Signing up and using each service is as simple as using Netflix or Hulu, and live TV streaming services typically lack the installation service and contract fees common to a cable subscription.

The top options include YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, fuboTV, and Philo.

These services failed to dethrone cable with the speed many anticipated (and PlayStation Vue has since shut down) but several great options remain. The pitch was simple: it’s like a cable subscription, but with a Netflix-like interface and pricing. Live TV streaming had a moment around 2015 to 2016, led by the introduction of Sling TV and PlayStation Vue. Live TV streaming services offer “a la carte” options

With that said, a cable subscription is arguably the best value overall, as it will provide access to tons of channels and many live events. Cable subscriptions typically start a hair below $100 per month and more appealing subscriptions are well over that. You can schedule to record a favorite show from your PC, for example, then watch it later on your TV. Most services will let you pause or record live television on a device and then pick it up later. The interface and apps offered by Xfinity, DirectTV, and similar services are mediocre, but they have the benefit of bringing your cable subscription to multiple devices. Comcast’s Xfinity service lets you watch live TV on your PC.

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