upgraded DVR is vastly superior.

DVR Winner: Tie

Interface

Both live TV streaming apps have easy-to-use menus and guides. As a result, both offer a satisfying user experience.

The feature of the streaming interface most often used is the channel guide. Comparing the two platforms, Hulu Live has the edge over YouTube TV.

The Hulu Live guide displays helpful content category tabs such as Recent, All, Sports, News, Movies, and Kids.

These help filter content and make finding something to watch easier.

There’s also a search feature, which is excellent for when you are trying to find a specific show.

YouTube TV has a less intuitive channel guide. The content tabs are absent, which makes it harder to filter content.

However, it does preview every title in a little box next to the show or movie name, which provides a quick glance at what is on live.

Interface Winner: Hulu Live

Playback

Video and audio quality can be an important factor for some cord-cutters. Both platforms tout 4K video quality, but that is not always 100 percent accurate.

Hulu Live streams in 720p and 1080p with some shows airing in 4K quality. That is most often found with their original shows and movies. A badge will indicate if the show is in 4K.

YouTube TV offers 4K quality, but you must purchase an upgrade to get it. The add-on is $9.99 a month. If you don’t purchase the add-on, shows and games air in 720p and 1080p.

FuboTV is a terrific alternative if video is important to you as they support the most 4K content. Read our fuboTV review to learn more.

*Related: Read our Hulu Live vs. fuboTV review to see how the two platforms compare.

For audio, 2.0 stereo audio is standard on both streaming services, but you can get Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound with compatible devices.

Playback Winner: Hulu Live

Which Devices Can You Watch Hulu Live and YouTube TV on?

If the device you have has a screen it is likely you can stream either service. Both platforms are available pretty much everywhere and carry the same device requirements.

To watch either streaming service, you’ll need a high speed internet connection.

You’ll also need either an LG or Samsung smart TV or a streaming device like the Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Tivo Stream 4K, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, or PlayStation.

It’s even possible to watch on your laptop, smartphone, or device.

Device Support Winner: Tie

Multiple Streams

Many people are interested in knowing how many screens YouTubeTV and Hulu Live will let you watch on simultaneously.

If you want to know how many people can watch Hulu at once, it’s a disappointing two simultaneous streams. You can upgrade the base package to receive more.

The Hulu unlimited screens add-on will let you watch on as many screens as you want at once for $9.99 per month.

Streams Winner: YouTube TV

Other Streaming Options

There is a lot of competition for YouTube TV and Hulu Live. DIRECTV STREAM and fuboTV are other premium cable replacements that operate in similar fashion.

Both DIRECTV STREAM and fuboTV plans start at $74.99 a month. They’re also the top two live TV streamers for RSNs. 

*Related: Read our review of YouTube TV vs. fuboTV to identify how the two streaming services compare.

Philo and Sling TV are more affordable services, but don’t include local stations.

You can try many of these services, including YouTube TV, for free before committing.

Then, choose the service that best fits your viewing needs and cancel the ones you won’t use.

If you’re unsure about which streaming app to pick try our free quiz to receive a customized recommendation in under 30 seconds.

Bottom Line

YouTube TV was the clear winner before the DVR upgrade by Hulu Live. With the upgrade both services are neck and neck with each other. 

Deciding which is best for you comes down to what you prefer. If you need an additional stream, and several more sports networks YouTube TV is best for you. 

However, if you love original content and are a Disney fan, then Hulu Live is the better fit. Try both for a month to see which you like best. 

How much do you spend on television content each month?

The post YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live: Which Cable Replacement is Better? appeared first on Frugal Rules.

Most cable replacements let you watch popular channels for less. For example, we spent $110 per month before we canceled DIRECTV. Today, we pay less than half of that cost.

If you want to cut the cord and still watch live TV channels, this guide ranks the top services to meet your needs.

What to Consider When Comparing Live TV Streaming Apps

There is a lot to consider when you compare streaming services. We all have different needs for our entertainment, but there are several factors to evaluate when analyzing apps.

Here are four key areas to look at.

Price: Cost is the most important component of cutting the cable TV cord. Saving money is essential, but it’s easy to let costs creep up and reduce savings.

Most video streaming services offer base plans, but add-ons are available. Be mindful of these so that you don’t overspend. Price hikes are also inevitable.

All of the TV streaming services options here have no contracts, which means that you can cancel when you want.

Channels: You don’t want to lose your favorite TV channels when you’re cutting the cord on cable. Most live TV streaming services have a wide selection of channels, but not every service carries the same networks.

We have channel guides on all of the services, which you’ll find within each respective section. Consult those to direct your decision.

Does the service include local networks?: Getting access to local channels is important for many cord-cutters. These channels increase platform costs by at least $20 a month due to broadcast retransmission fees.

If you can use an over-the-air antenna, this can be a fantastic way to watch local TV without cable and cut costs.

The Mohu Leaf is a reliable antenna, and we use them in our home. You can use the code FRUGALRULES10 to receive ten percent off the purchase of one.

Features: Satellite TV and traditional cable companies like to lure customers with a bevy of features like unlimited DVR space and numerous simultaneous streams. However, those come at a cost.

It’s important to consider the features you like best when comparing streaming TV services. Some have a healthy DVR capacity. If that is important to you, keep that in mind as you choose a service.

What Streaming Service is Best For Live TV?

There are many choices when it comes to choosing streaming services with live TV. Some are true cable replacements, while others have a smaller focus and are more affordable.

As a preview, here is a comparison of the streaming apps. We’ve tested all of the services extensively.

Here are the best services to consider if you want to switch from cable to streaming TV. All you need is an internet connection and a device to use any of the apps.

1. YouTube TV: Top Overall Service

YouTube TV is our top choice to live stream TV. It has over 100 live TV channels, including popular lifestyle, entertainment, and sports networks.

Even at its base of $72.99 per month, it’s cheaper than cable or satellite.

What to Know About YouTube TV

Unlimited DVR: YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, letting you record streaming content as much as you want. You can access recordings from any compatible device, regardless of your location.

Recordings can be stored for nine months. This shouldn’t be an issue for most people, but it is important to know.

Hulu Live has a very similar cloud DVR. Read our YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live analysis to learn which live TV streaming is best for your needs.

Lots of sports: Watching live sports is huge for cord-cutters, and YouTube TV doesn’t disappoint. It has the full suite of ESPN channels, FS1, FS2, and most of the major collegiate networks.

YouTube TV is also one of the few platforms to offer all three major sports networks, including the NFL and MLB Networks as well as NBA TV.

The service will even have NFL Sunday Ticket, starting with the 2023 season.

*Related: Do you want to cut the cord on cable but don’t know which streaming platform to choose? Try our free quiz to see which service will best fit your needs.*

4K add-on: YouTube TV recently introduced a 4K add-on that costs $9.99 a month. This also includes unlimited downloads for offline viewing.

While it is an awesome feature, there is currently minimal content available in 4K. The upgrade even includes Dolby 5.1 audio for free for all customers.

Is the Service Worth the Cost?

YouTube TV is an excellent choice to stream live TV. It has ample channel availability that fits the needs of most users.

Furthermore, we like the ease of one plan versus other services that have multiple plans.

However, it is on the high end of the cost spectrum. You might be able to find something cheaper without sacrificing what you want.

They do offer a seven-day free trial to test the service.

Read our review of YouTube TV to see the full channel lineup and learn more about its features.

2. Sling: Best for Flexibility

Sling TV shines in two areas – affordability and flexibility. The live streaming service is as close to an à la carte plan that’s available in the space.

What to Know About Sling

It has two base plans: Sling has two different plan offerings – Orange and Blue. Both cost $40 a month, but the similarities end there.

Orange has roughly 30 channels and carries ESPN. Blue has 42 channels and includes FS1 plus some additional lifestyle and entertainment networks.

Orange is for sports fans, and Blue is for people who want news, entertainment, and lifestyle content. Combining the two for $55 a month gets you all the available channels.

You can move between packages, which is what we do during college football season. We do the combined offering in the fall, then return to Orange for the rest of the year.

Lots of add-ons: Sling lets you further customize your viewing experience by offering 11 add-on packages. Each one costs an additional $6 per month, but the Sports add-on is $11.

*Related: Are you a basketball fan but want to get rid of your expensive contract? Read our guide on how to watch NBA games without cable and save big bucks.

If you choose four or more add-ons, they reduce the cost to $21. This is known as the Total TV deal.

Simultaneous streams depend on your plan: Another difference between the two Sling plans is simultaneous streams. Orange provides one stream, while Blue offers three.

If you have Sling Orange + Blue, you’ll receive four streams at once.

Is the Service Worth the Cost?

Sling TV is tough to beat on price. At $40 per month, you can watch live sports and get other popular channels. It has a simple interface that’s easy to navigate.

However, the flexibility can lead to confusion on channel availability. Sling also lacks robust features that you might find with a service like YouTube TV.

Read our comparison of Sling TV vs. YouTube TV to learn how they stack up.

It also doesn’t offer local channels, with the exception of ABC, FOX, and NBC, in select markets if you choose the Blue package.

Read our guide on ways to watch NBC without cable to learn about other options.

Sling doesn’t typically offer a free trial, but they do provide money-saving promotions for new users.

Read our review of the Sling TV plans to see the full lineup and learn more about its features.

3. fuboTV: Best for Live Sports Fans

FuboTV is a near must-have for sports fans. The service began as an offering for niche sports but is now a full-fledged cable replacement.

Its base package, Pro, boasts over 140 channels for a price similar to YouTube TV.

What to Know About fuboTV

Tons of live sports: Fubo is the top choice for sports fans because it has many live sports channels. It offers the full suite of ESPN and Fox Sports networks.

It also has the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL channels. If you’re a college football fan, fuboTV carries the ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC networks. It even carries all of the Bally Sports RSNs.

*Related: Read our analysis of fuboTV vs. YouTube TV to learn how the two live TV streaming services stack up against each other.

You also get all local stations, but it doesn’t currently carry the Turner networks.

Three plans: Fubo offers two separate plans plus a Latino plan. The Pro plan has roughly 140 channels for $74.99 a month, plus RSN fees.

The Pro plan has 1,000 hours of DVR space and ten simultaneous streams.

Elite also provides 1,000 hours of DVR capacity and includes about 45 additional channels for $84.99 per month. Similar to the Pro plan, you get ten simultaneous streams with Elite.

The Latino plan provides about 33 channels, 250 hours of DVR space, and two simultaneous streams.

All plans have dozens of entertainment, lifestyle, and news networks on top of the wide array of sports channels.

A dozen add-ons: FuboTV excels by offering a dozen add-ons to further focus your sports content. They range from packages including regional Pac-12 networks to international sports action.

Is the Service Worth the Cost?

FuboTV is a close runner-up to YouTube TV. If you’re a sports fan, you will be thrilled by how much you can watch.

Like YouTube TV, it’s also on the expensive end. However, if you’re really into sports, you may not find everything you want on another service.

Read our review of the fuboTV channels list to see the full lineup and learn more about its features.

4. DIRECTV STREAM: Best For A True Cable TV Alternative

DIRECTV STREAM is the rebrand of DirecTV Now and AT&T TV Now. It has four plans starting at $74.99 per month.

What to Know About DIRECTV STREAM

It’s the top provider of Regional Sports Networks: Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) are essential for many sports fans. RSNs air programming to a local market or region of the country.

The YES Network is one example. It airs many New York Yankees games. If you don’t live in New York, you might miss out on games. Fortunately, the YES Network allows viewers to still watch games.

If you don’t need to stream live channels, the Bally Sports+ platform is a good choice to get access to local teams. Read our review of the Bally Sports+ app to learn more.

Updated cloud DVR: Until recently, DIRECTV STREAM offered a paltry 20-hour cloud DVR. You had to pay an additional $10 for unlimited recording capabilities.

In mid-January 2022, they changed that by offering unlimited recording to new customers. Recordings expire after nine months.

Four plans are available: If you want a lot of choices, DIRECTV STREAM is a service for you. The platform offers four different plans.

It starts with one that competes against YouTube TV or fuboTV and tops out with one that offers numerous premium channels for a whopping total of $154.99.

Read our comparison of DIRECTV STREAM vs. YouTube TV to see how it compares to our top-rated service.

Is the Service Worth the Cost?

DIRECTV STREAM is at the top of the space, with a base cost of $74.99 a month. Only fuboTV matches that price.

Despite the cost, DIRECTV STREAM is a worthy contender if you like traditional cable but want to save money. The base plan includes nearly 70 popular networks and is good for sports and lifestyle fans.

This streaming service also boasts highly-rated video quality, making it a top choice for videophiles.

While you may not want the top tier plan (Premier), its base plan (Entertainment) or the next one up (Choice) are both good options to stream live TV.

Regardless of the plan you choose, you can test it with a five-day free trial.

Read our DIRECTV STREAM review to learn more.

5. Philo: Best for Lifestyle and Entertainment Content

Philo is a service to consider if you don’t need live sports, cable news, or local networks. It offers over 70 channels of live programming for an affordable $25 per month.

What to Know About Philo

Tons of lifestyle and entertainment content: Philo shines when it comes to lifestyle and entertainment content. Subscribers receive dozens of popular cable networks, from Discovery content to ViacomCBS channels and more.

If you’re a Hallmark, HGTV, or Lifetime fan, you’ll be happy with the service since it carries all these channels.

No sports: Philo lacks sports. It does that on purpose because sports channels are expensive for platforms to offer. Philo also doesn’t have local channels and is light on news content.

These exclusions keep the cost to a minimum. Remember that an antenna can get you all your local networks.

Awesome DVR: You might think the low cost would mean the DVR is lacking. That is not the case. Philo offers an unlimited capacity cloud DVR, and recordings expire after a year.

Is the Service Worth the Cost?

If you’re not a sports fan but want access to dozens of popular cable networks like HGTV, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, and more, Philo is a fantastic choice.

It’s incredibly affordable and a mere fraction of the cost of cable.

However, the lack of local channels or cable news may hold some people back. You can test the service with a seven-day free trial.

Read our review of the Philo channel guide to see the full lineup and learn more about its features.

If you want to spend even less, Frndly TV is a good substitute for Philo. Read our side-by-side analysis of Philo vs. Frndly TV to see how they compare.

6. Frndly TV: Best For Frugal Streamers

Frndly TV is the perfect option if you want to get rid of cable TV and don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. The service has a channel lineup of over 40 popular networks, with monthly subscription costs starting at $6.99.

What to Know About Frndly TV

It’s low cost: Frndly TV is the lowest-cost live TV streaming service in the market. The most expensive plan costs $10.99 a month.

Regardless of the tier you choose, you receive access to the same lineup of channels. If your favorite shows are lifestyle or entertainment in nature, Frndly is worth trying.

You get channels like A&E, all of the Hallmark channels, Lifetime, and more. It’s also a terrific choice to watch MeTV without cable if you like shows from yesteryear.

Limited Live Sports and No Local Stations: Frndly TV keeps its cost low by not having local networks and few sports channels.

The app does carry the Sportsman and Outdoor channels, but it lacks popular stations like ESPN and FS1. Sports fans will want to consider services like Sling or YouTube TV.

It’s not lacking features: Despite its reduced price, Frndly has several helpful features. The top two tiers receive an unlimited cloud DVR.

The top plans can also stream in HD quality and multiple screens.

Is the Service Worth the Cost?

Frndly TV isn’t going to work for everyone. However, if you like popular TV shows that focus on lifestyle and entertainment fare, it’s worth trying.

Here are the three available plans with Frndly TV.

If you don’t mind pairing the service with an over-the-air antenna, you can lower your TV costs to under $15 a month.

Frndly TV won’t work for many sports fans, but it has a wide selection of channels that appeal to a lot of streamers.

You can test the service with a seven-day free trial.

Read our Frndly TV review to learn more.

7. Hulu with Live TV: Best for Original Content

Hulu Live offers one base plan for $69.99 a month for nearly 90 channels. What makes Hulu Live unique is its Hulu originals that are part of its classic Hulu plan.

What to Know About Hulu Live

Live subscribers receive on-demand content: For years, Hulu was known only for its on-demand content and originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building.

**Related: Not certain which option you should choose? Read our Hulu vs. Hulu Plus guide to see which choice fits your needs.**

As a live subscriber, you get all of the live channels plus on-demand and original content. This is a solid value.

If you don’t need live TV, base Hulu starts at $7.99 a month.

Read our side-by-side comparison of Netflix vs. Hulu to see how they differ and which may be best for you.

Dozens of popular networks: Hulu Live compares well against YouTube TV because they carry many of the same channels.

It has popular sports networks, including the full suite of ESPN and Fox Sports channels. It also has other channels like Turner Networks, USA, and more.

Hulu Live even includes all local networks.

For Disney and ESPN fans: Hulu is Disney-backed, so they offer Disney+ and ESPN+ along with Hulu Live for no additional monthly charge.

Read our ESPN Plus review to learn more about that app.

Is the Service Worth the Cost?

Hulu Live has nearly the same cost as YouTube TV and fuboTV. Read our review of Hulu Live vs. fuboTV to learn how those two services compare.

There is a lot to like about Hulu Live, with local channels, tons of live sports, and entertainment/lifestyle content.

If you like to binge shows and the on-demand content from the Hulu library, it could be worth trying. Unfortunately, the service doesn’t offer a free trial.

It also had regular periods of buffering in our testing, even though we have reliable high-speed internet service.

Read our review of the Hulu Live channels to see the full lineup and learn more about the features.

8. Vidgo: Best for Social Viewing

Vidgo is a live streaming app that carries 110+ cable channels for $69.99 monthly in its Plus package. The streaming service also offers a Premium package with 150+ channels for $15 more a month.

Both plans have many of the same networks as fuboTV, YouTube TV, or Hulu Live, but with a twist.

What to Know About Vidgo

Social-friendly viewing: Vidgo pioneered social viewing with family and friends. This is an angle that is growing in the live TV streaming space.

With Vidgo, you can schedule virtual watch parties, film live reaction videos, create polls as you watch shows, and more. This lets you stream movies and TV shows online with loved ones from afar.

All customers can take advantage of this at no additional cost.

Dozens of popular TV channels: Vidgo, like other services, carries many channels. Networks include the ESPN and Fox Sports channels, HGTV, TLC, Comedy Central, and more.

Vidgo includes ABC and FOX but not CBS or NBC. You will need an antenna to get those networks.

Read our guide on ways to watch CBS without cable to learn about other options.

There is no DVR: Vidgo is the only live-streaming service that doesn’t offer a cloud DVR. While this is disappointing, they do say they will have one available “very soon.”

Vidgo has a 24-hour playback feature on shows to help ease the pain.

Is the Service Worth the Cost?

This service is on the higher end of the cost spectrum of cable replacements but not quite as expensive as YouTube TV or fuboTV.

As a result, you would expect it to have some features that help it stand out against discount services like Philo. Unfortunately, Vidgo’s lack of a DVR or all local channels is a big detractor.

While it has an impressive channel lineup, the nonexistent DVR will discourage many people from trying it.

Read our Vidgo review to see the full channel lineup and learn more about its features.

Is Streaming Really Cheaper than Cable?

Streaming TV is often more affordable than paying for cable. When streaming services first came on the scene, they were cheaper and made it easy to save money.

With the top-end choices starting at $70 per month, it’s easy to quickly increase your costs.

For example, adding subscriptions to on-demand services like Max or Apple TV+ can add another $20 per month to your costs.

*Related: Read our Max review to learn more about the streaming platform.

With the right mindset, it’s possible to save significant money when you cancel cable TV. It requires having a television budget and turning off services when you don’t watch them enough.

If you do that, you can save $50 to $100 per month if you have an average cable bill of $200 a month.

What About On-Demand Streaming Services?

You may wonder why on-demand streaming services are left out of our review of cable TV alternatives.

On-demand services like Netflix, Paramount+, or Amazon Prime Video are excellent sources of content, but they’re not a true cable replacement.

Live TV streaming services are similar to what you will find with a cable TV provider but without a contract.

Video-on-demand (VOD) streaming services have content that is always available, regardless of the time. All you need is an internet connection, and you can watch shows or movies.

*Related: Do you want to save money on your Netflix subscription? Read our guide on ways to get Netflix for free or at a reduced cost.

These services are usually significantly cheaper and are meant as a complement to other content. They are not a true option for replacing cable. Instead, they are a watch content when you want and not live.

Read our guide on the best alternatives to Netflix to learn about these services.

How We Chose Our Top Choices

There is a lot to consider when choosing a TV streaming service. Options range from premium platforms that operate much like cable TV to streamlined apps with a curated list of popular networks.

We took price, channel selection, and features into consideration when testing and choosing the top live TV streaming services.

We also considered local network availability and tested each of these services multiple times to get an idea of what the respective platforms offer.

The following criteria helped determine our rankings:

• Price
• Intuitive user interface
• Free trials
• DVR capacity
• Simultaneous streams
• Device compatibility
• Parental controls
• Ability to have multiple user profiles

Accessibility is essential to watch your favorite shows. We primarily watch through an Amazon Fire Stick, though not all the options may work with the Amazon platform.

Consult our guide on the top Fire Stick alternatives if you don’t have the Amazon dongle. However, if you have a smart TV, you may not need a streaming device.

Bottom Line

Cord-cutting is one of the best ways to save money every month. With the average cable bill at roughly $200 per month, that’s instant savings you can use to do things like:

• Pay off debt
• Save for a vacation
• Build up your emergency fund
• Save more for retirement
• Pay other bills

Spending $200 a month to get your favorite shows and live sports is unnecessary. There are legitimate platforms that let you stream TV online for a fraction of the cost.

Try several of the free trials to find a platform that works for you, then pocket the savings.

What’s one channel you can’t live without?

The post The 8 Best Live TV Streaming Services to Cut Cable [2023 Update] appeared first on Frugal Rules.

If that’s the case and you’re having trouble canceling your subscription, we know it can be frustrating. This guide shares how to cancel Sling TV in a few simple steps.

How to Cancel Your Sling TV Subscription Online

It is easy to cancel your subscription with this live TV streaming service. Here’s how to cancel Sling TV online.

1. Sign In to Your Account

The first step is to access your account on a web browser. You can cancel over the phone, but it’s quicker to do it online.

After you enter your username and password, your account will populate. This brings up your “My TV” page, showing what’s trending and recommended for you.

2. Go to the Settings Icon Wheel

Once you are in your Sling TV account, you need to click on the Settings wheel icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

This takes you to your account menu. The menu is where you can manage any account settings, including the ability to cancel or pause your subscription. 

3. Click on Manage Account

This is where you can make any changes to your account. Changes can include anything from updating your payment information to purchasing an add-on for your paid Sling TV subscription.

Additionally, it shows your billing and subscription information. This is essential to know when canceling the service.

4. Select Cancel Subscription

You will see several options to choose from within your account page. You want to click on Cancel Subscription to begin the cancellation process.

Don’t worry. This doesn’t instantly cancel service.

5. Confirm Cancellation

The streaming service obviously wants to keep you as a customer. So, once you select the option to cancel your account, a pop-up window will appear.

This window gives you the opportunity to keep your subscription or move forward with canceling it. The window shows how pricing compares to some popular alternatives to Sling TV.

Assuming your mind is made up, just click on Cancel Subscription.

6. Provide Feedback

Most service providers want to know why you’re leaving, and Sling is no different. Upon showing your cancellation confirmation, the site will ask for feedback.

Here you can tell them if you didn’t receive your money’s worth or if it was a technical issue. Select your reason and move forward.

7. Receive Confirmation Email

The last step is receiving your confirmation email. You should receive this within several minutes of canceling the service.

Keep this for your records, and watch your credit card statement to ensure there are no further charges.

How to Cancel Via Phone

Canceling on the website is easiest. However, if you’re not near your computer or would rather speak with a real person to cancel, you can do that.

Here’s how to cancel Sling TV over the phone:

• Call customer service at 888-363-1777
• Tell the agent you’d like to cancel your membership
• Wait for the confirmation email to be sent to your email on record

The representative will try to get you to stay. They may offer an extended free trial or some other perk.

If you’re committed, kindly tell them you no longer want the service.

Can I Pause My Sling TV Subscription?

Canceling is not the only option cord-cutters have if they want to save money. It is also possible to pause a Sling TV subscription.

If you’re planning to travel or watch less TV for a while, you can pause your subscription for one, two, or three months. This is not something you will find available at Dish network, which is Sling’s parent company.

You can initiate the pause from the same Manage Account area that you access for canceling.

The pause begins at the end of your current billing cycle. For example, if your next payment is due on March 30, it will begin on that date.

If you select one month, your DVR recordings will be saved. But, if you pause the service for two or three months, they will be deleted.

Just contact Sling TV when you’re ready to restart your service if it differs from the date that is automatically selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have additional questions about canceling your service? Here are some common questions people have when leaving Sling TV.

Does Sling TV charge you to cancel?

There is no cost to cancel Sling TV. Like other live TV streaming services, there is no contract.

You can leave whenever you wish for no extra charge.

When will my subscription end?

Your paid subscription to Sling TV ends on the final date of your current billing cycle.

For example, if you cancel on March 10 and your billing cycle runs to March 20, you will have access to the service for the remaining ten days.

What happens to my DVR recordings?

Your DVR recordings can be accessed for the remainder of your subscription. In the example above, you can watch your recordings for the remaining ten days.

After that, you won’t be able to watch any shows you recorded. This is what you will commonly find with other live TV services.

If you’re uncertain about leaving, pause the service for a month to retain your recordings.

Can I get a prorated refund?

It is not possible to receive a prorated refund from Sling. Most cable replacements operate similarly.

This means that if you cancel halfway through your billing cycle, you won’t get a refund for the remaining part of the month.

Will deleting the app from my device cancel my subscription?

Simply deleting the Sling TV app from your device is not sufficient to cancel the service. That only removes it from your device.

You must either use the website or call customer service to cancel.

Top Alternatives

It is not the end of the world to leave a streaming service provider. Here are the top Sling TV alternatives that might be a better fit for your needs.

Many, though not all, of the platforms offer a free trial. Take advantage of those to find the right service for you.

You can also take our free quiz to find the best app to get your favorite TV shows.

Bottom Line

It has never been easier to cut the cord on cable or satellite. However, not all no-contract streaming services will be the perfect fit for your viewing habits.

If you find that a Sling TV subscription isn’t for you, it’s simple to cancel. Follow the steps in this post and switch to a service that works better for you.

What’s most important to you in a live TV streaming service?

The post How to Cancel Sling TV appeared first on Frugal Rules.

There is an option that can save you big bucks, and still get you the lifestyle and entertainment shows you enjoy. Frndly TV is a solution that could be a good fit for you as it has 40 live channels of sought-after content.

This Frndly TV review covers the platform’s cost, available channels, plans, and features. 

What is Frndly TV?

The Frndly TV app is an affordable live TV streaming service with a cloud DVR and family-friendly content.

While it has a live guide, some on-demand content, and more than 40 live TV channels, it has no local channels or live sports. Therefore, it is not a complete cable replacement.

However, if you’re looking for a low-cost video streaming service that specializes in family-friendly and outdoor-oriented content, it could be the perfect solution for you.

How Much Does Frndly TV Cost?

This budget-friendly way to watch TV without cable offers three plans – Basic, Classic, and Premium.

All plans include the same live TV channel packages and some on-demand content. What differs from one plan to the next are the features and the price.

The Basic plan costs $6.99 per month and lets you stream on one screen at a time in standard definition (SD).

Frndly’s Classic subscription costs $8.99 a month. This includes two simultaneous screens, streams in high definition (HD), and includes unlimited DVR storage.

Recordings are kept for three months.

The Premium plan costs $10.99 a month, includes four simultaneous streams, unlimited DVR capacity, and stores DVR recordings for nine months.

Additionally, Frndly offers an annual plan that basically gives you two months free.

There are no contracts, and you won’t pay any fees to cancel the service. The list of channels is the same across all plans.

Furthermore, there is a seven-day free trial that you can use to try the service risk-free.

What Channels Do You Get With Frndly?

The Frndly channel lineup is focused on family-friendly and outdoor-oriented content.

Its low monthly cost makes it a great way to watch History channel without cable. You also get Family Movie Classics, A&E, all three Hallmark Channels, INSP, UPtv, The Weather Channel, and more.

Here are the channels Frndly TV carries.

It’s a great way to watch Lifetime without cable and a few sports-themed channels.

Furthermore, it’s a great choice to watch Hallmark without cable as the Frndly TV plans carry all three networks.

Does Frndly TV Have Local Channels?

One drawback of this easy-to-use streaming service is that it does not include local channels.

However, pairing an antenna with a Frndly subscription could let you watch everything you need at a fraction of the cost of cable.

You can pair it with an over-the-air antenna to get your local broadcast stations. The Mohu Leaf is what we use in our home and it works great.

You can use the code FRUGALRULES10 to receive ten percent off the purchase of an antenna.

Not having locals is a key strategy it uses to keep cost at a minimum. Read our guide on how to get local channels without cable if Frndly isn’t for you.

Look and Feel

The streaming service is simple, straightforward, and easy to use. During our tests, titles loaded quickly. Better yet, recordings were easy to access.

Four options across the top, including Guide, On Demand, My Recordings, and Settings, help filter content.

A search option in the top right lets users search for any show by name.

The default view is Guide, which looks a lot like a traditional cable TV grid.

Scrolling down reveals what’s on more channels. Clicking right lets you advance forward in time to see what’s coming up on any channel.

Selecting a title brings up choices to watch live, start over, or record.

Recording options include just one episode or an entire series. A small, red recording icon on titles in the guide makes it easy to see what you’ve scheduled to record.

Frndly lets you watch shows in a main window, picture in picture, or full screen.

An on-demand section features on-demand titles organized into categories like Dove channel ad-free TV, 72-hour look back, ad-free movies, and just-added movies.

The My Recordings tab is where recorded content is displayed.

Additionally, closed caption options are available in the Settings section of the app.

Features

A Basic subscription lets you stream all channels in SD on one screen at a time. The top two plans allow streaming on up to four screens at once and include unlimited DVR capacity.

You can watch the Frndly live TV streaming service at home on your smart TV, via any major streaming media player, such as Roku or other Fire stick alternatives.

You can also watch on the go on your phone, computer or device.

A convenient 72-hour look back feature lets you watch shows you missed or forgot to record.

How Many Profiles Can You Have on Frndly?

Frndly currently does not offer the ability to add profiles. There is just one profile per account.

Philo, a top competitor allows the ability to have multiple user profiles. Read our Philo TV review to learn more about that streaming service.

Does Frndly TV Have a Cloud DVR?

Recording shows is essential for most cord-cutters. Frndly TV includes an unlimited cloud DVR in its top two plans.

DVR recordings are kept for three months with the Classic plan. A Premium subscription saves recordings for nine months.

Furthermore, you can fast-forward and rewind content in both.

Combined with the lookback feature, the service makes it easy to catch shows you may have missed.

Compatible Devices

Frndly is available on all major devices. Compatible devices include Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android operating systems.

You can also get the service on a newer LG, Samsung, Sony, or Vizio smart TV.

Parental Controls

There are no parental controls with Frndly. However, with family-focused channels, this may not be a concern for many users.

Audio and Video Quality

Frndly plans stream in either standard or high definition. The app does not support 4K content or Dolby Digital surround sound.

Simultaneous Streams

One stream can be viewed at a time in the Basic plan. The Classic plan allows viewing on two screens at once.

A Premium plan subscription allows streaming on up to four screens simultaneously.

Minimum Speed Requirements

The streaming service says its video quality adjusts based on the available internet speed connection.

It recommends the following high-speed internet connection for optimal viewing:

• 1.5 Mbps for one SD stream
• 5.0 Mbps per HD stream

The app works at lower speeds, but the quality is reduced. A minimum of ten Mbps is recommended for simultaneous streams.

Read our guide on the recommended internet speed for streaming live TV on how the platform compares to others services in terms of speed requirements.

Pros and Cons

There’s a lot to like about this budget streaming service. But, Frndly is not for everyone.

Pros

• Affordable – plans start at $6.99 a month
• 40+ channels of family-friendly live TV
• All three Hallmark stations + QVC
• Unlimited cloud DVR storage in top two plans
• You get the full channel lineup regardless of the plan you choose

Cons

• No local channels
• No live sports
• Basic plan does not include HD or DVR
• No parental controls

It’s also important to note that the ability to create multiple profiles would be a nice addition to Frndly’s features.

Is Frndly TV Worth it?

Frndly TV is a good option if you only need a focused selection of channels and don’t require mainstream sports. It’s a fantastic alternative to premium services like Hulu Live or YouTube TV.

Pairing a subscription with an antenna for local networks can reduce your TV costs to under $15 a month.

The app is easy to use and offers good value for those looking for family-friendly content.

If you want a broader selection of channels, consider Philo TV. This subscription streaming service costs $25 monthly.

Read our Philo vs. Frndly TV comparison to learn how the two platforms differ.

For live sports, news, and a broad list of popular channels, look at Sling TV. Plans start at $40 a month.

How Do I Cancel My Frndly Subscription?

If you signed up directly through Frndly, go to the Settings tab. Then, select “Cancel Subscription.”

If you registered through Roku or Amazon, go to the Subscriptions setting in those apps. Sign in, if necessary. Then, choose “Cancel Subscription.”

Bottom Line

With plans that start at $6.99 per month, Frndly TV is an excellent choice for those who want to cut the cord on cable and are looking for family-friendly channels.

While it’s not a complete cable replacement, it’s a solid option when paired with an antenna.

What’s most important to you when looking for a live TV streaming service?

The post Frndly TV Review: Is the Live TV Streaming Service Worth it? appeared first on Frugal Rules.

Although on the pricey end of cable replacements, the DIRECTV streaming service may be a suitable option for your TV needs.

Our DIRECTV STREAM review shares our experience testing the platform and how it stacks up against the competition.

What is DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV STREAM is a rebrand of AT&T TV as of August 2021. Before that, it was known as AT&T TV Now, and it was also previously called DirecTV Now.

The live television subscription service was recently spun off by AT&T to operate independently. It’s the no-contract version of DIRECTV and is a worthy consideration to replace your cable or satellite TV contract.

How Much Does DIRECTV STREAM Cost?

The DIRECTV STREAM app is one of the more expensive cable alternatives. It has four plans to choose from, with the Entertainment package being the cheapest at $74.99 a month.

That base package offers nearly 75 channels of popular lifestyle, sports, and news channels. You also receive local broadcast channels in each package.

Here are the four DIRECTV STREAM packages and how much they cost.

For the cost and channel guide, you may find fuboTV or YouTube TV more suitable for your needs. Read our review of how to watch local channels without cable if you want to save more money.

What Channels Do You Get with the DIRECTV STREAM App?

With four different options to select from, choosing the right DIRECTV STREAM channel lineup for you is crucial.

The Entertainment package is the most affordable, but the top choices rival prices you’ll pay at any cable provider.

Each package includes channels from the one beneath it, so you want to ensure you pick the plan that works for you.

Here are the channels included in the base package.

These are examples of some of the channels you will receive in successive packages:

Choice: ACCN, BTN, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, ESPNews, ESPNU, Game Show Network, IFC, MLB HD, Nick Jr, and Nicktoons

Ultimate: BBC World News, Destination America, Discovery Family Channel, FX Movie, Lifetime Movie Network, Nat Geo Wild, NHL Network, Olympic Channel, Starz Encore, and Universal Kids

Premier: Cinemax HD, HBO, Showtime, and Starz

Premium Channels

Like any internet-based streaming service, DIRECTV STREAM offers a variety of premium channels to enhance your viewing experience.

These have an additional cost but can be a good way to watch movies and original, on-demand content.

Here are the premium channels available through the streaming service.

If you choose the Choice package or above, you receive Max free for three months. However, when it was AT&T TV, you received it free for 12 months.

*Related: Read our Max app review to learn more about the platform.

Sports Channels

Live sports are a big reason why people choose not to cancel cable or satellite TV. DIRECTV STREAM offers a competitive lineup of sports channels.

When you choose a higher-tier package, you receive all of the ones in the lower-tier plan. This is similar to the standard channels.

Here are the sports networks you receive in each package:

Entertainment: ESPN, ESPN 2, FS1, and NBC Sports

Choice: ACCN, BTN, ESPNU, ESPNews, MLB Network, NBA TV, SECN, and Tennis Channel

Ultimate: CBSN, FS2, Golf Channel, NHL Network, and Olympic Channel

Premier: CBSN, FS2, Golf Channel, NHL Network, and Olympic Channel

Unfortunately, you won’t see NFL Network on DIRECTV STREAM. If that channel is important to you, read our guide on how to watch NFL Network without cable to get it.

Part of what sets DIRECTV Stream apart from other live TV streaming services is their inclusion of regional sports networks (RSNs).

Other services, like YouTube TV include some RSNs, but not to the extent DIRECTV STREAM does.

Here are the RSNs you can currently receive:

• Altitude
• AT&T SportsNet
• Fox Sports RSNs
• NBC Sports RSNs
• MSG
• NESN
• Spectrum SportsNet

It is important to note that you must select the Choice package or above to receive access to RSNs. This makes it a costly $99.99 per month, but you receive considerably more RSNs than any other no-contract live TV service.

However, if you only need an RSN for a short time during the year, such as during the college football season, you could subscribe to DIRECTV STREAM for the season.

Then, you could move to another service once the season is over. If you don’t need a live service and want Bally Sports RSNs, the standalone Bally app could be a good alternative.

Read our Bally Sports+ review to learn more.

Look and Feel

The DIRECTV STREAM interface is relatively easy to use without being overly flashy. It’s simple to navigate, and the streaming quality matches any other top cable alternative.

The top navigation menu has four main tabs to view content. Those are:

• Watch Now
• My Library
• On Demand
• Guide

You can find a search bar in the top right of the screen as well as a gear wheel to access your account settings.

The search function isn’t very robust, but it is resourceful enough to find programs to watch. However, one nice feature is that you can narrow results by type.

For example, if you search for baseball, you can filter it by TV programs and sports. YouTube TV and fuboTV have more robust search options, but it’s still a solid feature on DIRECTV STREAM.

The guide is intuitive, and you can easily find what you want to watch. When you click on the guide, it brings up a grid you can use to browse channels.

You can bookmark channels, allowing you to streamline the guide to your needs. It also allows you to browse content by TV shows, movies, sports, and kids.

Clicking on any show currently running will bring up the program in full screen. If it’s airing in the future, the guide will show a small box with a show guide and episodes you can record.

Using the mobile DIRECTV STREAM app produced a similar experience as the desktop and TV versions. It’s a little more clunky but is intuitive and simple to navigate.

Do I Need DIRECTV STREAM’s Streaming Device?

When you sign up for service, DIRECTV will offer you the ability to purchase its brand-specific streaming box. It is unnecessary to purchase since you can stream live television through the service using other supported devices.

*Related: Is the DIRECTV streaming service too expensive for you? Take our free quiz to find a better, more affordable service for your needs.

However, it is important to know that they charge $5 per month for the streaming device. It also requires a 24-month contract.

You can pay $120 upfront or pay for the device monthly. If you choose to leave the service, you will have to pay the balance due.

*Update: As of April 6, 2023, The DIRECTV STREAM device is no longer available. You can bring your own device to use the platform. The app works with many of the major devices, including Roku, Tivo, Apple TV, and Fire devices.

Features

The cord-cutting space is a competitive market, and the best video streaming services create packages to lure customers with sought-out features.

Features

Choosing a live TV streaming service can be challenging. Features are often where a streaming app sets itself apart.

Here are a few of the important features you get with a subscription to DIRECTV STREAM.

Cloud DVR

A DVR is what keeps many people from cutting the cord on cable or satellite. At launch, DIRECTV STREAM’s cloud DVR was paltry in comparison to other premium services. 

Now, it matches what you can find with YouTube TV or Hulu Live. The cloud DVR offers unlimited recording capacity and recordings expire after nine months.

Lookback and Restart

Lookback and Restart is a helpful resource to use if you forget to record a show. Both are helpful in a pinch.

Lookback works as it sounds. It allows you to watch programming that has aired in the previous three days. Not all channels support it, but it can be an excellent resource.

Restart lets users play a live show from the beginning. For example, if it’s an hour-long show that’s half over, you can restart it from the beginning.

Like Lookback, Restart is channel-dependent. The DIRECTV STREAM support page lists the channels that allow Lookback and Restart.

Simultaneous Streams

DIRECTV STREAM is a terrific choice for large families. The service allows for 20 simultaneous streams.

Most live streaming services allow two or three streams at once with the ability to upgrade for an additional cost.

If you’re away from your home network, you can stream on up to three devices at once.

Parental Controls

Not all streaming services offer parental controls, but you can limit what your kids can watch on DIRECTV STREAM.

Here is how parents can access the controls and settings:

• Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the page
• Select Parental Controls and toggle on or off
• Enter your 4-digit PIN

Doing this allows you to block content, create settings of what your children can watch, and more.

4K and Dolby

If you are a videophile or audiophile, you may want a live TV service that offers either 4K or Dolby surround sound. Unfortunately, DIRECTV STREAM doesn’t offer access to either feature.

Both were available through its proprietary device, but the dongle is no longer in use.

DIRECTV STREAM says they will offer 4K streaming capabilities, but it will be later in 2023. There is no word on if it will require an additional cost. Currently, the service only offers Dolby 2.0 sound.

Supported Devices

Compatible devices are an important part of canceling cable. You can access DIRECTV STREAM with the following devices:

• Amazon Fire TV devices
• Apple devices
• Chromecast
• Microsoft Edge
• Roku devices
• Samsung smart TVs

They no longer offer a device to purchase. If you use one of the above you should face no issues in streaming TV.

How to Cancel DIRECTV STREAM

It is not always easy to cancel your subscription if you don’t like the service. While DIRECTV STREAM does currently offer a five day free trial, it’s a challenge to cancel.

Additionally, if you purchase their device, you must pay the balance in full.

They don’t make it easy, but here is how to cancel DIRECTV STREAM:

• Sign in to your account and click Watch Now
• Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the account page
• Choose Account Details
• Select Manage My Subscription
• Click on the Cancel My Subscription link on the left-hand side of the screen

This brings up a chat screen to speak with a representative.

Tell them you want to cancel the service. Upon canceling, you will receive an email to confirm your cancellation.

You can also call 1-800-288-2020 to speak with a representative to cancel.

Pros and Cons

There’s a lot to consider when picking a streaming service like DIRECTV STREAM. Here are some things to think about.

Pros:

• Good streaming quality
• Largest offering of RSNs from any live TV service
• You can have 20 streams simultaneously
• Allows you to stream away from home
• Includes parental controls
• Lookback and Restart features
• Good channel lineup

Cons:

• It’s expensive
• Canceling is difficult
• Interface is a bit clunky

DIRECTV STREAM is great for sports fans and has a robust channel lineup. However, it’s easy to see savings from cutting the cord evaporate with the service.

Top Alternatives

Given the high cost, you may want to choose a different service for your entertainment needs.

Here are three alternatives to DIRECTV STREAM that are cheaper or offer a better platform.

fuboTV

FuboTV is a top choice for cord-cutters looking for a cable-like experience. The service has nearly 150 channels in its base package for just $74.99 a month, plus RSN fees.

You receive roughly 50 additional channels in its Elite plan for an additional $10 a month. The platform is a leading sports option with roughly a dozen add-ons to watch niche sports.

It also includes 4K content, when available, at no extra charge. Not all services offer that.

If you want to watch NFL games, plus other popular sports, fubo is often a better choice than DIRECTV STREAM.

Read our fuboTV review to learn more.

Sling TV

Sling TV is a low-cost, no-contract streaming service. The service has two base plans – Orange and Blue.

Either option costs $40 per month, or you can combine the two for $55 a month. Orange has ESPN, and Blue has Fox Sports.

The service only carries ABC, FOX, and NBC in select locations through the Blue package. You will want to pair it with an over-the-air antenna to get local channels.

It has a base DVR of 50 hours, or you can upgrade to 200 hours for $5 a month.

Read our Sling TV review to learn more.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is our top-rated live TV streaming service. It has over 100 channels in its base plan, which costs $72.99 per month.

YouTube TV sets itself apart with its robust channel offerings of lifestyle, sports, and news channels. They’re also the only service that includes the MLB, NBA, and NFL networks.

It even includes an unlimited capacity cloud DVR, and you can keep recordings for nine months.

Read our analysis of YouTube TV vs. DIRECTV STREAM to learn how they compare.

Read our YouTube TV review to learn more.

Bottom Line

DIRECTV STREAM is a worthy competitor in the cord-cutting space. They offer the most RSNs in the space and have a strong channel lineup.

However, it’s difficult to look past the price. It’s the most expensive option on the market, and it’s DVR could use some help.

If you don’t need RSNs, you will be better served by one of the other top live TV streaming services. They will likely save you money and provide a better experience.

How much do you spend on TV providers each month?

The post DIRECTV STREAM Review 2023: Is the Live TV Streaming Service Worth it? appeared first on Frugal Rules.

Despite having significant competition, the platform established itself as a solid option to help cord-cutters get the content they want at an affordable price.

This Peacock review is the result of hours of testing the video streaming service to help you learn what comes with the plans and if you should upgrade to the highest tier.

What is Peacock?

Peacock is the NBC streaming service offering access to content from the NBCUniversal family.

Depending on which plan you choose, you can watch movies and TV classics, Universal films, live streaming news, sports channels, and original content.

There’s also plenty of on-demand content from the vast library of NBC television programming.

How Much is Peacock TV a Month?

Peacock TV is an affordable on-demand streaming service. You can choose one of two plans, Premium and Premium Plus.

The service formerly offered a free tier, but that is no longer available to new subscribers as of February 2023.

*Now through June 12, 2023, get an annual subscription to Premium for $20. This is a savings of 60 percent off the normal price. Use the code SUMMEROFPEACOCK to get the deal.

The Premium plan is ad-supported and provides unlimited access to NBC shows, originals, and live TV programming.

The Premium Plus plan has very limited ads in on-demand content. You will see ads in any live content from your local NBC station though.

Peacock has three plans:

• Peacock – free, no longer available to new subscribers
• Peacock Premium – $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year
• Peacock Premium Plus – $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year

If you don’t want to spend money, read our guide on the top free streaming apps that have quality content. 

Does Peacock Have a Free Trial?

It is no longer possible to get a free trial to try the Premium or Premium plus plans. The service also recently removed its free tier to all new subscribers.

That aside, there is a lot of value for the subscription cost.

As is true of all streaming services, you can cancel whenever you want without a fee or penalty.

What TV Shows and Movies are on Peacock?

This video streaming service offers thousands of hours of movies and TV shows, exclusive content that’s only on Peacock, plus news and sports.

There’s also a good amount of content for kids as well as Spanish language programming from Telemundo.

However, you won’t be able to watch all episodes of every show. Take SNL, for example. The most recent airing won’t be available immediately with the free plan.

You’ll get a lot of back seasons and the second most recent episode. If you want to receive the current episode, you’ll need to pay for Premium.

If you’re a fan of the hit Dutton-family inspired drama, Peacock is the best choice to watch Yellowstone without cable.

Peacock Premium

At $4.99 a month, Premium includes everything in the free Peacock plan plus live sports from the Premier Soccer League, the 2022 Winter Olympics and exclusive original series.

It also includes every episode of The Office, Parks and Recreation, Suits, 30 Rock, Poker Face, and every other show on Peacock. You’ll even enjoy next-day access to current NBC hits as well as more movies and TV shows.

Additionally, you receive full access to all of their movies, Peacock original content, and TV shows for kids.

This is significant because it includes everything DreamWorks has made for kids and a lot of great on-demand content.

Peacock Premium Plus

Premium Plus is $9.99 a month and offers everything in the Premium tier, plus the ability to download select titles and watch them for free offline.

It also lets you watch everything ad-free. NBC does say that due to streaming rights, a small amount of programming will still contain ads.

This mostly includes Peacock channels, a few shows and movies, and events.

As of November 30, 2022, Premium Plus will also include access to all 210 of NBC’s local affiliates.

*Related: Do you want to cut the cord on cable, but not sure which streaming platform to choose? Take our free quiz to see which service is best for you.

WWE on Peacock

Every WrestleMania ever is on Peacock, which is the exclusive streaming home of the WWE Network and owner of the streaming rights for the franchise.

A paid subscription gives you access to a lot of WWE content. For $4.99 a month, you will unlock every live WWE pay-per-view event, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble.

You can also watch every episode of Raw and Smackdown, with current full episode replays 30 days after their original air date.

Movies

You’ll find thousands of movies to watch on Peacock. However, most were made over ten years ago.

There are a handful of newer movies, like John Wick 3, and lots of classic films, including all the Harry Potter movies, Psycho, The Goonies, SpaceJam, and The Breakfast Club.

More movies are available on the Premium plan, but many last for only a limited period of time. For instance, the service had all the Jurassic Park and The Matrix movies when it launched.

Now, those are not available.

Peacock Original Content

Original shows are one of the draws for those looking into cord-cutting and can be some of the most popular content on a streaming service.

Hulu’s award-winning series, The Handmaid’s Tale, is one example of television content only available through Hulu.

Nothing at Peacock has risen to that level, but it does have several originals available to Premium tier subscribers.

Read our Hulu vs. Peacock analysis to learn how the two services compare.

Original series include Saved by the Bell, Save Me, A.P. Bio, The Departure, and The Capture. If you’re looking for more original content, there are other alternatives to Netflix that are more suitable.

MSNBC Shows

You can start watching select MSNBC shows on Peacock starting in spring 2022.

MSNBC announced on March 10, 2022 that popular shows like Morning Joe and All in With Chris Hayes will be on the platform hours after they air on the cable network.

No date has been set, but expect it to occur in the near future.

You will need to subscribe to Peacock Premium to get access to the shows.

*Update: As of March 2023 subscribers can stream select MSNBC and CNBC morning shows live as they air. This includes Morning Joe and Squawk Box. You can also watch NBC News Now’s Morning News NOW.

This is available to all Premium subscribers.

Hallmark Shows

Peacock recently added a Hallmark Hub to its platform for Premium and Premium Plus subscribers. This gives users access to all three Hallmark channels – Hallmark, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama.

You can access live and on-demand content through the hub. Additionally, if you love Hallmark Christmas movies new ones are available on Peacock the day after they premier.

This makes Peacock the most affordable platform to watch Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas.

Reelz Content

The popular channel Reelz is now a part of Peacock. You can access shows from Reelz on either Peacock plan.

The streaming service now offers access to a live stream of the Reelz network, as well as on-demand shows from select shows. This includes the popular On Patrol: Live show.

The only content from Reelz subscribers aren’t able to see are new episodes of Major League Wrestling. That is due to the deal Peacock has with WWE to be the only wrestling content it airs.

Can I Watch NBC Live on Peacock?

As of September 19, 2022, the service now air populars shows the day after they air on NBC or Bravo. 

While only available for Premium subscribers, you can watch numerous hit shows this way. Shows you can stream next-day include:

• Law & Order franchise
• One Chicago franchise
• La Brea
• The Voice
• America’s Got Talent
• Saturday Night Live
• The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Late Night with Seth Meyers
• Winter House
• Below Deck Med
• The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
• The Real Housewives of Potomac

Additionally, many cord-cutters want to know if Peacock has local channels. You must subscribe to Premium Plus to receive access.

If you don’t have that plan, you can easily get your local NBC station with an over-the-air antenna. For a low, upfront cost, you’ll get all your local channels free, for life.

However, you will get some up-to-date news and sports through several live streaming channels NBC puts on the platform from select cities.

Those cities are:

• Chicago (WMAQ)
• Philadelphia (WCAU)
• Boston (WBTS)
• New England Cable Network (NECN)
• Miami (WTVJ)

The service will be adding Los Angeles (KNBC) and New York (WNBC) in the near future. You can watch the stations from any location, not just the respective cities.

You can watch live news and sports through the NBC News Now, NBC Sports, and Premier League TV stations in the “Channels” section.

Does Peacock Have NFL Games?

Yes, it is possible to watch some NFL games on the Peacock streaming service. There are a few caveats to catch the action. Those are:

• You must have the Premium or Premium Plus plans
• The only games you can watch are games aired on NBC

If you’re a fan of Sunday Night Football, Peacock is a fantastic option to get it.

If you don’t want Peacock, you can watch any NFL via its NFL+ mobile app. Read our review of NFL+ to learn more.

However, if you pair Peacock with Prime Video you can watch both Sunday and Thursday night games.

User Experience

Peacock has a smooth look and feel. It is easy to watch on a TV, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

You can create a free account with just an email address. A credit card is not required to register.

When you sign in on a computer, smart TV, or tablet, you’ll see a few featured shows at the top of the screen and a row of options at the very top.

The Channels, Browse, and Featured options are the three main ways the platform organizes its shows and movies.

Browse is the default view for bigger screens. Channels is the view you see first when you watch on your phone.

NBC includes extra content with many shows and movies that allow you to find similar titles and watch clips as well as trailers.

Clicking on any title brings up a screen. Then, that show’s Rotten Tomatoes score and Flixter rating are viewable just beneath it.

Any show with a purple triangle and white feather icon indicates premium content.

How Bad Are the Ads on Peacock?

While commercials are the same between the free and Premium plans, they are not that bad.

NBC says it runs less than five minutes of ads per hour of content you watch.

In an older movie that is about two hours long, you can expect six 45-second commercial breaks and a 20-second clip at the program’s start.

We found the statement to generally be true in our testing of the platform.

There are not as many interruptions on the CBS-backed free TV streaming service, Pluto. On some shows, NBC will run three minutes of ads at the beginning and then air the rest ad-free.

This commercial time is comparable to other, similarly-priced streaming services that offer ad-supported tiers, like Discovery Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max.

If you want ad-free content and the ability to download shows to watch offline, you’ll have to register for Peacock Premium Plus for $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year.

This compares well against the Paramount+ streaming service. Read our Peacock vs. Paramount+ analysis to see how the two platforms compare.

Device Support

Nearly every mainstream device supports Peacock.

You can watch the free streaming service on Samsung and LG Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV devices, Chromecast, computer, Apple TV, and iOS and Android phones and devices.

Pros and Cons

As you consider whether or not to try Peacock TV, here are some positives and negatives to consider.

Pros:

• Access to local NBC affiliate for Plus users
• Huge catalog of on-demand shows and movies
• Next-day access to some NBC and Bravo shows
• Some live TV
• Access to live sports like Sunday Night Football and Nascar
• Plenty of content for kids
• Nearly 100,000 hours of content
• Inclusion of all three Hallmark channels

Cons:

• Have to pay for full access to popular shows and movies
• No live local NBC access for the lower tier
• Channels and Trending section layouts are confusing

Overall, if you want a service that has a broad offering of popular shows, some live sports, and original content, Peacock is worth trying.

Is Peacock Worth it?

Peacock is yet another streaming service in a very crowded space. But, if you like NBC shows and popular movies, it could be worth giving the service a try.

If you don’t mind commercials, the base plan is a good option, at an affordable price.

You’ll probably determine that you won’t need the higher-priced plan unless all your favorite shows are on NBC and you want to watch them ad-free.

Ultimately, Peacock TV can be an excellent way for cord-cutters who are fans of NBC content to ditch cable and save some money.

How much is your monthly cable bill?

The post Peacock TV Review: Is it Worth Paying For? appeared first on Frugal Rules.