When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreThe best live TV streaming services combine channel offerings, affordability, and flexibility.DirecTV/Sling/Fubo/Philo/Business InsiderThe days of needing a clunky cable box or satellite dish to watch live television are over. Now, you don't even need an antenna, since the best live TV streaming services can grant access to all of your favorite channels without the excess hardware, lofty fees, or long-term contracts traditionally required in cable packages. All you need is an internet connection and a smart TV, computer, or smartphone to begin watching.With so many solid options on the market, it can be hard to figure out exactly which service is the right one for your household's needs. To help make selecting one a bit easier, we've spent hours testing out the best live TV streaming services and highlighted our four top picks. Whether you've recently cut the cord and you're seeking out a true cable replacement or you're just looking for a way to keep up with a few notable networks without breaking the bank, there's something for everyone.DirecTV earns our highest recommendation, as it offers both pricier signature packages that rival cable and more affordable genre packs that target specific types of channels. International sports fans will find lots to love in Fubo, which offers a staggering number of channels for $89 a month (or cheaper, thanks to a special sports and news package). However, it lacks Warner Bros. programming and a few other key networks, so it might be a harder sell for those who are more entertainment-focused. For those who are mostly interested in lifestyle and entertainment or operating on a strict budget, Philo is the way to go. The entry-level live TV streamer is missing local channels and major sports networks, but it's only $25 a month, so you can always supplement any gaps with other services. Sling is an easy middle ground, offering a concise yet mighty selection of essential channels, including ESPN.Below, you can find our researched roundup of the best live TV streaming services for different needs. Though channel selection and price vary from app to app, these cord-cutting services all offer plenty of popular networks to watch. If you're stuck deciding between two options, our Sling vs. Fubo and Sling vs. Philo guides might be able to help you out.Our top picks for the best live TV streaming services Best overall: DirecTVBest budget plan: PhiloBest for the essentials: Sling TVBest for sports fans: Fubo Best overall MyFree DirecTV: 90+ live channels you can stream for freeDirecTV MyKids: $21/month for 10+ channels with unlimited streamsDirecTV MyEntertainment: $43/month for 40+ channels with unlimited streamsDirecTV MiEspañol: $38/month for 60+ channels with unlimited streamsDirecTV MyNews: $45/month for 10+ channels with unlimited streamsDirecTV MySports: $65/month for 20+ channels with unlimited streamsDirecTV Entertainment: $90/month for 90+ channels with unlimited streamsDirecTV Choice: $95/month for 125+ channels with unlimited streamsDirecTV Ultimate: $125/month for 160+ channels with unlimited streamsDirecTV Premier: $170/month for 185+ channels with unlimited streams DirecTV, the streaming counterpart to the cable provider of the same name, is as close as it gets to cable in the world of streaming. The app has month-to-month options like the other live TV streaming packages in this guide (as well as an optional long-term plan if you're looking to save some money). Subscribers can watch unlimited streams on their home network and up to three streams while away from home.The live TV streaming service carries pretty much everything you'd find in a basic cable package, with no random blackouts (like the lack of Warner Bros. networks on Fubo or local channels on Sling). Plus, you can add on pretty much any cable channel (or bundle in a popular streaming service like HBO Max and Paramount+ with Showtime) — for a price.DirecTV's TV guide.DirecTV Stream; Lillian Brown/Business InsiderThat being said, the streaming service can get a bit expensive in its signature packages. The base Entertainment tier starts at $90/month, which is similar to alternatives like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. Things get pricey with the other options, like the Choice tier (which has everything that Entertainment offers, plus specialty sports networks), the Ultimate tier (which carries everything in Choice, plus more sports and movie channels), and the Premier tier (which offers everything we've mentioned so far, in addition to extra channels and bonus streaming subscription access).Most of these signature plans also tack on regional sports fees (which can reach up to $18 a month) and/or the $10 a month Gemini lease fee. The signature plans all include ESPN Unlimited, and (if you get a Gemini device) the ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu bundle. The Premie
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