We often get asked what is the best bang for the buck when it comes to live TV. That is a hard one to answer, because it really comes down to what channels you want and what device you own; however, many of our readers still want to know who gives you the most content for your dollar. If you want a full look at what channels each service has, DVR, number of streams etc click HERE.
So today I am going to do my best to answer that question. I looked at both channels per dollar and who has the most on-demand content.
Channels Per Dollar
PlayStation Vue
PlayStation Vue starts at $29.99 or $39.99 a month depending on where you live. Its core service offers 44 channels plus locals depending on where you live.
Just looking at the cost per channel in the core package of 44 channels it works out to $0.68 per channel.
Bottom Line: $0.65 per channel
DIRECTV NOW
For the deals currently offered by DIRECTV NOW, you can get 60 core channels plus locals in some areas for $35 a month. That works out to be about $0.58 per channel.
However, DIRECTV NOW is the least expensive way to add HBO to a live TV service. With DIRECTV NOW you can get HBO for just $5 a month with access to HBO GO.
Bottom line: $0.58 per channel
Sling TV
With Sling TV you get access to 30 core channels plus locals in some areas starting at just $20 a month. That works out to be about $0.66 per channel.
Now Sling TV has one catch. It offers a special deal that will give you 80 channels for just $35 a month. With the special Sling Orange plus the following add-ons: Kids Extra, Sports Extra, News Extra, Comedy Plus Extra, and Lifestyle Plus Extra you will get 80 channels for just $35 a month. Cost per channel with this bundle is about $0.43 per channel.
Bottom line: $0.43 per channel
Hulu Live TV Beta
For $39.99 a month Hulu will give you 50+ channels of live TV. That works out to be about $0.80 per channel.
Bottom line: $0.80 per channel
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers 46 channels for $35 a month plus access to YouTube Red Originals. That works out to be about $0.76 per channel.
Bottom line: $0.76 per channel
Fubo TV
Fubo TV has a huge sports lineup of both US and world sports channels. For $34.99 a month you can get 59 channels. That works out to be about $0.59 per channel.
Bottom line: $0.59 per channel
The winner in cost per channel: SLING TV & DIRECTV NOW
If you take the $35 bundle of add-ons plus the orange package, Sling TV is the least expensive. Straight up just looking at the base package, DIRECTV NOW is the winner at $0.58 per channel just beating out Fubo TV.
Video On Demand
Now this one is harder because there are no firm numbers on how many shows and movies each offers, but we do have a good idea who has the most.
Winner: Hulu
Hulu’s live TV beta also includes access to the Hulu video on-demand service. This gives Hulu a huge lead in video on-demand content.
Runner Up: Sling TV
Sling TV may not have access to the Hulu on-demand service, but it has been doing a lot to add more on-demand content. Recently it added hundreds of free movies and even more TV shows.
Hopefully this helps you find the streaming service that offers what you want.
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