TV
TV that actually has what you watch.
How this page helps you
- 1
Enter your ZIP
Cable and satellite availability varies by address, we check what actually reaches you.
- 2
Pick how you want to watch
Cable, satellite, live streaming, or on-demand, start with what fits your household.
- 3
Compare without the sales pitch
Real channel counts, DVR behavior, and what happens to your bill in year two.
Four ways to watch
Pick the delivery that fits your household.
Cable and satellite still have the deepest lineups. Live streaming wins on flexibility. On-demand wins on cost. The right answer depends on what you actually watch.
- Most channels
Cable TV
Up to
290channels
From
$30/mo
Heavy viewers who want everything in one bill with their internet
See services - Rural-friendly
Satellite
- No contract
Live TV streaming
- Cheapest
On-demand apps
Top TV services we cover
The services most US households actually weigh.
Honest compare
Live streaming vs cable vs satellite, side by side.
Spec sheets don't tell you what it's like to cancel, or what happens to your bill in year two. Here's the plain-English read.
| Cable | Satellite | Live streaming | Our take | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel count | 125–290 | 150–330 | 70–190 | Satellite still has the deepest lineups; streaming has narrowed the gap on the essentials. |
| Intro-price window | 12 months | 24 months | None (flat pricing) | Streaming's no-promo pricing is the honest play, no year-two surprise. |
| Contract length | 1–2 yrs typical | 2 yrs with cancel fee | Month-to-month | Cancel streaming anytime; satellite cancel fees can hit $480+. |
| Recording (DVR) | Included, capped | Included, capped | Unlimited on most plans | Streaming DVRs have quietly lapped the cable box. |
| Local & regional sports | Strong | Strong | Varies a lot by service | If you need regional sports networks, check service-by-service before switching. |
| Equipment rental | $10–$15/mo per box | $7/mo per receiver | None, use your own device | Streaming kills the rental treadmill, often the real savings. |
Viewer profile advisor
What kind of TV household are you?
The right delivery is the one that fits how you actually watch. Here are three common profiles and what we'd recommend.
Cord-cutter
One or two on-demand apps, no live TV
$25/moFamily household
Live streaming + 2–3 on-demand apps
$75/moSports fan
Live streaming with RSNs + ESPN+ add-on
$110/mo
Keep reading
Guides we'd send a friend.
Best live TV streaming of 2026
YouTube TV vs Hulu Live vs Fubo vs Sling.
Read the guideDIRECTV vs DISH
Satellite head-to-head, channel by channel.
Read the guideYouTube TV vs Hulu Live
The two streaming heavyweights.
Read the guideCord-cutting guide
Replace cable without losing what you care about.
Read the guideCable alternatives
Live TV streaming services, compared honestly.
Read the guideBest streaming services
On-demand picks across every genre.
Read the guide