In 2026, “IPTV” for most households means internet-delivered live TV from licensed providers — apps you install from official stores, billed monthly, with real customer support. These services compete directly with cable on sports, news, locals, and DVR — but without truck rolls or long contracts.
This guide ranks mainstream options you can sign up for today. Compare channel counts, stream limits, trials, and price tiers, then jump into the full cards below for pros, cons, and our verdict.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Best overall | YouTube TV | $72.99/mo |
| Best budget | Sling TV | from $40/mo |
| Best sports | FuboTV | from $79.99/mo |
| Best entertainment | Philo | $25/mo |
| Best live + VOD | Hulu + Live TV | from $76.99/mo |
Full Reviews
Best overall live TV streaming service
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Up to 6 accounts per household
- Excellent local channel coverage
- Most expensive option
- No 4K without add-on
YouTube TV is the most complete live TV streaming service available. The unlimited DVR and wide local channel support make it worth the premium price for serious cord-cutters.
Best budget live TV streaming
- Most affordable live TV service
- Flexible channel packages
- Sports and news add-ons available
- Smaller channel selection
- DVR storage limited
Sling TV hits the right balance of price and content for budget-conscious cord-cutters. The modular package system lets you pay only for what you actually watch.
Best for sports streaming
- Widest sports channel selection
- Up to 10 simultaneous streams
- 7-day free trial available
- Higher price than competitors
- Many sports channels in higher tiers
FuboTV was built for sports fans and it shows. The sheer breadth of sports coverage and generous simultaneous stream limit make it the top pick for households with multiple sports viewers.
Best combination of live and on-demand
- Includes full Hulu on-demand library
- Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle available
- Strong original content
- Only 2 simultaneous streams base plan
- Ads on lower tier
Hulu + Live TV is the best pick if you want live TV and a deep on-demand library in one subscription. The Disney bundle makes it exceptional value for families.
Best entertainment-focused budget pick
- Lowest price of any live TV service
- Unlimited DVR
- 7-day free trial
- No local channels (ABC, NBC, CBS)
- No sports channels
At $25/month Philo is unbeatable value for entertainment content. If you can live without sports and local news, this is the most affordable legitimate streaming option available.
Best for premium channel selection
- Up to 20 simultaneous streams
- Premium channel add-ons available
- HBO Max included in higher tiers
- Expensive compared to competitors
- Interface can feel clunky
DirecTV Stream suits households that need many simultaneous streams and want premium channel access. The 20-stream limit is unmatched but the price reflects that.
How We Chose
Breadth and quality of live channels, locals, sports, and entertainment.
Price versus features such as DVR, 4K add-ons, and bundled apps.
Stream stability, app polish, and typical viewing experience.
Device availability on phones, TVs, sticks, and browsers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Philo at $25/month is the most affordable option for entertainment channels. Sling TV starts at $40/month with more channel variety.
FuboTV offers 150+ channels on its Pro plan, making it the largest selection available from a legal streaming provider.
Yes — YouTube TV, Hulu Live, FuboTV and DirecTV Stream all include local ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox affiliates in most markets.
FuboTV offers 7 days free, Philo offers 7 days, and DirecTV Stream offers 5 days. YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV do not currently offer free trials.
It varies by service. DirecTV Stream allows up to 20 streams, FuboTV allows 10, YouTube TV allows 3, and Sling TV Blue allows 3 (Orange allows 1).