Streaming Services Comparison: Which One Gives You All Channels?

Did you know more than 80% of cord‑cutters say they still miss a few favorite channels? That’s why a solid streaming comparison matters. Below you’ll find the key things to check, plus a quick run‑through of the biggest players that promise live TV, sports, news, and entertainment in one place.

Key Factors to Look At

First, write down the channels you can’t live without. Some services bundle local broadcast networks, while others charge extra for sports or premium movie channels. Next, compare the monthly price and any hidden fees – taxes, equipment rentals, or add‑on packages can push the cost higher than advertised.

Third, think about how many screens you’ll use at once. A family watching soccer in the living room while kids stream cartoons on a tablet needs at least two simultaneous streams. Finally, check the device lineup. Most services work on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and smart TVs, but a few still require a separate streaming device.

Top Services Reviewed

Hulu + Live TV offers 75+ channels, including local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC in most markets. The base price is $79.99 per month, and you get Hulu’s on‑demand library plus an optional add‑on for Disney+ and ESPN+. It supports four streams simultaneously, which is solid for a typical household.

YouTube TV packs 100+ channels and a generous cloud DVR with unlimited storage. Priced at $72.99 a month, it includes local networks and a robust sports lineup. You can stream on three devices at once and add extra channels through a la carte options if you need more niche content.

DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) has three main tiers: Entertainment, Choice, and Ultimate. The Choice plan, at $84.99 per month, gives you most major networks plus ESPN and a handful of premium movie channels. It allows three streams and works on a wide range of devices, though the UI feels a bit dated.

fuboTV shines for sports fans. Its $79.99 base plan includes over 100 channels, with a strong focus on live sports, plus local broadcast networks. The service lets you watch on three screens and offers an unlimited DVR, but the news and entertainment selection is slimmer than some rivals.

Philo is the budget‑friendly option at $25 per month. You lose local broadcast channels and sports, but you keep a solid lineup of entertainment and lifestyle networks. It supports three streams and works on all major devices, making it perfect if you mainly stream shows and movies.

When you line up price, channel count, and device support, the “best” service really depends on what you watch. If local news and sports are a must, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV are safe bets. If you’re looking to save money and don’t need live sports, Philo beats the competition hands down.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet: YouTube TV – most channels, good price; Hulu + Live TV – great on‑demand mix; fuboTV – sports‑heavy; DirecTV Stream – premium add‑ons; Philo – low‑cost entertainment. Use this guide to match your must‑watch list with the right plan, and you’ll stop paying for channels you never use.

Remember to take advantage of free trials. Most services offer a 7‑day or 30‑day test period, so you can see the interface and channel lineup before committing. Set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends if the service doesn’t fit your needs.

Bottom line: a good streaming comparison saves you time, money, and the frustration of missing your favorite show. Pick the plan that covers your core channels, fits your budget, and works on the devices you already own. Happy streaming!