Choosing a streaming service can be difficult with so many platforms offering different coverage. The best option for watching live sports will depend on the leagues, teams, and players you want to follow.
It won’t matter that a service offers the most channels if it doesn’t have the one you want to watch. You also must take your budget into account and make sure you get the best value for your money.
DIRECTV STREAM – comprehensive coverage
DIRECTV STREAM offers both local and regional coverage. Its CHOICE plan gives you access to regional sports networks (RSNs). This allows you to watch in-market games that aren’t shown nationally. You have many channels for NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL games.
It is more expensive than some other options, but it is transparent about what it offers so you can choose the right plan for you. You can pause, rewind, and record live TV. For fans who enjoy watching league games and placing bets at legal online sportsbooks, this is a great choice.
YouTube TV – consistent performance at an affordable price
You may prefer to watch YouTube for entertainment than the top Netflix movies. What you may not be aware of is that YouTube TV provides an affordable way to watch sports. If you don’t need an overabundance of channels and still want quality, you will find it reliable with its innovative features and over 100 live channels.
A Multiview feature and real-time stats add to the excitement of games. The familiar interface offers easy navigation. It has all the essential channels and is also home to the NFL Sunday Ticket. One disadvantage is that it has limited RSN coverage and no MLB or NHL networks.
ESPN+ – best value for money
ESPN+ offers extensive league coverage at a low cost for budget-conscious sports fans. It streams games from most major sports leagues, except the NBA. What’s exclusive to ESPN+ is golf coverage via PGA Tour Live, NHL games that are out of the market, and UFC PPV fights.
It is also the exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for La Liga and Bundesliga. This can make it the perfect choice for soccer fans. Limited NFL and no NBA games mean it is likely not to satisfy fans of these favorite US sports.
Hulu Plus Live TV – for college sports fans
Hulu Plus Live TV is the best option if you’re a college sports fan. It includes national broadcasts and exclusive matchups. You can stream ESPN+ content directly in the Hulu app and watch CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports networks. It has a user-friendly interface, and you can add leagues and teams to your watchlist.
You also have unlimited DVR storage. When you can’t catch live games, DVR storage makes a difference. This service doesn’t have NBA TV or NHL Network.
Fubo – good international sports coverage
Fubo will give you more sports channels than most live TV streaming services, but this comes at a price. It offers excellent international sports coverage. If you’re a fan of soccer or motorsports it could be a good option for you. It doesn’t provide any TNT sports coverage. This is a disadvantage as TNT airs plenty of nationally televised matchups, including NBA and NHL games. You also won’t be able to watch most of March Madness.
Sling – low cost and ease of use
Sling has some budget-friendly plans, and it covers some mainstream sports. The cost-savings do come with some disadvantages. It doesn’t have the channels or features of costlier options. It may be too restrictive for many sports fans, and it has limited DVR storage.