What Streaming Service Is Right for Me?
Each streaming service offers packages at various price points with different channel lineups that are constantly in flux. It’s important to run a full comparison of each streaming service to review which is best for you to ensure your favorite networks are included. Beyond channels, each streaming provider offers different details for their services, such as a number of accounts, ad-free options, cancellation terms, and device compatibility. As you make the switch to streaming, use SmartMove’s streaming service comparison below to help you make the best decision possible.
Best Streaming Services for Live TV
For those who want to keep up with their favorite shows as they air, live TV streaming services are the way to go. While there are plenty of options out there, not all of them are created equal. If you’re not a cable TV user, or looking to make the switch to streaming only, here's a look at the best streaming services for live TV:
- Hulu + Live TV: There is a significant selection of on-demand entertainment available on Hulu + Live TV, including its fantastic original series that we all love to binge-watch. With the inclusion of ESPN+ and Disney, Hulu Live offers the best entertainment package with a multitude of variety.
- YouTube TV: The sheer quantity of channels on YouTube TV is its key selling point for cord-cutters. It currently offers 79 of the top 100 networks, more than any other streaming service. This includes many cable mainstays, all four major local networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC), as well as regional PBS stations from around the country.
Best Streaming Services for Movies
For those who want to watch movies, there are plenty of great streaming services to choose from. Here's a look at the best streaming services for viewing your favorite films:
- Netflix: Netflix is a great all-around movie streaming service with something for everyone. It has an impressive selection of movies, ranging from classic films to new releases, and it's always adding new titles to its library.
- Paramount+: Offering a vast collection with literally decades' worth of vintage entertainment, Paramount+ is a top contender for the best streaming service for movies because of its large catalog. It’s also very affordable, with plans starting as low as $4.99 per month.
- Peacock: Peacock is a great option for those who want to watch 80,000+ hours of movies, including many classics and recent releases and TV shows from NBC Universal. There is a vast selection of movies for all audiences - everyone in your home will be able to find something they enjoy.
Best Streaming Services for Sports
While cable TV reigns supreme for avid live sports viewers, for those who want to watch only specific live sports games, there are plenty of great streaming services to choose from. Here's a look at the best streaming services for sports:
- FuboTV: Due to its extensive coverage, NFL RedZone and NBA League Pass add-ons, and 10 concurrent streams, FuboTV is the greatest sports streaming service. FuboTV's Family Share Plan lets you add an extra layer of protection against unexpected IP address changes that could disrupt your service as well.
- ESPN+: Numerous acclaimed programs, original studio shows, and thousands of exclusive live events are only available on ESPN+ and not on the ESPN networks. ESPN+ customers can purchase UFC pay-per-view events and access a sizable on-demand library (including the entire 30 For 30 library, select ESPN Films, game replays, and more).
- DirecTV Stream: The live TV streaming provider that offers the most regional sports networks is DirecTV Stream. Additionally, it includes league-specific channels like NBA TV and NFL Network in addition to the crucial ESPN and FOX Sports networks.
What We Compared
To help you review the available streaming providers efficiently, SmartMove has gathered data about each service, including:
- Monthly Fees – What are the base monthly fees to subscribe to the streaming service?
- Ad-Free Options – Does the platform offer an ad-free format to avoid commercials?
- Number of Channels – How many channels are available in the base package?
- Live Sports – Does the package include any national sports channels?
- Local News – Does the package include local news options?
- User Profiles – How many user profiles can be created under the base package?
- Multiple Streams – How many users can stream live TV at the same time?
- Cloud DVR Storage – How many hours of recorded content can be stored on the Cloud DVR?
- Trial Period – Does the service offer a trial period?
Streaming Service Comparison Table
Below is a full comparison of the main attributes of all streaming services available. Use this chart as a starting point to analyze which streaming service is the right fit for you. If you're more curious about head-to-head comparisons, check out some more specific comparisons below.
| Provider | Ad-Free Option | Channels | Sports Channels | Local News | User Profiles | Simultaneous Streams | Cloud DVR Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Yes | 85+ | 20+ | Yes | 6 | 3 | Unlimited |
 |
Yes | 65+ | 15+ | Yes | 6 | 2+ | 50 Hours |
 |
Yes | 65+ | 20+ | Yes | 3 | 20 | 20+ |
 |
Yes | 170+ | 35+ | Yes | 6 | 2 | 250 Hours |
 |
Yes | 50+ | 0 | No | 10 | 10 | Unlimited |
 |
Yes | 70+ | 30+ | No | N/A | 3 | 10 Hours |
 |
Yes | 0 | 0 | No | 5 | 6 | 0 |
 |
Yes | 6+ | 2 | Yes | 6 | 3 | 0 |
 |
No | 100+ | 22+ | Yes | N/A | 1 | 0 |
 |
Yes | 7 | 0 | No | 5 | 4 | 0 |
 |
Yes | 0 | 0 | No | 5 | 2-4 | 0 |
 |
Yes | 4 | 4 | Yes | 6 | 3 | 0 |
 |
Yes | 1 | 0 | No | 5 | 3 | 0 |
 |
Yes | 0 | 0 | No | 5 | 2-4 | 0 |
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YouTube vs. Hulu Live
YouTube TV and Hulu Live are two of the most popular and more robust streaming service options available with YouTube TV’s fees starting at $65/month while Hulu Live starts out at $55/month. YouTube TV offers more overall channels with more live sports options than Hulu Live even if “Hulu has Live Sports”. While both services offer multiple user profiles, simultaneous streams, and Cloud DVR, YouTube TV’s offers more of each of those than Hulu Live. Both services offer a 7-day trial period, so sign up and see which better fits your entertainment needs today!
| Provider | Ad-Free Option | Channels | Sports Channels | Local News | User Profiles | Simultaneous Streams | Cloud DVR Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Yes | 85+ | 20+ | Yes | 6 | 3 | Unlimited |
 |
Yes | 65+ | 15+ | Yes | 6 | 2+ | 50 Hours |
YouTube TV vs. Sling TV
YouTube TV is on the more expensive side of streaming services with fees starting at $65/month while Sling TV is a less expensive option with fees starting at $30/month. YouTube TV offers more channels overall but Sling TV offers more sports channels, so it could be the right choice for a sports fan. YouTube TV may be the better choice for families as it offers multiple User Profiles with 3 simultaneous streams and unlimited Cloud DVR. If you’re wanting to test them both out, YouTube TV offers a longer trial period than Sling TV with 7 Days.
| Provider | Ad-Free Option | Channels | Sports Channels | Local News | User Profiles | Simultaneous Streams | Cloud DVR Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yes | 85+ | 20+ | Yes | 6 | 3 | Unlimited |
 |
Yes | 70+ | 30+ | No | N/A | 3 | 10 Hours |
Hulu Live vs. Sling TV
While Hulu Live is a more expensive option, starting at $55/month, Sling TV offers more overall channels and more live sports channels for prices starting at $30/month. While Sling TV does have more channels, Hulu Live is a better option for Local News. Hulu Live is the better option for families as it offers multiple user profiles, however, both Hulu and Sling TV offer simultaneous streams. Hulu Live offers 50 hours of Cloud DVR Storage, much more than Sling TV’s 10 hours. Finally, you’ll be able to test out Hulu Live for a little longer as it offers a 7-day trial period.
| Provider | Ad-Free Option | Channels | Sports Channels | Local News | User Profiles | Simultaneous Streams | Cloud DVR Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yes | 65+ | 15+ | Yes | 6 | 2+ | 50 Hours |
|
Yes | 70+ | 30+ | No | N/A | 3 | 10 Hours |
Hulu Live vs. Fubo TV
Fubo TV may cost $10 more per month than Hulu Live, but for that extra money, you get more overall channels, more sports channels, and more hours of Cloud DVR. Fubo TV offers 170+ channels while Hulu Live offers 65+ channels. Fubo TV includes 35+ channels for sports, while Hulu Live only has 15+. The Cloud DVR difference is the largest with Fubo TV offering 250 hours compared to Hulu Live’s 50 hours. Both services offer a 7-day trial period, so take them for a test run to see which the best fit is for you!
| Provider | Ad-Free Option | Channels | Sports Channels | Local News | User Profiles | Simultaneous Streams | Cloud DVR Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yes | 65+ | 15+ | Yes | 6 | 2+ | 50 Hours |
 |
Yes | 170+ | 35+ | Yes | 6 | 2 | 250 Hours |
Fubo TV vs. YouTube TV
These two streaming services are the upper tier of the price range, with Fubo TV and YouTube TV both starting at $65/month. With these costs, you’re getting the most entertainment for your money as Fubo TV has the most total channels with 170+ while Youtube TV has the second most channels with 85+. Both packages are tremendous options for sports fans, but Fubo TV does have more sports channel options with 35+. For families, YouTube TV may be the better option as it offers more simultaneous streams and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Give them a both a shot today for free, both services are currently offering 7-day free trials.
| Provider | Ad-Free Option | Channels | Sports Channels | Local News | User Profiles | Simultaneous Streams | Cloud DVR Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yes | 170+ | 35+ | Yes | 6 | 2 | 250 Hours |
|
Yes | 85+ | 20+ | Yes | 6 | 3 | Unlimited |
Comparison of Live Streaming Services Channels
Local Channels
Providers typically offer local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels. ABC is now available on FuboTV in most local markets.
Local Availability
Even if a service claims to offer live local channels, your area's stations could not be included. You can still view the on-demand material if you live in a region without local channels.
Missing Channels
Consider subscribing to Paramount+ for $4.99 if your package doesn't include CBS. It's a monthly fee paid directly to CBS, and it gives you access to many of its shows on demand as well as live streaming of most sports on CBS. You can upgrade to their $9.99 per month Premium Tier if you want access to your local CBS affiliate.
Top Cable Channels
25–35 of the Top Cable Channels from Disney, Discovery, NBCU, WarnerMedia, ViacomCBS, Hallmark, A+E, and AMC are available on most live TV streaming services.
There are 27 Top Cable Channels on FuboTV ($69.99). They lack TNT, TBS, CNN, A&E, History, & Lifetime but do have the majority of big channels, including ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, FX, Nat Geo, Bravo, USA, FS1, and Fox News.
32 Top Cable Channels are available on YouTube TV ($64.99), but A&E, History, and Lifetime are omitted.
AMC, WE tv, and Hallmark are the only channels not available on Hulu Live TV ($69.99), which contains 32 Top Cable Channels. They cost $69.99, which is almost the same as the others, but they also come with the Disney Bundle (Disney+ and ESPN+), access to Hulu Originals, and an on-demand library ($13.99 worth of value).
Plans with DIRECTV STREAM start at $69.99+. They have more Top 35 cable channels than any other service, including 34 of the Top 35 Cable Channels. Access to regional sports networks (RSNs), which include Bally Sports RSNs, requires upgrading to their DIRECTV STREAM "Choice" ($89.99) package.
Sports Channels
FuboTV offers some RSNs, including hard-to-find ones like ROOT Sports Northwest, Altitude, MSG, NESN, Marquee Sports Network, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, AT&T SportsNet Southwest, and MSG. Additionally, it is one of the few services that offers NHL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, and NFL Network.
You'll need DIRECTV STREAM, which includes national sports channels like ESPN, FS1, USA Network, TNT, and TBS, to watch Bally Sports RSNs or YES Network. Bally Sports RSNs are no longer available on Hulu Live TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV.
National Sports Channels
Most services include USA Network, FS1/FS2, TBS, and TNT in their entry-level bundles in addition to ESPN/ESPN2. While TBS and TNT are not available on FuboTV, it does carry ESPN, USA, and FS1.
Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)
Regional sports networks (RSNs) are included in the base plans of FuboTV, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV. To access RSNs, DIRECTV STREAM needs an updated package. Bally Sports RSNs (formerly known as Fox Sports RSNs) are only currently available on AT&T TV due to contractual issues with YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV. All have NBC Sports channels like NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area.
Pro Sports
Pro sports networks are typically not included in the base plans of services. The most complete option is FuboTV, whose base package includes NFL Network. NHL Network, MLB Network, and NBA TV are available as part of their $8 "Fubo Extra" add-on. Instead, you can choose their $11 "Sports Plus" add-on, which also covers those other channels, if you want NFL RedZone.
College Sports
The ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPNU, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network are the leading college sports networks. For college sports lovers, Hulu Live TV ($69.99) and FuboTV ($69.99) are excellent choices. The Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPNU, ACC Network, and SEC Network are all available through both services. The "Ultimate" ($104.99) plan of DIRECTV STREAM is the only one that offers these channels. FuboTV provides the Pac-12 Network. It is a part of the Extra ($8) and Sports Plus ($11) add-ons for FuboTV ($69.99).
Other Sports Channels
For soccer aficionados, FuboTV is the best streaming service. BeIN is a part of the standard ($69.99) plan. Fox Soccer Plus, a $15 upgrade on other services, is available as an add-on for only $6.
Premium Channels
Most streaming services let you upgrade your membership to add premium channels like Cinemax, HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, and Epix. If you choose one of their Choice plans or above, DIRECTV STREAM will give you three months of HBO Max. You may subscribe to Showtime on Amazon for the same price as on Hulu Live TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV. Showtime is available on these services for $10–$11 per month.