So you've set up your lightning-fast fiber broadband and selected one of the best streaming devices, but where on earth can you watch your favorite teams and shows? Here's our in-depth guide to streaming everything from trending shows to live sports and local news.
There are seemingly endless options for apps for streaming content, and with costs of around $6.99 per month to $144.99 per month, you have to be selective about piecing together your subscriptions.
Let's start with the tough stuff first.
The Best Apps to Stream Live Sports and Local News
Live sports and local news are two of the trickiest things to find on a streaming app. Here are some of the best apps for streaming live TV:
Sling at only $20 per month, this app is an affordable option to access your favorite live sports and news, offering channels such as ABC, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Redzone, NFL Network, FS1, TBS, and TNT.
YouTube TV offers 100+ channels, including many sports and local news channels, starting at $54.99 per month. You can also add on the NFL Sunday Ticket for $87.25 per month for four months.
Hulu + Live TV offers access to live TV; it can also be bundled with ESPN+ for additional access to live sports. Hulu + Live TV subscriptions start at $49.99 per month.
DirecTV Stream offers plans starting at 75 channels for $64.99 per month, including access to local news stations and regional sports channels — search the channels available in your area here.
MTN-TV offers free access to Colorado-centric adventure TV in select towns.
The Best Apps for Movies & Shows
Movies and shows are by far the easiest content to find on streaming apps. We've listed some of the best apps alongside some of their most popular shows, but this is really a matter of taste. You may want to search your favorite shows and select your streaming apps accordingly, or Netflix is a good place to start since it offers the most variety.
Netflix has a rotating roster of great (and not so great) movies to choose from, plus you can find lots of binge-worthy TV shows. Prices range from $6.99 per month with ads to $19.99 per month for premium features.
Disney+ is great for families. It hosts movies and shows under the Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic brands. Disney+ costs anywhere from $7.99 per month to $13.99 per month; you can also bundle this content with a Hulu and ESPN+ subscription.
MAX - Here is where you go to watch all of your favorite HBO shows, from The Sopranos to Succession, for anywhere from $9.99 with ads to $19.99 per month. MAX also offers a live sports add-on through B/R where you can watch NBA, NHL, March Madness, MLS, and MLB.
Prime Video - If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you already have access to an extensive catalog of free movies and TV shows (though it looks like they'll soon be charging a small monthly fee to keep this option ad-free). Amazon Prime is also a handy place to rent or buy new movies.
AppleTV+ offers premium original content like popular shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show. You can also view Friday night MLB and MLS games for $6.99 per month.
Hulu - Hulu offers a broad catalog of movies and TV shows, including popular original content such as The Bear and Only Murders in the Building. Standalone, Hulu starts at $14.99 per month and can be bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ for savings. Hulu also offers a live TV subscription starting at $49.99 per month.
There are so many streaming options out there, and what it really comes down to is what you want to watch. As long as your internet connection has the capacity for fast and unlimited uploads and downloads, like the plans Luminate provides, the world is your oyster when it comes to streaming.
