SmartStream

It is now possible to stream almost any TV show using dedicated apps. HBO Go, NBC, and other “TV Everywhere” apps provide unlimited access to stream new TV series’ episodes and movies if you already subscribe to the channel and sign in with the cable, satellite, or telecom provider. With more and more people switching to live TV streaming services, apps can now be authorized if you subscribe to the channel on Hulu Live TV, Playstation Vue, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, and others, though not all channels are offered by all live TV streaming services.

TV Everywhere refers to stand-alone TV streaming apps like ABC, NBC, HBO Go, Showtime Anytime, Starz, the Food Channel, Comedy Central, Nat Geo TV, TLC Go, SyFy Now, and many more that offer on-demand programming. The idea is that because you pay for the programs on cable, satellite, or telecom, you should be able to stream shows from a smart TV, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, or Nvidia Shield in the home to a mobile device so you can watch them wherever you happen to be.

Though some live TV streaming services are pricey, they offer the convenience of subscribing without having to install a cable or satellite box, and most don’t have contracts so you can stop a subscription at any time and pick it up again later. Playstation Vue, Hulu Live TV, Philo, FuboTV, DirecTV Now, YouTube TV, and Sling TV are gaining in popularity because they provide a TV experience that is similar to cable TV and in many cases offer a cloud DVR feature for recording favorite shows. Still, it can be more convenient to simply watch the shows on demand rather than going through the trouble of recording the live broadcast.

Again, not every streaming app can be authorized by every live TV streaming service. Playstation Vue provides access to the largest number of apps — 57 — through its $75/month “Elite” subscription, which includes Showtime Anytime and HBO Go. Vue’s entry-level $40/month subscription buys fewer channels and supports 39 apps.

AT&T’s DirecTV Now has the second highest number of compatible apps. The $35/month “Live a Little” basic tier gets you access to 33 apps, while the $70 “Gotta Have It” tier includes 39 channels. Premium channels HBO Go and Max Go cost an extra $5 each and it costs $8/month to add Showtime Anytime.

Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV all run about $40 per month (extra for premium channels) and are compatible with approximately 30 apps. Philo TV has two plans, both under $20, and Sling TV offers a number of ala carte TV Everywhere plans.

Choosing which live TV streaming service is right for you can be confusing, especially as the number of online TV providers grows. To get help picking the right Live TV Streaming plan for you, check out fomopop.com. It lists all of the channels, tiers and describes each service. The website even has live chat function to help you make a decision.