Live TV is not over yet. What's gone is having 14,000 un-navigable channels and you need a PhD to control it remotely, all of them are tied to a giant overheat box that hasn't been redesigned since the Clinton administration. All of that old merchandise is being replaced by a handful of Internet-premier services that combine the best of live, on-demand and streaming TV. Everything you want is everywhere and always..
Most of them work the same: a couple of Jacksons (or Tubmans!) Give you a few dozen channels per month delivered to every device with a screen in your handheld, wall-mounted, or otherwise. Each package gives you a slightly different set of chains, restrictions, and designs. But they all beat the blurry and blue screen guide.
DirecTV Now
BEST FOR: Mobile Internet users
Closest to a cable replacement: $ 35 per month, 60 channels, available anywhere, in a super surfable configuration. It can be used on only two screens at a time, and not all platforms offer apps. But if you have AT&T cell service, streaming TV doesn't count against that modest data cap..
Hulu
BEST FOR: Sitcom fans and sports fans
Since Hulu is co-owned by four of the biggest media companies, it's hardly shocking that the most recent redesigned app has a lot of content. It's a solid all-in-one buffet for around $ 40 a month: you can still receive all the next day's movies and shows, the original Hulu shows, and most of your local and sports channels.
YouTube TV
BEST FOR: Effortless adjustment
YouTube TV is only available in a few cities and does not have apps for most consoles and set-top boxes. It only has an anti-idiot interface, lots of local and sports channels, and great apps for your phone or tablet. Also, its excellent research means never remembering which channel you are on..
Sling
BEST FOR: Inexpensive Cord Cutters
Sling has been in the streaming game longer than anyone. The basic service costs $ 20 per month, and you can add sports and kids' gear for a few extra dollars. Local content is scarce, but you get almost anything you want for nothing.
PlayStation Vue
BEST FOR: The family watching together
Ignore the game's reputation in the name: Vue is the most powerful cable substitute out there. For $ 40 per month, it serves a lot of local channels, will stream to five devices at a time, and benefit from a cloud-based DVR that will let you watch shows again as often as you want. Best of all, your Vue certificates work, just like a cable connection, to access HGTV, AMC, and other channels on Roku.