Cable-Free TV Pick the Streaming Options That Are Right for You
SERVICE CONTENT PRICE PROS CONS STREAMING DEVICES LIVE TV
CBS All Access Live CBS programming $6 a month On-demand programming, Live streaming is not yet available Roku, Chromecast with access to more than in all markets; some sporting 6,500 TV episodes events, including NFL games, are blacked out on All Access.
Comcast Live TV from about a dozen major $15 a month (in addi- DVR and on-demand Available only to Xfinity Internet Laptops, tablets and phones Stream (in broadcast networks, plus HBO tion to cost of Xfinity programming customers; live TV streaming is via the Xfinity TV app early 2016) Internet) unavailable outside your home.
PlayStation 50+ to 85+ live channels, depend- $50 to $70 a month for Offers both broadcast and Prices are as high as cable TV, but PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Vue (recently ing on the package; basic Access channel packages; $11 cable channels, including popular channels such as ESPN iPad available in package includes CBS, FOX, NBC, a month for Showtime some regional sports and ABC are missing. five cities) AMC, Bravo; Showtime sold separa- ($9 for PlayStation Plus networks; DVR and on- tely and available nationwide. members) demand programming.
Sling TV Best of Live TV package has more $20 a month for Best Sign up for three months No DVR; limited access Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox than 20 cable channels, including of Live TV; $15 a month of service and get a half- to previously aired shows One, mobile devices from ESPN, AMC, HGTV and CNN; tack on for HBO; $5 each for price Roku or Nexus media on-demand Apple and Android HBO or channel packs focused on channel packs streaming player or free kids, sports and other themes for Roku streaming stick. additional cost.
ON-DEMAND TV AND MOVIES
Amazon Movies and TV shows for rent $5 to rent new-release With Amazon Prime, you'll get Popular new-release movies and Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Instant Video or sale à la carte; Amazon Prime movies; $10 to $18 to free two-day shipping, unlim- the latest seasons of current TV Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, subscription includes many purchase new-release ited photo storage, music shows aren't typically available mobile devices from Apple, movies and TV shows free. movies; $2 to buy TV streaming and other perks. free with Prime. Android and Amazon episodes; $99 a year for Amazon Prime
Google Play Movies and TV shows for $4 to $7 to rent new- Convenient for users of Not compatible with many Roku, Chromecast, mobile rent or sale à la carte release movies; $10 to Android mobile devices popular streaming devices devices from Apple and $18 to purchase new- Android release movies; $2 to buy TV episodes
HBO Now On-demand access to programming $15 a month Includes the most recent No live programming Apple TV, mobile devices on HBO channels episodes of shows such as from Apple, Android and Game of Thrones, Girls and Amazon; Amazon Fire TV True Detective and Chromecast coming soon
Hulu Plus Full current seasons of TV shows $8 a month; additional Watch a few recent episodes Shows are delayed until the next Roku, Amazon Fire TV, from broadcast networks, plus $9 a month for of many shows free, without day or longer; you have to watch Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon Showtime a subscription. advertisements. PlayStation, Wii, mobile de- vices from Apple, Android, Amazon and Windows
iTunes Movies and TV shows for $5 to rent new-release Convenient for users of Not compatible with many Apple TV, mobile devices rent or sale à la carte movies; $10 to $18 to Apple mobile devices popular streaming devices from Apple purchase new-release movies; $2 to buy TV episodes
Netflix Movies, documentaries and $9 a month Full past seasons of many You can't see popular new-release Roku, Amazon Fire TV, TV shows popular TV shows; access to movies or the latest episodes of Apple TV, Chromecast, original Netflix programs current TV shows. Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, mobile devices from Apple, Android and Windows
Showtime On-demand access to programming $11 a month Includes the most recent Programming not as popular Roku, Apple TV, mobile on Showtime channels; live stream- episodes of shows such as as HBO's devices from Apple ing of Showtime's East and West Homeland and House of Lies Coast feeds
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KIPLINGER’S PERSONAL FINANCE 10/2015
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