Live TV for Cord Cutters

Whether you're looking for a bargain price, plenty of sports programming or a library of on-demand shows, you can find a service that fits your needs.

- BY MALCOLM MCMILLAN AND KELLY WOO

ALTHOUGH live-TV streaming services have raised their monthly rates over the years, they typically still have the edge over cable TV when it comes to both price and variety of programming. With these streaming services, most folks can cut the cord while holding on to popular channels such as ESPN, TNT and USA. And whatever you pay for a streaming service, you won't be locked in to a 12-month or 24-month contract—then face sky-rocketing prices once it expires.

Below, the experts at tech-review site Tom’s Guide evaluate five live-TV streaming services, providing a star rating for each on a scale of one to five. Along with evaluating each service’s value and channel lineup, they watched TV across a range of devices, from streaming boxes to smart TVs to mobile apps, to see which service streamed most smoothly. They also reviewed each service's interface; the best ones offer clean menus and make it easy to discover new things to watch.

SLING TV

★★★

Monthly starting price: $46

Channels in entry-level package: 34 to 43

DVR: 50 hours (or unlimited for $5 per month)

From sports to comedy to kids’ programming to foreign-language channels, Sling TV has a little something for everyone. And its relatively low monthly price and customizable nature feel truly in line with the idea of cutting the cord. Recently, you could get a 50% discount on your first month of service with Sling.