Best Streaming TV Services

streaming services grid
There are many options these days for TV services that stream over the internet. So what are the best streaming services? We should first point out that internet-based TV services can include live-streaming of networks, on-demand access to movies and shows, and access to purchase premium channels or bundles of channels.

But streaming TV services always include the ability to watch content on multiple devices including TVs, PCs (via web browsers), streaming media players and Blu-ray players, tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles. Although, a given service may not support all devices and platforms.

We should also clarify there are distinctions between streaming video services. For example, Netflix has a huge library of both original and licensed TV shows, series, and movies but does not offer cable networks or live streaming TV. CBS (formerly CBS All Access) offers some live TV but mainly on-demand content from CBS, CBS Originals, and partnering networks (with some new episodes available a day after airing on traditional broadcast TV).

Services such as Hulu+ Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV follow a more of a traditional television service model, albeit delivered via the internet rather than by cable or satellite. These services tend to cost more but provide access to local television stations as well as live cable networks.

Because of those distinctions the lines between types of streaming TV services are slightly blurred. However, the most important difference may be whether or not live streaming is offered. Below we rank the “Best Streaming TV Services” and indicate whether or not the service provides live TV programming.