Best TV Service Providers: Compare Prices & Channels for 2026

Best live TV providers at a glance:

• Best for bundle deals: Xfinity TV ↓
• Best for reliability and channel variety: DISH Network ↓
• Best for sports fans: DIRECTV ↓
• Best for overall streaming experience: YouTube TV ↓
• Best for on-demand content: Hulu + Live TV ↓

Streaming TV, which the majority of customers use nowadays, is best for subscribers who have reliable internet at home and want more flexibility with lower prices, no contract requirements, and better access to a mix of both live broadcasts and on-demand content. Traditional TV services like Xfinity and DISH are better if you want regional sports programming, easy access to local channels, and/or a bundle deal that includes internet or phone service. Another big plus is that you don’t need an internet connection to watch cable or satellite TV, making it ideal for customers in rural areas. However, even cable providers like Xfinity are increasingly moving towards the internet-dependent streaming TV model.

Xfinity used to be known as a national juggernaut for cable TV and internet, and frankly, it doesn’t have the best reputation thanks to a legacy of confusing pricing structures, steep fees, and poor customer service. But has Xfinity turned a new leaf? It certainly seems so, considering that it’s gotten rid of onerous requirements like long-term contracts and has ramped up the dealmaking fervor with some impressive bundle packages.

The best thing Xfinity has to offer right now is a truly impressive internet and streaming TV package that includes gigabit Wi-Fi speeds, access to the so-called Disney Bundle (which includes Disney+ and Hulu), and three years of Peacock Premium. The whole thing costs just $70 a month, and that price stays the same for five years. AND the deal also includes an Xfinity Mobile Unlimited cell phone line for one year.

In classic Xfinity style, the cable company really gets you on hidden fees — and those can really stack up, with a mandatory fee for local broadcast channels alone costing $27.30 a month. But as a service, Xfinity works well. I particularly like the remote that comes with the X1 Box (Xfinity’s 4K streaming box), which includes a voice function that actually works great. I’ve used other voice remotes that are basically useless, but not this one.

Popular channels: Disney+, Hulu, local NBC/FOX/ABC affiliates for an extra fee

This satellite TV carrier used to get a lot of guff for frequent channel blackouts that left subscribers in the dark during local sports games, as well as long customer-service wait times and confusing bills. But in recent years, it’s beaten out DIRECTV to gain a reputation as a top-tier satellite TV service thanks to its affordable pricing, generous deals and perks, and the seriously excellent Hopper 3 DVR. One downside is DISH doesn’t include any bundles, but that’s no loss considering that prices start at a reasonable $72.99 a month. 

DISH is hands down one of the best TV services if you have kids. DISH’s parental controls were developed in partnership with Common Sense Media, a U.S. nonprofit that provides ratings for family-oriented services and content. You can lock channels, block purchases, and restrict shows and movies based on ratings, and the DISH Anywhere app makes this all easy to handle remotely.

Popular channels: NBC, ESPN, Bravo, Hallmark Channel

DIRECTV is known for its steep prices, being one of the most expensive services out of our top picks in this guide. The plans come with two-year term agreements and hidden fees for equipment and more that can add up to an extra $30 on your monthly bill. But if you go for it, you end up with more channels than most other services and the best experience possible for sports lovers.

The service offers dozens of sports channels and regional sports networks, with DIRECTV’s plum CHOICE plan letting you regularly watch games from the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. And with an impressive selection of regional sports networks, you can tap into regional and local games that aren’t always easy to find on TV. A list of half a dozen sports add-ons let you get an even more niche pick of everything from international soccer to college sports, while the 72-hour rewind (aka Lookback) lets you catch up on games and shows you missed or forgot to record.

Popular channels: ESPN, FS1, NBA TV, MLB Network

There was a time when YouTube was primarily known as a place where random people watch videos posted by other random people, but in nearly a decade, it’s quietly become better known as the dominant TV carrier for the nation — and for good reason. Taking the opposite approach of desperate cable and satellite TV companies, YouTube’s streaming TV service emphasizes simplicity and functionality, cutting down on random channel bloat while offering a ton of premium content and useful features.

Sure, YouTube TV costs more than many other on-demand streaming and live TV streaming platforms. But it costs less than a lot of traditional TV options, and it’s easier to wrap your head around thanks to a straightforward user interface. The higher price is partly due to the inclusion of local stations, and you also get unlimited cloud DVR, three simultaneous streams, and a super-cool Multiview setting that splits your screen into four different channels. Internet bundle discounts are available through Frontier and WOW! Internet, and a new Sports Plan ($54.99/mo.) lets you save money while bulking up on sportsball coverage.

Popular channels: ESPN, Disney, CNN, plus local NBC, CBS, FOX, and ABC affiliates

I can’t get over how clunky the name of this service is, but it’s hard to deny the value you get from Hulu + Live TV. The service has certainly earned its place as the U.S.A.’s second most popular streaming TV service, thanks to an impressive channel count — 95+, focusing on the good stuff and leaving out random filler channels that you commonly find on cable and satellite packages. Of course, you also get access to the formidable on-demand libraries of Hulu and Disney+ along with all the sports you can watch on ESPN Unlimited.

Hulu doesn’t quite shine in terms of features or perks, but it’s a big plus to have unlimited DVR storage for recording shows, movies, and sports broadcasts. The base channel selection includes local stations for NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS, and The CW (selection varies by ZIP code), and you can also select add-ons for HBO Max, STARZ, and other premium services. And with no annual term agreements, you can get a proper TV package without any headaches or termination fees. 

Popular channels: A&E, Bravo, Comedy Central, Food Network, ESPN

Channel lineups and add-ons

Obviously, the big thing you want to know about is what kind of channels you get — not just how many, but which ones specifically, and whether you can watch the programs you like the most. Keep an eye out for carriage disputes that may lead to a channel blackout, or mergers that could give you newfound access to a big library of on-demand content. Streaming TV services tend to offer fewer channels, but still have excellent lineups. Don’t forget everyone else in your household, because they’re going to want to watch all their favorite stuff too.

Equipment and features

Pretty much every TV service includes equipment like a set-top box and remote or cloud-based features that perform similar functions. If you’re big on recording TV shows or sports games, you’ll want to know how much storage space you get with a DVR and how many hours you can record.

It also helps to know what kind of experience you get on the user interface. Traditionally-leaning services like DIRECTV still do things the old-fashioned way, with actual channel numbers and lengthy channel lists. But streaming TV services tend to operate more like on-demand platforms, emphasizing the programming itself over channels or network names. 

Hidden fees and contracts

Your bill may look low at first, but you can end up paying significantly more if you sign up for extra features like DVR or opt for access to local broadcast channels or regional sports networks. Traditional TV services may require you to commit to a one or two-year term agreement, with an early termination fee kicking in when you decide to cancel your service early. But streaming TV services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV let you cancel anytime.