Best TV Streaming Providers 2020 for Cord Cutters
The possibilities are limitless when it comes to entertainment in the Digital Age. Keeping yourself engaged and entertained is no longer a problem, with tons of movies and TV shows dropping every year. The internet has played a vital role in creating over-the-top streaming services, forever revolutionizing the way people approach modern entertainment. In fact, streaming entertainment has become so popular, that the best TV streaming providers even offer live sports, news broadcasts, and live TV channels.
If you’re a cord-cutter looking to turn to the internet for all your entertainment needs, this blog is for you.
The Best TV Streaming Providers in 2020
Over the past few years, the cord-cutting movement has gained a lot of traction. Conventional cable services like Spectrum TV Select have steadily improved over time, but more and more people are turning towards the internet and streaming as the answer to their entertainment needs. One of the reasons internet streaming platforms are so popular is because the internet has penetrated the US and global markets very effectively. It has almost become a necessity, rather than a novelty.
With the vast majority having access to the internet, access to both free streaming platforms like YouTube as well as paid platforms like Hulu is much easier and more convenient than signing up for a cable subscription. In recent times, many providers have begun offering premium features like downloading content for offline use, cloud DVR storage, and PPV sports in order to expand their audience beyond on-demand viewers. This blog explores:
- How Internet Streaming TV Works
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV
- AT&T Watch TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- AT&T TV Now
- Philo TV
Let’s look at these areas in more detail below.
How Internet Streaming TV Works
Unlike cable or satellite TV, TV streaming works using an internet connection. In most cases, services recommend a minimum speed of at least 25 Mbps if multiple users will be streaming in high definition. Unlike conventional TV services, you don’t necessarily have to stream TV on your television set. You can also stream on devices like tablets, smartphones, and PCs, making for a seamless experience across all your devices. Streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have pioneered the on-demand entertainment subscription model. But many of the best TV streaming providers are now looking towards live TV in addition to their on-demand libraries.
YouTube TV
This is one of the most popular live TV streaming platforms in 2020. YouTube TV offers more live channels than any of its competitors at the base level. The lineup consists of popular favorites like NBC, Fox, CBS, and ABC. Your subscription also comes with unlimited cloud DVR storage that stores recordings for up to 9 months but cloud PACS is not included. The intuitive UI and layout make it very easy to navigate the platform. YouTube TV comes with no hidden costs and supports up to three simultaneous streams at a time. If the free trial period doesn’t meet your expectations or if you change your mind later on, you can cancel your subscription at any time.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a slightly pricier but still widely popular option among cord-cutters. However, it compensates with a strong channel lineup and a sophisticated interface. The provider offers very few local channels. It offers two plans, Sling Blue and Sling Orange. Both plans have separate channel lineups to cater to different entertainment needs. Sling TV has a well-designed interface and is fairly easy to navigate. However, the pause button for Live TV can be difficult to locate at times.
AT&T Watch TV
AT&T Watch TV is very popular thanks to its relatively low price point. This service is best for sports fans. It offers a mix of live and on-demand entertainment, for much less than the price of a premium Netflix subscription. The service does not offer cloud DVR storage, so you need to watch your content as it goes on air. You can also add-on premium channels like HBO, Starz, and Showtime. With a similar interface to DIRECTV NOW, many will find this app familiar and easy to use.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers a mix of on-demand entertainment, live TV, and premium networks. The service comes with limited DVR storage while offering an ad-free experience on the premium plan. You can bundle Hulu with ESPN for premium sports coverage. You also have to option to bundle up with Disney+ if you have young viewers in the house. It is one of the best streaming TV providers on this list.
AT&T TV Now
DIRECTV has undergone a massive revamp and has emerged as AT&T TV Now. This is one of the most premium live TV streaming options, with many features you won’t find in any of the other services. For example, the price of your subscription includes the cost of 2 premium networks; Cinemax and HBO. The price point is certainly higher than many of the services we discussed above. The service offers 7 different plans starting at $65 per month. This includes a 500 hours DVR storage for 30 days.
Philo TV
Philo may not be every cord-cutter’s first choice, but it still has a large subscriber base. Philo TV focuses on lifestyle networks that you would get on services like Spectrum TV silver. It is by far one of the most cost-effective TV streaming options out there. However, it only offers around 58 live TV channels in return.
