Best TV Streaming Service for 2023 (We’ve Got 12 Options!)
We investigated the best TV streaming service options available so you can ditch cable and save!
Calling all potential cord-cutters! 📺
Looking to find the best TV streaming service to replace your hefty cable bill? As much as we love Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and other exclusive content streaming services, we don’t want to give up our favorite cable shows, and with these options, you don’t have to!
Check out which option is the best TV streaming service for you:
1. Hulu gives you tons of channels in addition to three streaming libraries.
Hulu – First month free, then $7.99 per month
*Limited-time offer.
Hulu + Disney+ – Just $9.99 per month
Hulu, Disney+, + ESPN+ Basic Bundle – Just $12.99 per month
Hulu + Live TV – $69.99+ per month
Hulu + Live TV will give you over 75 live channels in addition to the libraries of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ included at no extra cost. These channels include local networks and sports channels like NCAA, NBA, NHL, NFL, and more! Since Disney+ (regularly $7.99/month) and ESPN+ (regularly $6.99/month) are included, you’ll be saving even more by accessing your favorite live TV channels as well the exclusive content between all three streaming services!
They offer 50 hours of cloud DVR storage, but you can only stream on one screen at a time. If you did want to upgrade to three devices at once, you can try it with peace of mind as cancellation of Hulu + Live TV is easy online or by phone.
2. Some of the best TV shows are only on HBO Max.
HBO Max with ads – Just $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year
This plan allows you to watch thousands of hours of series, movies, and exclusive originals in HD. You will see ads during the programming from time to time.
HBO Max without ads – Just $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year
This plan allows you to watch thousands of hours of series, movies, and exclusive originals in HD, with select movie titles available in 4K UHD.
With the ad-free plan, you’ll also be able to download your favorite titles to watch anytime on the go – this is great for when you’re traveling and need something to watch on the plane.
HBO Max offers viewers some of the most popular TV shows out right now. See what all the buzz is about for hit shows like The Last of Us and The White Lotus, or blockbuster movies like Black Adam and The Menu. Our team especially loves True Detective, Mare of Easttown, Hacks, Superman & Lois, and Silicon Valley. You can also watch older favorites like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Game of Thrones, and Friends. Plus, HBO Max has tons of movies, stand-up comedy, and even reboots of both Sex & The City and Gossip Girl.
If you’re a fan of any of the series mentioned (and plenty of others), HBO Max might be worth your while!
3. Get unlimited access to over 55,000 episodes with Discovery+.
Discovery+ with Ad-Lite – Just $4.99 per month
Try it free with their 7-day free trial!
Discovery+ (Ad-Free) – Just $6.99 per month
Try it free with their 7-day free trial!
In addition to original content, Discovery+ offers viewers access to 55,000 episodes of 2,500+ current and classic TV shows. You’ll see shows from 14 of the most popular networks like HGTV, The Magnolia Network, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and more! With the Ad-Free subscription, you can even download content for offline viewing!
4. Peacock is among the affordable streaming services.
Peacock Premium Premium TV Subscription – Just $4.99/month or $49.99
Peacock Premium Premium Plus TV Subscription $9.99/month or $99.99/year
This particular subscription plan gives you a lot of bang for your buck! Viewers will get access to live sports (including Premier League) and live events like the WWE. This service offers Premium and Premium Plus, and the biggest difference between the two is that Premium Plus has no ads! You can actually watch 10,000 hours of FREE content with no credit card required by signing up.
You’ll also score access to Peacock Originals like extended versions of The Office, have use of their children’s library, and get a huge selection of movies and television. You’ll even be able to watch current NBC and Bravo shows just one day after they air and you can watch some blockbusters right after they hit theaters.
Some shows you’ll spot on this streaming service are Modern Family, Parks & Recreation, and That 70’s show. You’ll be able to binge your favorite episodes of Yellowstone, too!
5. Watch your favorite shows ad-free with Paramount+
Paramount Plus Subscription – Just $4.99 or $49.99 per year
*7-day FREE trial available
Paramount Plus & Showtime – Just $11.99 per month or $199.99 per year
*7-day FREE trial available
Want access to highly-rated movies like The Lost City and Top Gun? How about access to shows like 1923, 1883, and Star Trek Strange New Worlds? If you answered, “Yes,” then Paramount+ has you covered, and right now this streaming service is offering some amazing deals!
Choosing this streaming service will get you access to networks like Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and the Smithsonian Channel. You’ll also get to watch Paramount+ originals! Watch Paramount+ ad-free on up to 3 devices at a time!
Right now, T-Mobile customers can get a 1-Year subscription to Paramount+ for FREE!
We have the details here!
6. AMC+ hosts your favorite shows.
AMC+ Subscription – Just $6.99 per month
*7-day FREE trial available
With an AMC+ subscription, you can stream content from AMC such as hit shows like The Walking Dead and Mad Men, along with blockbuster movies such as Pretty Woman, Moneyball, and more! It includes a bundle of the best shows and movies from AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV, Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films Unlimited.
7. Starz has original shows you don’t wanna miss.
Starz – $5 for first month, then $8.99 per month
*Limited-time offer. Also available – add Starz to your Amazon Prime Video for $8+ per month
Starz has movies and TV series in every genre and for all ages – so there’s something for everyone in the family! The movie library includes new releases along with a host of oscar worthy movies and international films. As for TV, they offer a wide selection of programming including Starz Originals such as Outlander, Power, The Luminaries, and more!
Tons of shows and films on Starz are not available on other streaming platforms, which means the only way to watch them is to subscribe! AND you can check out that new content with their special offer, pay just $5 for your first month!
8. Philo is awesome for family channels.
Philo – Just $25 per month
*7-day FREE trial available
Although there are no sports channels, Philo features over 60 channels and an on-demand library for only the low price of $25! You can also stream three devices at once and have unlimited DVR space, so, if you aren’t a major sports fan and don’t mind missing channels like ABC, CBS, and FOX, this may be the choice for you.
If that’s not enough for this low price, there are options to upgrade your account with Movies & More, Epix, and/or Starz with free 7-day trials for each!
9. YouTube TV is a top-tier option at a fair price.
YouTube TV – $54.99 per month for the first 3 months, then $64.99+/month (limited-time offer)
*14-day FREE trial available
YouTube TV includes over 100 channels, including sports favorites like NBA, NFL, and MLB networks. You can set up six profiles and simultaneously stream three at a time. There’s also unlimited DVR cloud storage at no additional cost with no annual contract! You’ll have access to popular networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.
For that, out of all the options on this list, this definitely seems like a top-tier offer that can save you up to $680/per year. They even offer a free trial to see if this is the option for you.
10. Sling TV is solid, simple, and one of the best TV streaming service options.
Sling TV Orange Subscription – Just $20 for the first month, then $40 per month
*New customers get FREE DVR storage!
Sling TV Blue Subscription – Just $20 for the first month, then $40 per month
*New customers get FREE DVR storage!
Sling TV Orange & Blue Subscription – Just $27.50 for the first month, then $55 per month
*New customers get FREE DVR storage!
With the Orange package, you’ll receive 32 channels geared towards college football and family content, 50 hours of DVR cloud storage, and streaming on one device (can be updated to three).
With the Blue package, the only difference from Orange is you’ll get 43 channels geared towards pro football and news outlets. To get the best of both worlds, you also have the option to combine both packages for only $15 more a month.
If you’re one who gets irritated when you see you’re paying tons on your cable bill for channels you don’t watch, Sling TV is a really great live TV streaming service. Sling TV often comes out with competitive offers when you’re a new customer to take advantage of, too!
11. FuboTV is great for sports fans.
fuboTV Latino Subscription – Just $24.99 for the first month, then $32.99 per month
*7-day FREE trial available
fuboTV Pro Subscription – Just $74.99 per month
*7-day FREE trial available
fuboTV Elite Subscription – Just $84.99 per month
*7-day FREE trial available
fuboTV Premier Subscription – Just $94.99 per month
*7-day FREE trial available
With fuboTV, you’ll be able to enjoy over a hundred channels in 4K including sports. With the starter plan, you’ll receive 109 channels, 250 hours of cloud DVR space, and will be able to stream three screens at once. You can stream on any of your devices and cancel anytime.
They also offer a free trial which you should take advantage of as this may not be the best live TV streaming service if you’re not interested primarily in the sports content available.
12. Go commercial-free with Showtime.
Showtime – 1 Month FREE & then $3.99 per month for 6 months (regularly $10.99 per month)*
*Limited-time offer. Discount is for 6 months only and then the price reverts to $10.99 per month.
Skip the ads with Showtime! This streaming service gives you access to tons of original series, uncut Hollywood hit movies, live sports, news, documentaries, and comedy specials. Have fun watching Showtime originals like Billions, Shameless, The CHI, Couples Therapy, and more!
You’ll be able to access Showtime on a variety of devices like your TV, tablet, phone, computer, Fire Stick, or Roku. This service allows you to watch live TV, or if you prefer, you can download full episodes and movies to watch offline!
Check out our in-depth comparison chart of the most common LIVE streaming tv options here...
For this live streaming TV comparison, we’re focusing on packages that offer local live television channels in addition to stations typically referred to as cable TV such as Food Network, Hallmark, Nickelodeon, etc.
Want to get the best TV streaming service for your local channels without paying a monthly fee?
If you really want to save a lot of money, consider buying an HDTV Antenna from Amazon for under $30. You’ll pay no monthly fee and will get full HD Channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, and more! This antenna has over 14,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating!
Before buying an HDTV antenna, head here first to find out which network channels are available for free in your local area.
Check out these FREE streaming services!
Don’t forget PUREFLIX! 🙂 https://www.pureflix.com/
There are some great family friendly movies coming soon!
$0.99/mo for 2 months. Then $7.99/mo. Offer ends Nov 29.
Stream thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and shows on your TV and favorite devices.
Thanks for sharing that recommendation, Ginger! 🥰
Curiosity Stream is on sale for $11.99 for a full year of streaming. (Yep…that’s for the year and not a month!). It has thousands of documentaries with just about every topic. I got the same sale last year and really enjoyed it with my kids. ( I loved the animal and nature ones and my daughter loved the ones about space).
Thanks so much for sharing that service, Ella! So glad to hear how well your family enjoyed it, at such an affordable price! 🙌💕
Thanks. I subscribed to both Hulu and Peacock and just started a free 3-month Walmart+ subscription that comes with Paramount+. That’s a lot, for $2.98.
You’re welcome, Paul! Sounds like you scored a great deal on some streaming services! 🙌
🤦♀️ I’ve had Walmart + for almost a year and found out that you got paramount for free and I have been paying $9.99 a month for it all that time. Anyway, when I found out, I tried to sign up and I was having a lot of trouble and it wasn’t worth it at the time, so I just kept paying. Well, I found out today that I’ve been I am signed up for free with Walmart + but have been paying all this time. 😭
Do you have to have a smart TV to get these like Hulu?
You can just use a Fire stick or Roku plugged into your tv as well. We have been streaming for over 10 years now and still use our Roku on the tv in the playroom
Thanks so much for your helpful comment, Jackie! Good to know how you’ve been streaming!
We got an offer for Pureflix $.99/month for 2 months! We signed up and love it! It has a lot of hallmark type movies on it AND my daughters are thrilled they have all the veggie tales movies on there!
Oh awesome! Thanks so much for the heads up on that offer! We’ll check it out! 💖
So it’s religious programming
I don’t understand these streaming options. Each time I sign up for one I end up not having access to the channels I want at some point. Anyone have a resource for comparing streaming services for dummies?
Hey Missy! Check out the spreadsheet above! Hope you find it helpful!!🤗
I agree. I have so much trouble.
I think there’s a mistake with HBO Plus prices, unless the ads are really THAT good that they’re worth paying an extra $50/yr to have them:
HBO Max with ads – Just $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year
HBO Max without ads – Just $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year
Hi Mary! ❤️ Without ads is $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year. I did update those details above and I do find that listed as I click through to the details. Hoping that helps!
Be careful with Paramount Plus. Mine recently stopped working on my Amazon Firestick with local CBS station (it works on other devices in my home). It’s a known issue I’ve seen when I’ve searched online but haven’t seen if there is a fix for it.
Oh bummer! Sorry to hear it stopped working on your Firestick. Thanks so much for the warning! 💞
I have t had an issue and I hope I don’t. Most of the shows I watch are on CBS.
This is a really helpful summary. A word of caution on antennas. Many of these flat window antennas are pretty useless, despite thousands of Amazon reviews. My personal experience was being offered an amazon gift card by the seller to give a positive review. The Fakespot review for the one listed in the above post is an “F”. Look for antenna reviews from antennamanpa.com. I bought a ClearStream, and have been super happy. We receive over 50 channels for free and paired it with a Tablo DVR.
Thanks for the heads up and for sharing your experience, David! We sure appreciate the helpful tip on antennas! ❤️
We get Peacock (with ads) for free with our internet service. I’m not sure if this is standard for all Comcast/Xfinity plans, but wanted to share in case anyone else has access to a free subscription through their internet or cable company but doesn’t realize it–we didn’t right away!
Yes! I have that with my Xfinity account too! Thanks for mentioning it! 🤗🙌
The Cox/Comcast/Infinity free Peacock is going away. They all announced last year that they were terminating it in Jan/Feb. 2023.
Darn! Thanks, Maggie! Good to know! ❤️
My husband and I have always had cable service forever… Comcast, xfinity, direct tv. We had it for 4 separate rooms. Back in the day had to run cables and later it was about WiFi, but always had to rent equipment from the cable companies. Once my kids went to college they never got cable and only streamed their channels. They have been trying for years to get us to steam tv. Finally we realized we were paying so much for the cable and hardly getting any channels we liked to watch. We made the leap to streaming with YouTube tv and was surprisingly happy with the change. It’s almost exactly the same as having cable. We’re paying way less and we don’t have to rent equipment. It took us a while to get here and have been very happy even since.
Yay!! Awesome to hear you’ve been happy with the switch to YouTube streaming! Thanks for taking the time to comment! 💞🙌🎊
We love YouTube tv too! Turns out to be so much cheaper than Hulu live bc you can have 3 viewers on at the same time, only 1 is allowed on Hulu. Also YouTube tv has a better fast forward function and just works better!
You said $54.99 a month for YouTube at a “fair price” ?????? I say: What!!!!😱
Thanks for the feedback, Vivi! 💞 It may be a great option for some in comparison to other services offered, when comparing the price with what is included. Hoping that might be helpful. 🤗
$55? I just signed up for $65 a month and can’t find much to watch. Such a waste of money.
What dvr does everyone recommend for over the air? My local channels are being blocked because of cox media group.
We use a Tablo DVR with an over the air antenna.
Wow! I love this chart! Thank you so much for putting it together!!! It’s easy to read and will help me narrow down the choices.
You’re welcome, Lolie! So glad the chart is helpful for you! Happy streaming! 🤗💓
We’ve had a lot of trouble with Paramount+ and it seems its not just us. Its buffers and freezes often. Watching a show is very difficult on a smart tv
Bummer! SO sorry to hear about your experience with their service, Ilana! I personally have a subscription to them, and haven’t had any issues with buffering or freezing. I did find their customer service number here – 1 (888) 274-5343, if you’d like to try to call them to see if they might be able to help troubleshoot what is happening. Hoping this might be helpful! 🤞💓
I have Hulu Live. We can watch it on 3 TVs at one time, not the same channel though. Hulu Live also has Paramount included.
I have wanted to switch to You Tube and you almost had me, except my husband only watches the History channel. It’s not offered on You Tube. Dang it!
Thanks for the wonderful spreadsheet. It really helps alot! 🙂
You’re so welcome, Nancy! 💞 Happy that is helpful. Good to know you’ve been enjoying Hulu Live. Thanks for sharing with us! 🥰
Get History channel and others for $8.99/mo. On Frndly. Yes that’s the correct spelling. I dropped down 2 package levels on DirecTV and saved $50 /mo and added Frndly. I want to go total streaming but I live in a tiny town with only one cable company (Mediacom) and they know it and charge ridiculous prices for internet and have data limits. I’m paying almost $120/mo for 1000gb of data that. That’s just for internet not cable or phone. 40 miles from here the town has 3 Cable companies and for $120 you can get unlimited data internet, cable and phone.
Our council members about 35 years ago thought it would be a good idea to give them an exclusive deal in the town. I’m not sure if the term but I hope it’s almost up so some competition can come in. I’m sure there was some dirty money passed hands somewhere when that deal was made.
We were thinking of getting Youtube but my husband watches a lot of MLB baseball and I don’t see it in the options when I put in for a free trial. Does anyone know if the availability of certain channels depends on your location?
Yes! It does seem to vary by area as it asks for a zip code to see the channel line up for your area. Hoping that is helpful! 🥰
Thanks. I also saw yesterday after I posted that MLB and YouTube TV couldn’t negotiate a contract so they no longer carry MLB. Hopefully they will get it back soon.
You’re so welcome! Good to know! 🤞❤️