There are many streaming sites to choose from, especially if you are interested in local channels and sports.
Often, you might get overwhelmed with the choices and end up paying for the wrong site. This is why you must know what you are getting before spending your money.
Here, we have reviewed the top 10 streaming services for local channels and sports. This list considers various factors, including the available channels, coverage, price, and the number of screens.
1. Hulu
If your primary concern is value for money, Hulu is definitely a no-brainer! It can easily replace Netflix and Live TV. Not to mention, it boasts of up to 14 sports channels.
For $64.99 a month, you can access over 65 channels and content from ABC, FOX, ESPN (1,2,3), CBS, NHL, NBC, ESPNU, SEC, among others. The only problem is that you will have to bear with ads.
The package, as mentioned earlier, comes with 50 hours of upgradeable DVR storage. It also allows you to stream on two screens simultaneously.
If you do not want ads, opt for the $70.99 package; it comes with all the above apart from ads. One of the unique features of Hulu is that you can purchase bundles.
For example, if you pay $72.99, you get Hulu+, Live TV, ESPN+, and Disney+. Whereas if you spend $70.99, you get standard Hulu and ESPN+.
Hulu is supported on almost all devices such as Android, Xbox One, fourth-generation Apple TVs onwards, Chromecast, Play Station 4, Nintendo Switch, Samsung smart TVs, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, and so many more.
Assuming you want the service but the above rates are out of your budget, be on the lookout for discounts and sales such as Cyber Mondays, where you can get substantial price cuts.
2. Fubo TV
Fubo TV is every sports fanatic’s dream. It comes with up to 50+ sports channels, which is more than any other streaming services with local channels.
Some of its channels include NBA TV, ACCN, NHL, MLB, Olympic Channel, Golf Channel, ESPN, ESPN 2, Big Ten, and TVG. FuboTV also has some international channels such as beIN, Fubo Sports, TUDN, and so much more.
Fubo costs from $33 to $79.99, depending on your chosen plan. Currently, they have four plans; Starter, Pro, Elite, and Latino Quarterly. The number of channels available, cloud DVR storage, and the number of streams supported simultaneously depend on the package you pay for.
If you choose one of the bottom two packages but would love to have more sports channels, you can pay $11 on top of the original package price for an additional 19 channels.
The only downside with Fubo TV is that they do not have Turner content, meaning you will not have access to TNT, CNN, or CBS.
Are you still undecided about fuboTV? Here is a complete review summarized into 5 facts that can help you to make a decision.
3. YouTube TV
It is difficult to find a streaming app with local channels that can entertain everyone in the family. But YouTube TV comes pretty close.
For only $64.99 a month, the app comes packed with more than 85 channels consisting of local channels and on-demand content.
If you have a busy schedule or move around a lot, you will undoubtedly appreciate YouTube TV’s unlimited DVR cloud storage.
With the DVR, you can pause, rewind and play content at will. This is an excellent feature for sports enthusiasts as most sports content takes up a lot of storage.
Regarding sports, YouTube TV offers a wide range of sports channels to choose from, such as CBS, ESPN 2, ESPN U, MLB, NFL RedZone, TNT, NBC Sports, Golf Channel, and Olympic Channel.
Also, it allows up to 6 accounts per household, three of which can stream simultaneously.
Although YouTube TV only has one package, you can opt to upgrade your viewer’s catalog by subscribing to one of their add-ons.
For example, they offer an NBA League Pass for $40, giving you access to all NBA games even if they are not in the market.
Alternatively, you can get the sports plus add, bringing your bill to $76. This add-on gives you access to more sports channels.
You can take advantage of YouTube TV’s 30-day free trial to see what they offer.
4. Sling TV
If you have an Internet TV with local channels but want a reasonably priced streaming service to up your game, then Sling TV is a great option.
It comes with four packages to choose from, ranging between $11 to $50 depending on the number of channels and DVR storage space.
Even though Sling TV has channels from FOX, ABC, and NBC, it has dismal local channel coverage. For perspective, it doesn’t have affiliate channels from Sinclair, AT&T, and CBS.
However, it features a variety of popular sports and local channels.
It is advisable only to get this service if you are on a budget and only want access to specific channels.
5. DirecTV stream
DirecTV Stream is a reincarnation of the AT&T streaming service. Though it is more on the pricier side, it is perfect if you are looking for an outstanding balance between sports channels, lifestyle entertainment, and popular local channels.
As one of the best streaming services for local channels and sports, it comes in four streaming packages, each with local channels. Its premier option boasts 140+ channels, which include 18 sports channels.
So as you can see, it is not the best option for people only looking for sports content as they will spend a lot for little value.
If you dwell in a family setting or have friends willing to cost-share for the monthly price, you will love the fact that DirecTV allows up to 20 people to stream simultaneously using the same account.
Also, the main selling point for its cheaper packages is that they come with three months’ access to premium channels such as HBO max, CINEMAX, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and EPIX.
6. Video TV
Video TV is a relatively new streaming TV service with local channels as well as sports-oriented ones.
Its vast catalog backed with competitive pricing makes it worth being featured among the best options to consider if you are looking for an average viewing experience.
Its main package is packed with 70 channels, including the coveted ESPN 2 and ESPN News. The app is supported on several devices: Android, iOS, Apple TV, Samsung TVs, Roku, Fire Stick, among others.
7. ESPN+
If you are a real sports fanatic and would only like to see sports content, then ESPN+ is one of the best options available. Not only does it have all national hockey games but also UFC and MLS exclusive events.
The downside is that ESPN+ doesn’t host NFL or NBA games, but for $6 a month and its vast catalog, this is a seemingly small price to pay.
If you need more than just sports, you can opt to get ESPN+ as a bundle with Hulu as they have several bundles which include it.
8. Paramount Plus
Paramount+ was formerly known as CBS All Access. Its diverse content makes it a good pick for those who love on-demand shows, classic movies, live sports, news, and local channels.
To put things into perspective, this service has over 30,000 episodes of TV, 40+ original series, and almost 3,000 movies. No matter how picky you are, there is something for everyone.
One of the things that help the aforementioned to be considered among the best streaming service with local channels is that it gives you access to CBS.
This means you will have NFL games, UEFA tournaments, NCAA madness, international soccer, National women’s soccer leagues, and so much more sports shows.
With the $6 Paramount package, you can stream three screens simultaneously but you won’t have a DVR feature.
However, if you get the $10 package, you have unlimited DVR storage and can stream up to 5 devices simultaneously.
You can get a Free 1 month trial of Paramount+ if you wish to try out the service.
9. Peacock
The main selling point for NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is that it comes with a free package packed with up to 13,000 hours of live sports, classic TV shows, and popular movies.
However, you have the option of upgrading your package so you can get access to a whole other breadth of content with or without ads.
The problem with Peacock is that it doesn’t have any live network channels like those that come with cable. Instead, the developers opted to give you a collection of live sports content such as NFL games, Premier League, WWE, and so much more.
For that matter, this streaming service can only serve people who want access to specific sports games and other lifestyle entertainment content.
10. DAZN
Dazn is a streaming service explicitly tailored for boxing fans; it does not have many channels showing other sports forms.
Their catalog has all the old classic boxing matches, live matches, and documentaries.
Assuming you have this service and get tired of the boxing content, you can indulge in various local channels and limited movies with top-tier packages.
Hopefully, they will expand their catalog soon.
Whenever you decide to ditch cable and get a streaming service provider, the above streaming services for local channels and sports will be of excellent service to you.
Your choice depends on what content you are prioritizing and your budget.
