Best streaming services for sports fans

Why you should trust us

When selecting the best streaming platforms for sports fans, we considered prices, channel lineups, the number of available sports networks and other features like original content and DVR capabilities. Our experts weigh the different factors to determine which service is best for you.

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• Best Live TV Streaming Service
• Best Streaming Services with 4K
• Best Streaming Services for Local Channels
• Best Streaming Services with Free Trials

Best Assortment of Sports: Fubo

About Fubo

Fubo is a streaming platform designed specifically for sports fans and has a channel lineup to back it up. Depending on which Fubo plan you choose, you’ll get access to ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, NBA TV, NFL Network and more, like regional sports networks.

Pros

• Huge variety of live sports
• Unlimited Cloud DVR
• Easy-to-use app

Cons

• Lacking 1080p livestreams
• Missing channels like TBS and TNT

Product Specifications

*Available with add-ons

Who is Fubo best for?

Fubo is best for you if you love to watch a range of different sporting events. Sports fans can get a little bit of everything with their Fubo subscription—most of the most popular national sports networks, many of the most sought-after regional sports networks with an eligible plan, harder-to-find national and international events and even enough programming to keep non-sports fans placated while you plan your next gameday watch party. 

Best for Regional Sports Networks: DIRECTV STREAM

About DIRECTV STREAM

Users looking for a wide variety of programming, including sports, news and entertainment options, can find just that with DIRECTV STREAM. If you’re a die-hard fan of a team you can only find on a regional sports network, you’ll likely find the channel you need on DIRECTV STREAM. 

Pros

• Best access to RSNs
• Wide range of channels
• Ability to pause live streams

Cons

• RSN access only on high-tier plans
• Pricier than other sports streamers

Product Specifications

*Availability depends on your area; included with top three plans

Who is DIRECTV STREAM best for?

If you’re looking for live sports that you can only find on an NBC, FanDuel Sports or Spectrum SportsNet regional sports network, then DIRECTV STREAM has you covered. DIRECTV STREAM also offers a healthy selection of national and local networks, coupled with a functional DVR in case life gets in the way of watching a game live.

Best for Non-Sports Content: Hulu + Live TV

About Hulu + Live TV

With Hulu + Live TV, you will gain access to a solid lineup of sports networks, like ESPN, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), NFL Network and more. In addition, you also get a hefty chunk of news and entertainment networks along with access to both Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. You will also have the complete Hulu on-demand library and all the award-winning Hulu originals within the app.

Pros

• Large on-demand library
• Includes Disney+ and ESPN+
• Award-winning original content

Cons

• Not as budget-friendly
• Sports channels hidden in add-ons
• No NHL Network or NBA TV

Product Specifications

*Availability depends on your area

Who is Hulu + Live TV best for?

Hulu + Live TV is best for you if your primary interest is to watch entertainment or news content, with a little bit of sports sprinkled in. While Hulu + Live TV manages to offer a respectable amount of live sports content via live channels and ESPN Plus, the real draw is the massive Hulu on-demand library and Hulu originals. We can’t count Disney Plus out, either. 

Best for College Sports: ESPN Plus

About ESPN Plus

ESPN Plus is a streaming platform offered by ESPN, but there’s a lot about it that’s a little counter-intuitive. You won’t find a lot of ESPN’s regular programming, but you’ll find a host of on-demand content that you can’t find anywhere else. Users will find a bunch of live NCAA coverage, a ton of NHL games, MLB games and even PPV UFC events. 

Pros

• Large selection of college sports
• Option for mobile downloads
• Access to ESPN archives

Cons

• Doesn't offer a live feed of ESPN
• No DVR
• No live NBA coverage

Product Specifications

Who is ESPN Plus best for?

ESPN Plus is a great choice for you if you want full coverage of NCAA sporting events. While other platforms also offer college sports coverage, ESPN Plus offers the widest variety – albeit seemingly at the cost of other popular ESPN content. 

Best for Sports Fans on a Budget: Sling TV

About Sling TV

For casual sports fans or fans on a budget, Sling TV offers the least expensive access to live sports. With Sling TV, you’ll find ESPN, FS1, NFL Network and TBS. In certain areas, Sling TV is able to offer local networks including ABC, NBC and Fox. 

Pros

• Affordable compared to competitors
• Customizable with add-ons

Cons

• Limited sports networks
• Limited local channel availability

Product Specifications

*Availability depends on your area

Who is Sling TV best for?

You are a good candidate for Sling TV if you are looking to watch live sports content at a budget. Sling TV plans cost about half of what other comparable streaming services while still giving you access to the live sports you crave. While Sling TV can’t offer the breadth of live sporting events that over platforms can, you get what you pay for. 

FAQ

What is the best streaming service for all sports?

The best streaming service for all sports depends on what networks carry your favorite teams and leagues. However, Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM are the two that tend to carry the widest variety of sports networks. 

What is the cheapest way to get live TV?

The cheapest way to get live TV is to use an over-the-air antenna. With an antenna, you can watch live local channels for free. 

What is the best streaming service for ESPN?

The best streaming service for ESPN is Hulu + Live TV. With Hulu + Live TV, you get access to ESPN networks and ESPN Plus – no other service can offer both.