YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live vs. DirecTV and More
Desirous about transitioning away from cable? It would not should be a frightening enterprise, however slightly homework is concerned. As TV prices improve, there are many options you possibly can think about, like live TV streaming services and or skinny bundles. Wire-free dwell providers include perks like a broad mixture of channels, DVR and no long-term commitments. You possibly can stream sports activities and extra, and these providers supply wider channel choices than antennas but additionally allow you to watch in your laptop computer or cellphone.
Selecting a service could be tough due to pricing and regional sports activities networks, however there are six principal platforms to contemplate (we’re not together with smaller ones): Sling TV, DirecTV, YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Fubo and Philo.
It actually boils all the way down to the channels, proper? We have checked out who carries the highest 100 channels of their principal lineups that can assist you resolve which one may very well be one of the best to your family.
Learn extra: Best Sports Streaming Service for 2025
The Massive Chart: High 100 channels in contrast (up to date July 2025)
The primary distinction between the providers is their channel choice. All of them supply completely different lineups of channels for numerous costs.
Under, you may discover a chart that reveals the highest 100 channels throughout all six providers. Notice that not each service has a worthy 100. There are literally seven listed as a result of Sling TV has two “base” tiers, Orange and Blue. And for those who’re questioning, I selected which “prime” channels made the minimize. Sorry, AXS TV, Discovery Life, GSN and Common HD.
DirecTV minimize “Stream” from its identify, however its streaming choices stay. Its fundamental plan begins at $87 a month, whereas YouTube TV, Sling, Fubo and Hulu Plus Dwell TV’s plans all price extra now, affecting the worth of those providers primarily based on their channel lineups. Do not forget Fubo’s big loss of Warner Bros. Discovery channels corresponding to Animal Planet, Cartoon Community, Discovery Channel, Meals Community, HGTV, Magnolia Community OWN and TLC, which can make it much less interesting.
Nonetheless, there are quite a few dwell TV streaming decisions out there. Sling TV’s basic monthly packages are $46 in most cities and Philo affords a small roster however packages AMC Plus entry with it. However prices proceed to go up and people adjustments are mirrored within the chart under the place relevant.
Some extra stuff to know in regards to the chart:
- Sure = The channel is accessible on the most cost effective pricing tier. That value is listed subsequent to the service’s identify.
- No = The channel is not out there in any respect on that service.
- $ = The channel is accessible for an additional payment, both a la carte or as a part of a dearer package deal or add-on.
- Regional sports activities networks — native channels dedicated to displaying regular-season video games of explicit professional baseball, basketball and hockey groups — will not be listed. DirecTV’s $130 tier has probably the most RSNs by far however a number of can be found on different providers. You may also try its MySports package for $70 and Xfinity’s sports and news providing.
- Native ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, MyNetworkTV and The CW networks will not be out there in each metropolis. As a result of the supply of those channels varies, you may need to verify the service’s web site to confirm that it carries your native community.
- Native PBS stations are solely at present out there on DirecTV Stream, Hulu Dwell and YouTube TV. Once more, you may need to verify native availability.
- Sling Blue subscribers in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York Metropolis should now pay $51 per 30 days, however have entry to native ABC, Fox and NBC channels. Prospects in Houston, Fresno, California, and Raleigh, North Carolina, now have ABC and Fox on their Blue or Orange-and-Blue subscriptions at no further cost. This isn’t mirrored within the chart. Examine Sling’s site to see which native channels can be found in your space.
- Fubo subscribers could discover that the ACC Community and SEC Community are included with their package deal at no further price. Examine availability to your state.
- The chart columns are organized so as of value, so if you cannot see the whole lot you need, strive scrolling proper.
- Overwhelmed? An easier-to-understand Google Spreadsheet is here.
Philo vs. Sling TV vs. Fubo vs. YouTube TV vs. DirecTV vs. Hulu: High 100 channels in contrast
| Channel | Philo ($28) | Sling Orange ($46) | Sling Blue ($46) | YouTube TV ($83) | Hulu with Dwell TV ($83) | Fubo ($85) | DirecTV ($87) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete channels: | 42 | 24 | 35 | 78 | 75 | 46 | 55 |
| ABC | No | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| CBS | No | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Fox | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| NBC | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| PBS | No | No | No | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| CW | No | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure (restricted) |
| MyNetworkTV | No | No | No | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| Channel | Philo ($28) | Sling Orange ($46) | Sling Blue ($46) | YouTube TV ($83) | Hulu with Dwell TV ($83) | Fubo ($85) | DirecTV ($87) |
| A&E | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure | No | $ |
| ACC Community | No | $ | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | $ |
| Accuweather | Sure | No | No | No | No | Sure | Sure |
| AMC | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | No | Sure |
| Animal Planet | Sure | No | No | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| BBC America | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | No | Sure |
| BBC World Information | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | No | No | $ |
| BET | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Massive Ten Community | No | No | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | $ |
| Bloomberg TV | No | Sure | Sure | No | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Boomerang | No | $ | $ | No | $ | No | Sure |
| Bravo | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Channel | Philo ($28) | Sling Orange ($46) | Sling Blue ($46) | YouTube TV ($83) | Hulu with Dwell TV ($83) | Fubo ($85) | DirecTV ($87) |
| Cartoon Community | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| CBS Sports activities Community | No | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | $ |
| Cheddar | Sure | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Cinemax | No | No | No | $ | $ | No | $ |
| CMT | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| CNBC | No | No | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| CNN | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| Comedy Central | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Cooking Channel | Sure | $ | $ | No | $ | $ | $ |
| Vacation spot America | Sure | $ | $ | No | $ | $ | $ |
| Discovery Channel | Sure | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| Disney Channel | No | Sure | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Disney Junior | No | $ | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Disney XD | No | $ | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| E! | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| ESPN | No | Sure | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| ESPN 2 | No | Sure | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| ESPNEWS | No | $ | No | Sure | Sure | $ | $ |
| ESPNU | No | $ | No | Sure | Sure | $ | $ |
| Channel | Philo ($28) | Sling Orange ($46) | Sling Blue ($46) | YouTube TV ($83) | Hulu with Dwell TV ($83) | Fubo ($85) | DirecTV ($87) |
| Meals Community | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| Fox Enterprise | No | No | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Fox Information | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| FS1 | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| FS2 | No | No | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | $ |
| Freeform | No | Sure | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| FX | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| FX Films | No | No | $ | Sure | Sure | $ | $ |
| FXX | No | No | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| FYI | Sure | $ | $ | No | Sure | No | $ |
| Golf Channel | No | No | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | $ |
| Hallmark | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| HBO/Max | No | No | No | $ | $ | No | $ |
| HGTV | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| Historical past | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure | No | $ |
| HLN | No | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| IFC | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | No | Sure |
| Investigation Discovery | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| Lifetime | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure | No | $ |
| Lifetime Film Community | Sure | $ | $ | No | Sure | No | $ |
| Channel | Philo ($28) | Sling Orange ($46) | Sling Blue ($46) | YouTube TV ($83) | Hulu with Dwell TV ($83) | FuboTV ($85) | DirecTV ($87) |
| Magnolia Community | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | Sure | No | $ |
| MGM+ | $ | $ | $ | $ | No | No | $ |
| MLB Community | No | $ | $ | No | Sure | $ | $ |
| Motor Development | Sure | Sure | No | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| MSNBC | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| MTV | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| MTV2 | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | $ | $ | Sure |
| Nationwide Geographic | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No |
| Nat Geo Wild | No | No | $ | Sure | Sure | $ | $ |
| NBA TV | No | $ | $ | Sure | No | $ | $ |
| NFL Community | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | $ |
| NFL Pink Zone | No | No | $ | $ | $ | $ | No |
| NHL Community | No | $ | $ | No | No | $ | $ |
| Nickelodeon | Sure | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Nick Jr. | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | $ |
| Nicktoons | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | $ | $ | $ |
| OWN | Sure | No | No | Sure | Sure | No | $ |
| Oxygen | No | No | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | $ |
| Paramount Community | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Science | Sure | $ | $ | No | $ | $ | $ |
| Channel | Philo ($28) | Sling Orange ($46) | Sling Blue ($46) | YouTube TV ($83) | Hulu with Dwell TV ($83) | FuboTV ($85) | DirecTV ($87) |
| SEC Community | No | $ | No | Sure | Sure | $ | $ |
| Showtime | No | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| Smithsonian | Sure | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | $ |
| Starz | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| Sundance TV | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | No | No | Sure |
| Syfy | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Tastemade | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | No | Sure | $ |
| TBS | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| TCM | No | $ | $ | Sure | Sure | No | $ |
| TeenNick | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | $ | $ | Sure |
| Telemundo | No | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | $ |
| Tennis Channel | No | $ | $ | No | No | $ | $ |
| TLC | Sure | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| TNT | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| Journey Channel | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | $ |
| TruTV | No | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | $ |
| TV Land | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| USA Community | No | No | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| VH1 | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Vice | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure | No | $ |
| WE television | Sure | $ | $ | Sure | No | No | Sure |
| Channel | Philo ($28) | Sling Orange ($46) | Sling Blue ($46) | YouTube TV ($83) | Hulu with Dwell TV ($83) | FuboTV ($85) | DirecTV ($87) |
Hulu Plus Dwell TV, which incorporates entry to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, now prices $83 a month for its base package deal. Its channel choice is not as sturdy as YouTube TV, but Hulu’s significant catalog of on-demand content material units it aside. Unique titles corresponding to Shōgun, The Bear and Only Murders in the Building give it a content material benefit no different service can match.
Dwell TV subscribers additionally obtain limitless DVR that features fast-forwarding and on-demand playback — at no further price. It is a transfer that has aligned Hulu with its opponents when it comes to options, however the channel lineup should be a deciding issue. It is the identical value as YouTube TV, which has extra channels, however the entry to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus could make it a extra interesting alternative for you. Read our Hulu Plus Live TV review.
With a superb channel choice, easy-to-use interface and best-in-class cloud DVR, the $83 per 30 days YouTube TV is likely one of the greatest cable TV replacements. It affords a 4K improve add-on for a further value, however the draw back is there is not a lot to observe at current until you watch choose channels. Should you do not thoughts paying a bit greater than the Sling TVs of the world, or need to watch dwell NBA video games, YouTube TV affords a excessive commonplace of dwell TV streaming. Read our YouTube TV review.
If you wish to save slightly cash and do not thoughts lacking out on native channels, Sling TV is one of the best of the price range providers. Its Orange and Blue packages begin at $46 per 30 days, and you’ll mix them for a month-to-month fee of $61 ($66 in some areas). The Orange choice nets you one stream, whereas Blue provides you three. It is not as complete or as simple to navigate as YouTube, however with a bit of labor, together with including an antenna or an AirTV 2 DVR, it is an unbeatable worth. We’ll additionally add that the service affords native channels corresponding to ABC and CBS in some areas the place the month-to-month fee is $51. Read our Sling TV review.
DirecTV’s base streaming package deal prices greater than all the opposite platforms on this checklist and its stiffest competitors continues to be Hulu Plus Dwell TV and YouTube TV. With its channel choice, it is superb for sports activities followers who need to watch native or nationwide video games.
The service does have its pluses, although — for instance, it contains the flipper-friendly capacity to swipe left and proper to alter channels. Moreover, it contains some channels another providers cannot, together with practically 250 PBS stations nationwide. The $87 Leisure with sports activities package deal could fit your wants with its 75-plus channels. However for cord-cutters who need to comply with their native NBA or MLB staff, DirecTV Stream’s $115 Alternative package deal is a extra sturdy dwell TV streaming decide as a result of it has entry to extra regional sports activities networks than the competitors. Nonetheless, you may need to ensure that your channel is included right here, and never out there on certainly one of our most popular picks, earlier than you pony up. Read our DirecTV streaming service review.
There’s quite a bit to love about Fubo — it affords a big selection of channels and its sports activities focus makes it particularly engaging to soccer followers or NBA, NHL and MLB followers who dwell in an space served by certainly one of Fubo’s RSNs. It is also a fantastic alternative for NFL followers as a result of it is certainly one of three providers, alongside YouTube TV and Hulu, that provide NFL Community and non-obligatory RedZone. As of February 2025, Fubo is charging extra for its service and entry to Bally Sports activities RSNs. The most important gap in Fubo’s lineup is the dearth of Warner Bros. Discovery networks, together with Cartoon Community, CNN, Meals Community, HGTV, TBS and TNT — particularly because the latter two carry plenty of sports activities content material, specifically MLB, NBA and NHL. These lacking channels, and the $85 price ticket for the bottom plan, make it much less engaging than YouTube TV for many viewers. Read our Fubo review.
Philo raised its price from $25 to $28 for brand spanking new subscribers and added an AMC Plus bundle, and it is nonetheless an affordable dwell TV streaming service with quite a lot of channels. Nevertheless it lacks sports activities channels, native stations and big-name information networks — though BBC information and Cheddar can be found. Philo affords bread-and-butter cable staples like Comedy Channel, Magnolia Community and Nickelodeon and focuses on life-style and actuality programming. It is also one of many least expensive dwell providers that streams Paramount, house of Yellowstone, and it features a cloud DVR and non-obligatory add-ons from Epix and Starz. We predict most individuals are higher off paying a couple of dollars extra for Sling TV’s superior service, but when Philo has each channel you need, it is a first rate deal. Read our Philo review.
2025-07-18 18:48:00
