Is streaming the best way to watch live sports without cable?
Streaming services have changed how fans watch live sports.
According to the data, live-streaming of sports events has doubled since 2011, and continues to grow. If you’re looking for a specific game or team, streaming sports content might be the right choice for your household. However, with so many paid options out there, deciding which sports streaming service to purchase isn’t always simple.
In this article, we’ll discuss the sports streaming landscape, compare top service providers and help you pick the best option for your needs—whether you’re after a full sports package or just want to catch a specific game.
What you'll learn:
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Cable TV services for live sports
If choosing between a specific sports streaming service seems complex, we understand. That’s why we’re here to help you watch live and on demand sports content how you want to.
With Astound, you’ll be able to watch live TV and stream your favorite apps, shows, news, movies and sports – all in one place. No matter how you choose to watch, we make selecting the best live TV and streaming services easy.
Astound TV Basic
With Astound TV Basic, you’ll be able to access 40+ channels focused on local broadcasts and major networks like NBC, PBS, CBS and FOX. If you’re interested primarily in local sports, entertainment and a few major networks, Astound TV Basic is a great choice.
Astound TV Preferred
With Astound TV Preferred, you’ll unlock 220+ channels, including additional premium channels such as ESPN, TNT, TBS, Bravo, FX and USA Network. It’s a better fit for households that want a more comprehensive channel lineup, especially for entertainment, sports and movie networks.
No matter the Astound TV plan you choose, you’ll gain instant access to a range of content categories, as well as live and on demand sports entertainment. And, you can bundle your TV with Astound internet for even bigger savings.
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How to watch live sports: Streaming services comparison
If you’re wondering how to watch live sports without cable, you’re not alone.
Let’s take a look at some of the top sports streaming services on the market today, including, streaming limitations and key networks.
| Service |
Free trial |
Simultaneous streams |
Key networks |
Sports networks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | 7 days | 3 | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, TNT, TBS | FS1, FS2, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network |
| ESPN+ | No | 2 - 5 | ESPN2, ABC | UFC, MLB, NHL, NFL, PGA Tour |
| Prime Video | 30 days | 2 - 3 | - | Thursday Night Football, WNBA, NWSL |
| Paramount+ | 7 days | 3 | CBS | NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, PGA Tour |
| AppleTV+ | 7 days | 6 | - | MLS, MLB (Friday night games) |
| DAZN | 7 days* | 2 | - | Boxing, MMA, NFL Game Pass (international) |
| Peacock | No | 3 | NBC | Sunday Night Football, Premier League, Olympics |
| FuboTV | 5 days | 10 - 13 | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN | FS1, FS2, MLB Network, NFL Network (add-ons) |
| Hulu + Live TV | 3 days | 2 | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, TNT, TBS | FS1, FS2, NFL Network, MLB Network (add-ons) |
| Sling TV | No | 4 | ESPN, TNT, TBS | FS1, NFL Network |
|
Service
YouTube TV |
Free trial
7 days |
Simultaneous
3 streams |
Key networks
ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, TNT, TBS |
Sports networks
FS1, FS2, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network |
|
Service
ESPN+ |
Free trial
No |
Simultaneous
2 - 5 streams |
Key networks
ESPN2, ABC |
Sports networks
UFC, MLB, NHL, NFL, PGA Tour |
|
Service
Prime Video |
Free trial
30 days |
Simultaneous
2 - 3 streams |
Key networks
- |
Sports networks
Thursday Night Football, WNBA, NWSL |
|
Service
Paramount+ |
Free trial
7 days |
Simultaneous
3 streams |
Key networks
CBS |
Sports networks
NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, PGA Tour |
|
Service
AppleTV+ |
Free trial
7 days |
Simultaneous
6 streams |
Key networks
- |
Sports networks
MLS, MLB (Friday night games) |
|
Service
DAZN |
Free trial
7 days* |
Simultaneous
2 streams |
Key networks
- |
Sports networks
Boxing, MMA, NFL Game Pass (international) |
|
Service
Peacock |
Free trial
No |
Simultaneous
3 streams |
Key networks
NBC |
Sports networks
Sunday Night Football, Premier League, Olympics |
|
Service
FuboTV |
Free trial
5 days |
Simultaneous
10 - 13 streams |
Key networks
ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN |
Sports networks
FS1, FS2, MLB Network, NFL Network (add-ons) |
|
Service
Hulu + Live TV |
Free trial
3 days |
Simultaneous
2 streams |
Key networks
ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, TNT, TBS |
Sports networks
FS1, FS2, NFL Network, MLB Network (add-ons) |
|
Service
Sling TV |
Free trial
No |
Simultaneous
4 streams |
Key networks
ESPN, TNT, TBS |
Sports networks
FS1, NFL Network |
Data retrieved from provider’s websites on October 9, 2024.
The best sports streaming services
Consumer trends indicate that the best streaming apps for sports are cutting into cable’s market share. Sports streaming services offer many options, giving viewers access to an array of channels, exclusive content and customizable viewing experiences.
Shifts from traditional cable to streaming reflects a broader trend in the entertainment world, where consumers seek more control over what they watch and how they pay for it. Whether you want to follow a specific sport or enjoy multiple leagues, there’s likely a streaming service that caters to your needs.
The key is finding the right service for your home.
With so many platforms offering different features, from channel lineups to pricing tiers, it’s essential to weigh your options carefully, especially as streaming services continue to rise in costs. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, choosing the best service will ensure you never miss a game.
Let’s take a look at the most popular sports streaming services below.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV offers a streaming service that mirrors the experience of traditional cable, with four different plan tiers, each providing a wide range of channels, including sports.
Pros
Provides a familiar channel lineup and interface similar to traditional cable. Includes national, regional and local sports channels.
Cons
Premium sports channels require purchasing higher-tier packages or add-ons. Stream live TV channels and access on demand content directly from your television, phone, tablet or computer. Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Key channels
Offers sports channels like ESPN, FS1, NBC Sports and regional sports networks. Higher-tier packages include NBA TV, MLB Network and NHL Network. Add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket are available for an extra fee.
No matter which package you choose, DIRECTV includes the most popular channels and local stations. Purchase DIRECTV through Astound, and you’ll receive a Gemini™ device and a Google Assistant-powered remote with voice-control.
FuboTV
FuboTV is a live TV streaming service that emphasizes sports, offering access to a wide variety of sports channels, including major networks for football, soccer, baseball and more.
Pros
Includes popular sports channels like ESPN, FS1, NBC Sports and regional sports networks. The Pro Plan includes 999+ hours of cloud DVR storage.
Cons
Access to some NBA and MLB games is limited, and the plans get expensive when adding premium sports packages.
Key channels
ESPN, FS1, NBC Sports, NFL Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, MLB Network and many more. Add-ons like Sports Plus provide access to premium content like NFL RedZone and Fox Soccer Plus.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV combines the extensive on demand content of Hulu with live TV channels and access to Disney+ and ESPN+.
Pros
Combines multiple streaming services into one single platform, and includes popular sports channels like ESPN, Fox Sports and NBC Sports.
Cons
Some key sports channels are missing, like NBA and MLB, limiting certain sports. Additionally, the base plan includes ads for Hulu on demand content, unless you upgrade.
Key channels
Hulu + Live TV offers major sports channels like ESPN, NBC Sports, Fox Sports and regional sports networks. Additional sports add-ons are available for a fee, like NFL RedZone.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers flexible streaming options through its Orange and Blue plans, designed for different content preferences.
Pros
Allows you to choose between Orange, Blue, or both plans, based on your preferences. Sling Blue offers up to three streams, ideal for families.
Cons
No full coverage of local channels like ABC or CBS, and the Sling Orange plan only allows one stream at a time.li
Key Channels
Sling Orange: ESPN, Disney Channel, Freeform.
Sling Blue: Fox, NBC, NFL Network.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a comprehensive streaming service with over 100+ live channels, including sports, news and entertainment.
Pros
YouTube TV offers live channels like ESPN, Fox Sports and NBC Sports, covering major sports leagues. Additionally, you can record and store content for up to 9 months with no storage limits.
Cons
On the other hand, some regional sports channels may not be available. Premium sports channels, such as NFL RedZone, require payment.
Key channels
Includes popular sports channels such as ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports and NFL Network. You can purchase the Sports Plus add-on for extra channels like NFL RedZone, NBA TV and MLB Network.
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Low-cost streaming services for live sports
While some service providers offer a range of content, others are more budget-friendly and provide specific sport broadcasts. Let’s take a look at some of the low-cost streaming services for live sports below.
ESPN+
ESPN+ has thousands of exclusive live events, original shows and series that aren’t on ESPN.
Pros
Access an extensive archive of on demand content (including the 30 For 30 library, select ESPN films, game replays and more). Plus, stream niche sports like rugby, lacrosse and international cricket.
Cons
To access content from ESPN’s main channels (ESPN, ESPN2, etc.), you’ll need a cable or satellite subscription. ESPN+ is a supplement, not a replacement for the full ESPN suite.
Key channels
ESPN+ aggregates sports streams from leagues and events like UFC, MLB, NHL, NFL, PGA Tour and exclusive soccer matches from the English Football League.
Prime Video
Prime Video has made great strides in live sports streaming, with exclusivity over major events like Thursday Night Football and regional games for certain teams.
Pros
Prime Video is the exclusive streaming home for NFL’s Thursday Night Football, with access to 17 regular season games and coverage for special events, like Black Friday games.
Cons
Prime Video offers notable sports content, but it doesn’t cover as wide a variety as some other platforms like ESPN+. Some regional games are only available to viewers in specific regions, limiting access for out-of-market fans.
Key channels
Prime Video streams live sports through its platform, with exclusive access to NFL Thursday Night Football, MLB, WNBA and Premier Boxing Champions.
Paramount+
Paramount+ offers some exclusive live sports coverage. Its affordable pricing and extensive catalog make it an attractive option for those looking for a balance of live sports and on demand streaming.
Pros
Access to live sports (NFL, UEFA Champions League, PGA Tour) and CBS network content. Paramount+ includes both on demand and live TV options.
Cons
The Essential plan does not include access to your local CBS station and live sports content is limited compared to other streaming services like ESPN+.
Key channels
Paramount+ provides live TV through CBS channels, including CBS News, CBS Sports HQ and CBS Sports Golazo Network. It also offers access to NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, NWSL and college football.
Max
Max has expanded its offerings to include live sports content with the Bleacher Report Sports Add-On. This add-on gives subscribers access to more than 300 live sporting events per year.
Pros
Includes live sports from Turner Sports channels like TBS, TNT and TruTV, covering events from the NBA, NHL, MLB and March Madness. The add-on also offers sports replays, highlights and post-game analysis, with controls that allow for pausing, rewinding and fast-forwarding during live broadcasts.
Cons
The Bleacher Report Sports Add-On is only free for a limited time, and will eventually have an additional cost on top of Max’s regular subscription fee.
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Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is known for its original TV shows and movies, but it’s also starting to build its sports portfolio, particularly through its MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball offerings.
Pros
With the MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+ offers complete coverage of every Major League Soccer (MLS) match, including playoffs and the Leagues Cup. Subscribers also get a free weekly MLB game every Friday night during the season.
Cons
Unlike ESPN+ or Paramount+, Apple TV+ doesn’t cover as wide a range of sports. It currently focuses mainly on MLS and MLB, without access to leagues like the NFL, NHL or international soccer events.
DAZN
DAZN is a sports-focused streaming service that specializes in live and on demand combat sports, providing fans a robust lineup of fights, alongside coverage of other sports like soccer, darts and extreme sports.
Pros
Unlike PPV models, most fights on DAZN don’t require a pay-per-view fee. Replays of events are available for up to one month after the live broadcast.
Cons
While DAZN is packed with boxing and MMA, other sports are limited. Live events stream at 720p, which is lower than many competitors.
Peacock
Peacock is NBCUniversal’s platform that offers a mix of live sports, TV shows, movies and original content. Peacock covers everything from soccer to wrestling and the Olympics.
Pros
Peacock is a hub for Premier League soccer, WWE, Sunday Night Football and the Olympic Games. It also covers events in golf, NASCAR and track and field. With the Premium Plus plan, you also get live access to your local NBC station.
Cons
Peacock focuses heavily on NBC-related sports content. Sports like the NFL and MLB are only partially available.
Key channels
Peacock is home to Premier League soccer, WWE, Sunday Night Football, Olympics coverage, IndyCar, NASCAR, PGA Tour and more. It also includes a variety of other sports such as cycling, figure skating and horse racing.
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League-specific streaming services
League-specific streaming services, like NBA League Pass, NFL Game Pass, MLB.TV and MLS Season Pass, offer dedicated access to live and on demand games for fans of specific sports leagues. Let’s review some league-specific streaming services.
NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass offers basketball fans the chance to watch live out-of-market regular season games, as well as replays, highlights and exclusive NBA content. With both single-team and full-league options, subscribers can tailor their experience based on their preferences.
Pros
Access to 40 live out-of-market games per week during the NBA season. On demand replays and classic games are available anytime.
Cons
Blackout restrictions for local and nationally televised games apply. Higher-tier plans for multi-game streaming and premium access can be expensive.
NFL+
Formerly known as NFL Game Pass, NFL+ offers a mix of live and on demand content. While it primarily focuses on mobile streaming, it provides access to local and primetime regular-season games, postseason games and more.
Pros
Stream live regular-season games on your mobile device (limited to in-market games). With the Premium plan, you’ll get access to NFL RedZone, showing every touchdown from every Sunday afternoon game.
Cons
Live games can only be streamed on mobile phones and tablets, not on TVs or larger devices.
MLB.TV
MLB.TV allows MLB fans to watch live out-of-market games and access on demand content like highlights and replays, as well as a library of games and exclusive features.
Pros
Watch out-of-market games live, along with features like replays, condensed games, highlights, multi-view and in-game stats.
Cons
Local games and those nationally televised are subject to blackout restrictions. Postseason coverage requires additional subscriptions or special packages.
NHL.TV
NHL.TV allowed hockey fans to stream out-of-market games live and on demand. For US viewers it is now merged with ESPN+ and can be accessed through a subscription to ESPN+.
MLS Season Pass
Available exclusively on Apple TV+, the MLS Season Pass offers complete coverage of every Major League Soccer match, including playoffs and the Leagues Cup.
Pros
All matches, including playoffs and international competitions, are available with no local blackout restrictions.
Cons
MLS Season Pass requires a separate subscription from Apple TV+ for full access, and coverage is limited outside of Major League Soccer.
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Bottom-line: Is streaming better than cable for live sports?
Whether streaming is the best way to watch live sports without cable depends on your individual needs, viewing habits and how you want to build a plan.
With many services providing access to major sports networks and live events, it’s easier than ever to follow your favorite teams and leagues. However, the variety of subscription tiers and add-ons can make the cost add up quickly.
The key is to find a balance between the sports content you want and the budget you’re comfortable with, ensuring that the service you choose covers most, if not all, of your live sports and entertainment needs—whether you want full access to all leagues or simply to follow specific teams and events.
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