If you want real live TV — news, sports, cable channels — without a cable box, three services come up again and again: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV. They look similar, but they're built for very different households. Picking the wrong one is the fastest way to end up paying cable prices again.
Here's how they really compare.
Prices change often. We compare features and value rather than exact prices — always check the current price and your ZIP code on each service's website before signing up.
The short version
- YouTube TV — the best all-rounder: most local channels, unlimited DVR, easiest to use.
- Hulu + Live TV — the best value if you'd pay for Disney+ and ESPN's streaming service anyway, because they're included.
- Sling TV — the cheapest way in, if you don't need many local channels and can pick a smaller package.
Side-by-side
| YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC | Most markets | Most markets | Limited markets |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited | Unlimited | Limited (upgrade available) |
| Extras included | — | Disney+, Hulu library, ESPN streaming | — |
| Packages | One main plan + add-ons | One main plan + add-ons | Smaller "Orange" / "Blue" plans + add-ons |
| Best for | Most households | Disney/ESPN fans | Tight budgets |
YouTube TV: the easy all-rounder
YouTube TV carries the broadcast networks in almost every market plus a big lineup of popular cable channels. Its biggest strength is the unlimited cloud DVR: add a show to your library and every new episode records automatically.
Why people choose it
- Simple, fast app on nearly every device
- Unlimited DVR that keeps recordings for months
- Multiview to watch several games at once
- Home of NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on
Watch out for: it's rarely the cheapest option, and occasional channel disputes can temporarily remove a network.
Hulu + Live TV: the bundle value pick
Hulu + Live TV is a live channel lineup plus the full Hulu on-demand library, Disney+ and ESPN's streaming service. If your household would pay for those separately, this bundle can be the cheapest way to get everything.
Why people choose it
- Three popular services in one bill
- Unlimited DVR
- Huge on-demand library for bingeing
Watch out for: if you don't care about Disney+ or ESPN, you're paying for extras you won't use.
Sling TV: the budget builder
Sling works differently. Instead of one big package, you pick a smaller base plan — Orange (ESPN and family channels) or Blue (news and entertainment, with some locals in select cities) — or combine them, then add small channel packs.
Why people choose it
- Lowest starting price of the three
- Pay only for the channel groups you watch
- Pairs perfectly with a free antenna for local channels
Watch out for: limited local channels and a small base DVR. Pair it with an antenna — see how to watch local channels without cable.
Which is cheapest for your home?
The cheapest service is the one that covers your must-have channels without extras you don't use. Try this:
- List your top 10 channels. Be honest — most families regularly watch fewer than 15.
- Check local channels. If an antenna works at your address, locals don't need to come from the service.
- Match to a profile: - Mostly news and a few cable channels, antenna for locals → Sling - Sports fan who also wants Disney+ → Hulu + Live TV - Wants everything simple, including locals and a big DVR → YouTube TV
- Use the free trial during a week that includes the shows or games you care about.
Money-saving tips
- Go month to month. None of these require a contract — pause or cancel in the off-season.
- Skip add-ons at first. Add them only when you actually miss something.
- Watch on a good streaming device. Old smart TV apps can be slow; a modern stick fixes that.
- Keep your internet plan right-sized. Around 25 Mbps per 4K stream is plenty for most homes.
The verdict
For most households, YouTube TV is the least hassle. If you'd subscribe to Disney+ and ESPN anyway, Hulu + Live TV usually wins on value. And if your budget is tight and an antenna covers your local channels, Sling can cut your TV bill the most.
Ready to switch? Follow our step-by-step guide to canceling cable and keeping your internet.
Frequently asked questions
Which live TV service has the most local channels?
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV carry local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in most US markets. Sling TV includes some locals only in select cities, so check your ZIP code.
Do these services have contracts?
No. All three are month to month, so you can cancel any time and come back later.
Can I watch on more than one TV?
Yes. Each service allows several screens at the same time in your home, and some sell an upgrade for more simultaneous streams.
Is a live TV service cheaper than cable?
Often, because there are no box rental or installation fees and no contract. The biggest savings come from choosing a smaller plan and using a free antenna for local channels.
