After PlayStation Vue was recently shut down, most people are now probably looking for the best replacement to go for. If truth be told, it is hard to point out one specific live TV as the best option. This is because everyone has his or her personal programming and entertainment needs.
However, to help you make up your mind, we will provide you with a comprehensive comparison of the most popular options still available today. We will review YouTube TV, AT&T TV NOW, Vidgo, Philo, Hulu, Sling TV, and FuboTV. This article is based on information updated in February 2020.
We hope the following comparison will make it easier to pick your best Live TV streaming service.
Device Compatibility
The most important thing to consider when choosing a live TV streaming service is how compatible it is with your device. Does the service work perfectly with your device?
Here is a look at each service and the device each works with.
- Sling TV: Sling TV works with Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android phones and tablets, Android TV, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
- AT&T TV NOW: Works with Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, and Android phones and tablets. It doesn’t work with Roku, Android TV, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
- YouTube TV: Works with all the devices mentioned above.
- Hulu: Works with all the devices mentioned above except PlayStation 4.
- Fubo TV: Works with all the devices mentioned above except Xbox One and PlayStation 4
- Philo: Only works with Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, and Android phones and tablets.
- Vidgo: Works with all of the above except Chromecast, Android TV, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
In terms of compatibility, the clear winners are Sling TV and YouTube TV followed closely by Hulu and Fubo TV. Keep in mind that Chromecast can only work on supported devices such as Android TV.
Streams and Availability of Popular Channels
When it comes to the number of streams available in each service, YouTube TV allows 3 streams at the same time inside and outside your home. Fubo TV gives you two streams at the same time. Or alternatively you can get the Family Share option and enjoy three simultaneous streams. Philo limits you to just three streams. Hulu Live TV starts with two streams with the option to add an extra stream for $14.99, and AT&T TV NOW gives you two streams.
In terms of available channels, as of February 2020, most services have similar selections of channels. But Sling TV, Fubo TV, and YouTube still command the majority of popular channels including CBS, FOX, NBC, AccuWeather, AMC, Animal Planet, BBC World News, BeIN Sports, Bloomberg, Boomerang, Nickelodeon, and many more. AT&T TV NOW and Vidgo had the least number of popular channels in our comparison.
DVR Storage
The number of DVR storage hours is another important factor we considered in our comparison. AT&T TV NOW outperforms the rest when it comes to DVR. It comes with 500 hours of DVR storage available free of charge for customers with the new Plus or Max Plans. The old AT&T TV NOW plans are still limited to 20 hours of DVR storage. The service has also promised to start supporting Roku devices in the near future.
Philo comes with an unlimited 30-day DVR storage as well as on-demand streaming. Sling TV has not been left behind too. It provides you with 30 hours of cloud DVR storage without expiry. For $9.99 per month, you get Advanced DVR with 500 hours.
YouTube TV still keeps your shows for a period of 9 months. On the other hand, Hulu Live TV gives 50 hours of storage and the option to get more storage for an additional $14.99 per month. Vidgo has promised to launch their DVR soon.
Which is the Best Pick?
As stated earlier, the best option will actually depend on your personal needs and the kinds of shows your family enjoys. However, keep in mind that the best service is one that works with your devices, provides a good selection of channels, and gives you other extra features such as DVR storage.
Each of the options discussed above has most of the features and channels you and your family need. But you can always sign up for free trials. This way you can compare prices with the quality of service that each option provides.
Overall, our top choices are Sling TV for compatibility, YouTube TV for content diversity, Fubo TV for channels, and AT&T TV NOW for free DVR storage.
Let us know your choice in the comments below!
