Cutting the Cord? 5 Best Streaming Services in 2018
The days of having to tune in live, buy discs or subscribe to expensive cable/satellite packages in order to watch your favorite shows and movies are gone. Streaming services started as an add-on to DVD and digital download offerings with a trickle of second-run movies and TV shows. But speedier internet connections, an abundance of dedicated streaming video devices, and an explosion of mobile video has allowed services like Netflix and Amazon to bulk up their streaming libraries, invest millions in original content, and give traditional pay TV providers a run for their money. These services have grown up from their days as cable TV adjuncts; they’re now full-fledged cable replacements for cord cutters. If you are looking to cut the cord, here are the 5 best streaming services in 2018.
1. Netflix
$11 per month
The great-granddaddy of streaming services remains the best. As you probably know, Netflix provides unlimited streaming of TV shows, movies, comedy specials and original programming (including Orange Is the New Black, Stranger Things, Master of None and the fourth season of Arrested Development) for one monthly subscription fee. No other service has yet given Netflix an honest-to-goodness run for its money in terms of selection, quality and performance consistency. You can even create up to five different profiles on a single account to make sure that your favorite content doesn’t mess up recommendations for your friends and loved ones.
2. Hulu
$8 per month
If you want to keep current with the latest network TV shows but don’t feel like investing in a cable subscription or an HD antenna, Hulu is the best solution. This service provides access to most major network shows (aside from CBS’ programs) and a handful of cable shows the day after they air. It also lets subscribers access a show’s current season — or often all of the program’s seasons. In addition, the service hosts a number of original shows (including joint ventures with the BBC, like The Wrong Mans and season 4 of The Thick of It), a selection of offbeat movies and a surprising amount of classic anime series. Even with a paid subscription, you have to sit through commercials, but far fewer than if you watched the same shows on cable.
[adInArticle]3. Amazon Video
$99 a year or $8.99 per month
For those who do most of their shopping online, Amazon Prime is a no-brainer. For $99 per year, you get free two-day shipping on your purchases, a free Kindle book each month, and unlimited access to both Amazon Music and Amazon Prime Instant Video. Like Netflix, Amazon Video is a veritable buffet of movies, television and original programming, like Alpha House, Transparent and Mozart in the Jungle. Thanks to a deal with Viacom — which controls Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon — Amazon Prime arguably has a better selection of comedy and children’s programming than its competitors. The service also offers unlimited access to an extensive collection from HBO’s back catalog of classics such as The Sopranos and The Wire. The separate Amazon Video provides easy access to current movies, but it’s an à la carte service.
4. PlayStation Vue
$35 per month
PlayStation Vue is about as close as you can get to a cable subscription without actually getting a cable company involved. The service, which is available on a wide variety of systems, is Sony’s first foray into delivering live TV to its customers. Choose from four different packages: Access ($50 per month), which gives you basic channels, Core ($55 per month), which adds sports, Elite ($65 per month), which adds niche programming and Ultra ($75 per month), which adds certain premium channels. Although the service is expensive, it provides up to 90 live channels – including local sports and news – and lets you record your favorite shows.
5. Sling TV
$20 per month
If you like the idea of a cable subscription but feel it’s just too expensive and offers more content than you want, Sling TV might provide a happy medium for you. On paper, Sling sounds a lot like a traditional cable service: Pay a monthly subscription fee in exchange for about thirty real-time channels. But there’s no contract and no set-top box rental fee. Sling is especially handy for sports fans, as it offers a variety of ESPN channels. For cord-cutting sports fans, this alone is worth the price. Other popular networks, like NBC, BBC America, CNN, Cartoon Network, TBS and the Food Network, sweeten the deal. If you sign up for Sling Blue, which is the service’s multi-stream option, and bundle it with the more bare-bones Orange, the combo will cost you $40 per month.
[adInArticle]Conclusion
Let’s face it, cable tv is dead. It had a solid run and lived a long and fruitful existence but now – sorry to say – the time has come to cut the cord. If you are ready to cut the cord, this rundown has the most popular services. Which one is best for you?
Comments
84 responses to “Cutting the Cord? 5 Best Streaming Services in 2018”
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Can you DVR with any of these?
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Sling has a cloud DVD option for $5. Also, many shows are on demand
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Hulu live ( not mentioned here) has cloud dvr also, but the service is pretty glitchy compared to Sling.
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I feel like Hulu is actually better than sling but it might be dependant on what streaming device u are using as well. I noticed that fast forward and rewind always gliches up on my fire stick but works great on Roku. Hulu live has worked better for me as far as that is concerned but it also depends on what channels u are looking for. I have the blue package on sling w/ DVR as well as Hulu live w/ DVR and that gives me everything I need.
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I’ve been withHulu live for about 2 months. I’m pretty satisfied with it and it saves me about $50 a month.
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Are you experiencing buffering with Hulu Live?
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PS Vue had DVR
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PSVue dvr service is excellent. Lots of storage available. Love this service, switched to it over sling.
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Vue has a cloud dvr. You add the show to your shows and it will dvr it. You have 28 days to watch it. Only new episodes though, no reruns
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I have an honest question for you. Why do potential cable cutters consistently ask, “Can I get DVR with streaming?” Why would you want to DVR anything? The point of streaming is to watch entertainment when YOU want, on demand.
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Exactly. When you want. Your need a dvr to watch it when you want.
For instance I need to record Reds games because I will be at work for the earlier innings.
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Been streaming for 6 months. Considering going back to cable. Streaming with data plan off cellphone. Thru-put stinks for one. Second, after so much usage (even on unlimited plan) cut data speed available. From streaming side, have to logoff on app and onto second to watch some shows. Also apps like ESPN have to have other cable packages online. Just really no fun right now.
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I hear u on that because I still have my old cable companies internet and I noticed that now that I got rid of cable and am only streaming they are now enforcing data limits which never happened before. As far as the apps needing cable packages sling TV is included on most when it asks u to put in your provider so log in with your sling TV info and it should allow u to use it.
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Directv Now is my choice.
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I need to be able to get sports channels for Cardinals and UK games… any suggestions?Does Direct Tv Now have all the same channels as Direct Tv? And is it any cheaper?
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I think Direct TV requires a two year contract. Sling and Hulu Live do not, thankfully.
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Directv Now is Directv’s streaming service. No contract.
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Directv Now is not Directv. It is a live steaming service owned by AT&T and Directv. The packages start at $35 a month and go up to $70 which is the everything package, over 120 channels plus HBO and Stars I think. And right now Directv Now is Beta testing a cloud DVR.
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Directv Now does not require any contract. It is a monthly streaming service and you can quit at any time. I think you are confusing it with the dish.
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Just be careful with Direct TV. I love the service it offers, but after my two years at $99/month, my bill has continually gone up and up, and now year 3 I am paying a whopping $162/month starting this month. This is why I’m checking into streaming.
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Directv Now is Directv’s streaming service. No contract.
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I have had direct TV for two years and I hate it. The only way to get decent channels is to subscribe to the most expensive bundle. Plus they are now connected to ATT and you are billed through ATT and we all know that ATT does not know how to bill. We are checking into other options now.
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Not Directv. Directv Now. Two completely different things.
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I call them every time they raise my Directv, and now I pay 68.81 for 12 months. When you call, demand to speak with a Loyal customer specialist.
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That’s what I’m wondering also.
One of these products should have local Fox Sports channels available.
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Now if we only had as many choices for internet service.
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Amen. Would love completely divorce the cable company. Seems the only option for high speed internet.
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We are looking into doing away with cable, but internet, we only have 2 choices in my area, AT&T or Spectrum. We did away with home phone, but that is only saving $20 a month.
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Get a magic Jack phone! It’s like $30/yr or $99 for 5 yrs! Hooks to your internet either plugged into outlet or you can hook it up to a PC. What we have.
Direct TV is now OWNED by ATT!
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I need to be able to get sports channels for Cardinals and UK games… any suggestions?
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Sling TV has multiple ESPN channels and a whole lot more.
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Thank you… I think one of the games is on Fox Mid West… I just don’t want to cut the cord and have him missing his games!!
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Also look into Directv Now
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For UK, UL, sports channels, Nobody beats Playstation Vue for sports and that is their second cheapest package. Occasionally UK,UL will be on a local channel which is why I simply have an indoor antennae that picks up free transmissions from the tower’s!
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Am I stupid to ask if the dvr is the gaming console?
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Sling has recording for some channels but not ESPN channels however that might change. They have been adding channels and you can other channel bundles from $5-$10 extra. Check it out. I cut the cord about 5 years ago. I have Sling, Netflix and an outdoor antenna for local channels including Channel Masters DVR.
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Philo 16 bucks
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Can you get all local channels
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PSVue gives us in the metro Detroit area all the local channels we had with cable. Sling only gave us one.
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With play station vue you can dvr
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Set Tv Now has over 500+ channels for $20 a month.
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Would like to try one of these to get rid of cable but I really want my local channels still to watch my local news and weekly TV shows. Can you recommend a antenna?
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$10.00 hd anteana at Amazon. Works hear for local channels
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I have one of those and I only get 6 channels! Depends on where you live just how many channels you get. We get 4 PBS, the CW and Antenna TV. Stations are over 100 miles from us and those don’t go that far.
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Directv Now has local channels. I live in rural Oklahoma and get my local ABC, CBS and Fox stations. It’s only a matter of time until I get my local NBC station. Already getting the other NBC stations like NBC Sports. Getting all the ESPN and Fox Sports channels. Plus i am Beta testing thier new cloud DVR
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Do any of these carry HBO?
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Sling does
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Amazon Prime does for an additional monthly fee.
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HBO NOW works on any fast internet service $15 Month.
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Direct Now does for like $5 extra
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Does anyone carry Smithsonian channel – I watch that and the Discovery networks 99% of the time. I can find the discovery channels but not Smithsonian
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I cut the cord and so did my Mom. She lives with me and still has her home at the lake. I was paying $170 per mo for cable and she was paying about $120. We now pay around $50 for 2 homes per month.Direct TV Now carries all our local channels. I use the Roku and have Hulu for $7 per month and the basic package $35 DTV Now. Love all We like sports as well DTV Now has several packages depending on what you need.
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What sports do you get?
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Had to cancel Hulu live. Way too much buffering. Switched to Sling. Never had an issue.
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Only problem with Sling is only CNN, MSNBC. No Fox News. HULU had all.
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That’s a benefit, not a negative. ??
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Why did you mention Hulu classic rather than Hulu Live? You mentioned Sling and Playstation Vue. Hulu Live is the same as those two and has a cloud DVR. I’m not going to do a commercial for them but you blew it with the omission.
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What about NASCAR?
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YouTube TV. Has locals, sports, and DVR.
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HULU with live tv has FS1 FS2 and NBCsn
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Does anyone know about College sports? I only keep cable for Ohio State Buckeyes footbsll games.
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We are talking about their streaming service, Direct TV Now, not their regular dish service.
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I have had HULU with Live TV for 1 month now. No issues and 50 HR cloud DVR included.
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For a great price on OTA (Over-the-air antenna) check on the Monoprice website for great deals and also look at ChannelMaster for a program driven local channel menu also able to recover OTA channels. I have been w/o cable for a year now. There are many choices to choose from to replace your cable channels mostly for free as well as watching movies on Terrarium TV. Look it up you will be surprised and also consider KODI all explained on YouTube.
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Sling tv has fox sports Midwest for the Cardinals. We are in market for cards.
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Get Sling if you love commercials. I currently have the Sling and it is 10 minutes of programming and 20 minutes of commercials. Aaarrrggg.
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Do any of these offer sports? KU Basketball, Royals Baseball, KC Chiefs Football live games?
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Gotta have my sports.
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Lots of options.Comes down to channel offerings,price,dvr,how many streams allowed simultaneously, and availability based on streaming devices.
Ps Vue, Directtv now,Sling,Hulu Live,You Tube Live,Philo,Fubo tv. -
I live in the woods of NC I have direct TV now the best one I have found that works on my slow dsl internet we only have 20 mps on good days if anyone knows something that will work with my slow internet please let me know
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The more people that ditch cable will get us closer to cable finally realizing they are outdated an will lower their price. I cut the cord 2 years ago, not because i hate cable but because im not paying their fees.
For us we run firestick with netflix,sling and other apps and only pay 35.00 a month and we are content until greedy cable lowers the price. -
I use a digital antenna and roku…never go back to cable…to expensive…there are lots and lots of channels to see…endless movies…
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I’m new to streaming. I ha en’t cut the cord as yet while finding out what I need and what services will carry the entertainment that I enjoy. Cable has me at $174.88 a month. Which I cannot afford. MY PLAN IS TO KEEP THEIR WIFI & DVR AND DITCH THEIR TV & PHONE SERVICE. I JUST NEED TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER. I HAVE ALREADY GONE CELLULAR FOR MY PHONE. I DON’T KNOW WHETHER TO GO WITH ROKU OR FIRESTICK. ANY SUGGESTIONS.?
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What’s that?
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Which ones allow casting. Netflix does, I don’t know about the others. And try tubitv.
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I wonder why YouTube TV didnt get mentioned. I love it!! $35 month with local channels and sports along with all the heavy hitter channels AMC, TNT, TBS, DISNEY, CARTOON, NICK, NAT GEO, TRAVEL, etc. Pause live TV and unlimited cloud DVR storage.
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Try You Tube Tv. Local news. Unlimited dvr. A lot of sports. Very nice had it 6 months
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YouTube TV for sports and philo for the good stuff. Total per month = $51. Both have included dvr
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…alto Pluto is totally free and interesting at times
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Hi ı am new in USA. I know nothing about that. I need a TV service to improve my English.
If ı buy Netflix or Hulu or Amazon what do ı need also? Like box or receiver. Pc is enough or ı need a TV. I ı buy tv which spec has necessary for connect those streams. I mean tvs a lot of specs . Which one ı need ? Thank you -
What about getting Bravo?
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What about SET TV ? You didn’t mention that. It blows everything else away!!
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I have Direct Tv Now…its not mentioned here. Its just like having Direct Tv, without the hassel of a satellite dish. Many options to choose from, depending on what you like to watch. You can also add premium channels to your package as well. It does require Wifi, like the others. I just went to my cell phone provider and got a, Hot Spot for my home.
Never going back to cable.
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