The Cheapest Live TV Streaming Services in 2026
Every live TV service we tested that costs less than cable, ranked by our score out of 10, with the 20 most-watched cable channels as the yardstick.
Article updated on
Table of contents▼
Don't be fooled by the word "cheap" in most live TV ads. Cord-cutting was supposed to be the affordable way out of cable, but somewhere between YouTube TV's climb from $35 at launch to over $80 a month and Sling's latest round of price hikes, the big bundles ended up costing about what cable did a decade ago (the irony isn't lost on us).
So we measured every service against the 20 cable channels Americans watch most, from Fox News and ESPN to HGTV and Bravo. Free services like Tubi, Pluto TV and Plex carry hundreds of channels, but none of those 20, and their scores reflect it. Below, every service we tested is ranked by our score out of 10, with its sign-up price and the channels it leaves out.
Our picks
For reality TV and lifestyle fans
DirecTV MyEntertainment Skinny bundle
$42.99/mo at DirecTV MyEntertainment Skinny bundle
For YouTube TV fans who don't need sports
$54.99/mo at YouTube TV Entertainment Plan
The Cheapest Live TV Streaming Services in 2026
For most people
Sling TV Blue
Pros
- Includes local channels in some areas
- Three simultaneous streams
- Good for watching news live
- Optional AirTV device, which connects to Wifi to get free local channels in your area. AirTV can be controlled from Sling app
Cons
- No ESPN
- Doesn't include local channels in many areas
- Only ABC, NBC and Fox affiliates (no CBS, PBS, Telemundo, or Univision)
Expert take▼
By Renee Cuisia
Sling Blue is the most affordable way to get channels like Fox Sports 1, and more importantly and depending on your area, the cheapest way to get local channels. Sling TV Blue will include either FOX, ABC, or NBC affiliates depending on where you live. Of course, you're also getting Nat Geo, TNT, TBS, TLC, Bravo, MSNBC, and much more.
While Sling Blue offers a broader array of general entertainment and news, it notably lacks ESPN, a key difference from Sling's other offer, Orange, which we cover below. However, for those less concerned with specific sports networks and more interested in a diverse channel selection that accommodates multiple viewers, Sling Blue offers a flexible and economical solution within the live TV streaming market.
We tracked every Sling TV price increase. Read the full timeline →
Read our full Sling TV Blue review →
For sports fans on a budget
Sling TV Orange
Pros
- First month half-off
- Available on most streaming devices
- Good for sports, kid, and lifestyle content
- Comes with 50 hours of free DVR
Cons
- No Fox Sports
- No local channels
Expert take▼
By Renee Cuisia
At $45.99/month, Sling Orange is essentially the most affordable bundle sports-oriented streaming package on the internet. Yes, you can get ESPN Unlimited for less, but this is the cheapest way to combine ESPN, TNT, and TBS. Sling TV add-ons are also affordable and most of them cost an additional $6/month. You can for example get the "Entertainment Extra" for $6 which includes TruTV, Paramount Networks, CMT, and many more.
We tracked every Sling TV price increase. Read the full timeline →
Read our full Sling TV Orange review →
For reality TV and lifestyle fans
DirecTV MyEntertainment Skinny bundle
Pros
- Carries cable entertainment standards (AMC, HGTV, Bravo, A&E, Discovery)
- Cheaper than Philo when you want a broader cable lineup
- Includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max as add-ons in the higher tier
Cons
- $34.99 a month, more than Philo's $25
- No local broadcast networks
- DirecTV Stream's UI is dated compared to competitors
5-day free trial
Expert take▼
By Renee Cuisia
DirecTV MyEntertainment is the entertainment-only skinny bundle from DIRECTV Stream at $34.99 a month. It carries cable entertainment standards (AMC, HGTV, Bravo, A&E, Discovery, History, FX, Comedy Central) plus Disney+, Hulu Basic, and Max with ads in the higher tier. It is essentially DIRECTV Stream's answer to Philo, with a slightly broader lineup at a higher price. If you want HGTV, History, and Bravo without the rest of the cable bundle, this is one of the only paths that includes them at this price point.
We tracked every DirecTV price increase. Read the full timeline →
For YouTube TV fans who don't need sports
YouTube TV Entertainment Plan
Pros
- 35% cheaper than YouTube TV's full plan
- Same locals, same DVR (unlimited, 9-month retention), same UI as the full plan
- Most of the cable entertainment lineup intact
Cons
- No ESPN, no FS1, no live sports at all
- Still costs more than Sling Essentials ($19.99) for a similar entertainment-only setup
- $54.99 is not cheap on its own, just cheap by YouTube TV standards
Expert take▼
By Renee Cuisia
YouTube TV launched its Entertainment Plan in 2024 as a cheaper alternative to its $82.99 base plan. At $54.99 a month, it drops ESPN, FS1, and the major sports channels in exchange for a 35% price cut. The lineup keeps locals in nearly every US market, all the cable entertainment standards (AMC, FX, Hallmark, Bravo, Discovery), and the same unlimited DVR with 9-month retention as the full plan. It is the cheapest way to get YouTube TV's interface, locals, and most cable networks if you do not need sports. If you watch any live sports at all, this plan will not work for you. Sling Essentials at $19.99 is cheaper if you want a similar entertainment-only lineup, but you give up YouTube TV's polish.
We tracked every YouTube TV price increase. Read the full timeline →
Read our full YouTube TV Entertainment Plan review →
For entertainment lovers who skip sports
Philo
Pros
- Includes HBO Max (with ads)
- Anything recorded on DVR is saved for 12 months, more than similar services
- Straightforward offer
- Great interface, especially on the website
Cons
- No sports channels
- No local channels
- Does not offer an antenna option
7-day free trial
Expert take▼
By Renee Cuisia
While other big-names like the Youtube TV and DIRECTV are in the range of $90/month, Philo only costs $33. It comes with a solid lineup: AMC, TLC, Hallmark, Lifetime, Paramount Network, and more. The base package also includes HBO Max for free, and they offer some of the cheapest add-ons: AMC+ for only $4/month or "Movies & More" for $3/month which includes REELZ, Sony Movies, FMC, Fandor, and a few others movie channels.
If Philo has some or all of the channels you like to watch, you're in huge luck. It's a solid service, at a reasonable price point. However, if you need different channels (namely sports, locals, and news), you might be better off looking at other options like Sling.
We tracked every Philo price increase. Read the full timeline →
Read our full Philo review →
For regional sports fans
Fubo
Pros
- Recently reduced prices by $11
- Seamless web interface (fubo.tv)
- 4-screen multiview
- Unlimited DVR stored for 9 months
- Includes regional sports networks (depending on location)
Cons
- Missing Turner channels, CNN, TNT, and TBS
- 4K only for some events
7-day free trial
Expert take▼
By Renee Cuisia
Fubo recently became the first major live TV streamer to lower its price. The essential package, their base package, went from $84.99 to $73.99. For this welcome yet sadly rare occurrence, Fubo deserves a spot on this list.
It is now cheaper than Youtube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu with Live TV, while offering virtually the same lineup.
We tracked every Fubo price increase. Read the full timeline →
Read our full Fubo review →
Cheapest option
Sling TV Essentials
Pros
- The cheapest paid path to ESPN ($19.99 vs Sling Orange's $45.99)
- 12 channels including ESPN, ESPN2, Disney Channel, Freeform, and Hallmark Mystery
- Same Sling app and DVR features as the bigger Sling tiers
Cons
- No local broadcast networks (no ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox)
- No Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, or any other major news channels
- No AMC, HGTV, Bravo, or premium cable
Expert take▼
By Renee Cuisia
Sling Essentials is Sling's newest skinny tier and the only sub-$20 cable bundle that includes ESPN. The full lineup at launch is ESPN, ESPN2, Disney Channel, Freeform, Game Show Network, Hallmark Mystery, Lifetime Movie Network, Bounce, MeTV, Start TV, Grit, and Heroes & Icons. That is 12 channels for $19.99 a month, which makes Essentials the cheapest paid path to ESPN by a wide margin (Sling Orange is $45.99 and standalone ESPN Unlimited is $29.99). The trade is what you do not get: no local broadcast networks, no Fox News or CNN, no premium cable like AMC or HGTV. If you want ESPN plus a small lineup of family and lifestyle channels and nothing else, this is the best deal on the page.
We tracked every Sling TV price increase. Read the full timeline →
Read our full Sling TV Essentials review →
For NFL and FOX sports fans
Sling Select
Pros
- Cheapest live TV option that includes Fox Sports 1
- $20 a month flat, no add-ons required to get the headline channels
- Single bill from Sling, easy to cancel
Cons
- Limited cable lineup compared to Sling Orange or Blue
- No major sports channels beyond FS1
- Not as discoverable in the Sling app
Expert take▼
By Renee Cuisia
Sling TV has a lesser-known but interesting $20/month bundle called "Select". At first, it looks like a cheaper alternative to Sling Orange or Blue, or even Philo. But in reality, it's its own little creature. It includes Fox Sports 1, NFL Network, and FX - channels that you can't find elsewhere for this price.
There are some trade-offs. Watching is limited to only one simultaneous stream, so if you have a family with many members watching at the same time, this could be a problem. It is also not possible to upgrade to get unlimited DVR unless you subscribe to a more expensive package like Orange or Blue. Lastly, depending on where you live, a local channel surchage can run you anywhere between $5 and $10.
We tracked every Sling TV price increase. Read the full timeline →
Read our full Sling Select review →
For sports-only households
DirecTV MySports Skinny bundle
Pros
- One of the few services that still carries Regional Sports Networks
- Includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and FS1
- 5-day free trial
Cons
- $69.99 is more expensive than Sling Orange for similar core sports coverage
- Sports-only lineup means you give up most cable entertainment
- DirecTV Stream's UI lags behind YouTube TV and Hulu Live
5-day free trial
Expert take▼
By Renee Cuisia
DirecTV MySports is the sports-focused skinny bundle from DIRECTV Stream. At $69.99 a month it carries ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, FS1, plus several Regional Sports Networks, which is now rare in the streaming category. It is more expensive than Sling Orange but cheaper than Fubo for similar sports coverage. The trade is that you give up most of the cable entertainment lineup. DirecTV's core advantage in this category is RSN coverage. Most live TV streamers dropped these in 2023 and 2024, leaving DirecTV and Fubo as the only services where your local team's regional sports network is still likely to be available.
We tracked every DirecTV price increase. Read the full timeline →
Read our full DirecTV MySports Skinny bundle review →
For news watchers
DirecTV MyNews Skinny bundle
Pros
- Includes CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, the three major cable news networks
- Includes BBC America and other international news
- Some local broadcast network coverage
Cons
- $39.99 a month is steep for a news-only package
- Sling Blue at $50.99 includes the same news channels plus more
- Most news content is also free on the networks' own websites
5-day free trial
Expert take▼
By Renee Cuisia
DirecTV MyNews is the news-only skinny bundle from DIRECTV Stream at $39.99 a month. It carries CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, BBC America, plus your local broadcast networks in some markets. It is positioned for cord-cutters who want a cable-news lineup without paying for the entertainment tier. Cheaper alternatives exist (Sling Blue at $50.99 has CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC and includes some local sports), but MyNews is the cheapest service built specifically around news channels and the only one of its kind from a major live TV streamer.
We tracked every DirecTV price increase. Read the full timeline →
Other cheap live TV offerings we looked at
For families and classic TV fans
Frndly TV 5.2/10
Most affordable for History, Lifetime, and Hallmark
For free on-demand browsers
Plex 3.4/10
Free live TV with the cleanest interface among free services
Cheap live TV services compared
Our top six, side by side. Prices and trial lengths come straight from each service's sign-up page, so they change when the services do.
| Feature | Sling TV Blue | Sling TV Orange | DirecTV MyEntertainment Skinny bundle | YouTube TV Entertainment Plan | Philo | Fubo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $50.99/mo | $45.99/mo | $42.99/mo | $54.99/mo | $25/mo | $88.99/mo |
| Free trial | None | None | 5 days | None | 7 days | 7 days |
| Ads | Yes, like cable | Yes, like cable | Yes, like cable | Yes, like cable | Yes, like cable | – |
| ESPN | No | Yes | No | No | No | – |
| Live local channels | Fox, NBC or ABC in some markets | No | No | Yes, in nearly every market | No | – |
| Simultaneous streams | 3 | 1 | – | 3 | 3 | 13 |
| Cloud DVR | 50 hours | 50 hours | Unlimited | Unlimited, kept for 9 months | Unlimited, kept for a year | – |
| 4K | No | No | No | No | No | – |
What to check before you pick a cheap live TV service
The monthly price is the easy part to compare. It's everything around it that decides whether a cheap service actually stays cheap once it's in your living room.
Your local channels
No live TV streamer can promise your local stations in every zip code, and Sling only carries them in some markets. It's easy to forget the oldest option: a $30 to $50 antenna picks up ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and PBS for free in most of the country, and usually pays for itself within a month. Pair one with any service here and the locals problem disappears.
Sports and ESPN
ESPN is the most expensive channel in just about any bundle, which is exactly why none of the free services carry it. Sling Essentials, at $19.99, is the cheapest paid way in. And if your local team airs on a regional sports network, check before you sign up for anything, since most streamers dropped those networks in 2023 and 2024.
How many people watch at once
Sling Orange allows a single stream at a time (yes, one). In a house where two people want to watch different things on a Sunday night, a cheap plan like that can quietly turn into two subscriptions. The table above lists the limit for each of our picks.
How many ads you can sit through
Free services pay for themselves with ads, of course, and Pluto TV runs the most of them, somewhere between 15 and 22 minutes an hour. That's more than plenty of cable channels. If you're watching a few hours every night, the ad load is the real price of free TV.
The next price hike
Every paid service on this page has raised its price since 2020, and most have done it more than once. We keep a timeline of every increase, linked inside each card, and it's safe to expect another one within the year.
Your internet
HD streaming asks for less bandwidth than people tend to think, around 5 to 8 Mbps per stream, while 4K wants closer to 25. If three people are streaming at once and the picture keeps stuttering, it's worth looking at your internet plan before blaming the app.
How we test streaming services
Every service on this page carries an AGMTW score out of 10. We built it from four things that can actually be measured, so the number doesn't change depending on who on our team happens to be looking:
- Content (50%). For live TV, how many of the 20 most-watched US cable channels a service carries, checked against the lineup we keep for every service. Carry all 20 and it scores 10; carry none and it scores zero, free or not. The first channels count for more than the last few. On-demand services are scored on their catalog instead, measured against the titles we've recommended.
- Value for money (20%). The price, compared on a gentle curve with the cheapest service in the same price band (a $9 service goes up against other $9 services, not an $83 bundle), then weighed against the content score. Cheap only counts in full if there's something worth watching, so a free service carrying none of the 20 keeps half its value score.
- Apps and devices (20%). The average of its App Store and Google Play ratings, along with how many TVs, sticks and consoles it runs on.
- Picture quality (10%). The best picture you get on the base plan: 4K scores 10, 1080p with surround sound 8.5, plain 1080p 7.5 and 720p 5.
Prices come from each service's own sign-up page, and we recheck them every month. Some links on this page do earn us a commission, but that never touches the score.
Frequently asked questions
Which streaming service has the cheapest live TV?
Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex and The Roku Channel are all free, and none of them ask for a card. Among paid services, Frndly TV is the cheapest at $8.99 a month, with Paramount+ at $8.99 adding CBS to the mix.
How can I get ABC, CBS, and NBC without cable?
The simplest answer is an antenna, which costs $30 to $50 once and brings in your locals for free from then on. On the streaming side, Sling Blue ($50.99) carries Fox, NBC or ABC in some markets, and Paramount+ Premium includes your local CBS station.
What is the cheapest live TV streaming service with sports?
Sling Essentials, at $19.99, is the cheapest bundle with ESPN. Sling Orange ($45.99) adds TNT and TBS, and Fubo ($88.99) has the widest sports lineup of all, though it's far from cheap.
Can I get NFL games without cable?
Yes. NFL+ ($6.99) streams live games, but only on phones and tablets. Paramount+ carries the games that air on CBS, and Peacock ($12.99) has Sunday Night Football.
Are free live TV streaming services legal?
Yes. Pluto TV is owned by Paramount, Tubi by Fox, The Roku Channel by Roku, and Sling Freestream by Sling. Ads pay for all of them, and you'll definitely notice.
Do Amazon Prime members get live TV?
Not really. Prime Video streams Thursday Night Football and the odd live event, but no live cable channels. You can add channels one at a time inside Prime Video, though the cost adds up quickly.
How can I record live TV on streaming services?
Most paid services come with a cloud DVR. Fubo and Philo offer unlimited storage, Sling gives you 50 hours unless you pay for more, and the free services don't record anything at all.
Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.
Bilal Zouheir is the founder of A Good Movie to Watch. He is based in the US and a member of the Nevada Film Critics Society. He grew up in Morocco, where he learned English from watching movies. Bilal's work with A Good Movie to Watch is focused on offering an alternative to streaming algorithms, which are often used as commercial tools by streaming services.