Now you can enjoy MLB, NBA, SOCCER, NFL, and NHL matches without cable TV! The best sports streaming services platforms make coverage of all matches, from primetime games to regular games, easy to access. Enjoy live sports anytime, anywhere, on any device, without any hassle.
While live sports coverage is a big draw for cable subscribers, it’s possible to get the same or more content from dedicated streaming services. While some on-demand video platforms do offer sports commentary shows, the most viable solution for sports fans is cable-alternative streaming services. These offer live streams of games from local, national, and international networks. If you’re looking to cut the cord, check out our picks for the best sports streaming services. Hulu Live TV, Peacock Premium, and YouTube TV are among the Editors’ Choices.
These services ensure a complete experience with live games, real-time updates, and exclusive sports content.
Table of Contents
Hulu
As the battle for video streaming supremacy heats up, standing out from the crowd is key—and Hulu nails it with a killer combo of a massive on-demand library and a top-notch live TV option. Whether you’re binging hit TV shows or catching live sports, Hulu delivers wide platform support, killer channel coverage, and DVR features that go toe-to-toe with the best. Whether you roll with Hulu solo or as part of the Disney+ bundle, its mix of on-demand and live TV makes it a no-brainer Editors’ Choice pick for streaming services.
Let’s know about the price of Hulu.
Hulu’s ad-supported on-demand plan starts at $9.99 a month. Want to ditch the ads? That’ll run you $18.99 a month. And hey, college students—score ad-free Hulu for just $1.99 a month.
If you’re all about bundles, you can snag ad-supported Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $16.99 a month. Prefer ad-free? That trio jumps to $26.99 a month. And for the ultimate deal, there’s a new bundle with ad-supported Hulu and Disney+ for just $10.99 a month—especially sweet now that Disney+ has merged its apps.
Hulu’s got the goods, whether you’re flying solo or teaming up with Disney. Game on, streamers.
Hulu + Live TV plan $82.99-per-month ( Disney+ and ESPN+) includes ad-supported access to the service’s live TV component along with its on-demand library. If you want Hulu’s live channels and ad-free on-demand package, it’ll cost $95.99 per month.
Pros
- Killer selection of TV series
- Huge lineup of live TV channels
- Solid cloud DVR with plenty of storage
- Works on pretty much every streaming device out there
- Sweet bundle deals (hello, Disney+ and ESPN+!)
Cons
- The base plan comes with ads (gotta pay extra to skip ”em)
- Offline downloads? Only for premium accounts
- Missing Bally Sports and most SportsNet regional channels (sports fans, take note)
Peacock
When finding the best sports streaming service, NBCUniversal’s Peacock has emerged as a top contender. As one of the latest offerings from the traditional media giants, Peacock has carved out a niche by combining NBC network shows, original series, popular movies, and live sports. While it no longer offers free access to new users, its affordable base plan offers exceptional value with a robust mainstream library and full HD streaming capabilities, earning it recognition for video streaming at a much lower price.
What makes Peacock a top choice for sports and entertainment?
Peacock boasts over 20,000 hours of programming, making it a popular platform for both entertainment and sports enthusiasts. For fans of live sports, Peacock has solidified its position among the best sports streaming services, offering coverage of major events including Premier League football, WWE, and the Olympics. The ability to stream live sports in high definition ensures that viewers won’t miss a moment of the action.
Beyond sports, Peacock is a treasure trove of on-demand content. Subscribers can enjoy iconic NBC shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, and Law & Order: SVU, with new episodes available to stream the same day they air. The platform also features a wide range of series that didn’t originally air on NBC, like Downton Abbey, Everybody Loves Raymond, House, and Battlestar Galactica, thanks to partnerships with other networks like ViacomCBS.
While some of Peacock’s shows are also on competing platforms, NBC is poised to become the exclusive home for its content once the streaming rights expire. However, it’s worth noting that Peacock doesn’t currently host two of NBC’s most iconic sitcoms — Friends and Seinfeld — which are hosted by Max and Netflix, respectively.
Why is Peacock different among streaming services?
Peacock’s combination of live sports, a diverse entertainment platform, and affordable pricing makes Peacock a great choice for viewers looking for the best sports streaming services. Whether you’re tuning in for a live game or rewatching a classic series, Peacock offers a premium streaming experience at no cost. High-quality content and a focus on accessibility ensure it remains a top choice for both sports fans and entertainment lovers.
Pros
- Affordable Pricing
- Extensive Content Library
- Live Sports
- Flexible Plans
- User Profiles
Cons
- No Free Tier for New Users
- Rotating Movie Library
Read More: How to Watch Football Live Anywhere
YouTube TV
When searching for the best sports streaming services, YouTube TV emerges as a top contender for live TV and sports fans. Unlike platforms that focus solely on on-demand content, YouTube TV is designed to replace traditional cable, offering over 100 TV channels including news, sports, and entertainment. Its standout features include unlimited DVR storage, 4K streaming, offline downloads for DVR recordings, and simultaneous streaming to enjoy at home. These features, combined with customizable channel options, make it a versatile choice for sports fans, earning it the Editors’ Choice for live TV streaming.
Pricing and Competitors
At $82.99, your TV speed is on par with its pricier streaming option, Hulu + Live TV. After that, it became more popular and consequently increased the price of its Civic Compact – Sling TV (82.99/month, YouTube TV Hulu+Live TV) is one of the streaming options with a price that matches the cost of free-to-air TV. However, it offers a more extensive channel lineup than budget-friendly options such as Sling TV (40–60/month) PHD (60/month), or Philo (28/month), which do not have extensive sports coverage. For premium sports content, FuboTV starts at 79.99. On the other hand, DirecTV Stream, which was priced at 79.99/month, DirecTV Stream, which is priced at 101.98/month, offers the most complete package, which includes regional sports networks (RSNs).
Netflix (6.99/month), D i s e y + (6.99/month), and Disney+ While on-demand services like (9.99/month), and Peacock (7.99/month) are cheaper, they cater to different audiences and lack live sports. For those who prioritize live sports and a cable-like experience, YouTube TV stands out as one of the best sports streaming services, with extensive coverage and high-quality streaming.
Pros
- Comprehensive Channel Lineup
- Sports-Friendly Features
- User-Friendly DVR
- Intuitive Interface
- Multiple Streams
- Premium Add-Ons
Cons
- High Cost
- Limited Regional Sports Networks
Amazon Prime Video
A contender among the best sports streaming services. Amazon Prime Video stands out as a versatile streaming platform, mixing a robust library of original series, blockbuster movies, and—especially for sports fans—exclusive live sports coverage. While it may not be focused solely on athletics, its growing sports offering, premium features like 4K streaming, and offline downloads exist.
What Prime Video offers for sports and beyond
Amazon Prime Video has evolved from a pay-per-view platform to a subscription-based hub with unlimited streaming.
For sports enthusiasts, here’s what it offers:
- Exclusive live events: Stream select NFL Thursday Night Football games, Premier League matches, and special sports like tennis or rugby.
- Sports documentaries: Dive into original series like All or Nothing, which follows professional teams behind the scenes.
- Flexible viewing: Watch in 4K resolution or download for offline access while traveling.
Beyond sports, Prime Video features award-winning films like The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Jack Ryan and a huge catalog of licensed movies and shows to rent or buy.
Pros
- Top-Tier Original Content
- High-Quality Streaming
- Live Sports Coverage
- Flexible Viewing Options
- Rent or Buy Options
- Theatrical Releases
Cons
- Loss of Third-Party Content
- Limited TV Show Quality
Fubo
One of the best sports streaming services is Fubo
For those who don’t want to miss out on live sports or prime-time entertainment, Fubo (formerly FuboTV) stands out as a comprehensive streaming solution. Designed to replicate the traditional cable experience and often improve upon it, Fubo combines a robust channel lineup, user-friendly DVR features, and reliable performance. Its great strength lies in its extensive sports coverage, which makes it a top contender among the best sports streaming services. However, its 720p streaming cap for most live content may disappoint viewers of 4K TVs.
Why Fubo excels for sports fans
Fubo’s primary appeal is its unparalleled sports streaming offerings. The Starter plan includes:
- Local and National Broadcasts: Access to major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC for regional and national sports coverage.
- Domestic Sports Channels: A wide range of dedicated sports networks, including FS1, FS2, NFL Network, NBA TV, NBC Sports Network, and The Golf Channel.
- International Sports: Channels like beIN Sports, GOL TV, and TUDN are perfect for fans of leagues and events around the world.
Fubo is a well-rounded streaming service that specializes in live sports, making it a top choice among the best sports streaming services. While its 720p streaming limitation is a drawback, its extensive sports coverage, reliable performance, and additional entertainment options make it a strong alternative to cable for cord-cutters. For sports fans looking for a one-stop solution, Fubo is hard to beat.
Pros
- Consistent and reliable streaming performance
- Intuitive and user-friendly web interface
- Powerful DVR capabilities for recording and managing content
- Availability of some content in 4K resolution
Cons
- Live streams are limited to 720p resolution
- Missing original channels from A&E, Turner, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD)
ESPN+
A strong contender among the best sports streaming services is ESPN+. ESPN+ has become a popular choice for sports fans, offering a wide range of live and on-demand sports content. Whether you’re interested in MLB, NHL, football, college sports, or UFC events, ESPN+ offers a robust lineup of games and matches. It also provides access to ESPN’s acclaimed documentaries like 30 for 30 and E:60.
However, it’s important to note that ESPN+ does not include flagship ESPN programming like SportsCenter or live NBA games. Despite its rising subscription costs, ESPN+ remains an affordable option, especially when bundled with other services, making it a valuable addition to any sports fan’s streaming lineup.
What makes ESPN+ stand out?
ESPN+ is designed to complement, rather than replace, the main ESPN channel. Key features include:
- Live sports coverage: Stream MLB, NHL, football, UFC, and college sports events.
- Exclusive content: Access original programming like 30 for 30 documentaries and E:60 features.
- Affordable: Relatively low standalone costs or bundle options with Disney+ and Hulu for an additional fee.
ESPN+ is a strong contender among the best sports streaming services, especially for fans of MLB, NHL, football, and UFC. While it doesn’t replace the full ESPN experience, its affordable price and exclusive content make it a valuable addition for cord-cutters. For a more comprehensive sports streaming solution, pairing ESPN+ with a live TV service like Hulu + Live TV can provide the best of both worlds.
Pros
- Extensive Live Sports Coverage
- Reliable Streaming
- Exclusive On-Demand Content
- Offline Viewing
Cons
- Limited Core ESPN Programming
- No DVR Functionality
Paramount+
Why Paramount+ Stands Out in the Crowd
In today’s digital age, video streaming services have become a staple of entertainment, and it’s rare to find a major media company without its own platform. CBS All Access was one of the early players in the space, but it has since evolved into Paramount+, a service that reflects the growing ambitions of its parent company, which has now been rebranded as “Paramount Global.” As competition among streaming platforms intensifies, Paramount+ aims to carve out a niche for itself by combining on-demand entertainment with live sports — a key feature for fans of the best sports streaming services.
While it offers an interesting mix of content, including the option to bundle Showtime, some of its most desirable features, such as local CBS channel streams, 4K resolution, and offline downloads, are reserved for premium subscribers. To truly compete with industry leaders, Paramount+ will need to expand its lineup of original programming.
What makes Paramount+ a top choice for sports fans?
When evaluating the best sports streaming services, Paramount+ offers a unique mix of on-demand content and live sports coverage. The platform’s library is divided into two main categories: on-demand shows and movies, and live streams of news and sporting events. This diverse offering is powered by Paramount Global’s extensive network portfolio, which includes BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the Smithsonian Channel. For sports fans, the service provides access to a wide variety of live games and events, making it a strong contender in the sports streaming space.
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