With the rise of cord-cutting, streaming services have become the go-to option for many households. However, finding a streaming service that offers local channels can be challenging. Local channels are important for staying connected to community events, local news, and sports. This guide will help you identify the best streaming services that include local channels, ensuring you don't miss out on essential content.
1. YouTube TV
Description: Comprehensive live TV and local channel coverage.
Features and Significance
YouTube TV is a popular streaming service that offers an extensive range of live TV channels, including local networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. It also provides access to regional sports networks and various cable channels. YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing users to record live TV and watch it later.
Why It’s a Top Choice
YouTube TV is celebrated for its user-friendly interface, reliable streaming quality, and extensive channel lineup. The service's inclusion of local channels in most markets makes it a strong contender for those who want to stay connected to their local community. Additionally, YouTube TV's robust DVR feature ensures you never miss your favorite shows or sports events.
Pricing
- Monthly subscription: $72.99
- Free trial available
Pros
- Wide range of local channels
- Unlimited DVR storage
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
2. Hulu + Live TV
Description: Extensive on-demand library with live TV.
Features and Significance
Hulu + Live TV combines Hulu's vast on-demand library with over 75 live TV channels, including local networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. The service also offers regional sports networks and popular cable channels. Subscribers can enjoy Hulu's original content along with live TV, making it a comprehensive entertainment option.
Why It’s a Top Choice
Hulu + Live TV is praised for its extensive content library, including exclusive Hulu originals and a robust lineup of live TV channels. The service's inclusion of local channels ensures you stay updated with local news and events. The bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ adds significant value, offering a wide range of entertainment options for the whole family.
Pricing
- Monthly subscription: $69.99 (ad-supported), $75.99 (no ads)
- Bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ available
Pros
- Extensive on-demand library
- Access to Hulu originals
- Local channels included
Cons
- Ad-supported plan can be intrusive
3. Sling TV
Description: Customizable and affordable streaming.
Features and Significance
Sling TV offers a unique approach to streaming with its customizable channel packages. The service provides two base packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, which can be combined for a more comprehensive lineup. Sling TV offers local channels in select markets, including NBC and Fox, and provides add-ons for additional content.
Why It’s a Top Choice
Sling TV is celebrated for its affordability and flexibility, allowing users to tailor their channel lineup to suit their preferences. The service's à la carte approach ensures you only pay for the channels you want. Although local channel availability varies by market, Sling TV remains a popular choice for budget-conscious viewers.
Pricing
- Monthly subscription: Sling Orange ($40), Sling Blue ($40), Sling Orange + Blue ($55)
- Add-ons available for additional cost
Pros
- Affordable and customizable
- Flexible channel packages
- Cloud DVR available
Cons
- Local channel availability varies
- Limited DVR storage compared to competitors
4. fuboTV
Description: Sports-focused streaming with local channels.
Features and Significance
fuboTV is a streaming service known for its extensive sports coverage. The service offers over 100 live TV channels, including local networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. fuboTV also provides regional sports networks and a variety of cable channels. The service includes cloud DVR storage and streaming on multiple devices.
Why It’s a Top Choice
fuboTV is praised for its comprehensive sports coverage and wide range of live TV channels, including local networks. The service's inclusion of sports channels makes it a top choice for sports enthusiasts who want to keep up with local and national sports events. fuboTV's user-friendly interface and reliable streaming quality add to its appeal.
Pricing
- Monthly subscription: $74.99 (Pro plan), $84.99 (Elite plan), $94.99 (Ultimate plan)
- Free trial available
Pros
- Extensive sports coverage
- Wide range of local channels
- Cloud DVR storage
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
5. DirecTV Stream
Description: Comprehensive channel lineup with local access.
Features and Significance
DirecTV Stream offers a wide range of live TV channels, including local networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. The service provides multiple packages to suit different viewing preferences, from entertainment to sports and news. DirecTV Stream includes cloud DVR storage and supports streaming on multiple devices.
Why It’s a Top Choice
DirecTV Stream is celebrated for its extensive channel lineup and reliable streaming quality. The service's inclusion of local channels ensures you stay connected to your community's news and events. DirecTV Stream's flexible packages and robust DVR feature make it a comprehensive streaming option for various viewing needs.
Pricing
- Monthly subscription: $74.99 (Entertainment package), $99.99 (Choice package), $109.99 (Ultimate package), $154.99 (Premier package)
- Free trial available
Pros
- Wide range of local channels
- Multiple package options
- Cloud DVR storage
Cons
- Higher price point for premium packages
6. Paramount+
Description: Streaming with a focus on CBS content.
Features and Significance
Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) offers a mix of live TV and on-demand content, including local CBS channels. The service provides access to CBS news, sports, and entertainment, along with a library of movies and TV shows from ViacomCBS brands. Paramount+ also offers exclusive original content and live sports coverage.
Why It’s a Top Choice
Paramount+ is praised for its extensive CBS content and affordable pricing. The service's inclusion of local CBS channels ensures you stay updated with local news and events. Paramount+'s combination of live TV, on-demand content, and original programming makes it a versatile streaming option.
Pricing
- Monthly subscription: $4.99 (Essential plan, ad-supported), $9.99 (Premium plan, no ads)
- Annual plans available for a discount
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Access to local CBS channels
- Exclusive original content
Cons
- Limited to CBS and ViacomCBS content
- Ad-supported plan can be intrusive
7. Peacock
Description: NBCUniversal’s streaming service with local channels.
Features and Significance
Peacock is NBCUniversal's streaming service, offering a mix of live TV, on-demand content, and exclusive originals. The service includes local NBC channels in select markets, along with a variety of movies, TV shows, and sports coverage. Peacock offers both free and premium subscription options, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Why It’s a Top Choice
Peacock is celebrated for its diverse content library and affordable pricing. The service's inclusion of local NBC channels ensures you stay connected to local news and events. Peacock's combination of live TV, on-demand content, and exclusive programming makes it a versatile and budget-friendly streaming option.
Pricing
- Free plan available
- Monthly subscription: $5.99 (Premium plan, ad-supported), $11.99 (Premium Plus plan, no ads)
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Access to local NBC channels
- Free plan available
Cons
- Local channel availability varies
- Ad-supported plan can be intrusive
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of streaming services with local channels?
Streaming services with local channels provide access to regional news, weather updates, and local sports, keeping viewers connected to their community.
2. Which streaming service offers the widest range of local channels?
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are known for offering a wide range of local channels across most markets.
3. Are there any affordable streaming services with local channels?
Sling TV and Peacock offer affordable options for streaming local channels, though availability may vary by market.
4. Can I record local channels on streaming services?
Yes, most streaming services with local channels, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV, offer cloud DVR storage for recording live TV.
5. Do streaming services with local channels offer free trials?
Yes, many streaming services, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV, offer free trials for new subscribers.
6. Can I watch local sports on streaming services with local channels?
Yes, streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV include regional sports networks that broadcast local sports events.
Finding the best streaming service with local channels can enhance your viewing experience by keeping you connected to your community. From YouTube TV's comprehensive channel lineup to Hulu + Live TV's extensive content library, these services offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for robust sports coverage, exclusive original content, or affordable streaming solutions, these top streaming services with local channels ensure you never miss out on important local news and events.