Live TV streaming services vs cable vs IPTV
In the US, live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo and DirecTV Stream replace cable with an app and no installation. They differ in local channels, sports networks, cloud DVR and price, and most have raised prices every year. IPTV services take a different approach: a much larger channel list including international channels, on-demand films and series, and prepaid plans with no contract — Streamelio starts at £10. Prices for streaming services change often, so check each provider’s current price.
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The main US live TV streaming services
YouTube TV
Broad local and cable network line-up with unlimited cloud DVR; often the default cable replacement.
Hulu + Live TV
Live channels bundled with Hulu on demand, Disney+ and ESPN+.
Sling TV
Lower-cost Orange and Blue packages with add-ons; fewer local channels.
Fubo
Sports-first service with many sports networks and international football.
Cable vs live TV streaming vs IPTV
| Cable / satellite | Live TV streaming apps | IPTV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Engineer, box or dish | App only | App only |
| Contract | Often 1–2 years | Monthly | Prepaid, no auto-renew |
| Local channels | Yes | Yes, varies by area | Varies by provider |
| Sports networks | Add-on tiers | Varies; some miss regional sports | Large sports line-up |
| International channels | Limited add-ons | Few | Many |
| Cloud DVR | Box DVR | Included on most | Catch-up on some channels |
| Devices | TV box | Phones, TVs, sticks | Phones, TVs, sticks, PCs |
YouTube TV vs cable: is streaming cheaper?
Streaming services remove box rental fees, installation and long contracts, which is where most cable savings come from. The base price of a full live TV streaming package is now close to many cable bundles, so the saving depends on which channels you need.
If you mainly want sport and a large international channel list, an IPTV subscription usually costs less per month, especially on a 12-month plan. If you need guaranteed local news and a cloud DVR, a mainstream streaming service is the safer choice.
Whichever you choose, check that the service is licensed for your country and test it during a busy live event before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
All plans and prices are on one page
Every subscription length, connection count and price is listed together on our pricing page — from £10 for a single month up to £105, with the cheapest working out at £3.75/month on a 12-month plan. Nothing on this page overrides it.
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