Cord-cutting has always been the promise of streaming video, and we’re finally getting to the point where streaming the boobtube is better than paying for a cable subscription. Indeed, according to a recent report, 61 percent of young adults use streaming as their primary method of watching TV. But with the proliferation of pay services in recent years, picking which to use can be a total pain. We’re here to help.
Currently, there are a number of different streaming services available, which vary in price, networks offered, and additional content options. The best streaming service for you, of course, depends on your taste in TV.
Gimme the basics for cheap
You: Want to watch guilty pleasures and some sports while paying as little as possible.
Stream: SlingTV
Monthly price: $20
You get: 30 channels, including staples like ESPN, AMC, and CNN. Add on packages of extras from categories like news, comedy, and kids for $5 each.
DVR: 50 hours for $5 a month
Gimme sports, news, and a little more
You: Want to watch a good selection of sports and additional programming but don’t want to pay top dollar.
Stream: YouTube TV
Monthly price: $35
You get: Over 50 channels, including the key sports and news networks, AMC, and Disney. Adding Showtime is an option.
DVR: Unlimited
Gimme all the TV
You: Want to watch to watch a wide variety of TV, and don’t mind paying a little more.
Stream: PS Vue Core
Monthly price: $45
You get: Over 60 channels, including basically every non-premium channel a normal person could want, plus some extras like MLB Network. For people who need EVERYTHING, including premiums like HBO and Showtime, plans go up to $75.
DVR: Unlimited
Gimme TV plus a little extra
You: Want an exhaustive library of entertainment and some sports.
Stream: Hulu with Live TV
Monthly price: $40
You get: Over 50 channels with a solid offering of news, sports, and entertainment, plus Hulu original content and a huge selection of old shows. Adding Showtime and HBO is an option.
DVR: 50 hours free, $15 a month for 200 hours
DISCUSSION
Funny that DTV Now is not listed. I’ve used it since launch day, and with the exception of a few service hiccups at the very beginning, it’s been a flawless experience. I pay $35 for 120+ channels, a somewhat decent on demand setup. Plus HBO for $5 a month (well free for me for a year). The only thing severely lacking is DVR, which has been “coming soon” since launch. But that is the only knock on it (a big one though).
I’ve used all of those services you list and the only thing that comes somewhat close is Sony’s offering. But ehhh, too expensive.