If you are after a constant rush of adrenaline, then look no further because NFL RedZone will throw you around from game to game and give you only the action-filled stuff. That means you can watch more than one game at a time and skip uneventful parts.

The best thing about RedZone — no commercial breaks. Get a drink and sit back to enjoy the experience of uninterrupted football streaming.

Now that you are hooked and intrigued, let’s dig deeper and find out why die-hard football fans can’t give up NFL RedZone once they start watching it.

What Is NFL RedZone?

If you are a proud NFL junkie, RedZone is a dream come true for you. This channel has changed the way fans watch their favorite games.

If you’ve ever wanted to skip the boring parts of a ball game and jump straight to the most interesting tackles and touchdowns, NFL RedZone is the channel for you. Basically, it promises to show you “every touchdown, from every game” (that’s their official slogan) of the regular NFL season. But, you get more than just touchdowns.

Coverage of the games is simultaneously broadcast or “simulcast.” This means that, with RedZone, you can watch coverage of all Sunday afternoon games at the same time and in one place. The game feeds are curated by the channel’s producers who monitor all live games and throw them up on the screen when they enter the red zone — the area between the 20-yard line and the goal line.

If more than one game enters the red zone, you’ll get a split-screen with all red zone plays being shown simultaneously on your screen. Sometimes, you’ll see a quad box for four games, a penta box for five simultaneous red zone plays, or as many as eight boxes.

Basically, you won’t miss a thing. Show off among your friends — it’s OK — because you’ll know everything that has happened during every game.

How Does NFL RedZone Work?

The concept is simple. As you know, usually, there are multiple games happening on a given day. You can catch the action over at CBS, NBC, FOX, or ESPN. But, if you don’t want to switch between channels yourself and potentially miss some key moments while you are channel surfing, RedZone will do all the heavy lifting for you.

The channel’s producers will closely follow all live broadcasts at the same time. When the game enters the red zone, they will throw you right into it. That way, you’ll get a taste of each game so that you know what’s going on. However, if you want to watch the full game, you’ll have to switch to the channel that’s broadcasting it.

The NFL RedZone channel is on-air for seven hours and broadcasts only Sunday afternoon games. After each live broadcast, you’ll get a montage of the best touchdowns, and then the channel will go black until next Sunday.

However, it’s important to note that RedZone is not available on any Saturday night or during Sunday night games. It’s also off-air on Monday nights and Thursday nights. NFL International Series are not included either. Finally, don’t count on watching any Thanksgiving or post-season games on RedZone.

Will Games Be Interrupted by Annoying Commercials?

The answer to this question is simple — absolutely not. RedZone is a premium football channel that doesn’t show commercials. So, you can count on hours and hours of pure adrenaline-pumping field action.

Because the games are rebroadcast live from CBS, FOX, and other networks, when the original broadcast goes to a commercial break, RedZone will simply switch to the next most interesting game that’s in progress.

The only kind of interruption that you will get on RedZone is brief commentary from the host Scott Hanson. Most RedZone subscribers have taken a liking to him, so his commentary won’t seem like an interruption.

What Happens If No Game Enters the Red Zone?

Imagine this scenario. Your favorite team is playing their biggest rival. You know the game is supposed to be on, but you are watching RedZone instead of the original network broadcast.

If the game doesn’t enter the red zone for a long time, you’ll miss most of the game. As RedZone is a channel dedicated to plays only inside the red zone, you won’t see the back-and-forth action between teams that happens outside the red zone.

However, if no game enters the red zone, the broadcast will simply switch to brief commentary from the host or to the play that is just outside the red zone.

Don’t forget that RedZone is a commercial-free zone. So, you will watch only pure football during the weekly seven-hour broadcast, even if there is nothing happening inside the red zone. Still, this is rare.

How to Get NFL RedZone

The NFL RedZone channel comes in the form of an add-on service to your sports package. Basically, if you already have a cable or satellite plan or a streaming subscription, you can get RedZone.

You can add the RedZone channel to your sports package if you have a DISH subscription. However, if you are a DIRECTV subscriber, you’ll probably feel frustrated because the NFL RedZone channel is available only with their Max option of the NFL Sunday Ticket. The Max plan costs close to $400.

On the flip side, DIRECTV offers its alternative to the NFL RedZone — The Red Zone Channel. Don’t let the similar names confuse you. They might be similar, but those are two totally different channels.

As for cable providers, most of them carry the NFL RedZone channel and offer it as an add-on to their sports packages.

If you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, don’t sweat it because RedZone is available on numerous streaming services as well. Some of the best streaming services that include RedZone are fuboTV, Sling TV, and PlayStation Vue.

Comparing NFL RedZone to NFL Sunday Ticket

DIRECTV is the exclusive distributor of NFL Sunday Ticket. That means that you can’t get NFL Sunday Ticket through any other TV provider, except DIRECTV.

Ultimately, it’s a must-have for only the biggest football fans and fantasy football players because the price is pretty steep for regular folks. A subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket will cost you close to $300 for one season.

On the other hand, if you are a fantasy football player, NFL RedZone will also have your back, but at a much lower price and with fewer features. Basically, RedZone is the next best thing after NFL Sunday Ticket.

Two main differences between NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL RedZone are the number of available features and the price.

While NFL RedZone is a standalone channel that is on only during regular games, NFL Sunday Ticket is a full-featured football television platform that is geared towards the most dedicated fans.

Here’s a more detailed list of the main features:

NFL RedZone

• Simulcast of out-of-market Sunday games in the red zone
• Broadcasts last only seven hours during Sunday afternoon games
• Touchdown recap montage
• No commercials
• Commentary from the host Scott Hanson
• Watch from anywhere — smartphone, tablet, or laptop

NFL Sunday Ticket

• Keep an eye on every out-of-market game
• Get real-time scores and statistics
• Track players with the “Player Tracker” feature
• Watch eight games at the same time
• Rewind and replay games right after the live broadcast
• Commercial-free
• Costs $300 for only one football season

Are There Blackouts on RedZone?

There is nothing more irritating than a game blackout. If you’ve ever experienced it, it essentially means that broadcasters and the NFL are more cash-oriented than fan-oriented.

Luckily, you don’t have to play along if you are a RedZone subscriber. You’ll get all the highlights of the biggest plays without having to worry about blackouts. Because RedZone only shows “look-ins” and not the full game, it’s exempt from any blackout policies, regardless of where you live.

How Much Does NFL RedZone Cost?

The NFL RedZone channel will cost you anywhere from $8.99 to $13 monthly. The price varies with different TV providers.

To get access to RedZone, you’ll first have to purchase a sports package or an add-on from your provider. That way, you’ll get access to numerous sports channels and the RedZone channel, which will keep you entertained during the whole year.

Ultimately, it’s best to check with your provider to see which packages include the RedZone channel and at what price. Keep in mind that some providers offer it only in their most expensive sports packages.

Plans Overview

If you happen to be a DISH subscriber, you’ll pay for RedZone a couple of dollars more compared to other services. To get RedZone on DISH, you’ll need a subscription to their America’s Top 120+ package with the Multi-Sport Pack as an add-on. With that combination, RedZone will cost you an additional $13 a month.

XFINITY’s pricing is a bit lower. With their Digital Starter package, RedZone comes as an added bonus on top of the Sports Entertainment Package at a monthly price of $9.99.

If you are more into streaming or if you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, you can get the RedZone channel with the most popular streaming services as well.

For Sling TV subscribers, RedZone is available with their Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue packages. To get all the best sports channels, make sure you have their Sports Extra add-on so that you can get RedZone for $10.

The pricing is the same as with the PlayStation Vue streaming service. If you have their Core package or above, and the Sports Pack as an add-on, you can purchase RedZone for 10 dollars a month.

Lastly, the cheapest option is RedZone on fuboTV. Just get their Sports Plus add-on added to your regular subscription and buy RedZone for $8.99 a month.

By all means, this is not a complete list, and the prices might be different now. If you have another TV provider, check their website or call to ask them how you can get access to RedZone.

Dominating Your Fantasy Football League

Tens of millions of people play fantasy football. If you are one of them, RedZone will have you glued to the screen for hours. It’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of, truly. If you’re the type of person with a short attention span that loves small market teams and doesn’t want to buy five beers every Sunday, look no further.

Well, maybe the beer part of that sentence is not so true, but you get the point.

Like most fantasy football players, you generally care about the scoring drive and big plays. RedZone makes it possible for you to keep tabs on all your fantasy players and catch all the most important moments of every game.

You’ll get all your fantasy football news and statistics at the bottom of the screen.

NFL RedZone Review: The Bottom Line

Once you get RedZone, you will be instantly hooked for hours on end. It’s an action-only channel filled with adrenaline-inducing and heart-pumping plays in the coveted red zone. Are you tired of switching channels to check on other games happening at the same time? If your answer is yes, RedZone will solve that problem for you.

Let them do the channel switching. You just sit back and enjoy the action. With RedZone, you will get live updates on all games by sporadically jumping from one stadium to the next.

In addition, this premium sports channel geared towards hardcore fans has received rave reviews online. It’s also a favorite among fantasy football players.

On top of all that, the price is affordable. Get RedZone for as low as $8.99 and watch every touchdown from every single out-of-market game. Most cable and satellite providers offer it as an add-on to their sports packages. But, if you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, just sign up for one of the most popular streaming services and watch the action on the go.

Tired of missing your favorite shows thanks to a busy schedule? Are there too many good programs on at once? Wish you could rewatch the previous season before getting started on the newest one?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you’re probably on the prowl for a new Digital Video Recorder (DVR). This guide is here to help you choose the best DVR for all your entertainment needs.

Before you delve further, though, here are a few features that every DVR should have:

• Plenty of storage
• Ability to record many shows at once
• Intuitive interface and playback
• Connection to all of your TVs
• Support for multiple devices/on-the-go viewing
• Affordability

With all of this in mind, here’s a rundown of the best DVRs available.

#1 TiVo Bolt+

The top spot goes to the DVR market’s original power player — TiVo. They’ve had a lot of time to perfect their devices and delivery, and let’s just say they’ve made excellent use of that time.

Pluses

The TiVo Bolt+ functions as a cable DVR system as well as a streaming device. That means that aside from recording video, it allows you to install apps for streaming services like HBO, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. It’s a great system if you subscribe to any of these services on top of your cable subscription.

With a colossal three terabytes of storage, you won’t run out of storage space any time soon. Furthermore, TiVo’s Bolt+ gives you six tuners. That means you can record up to six shows at once! It’s a helpful feature for catching all of that primetime programming, or for families who have different tastes.

Hate having to fast-forward through commercials? The Bolt+ solves this problem with SkipMode, which lets you completely skip commercials on 20 different major channels. There’s no need to fast-forward or rewind — it jumps past the annoying bits so that you can enjoy your favorite shows without interruption.

Its other unique feature, QuickMode, is one that you probably never thought you needed. It’s like fast-forwarding, but better — it plays back video three times faster but keeps the audio pitch normal. That way, you can catch up or jump ahead without turning the characters into chipmunks.

Minuses

While the TiVo Bolt+ is the top DVR choice, it still has its flaws. For one, it doesn’t record the free programming you might get from a digital antenna.

Since the Bolt+ is a standalone device not offered by any TV service provider, you’ll end up having to pay extra each month. At $15 per month, it can be a big expense when you factor in what you’re already paying each month for programming.

Target Audience

If you’re adamant about saving tons of HD programming and tempted by its extra features, then the Bolt+ will be worth the price. If you’re really willing to commit, you can subscribe for a year for $150. However, if you’re certain that the Bolt+ is right for you, then you can pay $550 for a lifetime subscription.

#2 DISH Hopper 3

Next up is DISH’s Hopper 3 DVR. As the newest iteration of DISH’s Hopper, the Hopper 3 is a serious upgrade from previous versions.

Pluses

By default, the Hopper 3 has two terabytes of storage — more than enough for most viewers. It comes with six tuners, but you have the option to upgrade to a mind-boggling sixteen. One Hopper 3 will work with up to seven TVs, so your whole house will be covered.

If that’s not enough to convince you, there’s more. The Hopper 3’s AutoHop function, much like the Bolt+’s SkipMode, jumps past commercials and lets you enjoy shows without interruption. It works with just a simple press of a button on your remote.

You can even use Bluetooth headphones with the Hopper 3. It’s perfect for watching TV without disturbing a sleeping partner, child, or roommate.

Minuses

Overall, the Hopper 3 is an excellent DVR. Its only drawback is that it isn’t free! Plus, you can’t use it if you’re not a DISH customer.

Target Audience

DISH customers who already have the Hopper 3 don’t need to shop around for other devices — this one is amazing! And if you’re looking for a better DVR and don’t mind switching services, the Hopper 3 is almost good enough to justify making the change to DISH.

#3 DIRECTV Genie

Sports fans, this one is for you.

DIRECTV’s service caters to lovers of all sports, especially NFL. If you’re a DIRECTV subscriber, the Genie DVR is a handy device for making sure that you never miss a game.

Pluses

Have you ever realized too late that you forgot to set your DVR to record? DIRECTV’s Genie DVR allows you to begin recording remotely through its mobile app. Even better, its live rewind feature allows you to go back up to 90 minutes and begin recording. Together, these are indispensable features for the forgetful.

Combined with NFL SUNDAY TICKET, you can have the Genie record entire seasons of your team’s games. And if you’re truly serious about sports, you can even watch two games simultaneously on a split screen.

Minuses

The Genie has some great features, but it lacks storage space. Nevertheless, if you’re mostly saving sports games, it should have more than enough space for you.

Target Audience

Other DVRs will obviously be able to record and save sports. However, if sports matter to you more than other forms of entertainment, then you can’t go wrong with DIRECTV and their Genie DVR. Together, they’re a big reason many sports fans choose DIRECTV over the competition.

#4 XFINITY X1 Cloud

XFINITY’s DVR system works a bit differently than the others on this list, but that’s not a bad thing. In fact, the X1 Cloud is unique enough that you might actually prefer it. So what makes the X1 Cloud so special?

Pluses

The X1 Cloud from XFINITY allows you to view tons of shows on demand. It has a rotating library of shows, sports, and movies. Fortunately, this library changes regularly and manages to avoid feeling stale.

Its most unique feature is its cloud storage ability. By keeping your recordings on an external server, the X1 makes it possible to watch on-the-go on multiple devices. Even better, you can switch from watching on one device to another without skipping a beat. If you want to use local storage, however, you can connect a SATA drive to your X1.

The XFINITY X1 Cloud isn’t the only DVR system that lets you use voice commands. However, its included function works very well. It makes it much quicker and easier to find exactly the show you want to watch, especially since typing on a remote can be an exercise in patience.

Minuses

The X1 Cloud can be unreliable in terms of playback quality. You might run into pixelated video and lag, which are guaranteed to spoil your viewing experience.

Compared to other options, the X1’s storage space is disappointing. While 60 hours of storage is certainly a lot, it pales in comparison to the other DVRs on this list. However, this is slightly made up for by the X1 Cloud’s on-demand options.

Target Audience

Since Comcast’s service is available in almost all of the 50 states, there’s a good chance that you’re an XFINITY subscriber. Since the X1 Cloud is their default DVR, you don’t really need to switch to something more powerful. If your Internet connection is good, then the X1 will probably suit most of your entertainment needs.

#5 Tablo 2

Not everyone can afford an expensive cable or satellite package. When you add a DVR system, the price can go even higher. What can you do if budget is your main concern? And what if you only get your TV channels for free from a digital antenna?

The Tablo 2 is an affordable DVR unit that still delivers a surprisingly good user experience for its price.

Pluses

At about $220, the Tablo 2 is much less expensive than other DVR systems on this list. It’s great for people who get OTA programming from a digital antenna. Since OTA programming is free, a flat $220 fee gives you a lifetime of service for a very affordable price.

The Tablo 2 lets you watch shows on up to six devices. Furthermore, it has two tuners, so you can record two shows simultaneously. It’s a very generous offer — higher-end DVRs can charge extra for additional tuners. Even better, the Tablo 2 lets you skip commercials and record shows remotely. It has a lot to offer for a low price.

Minuses

The Tablo 2 has no interface at all. If you want a visual guide that shows what’s on, you’ll have to pay extra. It only costs $5 per month or $50 per year. You can also pay $150 up front for lifetime access. It’s not a bad deal, but it does drastically increase the price of an otherwise cheap unit.

The Tablo 2 also doesn’t have built-in storage. You’ll need a USB storage device like a thumb drive or an external hard drive in order to record any shows.

Target Audience

If you don’t have and don’t want cable or satellite, then the Tablo 2 is the DVR for you. It’s easy to use, affordable and will work well with the TV equipment that you already have.

What Should Every DVR Have?

Storage and Recording

Since a DVR’s main purpose is to save shows and movies for later, you’ll want your DVR to have plenty of storage space. Most DVRs start with around 500 GB (gigabytes) of storage. If for some reason that isn’t enough for you, it’s possible to connect an external hard drive to certain DVR models.

Most DVRs have the ability to record individual episodes as well as whole series. Better yet, there’s no need to manually record a show you want to save. In some cases, your DVR might even automate the process — the Hopper 3, for example, records primetime shows automatically. Pickier viewers may not like this, however, and it does eat up precious storage space.

Not all DVRs allow the same number of simultaneous recordings. Just keep in mind that more recordings don’t mean that you’ll get more storage. It only means that you can record more shows at once.

While every DVR gives you the ability to pause and rewind your videos, only a few of them allow you to fast-forward. If annoying ads are the bane of your existence, TiVo and DISH will make your life easier with their commercial-cutting features.

Multi-TV Support

Very few people have only one TV in their home — if you have several TVs, you’ll probably want DVR service for all of them. Unfortunately, few DVRs work for multiple TVs at once. In most cases, you’ll need to buy extra units or other add-ons.

The Hopper 3 is the king of multi-TV support — for large households, this is probably the best DVR you can get. Compare it to TiVo or DISH — both companies require you to buy extra receivers, which can get costly if you have a lot of TVs.

On-the-Go Access

These days, fewer and fewer people are watching TV on their TVs. DVR services that can stream to your phone, tablet, or computer are becoming more common — and for a good reason. Who wouldn’t want to watch TV wherever they go?

With a service like XFINITY, you can watch on-demand content wherever you have an Internet connection. A good DVR service can make for a seamless viewing experience that follows your schedule — not the other way around.

Affordable Price

If you’re planning to get a DVR system, you have to decide if you’d rather buy or rent your unit. Buying one can be more expensive, but it’s a good option if you expect to have it for at least three years. Renting, on the other hand, will ensure that you always have the latest and greatest technology available.

Your decision might come down to your TV subscription. If you’re not planning to stay with one provider for a long time, then you should definitely buy your own DVR. Most DVRs cost around $15 per month, which means that you’ll spend around $360 in two years or $540 in three years. Therefore, if you get a DVR for less than that, you’ll save some money in the long run.

The Verdict

It may seem like DVRs are more trouble than they’re worth, especially when you compare them to the simplicity of the VCR. But don’t ignore the benefits — a good DVR puts you in charge of your own TV experience. With a reliable DVR system, you can watch and record whatever you want with the push of a button. What’s not to like about that?

Here’s the Skinny on Playstation Vue’s TV Streaming Service

In general, PlayStation Vue is a great streaming service that is compatible with most devices out there. It includes a generous selection of sports channels. In addition, PlayStation Vue is quite affordable. And not just that — it comes with a free DVR storage for recordings.

Obviously, this service is a dream come true for sports fans, but others might not enjoy it. Also, there are no 4K options, nor options for parental control. The biggest disadvantage is definitely the fact you can’t watch PS Vue outside your home or share your account.

Pros

• affordable
• plenty of sports channels
• free DVR storage
• great user interface

Cons

• fewer channel options (except for sports)
• no 4K
• no parental control options
• IP-locked

How Much Does PlayStation Vue Cost?

PS Vue’s pricing varies depending on the plan you choose. The cheapest option is $39.99 a month, whereas the most expensive one is $74.99 a month. In our opinion, even the expensive option seems pretty fair compared to other streaming services.

Moreover, there are no unexpected additional fees and charges that you need to worry about. For instance, many people believe that you can only watch PlayStation Vue using a PS3 or 4 console, which is not true. You can use other devices to watch, so you don’t need to purchase a console first. But more on that later.

Furthermore, the contract lasts only a month, so you don’t have to pay a huge termination fee in case you decide to leave PlayStation Vue.

Another great thing about PS Vue is that you can request a 5-day free trial and check the service out. Although we wish this period was a bit longer (7 days at least), we appreciate the thought. Just be careful and cancel it on time, because you will be charged the moment those 5 days pass, without a chance of getting a refund.

Note: The prices may vary depending on your location.

Packages

PlayStation Vue offers 4 different packages you can choose from:

• Access ($39.99 a month) — 43+ channels
• Core ($49.99 a month) — 55+ channels
• Elite ($54.99 a month) — 78+ channels
• Ultra ($74.99 a month) — 90+ channels

As you can tell, the only difference between these packs is in the number of channels to which you gain access.

Channels

Most people take into consideration only the quantity of channels. So, when they hear that PS Vue’s Access plan includes only 43+ channels, they are unpleasantly surprised. This number is very small considering that some cables offer more than 200 channels.

However, it feels like PS Vue’s selection includes just the essential channels. More importantly, it doesn’t include any of the obscure and somewhat strange foreign channels that you never turn on. You only get channels like CNN, Fox News, AMC, FX, as well as a bunch of sports channels like ESPN, NBA TV, NFL Network, Golf Channels, etc.

Overall, we are satisfied with PlayStation Vue’s channel selection. That being said, if you’re a casual watcher, we suggest you go with the Core package, with the addition of the Sports or HBO pack. Those two will cover all the popular channels you might need, so you never miss out on anything, but it won’t be too much for our budget.

Additional Packs

As we mentioned, PS Vue’s channel selection may not be the greatest, but you can purchase add-on packages to make up for that. The prices of add-ons vary from $1.99 (Machinima), $10 (Sports pack), $15 (HBO), to $21.99 (HBO MAX Pack). Other add-on packages include Cinemax, SHOWTIME, EPIX Hits, HI-YAH! and others.

It’s great to see that PS Vue caters to all audiences, even the more specific ones. For instance, Machinima and EPIX Hits are somewhat unknown, and sadly most TV service providers don’t offer them at all, not even in additional packs. So, when we saw them in PS Vue’s offer, we were pleasantly surprised.

Are There Any Member Discounts?

If you have a PlayStation PS Plus Membership, you can get discounts for some of the add-on packages, such as Showtime, HBO Max Pack, Fox Soccer Plus, and others. The membership costs $9.99 a month, while the discounts go from $1 to a couple of dollars. That adds up to around $15 of yearly savings, which is quite low.

Although every discount is appreciated, it feels like this membership is not worth the money if you’re not also a gamer using the PS3 or PS4 console.

First Impressions of the Vue

PlayStation Vue has arguably the most polished user interface design in its competition. In order to achieve its smooth and intuitive design, Sony uses the design language used for their existing PSN network. 

Registration

The registration procedure is quite intuitive, and it shouldn’t take up more than 10 minutes of your time. Additionally, you don’t have to be a PlayStation console owner in order to subscribe to PlayStation Vue.

On the other hand, you will need a PlayStation Network account. PS Vue uses your PSN account in order to connect your credit card and address info.

Overall Appearance

PlayStation has one of the most sophisticated user interfaces we’ve ever seen. For starters, you get to choose your favorite channels, as well as your favorite shows. In addition, you can easily see at what point of the channel’s progress you’ll be jumping into.

If you’re a sports fan, look no further — PS Vue is your perfect match. You can display games sorted into teams that play, making it easier than ever to follow your favorite sports team. Not to mention all the sports channels you get with even the most basic package. You can watch any league, tournament, or championship easily, while always keeping up with the current progress.

Recording, Playback, and Captions

As far as recording is concerned, you can record anything you want, for free, and it will be stored for a month. Fortunately, a lot of programs work on-demand, which means that you can watch them anytime you like. Additionally, you can stream up to five channels simultaneously. Whether you want to watch all of them at once, or watch some channels and record the others — it’s up to you.

Playback is sleek, streamlined, with all of the usual accoutrement. In addition, captions are quite customizable. You can change everything from font size to the display, color, and opacity of the background.

What Devices Can You Use PlayStation Vue On?

To emphasize again — you don’t have to own a PS console in order to use PlayStation Vue.

With that in mind, of course Vue works with every PlayStation console since PS3. Still, you can use Vue with basically any device — Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, or Google Chromecast.

Additionally, you can watch on your PC, phone, or tablet — no matter if it runs Windows, iOS, Linux, or Android. Keep in mind that you can connect a maximum of 5 devices to a single account.

The service is linked to your network and address, so you probably won’t be able to use PlayStation Vue outside of your home.

How Does PlayStation Vue Compare to Other TV Services?

Just to be clear, we’re comparing PlayStation Vue to TV services only. Even though PS Vue has quite a few shows on-demand, it’s not primarily a streaming platform.

Consequently, you can’t compare PS Vue to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and others. Even though they share certain similar features, TV services and streaming platforms still remain strongly divided.

DirecTV

DirecTV is probably the most popular TV service currently available in the US. It has a significantly higher channel count than either PS Vue or fubo.TV, making it a more compelling option than the competition.

However, PlayStation Vue has its advantages over DirecTV. For example, PS Vue features a much more intuitive user experience. In addition, you don’t have to worry about bugs and software glitches if you opt for PS Vue. DirecTV still needs to work on improving its user interface.

On the other hand, pricing plays to DirecTV’s hand. You get more channels on DirecTV for less money than a PS Vue subscription cost. Additionally, premium channels such as HBO cost more on Vue than on DirecTV.

fubo.TV

Unfortunately for Fubo, it seems as though PlayStation Vue presents a more attractive option at this time. The layout and user experience prove to be quite pleasing on the PS Vue, while fubo.TV looks somewhat outdated. Additionally, PS Vue has a much wider variety of channels, as well as advanced DVR and simultaneous streaming options.

On the other hand, fubo.TV charges a significantly lower monthly base subscription. Even though you get fewer channels, fubo.TV might be a great low-cost alternative if you’re on a budget.

Additionally, soccer fans might like fubo.TV better since it has the widest selection of soccer channels on the current market. Still, PS Vue takes the cake when it comes to the variety of sports channels.

Sling TV

Even though fubo.TV has the cheapest base package out of all the aforementioned services, Sling TV takes the win when it comes to sheer value. It’s significantly cheaper than either PlayStation Vue or DirecTV, and marginally cheaper than fubo.TV. Additionally, you get a free Roku streaming box included with the subscription.

If you recently cut your cable subscription, Sling might prove to be a great choice for your entertainment needs. However, be sure to check out their channel listing and see if Sling TV is really worth the low price. PlayStation Vue and DirecTV cost a bit more, but they offer a multitude of channels and services in return.

Additional Information

Now you have most of the information needed to decide whether PlayStation Vue is a viable option for you or not. Still, there are a few limitations you need to be aware of before choosing PS Vue.

For starters, PlayStation Vue is not like Netflix. You can use your Netflix account no matter where you are. On the other hand, PlayStation Vue won’t work outside of your home.

In addition, NFL games are impossible to watch while you’re on a mobile network. CBS and NHL games can work on mobile, but you’ll most likely encounter issues with those, as well.

On the other hand, you can watch CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC on mobile, but only within your home city. The licensing agreements around these channels are tricky, and you have to be within your ZIP code area in order for them to work. Additionally, PS Vue is IP-locked, meaning that you can log into PS Vue in your home only.  

Conclusion

If you’re looking to get rid of cable and satellite TV services and get live TV streaming, PlayStation Vue makes for a compelling option. It’s significantly cheaper than cable or satellite, and you get an interesting channel selection. Additionally, you get advanced DVR and simultaneous streaming options included with no extra charge. If you like watching TV on your phone or tablet, PS Vue enables up to 5 devices per account. PlayStation Vue is by far the best option for sports fans, as it has a generous selection of sport-related channels.

On the other hand, your service is locked either to your home or your ZIP code. Account sharing is impossible, as well as watching via mobile. Additionally, you may find that the competition such as Sling TV or DirecTV have more to offer at nearly the same price.

In conclusion, if you’re already a member of the PSN, you should definitely give PS Vue a chance. If not, we suggest you choose another provider, especially if you’re not a sports fan. 

Stay tuned to find out all you need to know about Cox — its pricing, channel selection, as well as the quality of their customer service. Then you can decide whether it’s worth giving a shot or not.

Here’s the Skinny on Cox’s TV Service

Overall, Cox is not a bad choice. For one, Cox offers 2 TB of HD storage with Record 6 DVR, which is great. And even though their initial pricing is higher than their competitors’, they don’t increase their prices much after the promotional period ends. Another great thing about Cox is that updating to HD channels is free.

Still, there are a few things that Cox can improve on. For one, Cox has only one package option, and the channel count within that package is not impressive. In addition, many customers have had complaints regarding Cox’s customer support, as well as the pricing of their tech support. Long story short — Cox’s overall pricing is way above the average.

Advantages

• no intense price jumps
• 2 TB of storage with Record 6 DVR
• HD channel upgrades are free

Disadvantages

• overall high pricing
• limited package and channel options
• poor customer service

How Much Does Cox Cost?

You can find the full pricing list on Cox’s official website, but we’ll give you an example here, as well.

The yearly Contour TV cable plan costs around $64, but you can get it cheaper if you opt for one of Cox’s bundles that also involve Internet and phone service. As you can tell, this price is quite high when compared to the prices of other cable services. Be that as it may, we do appreciate the upfront honesty.

Besides, as we mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are no sudden price jumps after the promotional period expires, which is admirable. Most companies, including the notable DirecTV, start charging twice as much after the first year, if not more. The price increase of Cox’s Contour TV package is only 30%.

Are There Any Additional Costs?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. There are plenty of additional costs to be aware of with Cox.

First of all, the biggest fee you’ll have to pay is the termination fee. If you want to stop using Cox before your contract has expired, you’ll have to pay a whopping $240 (minus $10 for every month you actively used it). This information can only be found under their Terms & Conditions, which is disappointing.

Then there’s also an HD receiver for which you’ll have to pay an additional $8.5 a month after the first year. Furthermore, a DVR will set you back around $13 – $20, depending on the DVR you choose (Record 2 or Record 6).

Finally, let’s talk about additional technical costs. Unless you’re a subscriber of their Complete Care Plan and paying an additional $10 a month, every technician visit will cost you around $50. So, no matter if it’s your own fault or not, you’ll need to set aside a lot of money for reparations. That’s why we suggest you go with the Cox Complete Care Plan right away. You never know when something can go wrong, so it’s better to be prepared. The Cox care plan covers all kinds of technical procedures.

What Packages Does Cox Offer?

Until about a year ago, Cox had 5 different package offers that you could choose from. Unfortunately, they were scrapped, and Cox now has only one stand-alone TV package option. There are 2 more options, but they’re included in bundles along with Internet and phone service. Let’s focus on the stand-alone TV package here.

The package is called Contour TV, and although it is the only option, it comes with some cool features. First of all, you get 140+ channels, and you can choose from 6 TV channel lineups. In addition, you can record shows with any device (including a PC, laptop, or tablet). Also, streaming TV shows is quite easy with Cox On Demand.

What Channels Does Cox Offer?

Even though Cox TV cannot boast with the immensely wide variety of channels as, say, DirecTV can, its entire selection is worth watching. If you ever had a TV plan with more than 200 channels, you know that most of your time will be spent switching between channels. Eventually, you settle down with a dozen or so channels you watch regularly, with all the other channels serving mostly as background noise.

Also, don’t you hate when the channels are split into various packs, and you end up buying at least three additional packs to cover everything you watch? Cox TV offers only one bundle — you get everything in a single package, which some customers may actually prefer.

Currently, you can choose between more than 150 different TV channels, as well as about 100 radio stations. Instead of putting premiums on the most popular channels such as HBO, Showtime, Starz, etc. you get them all bundled in the pack. As for other channels, they include the most popular programs in the US — CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, as well as international programs such as BBC.

What About HD and Sports Channels?

In addition, you don’t have to pay a premium for HD. Even though many SD channels have their HD counterparts, contributing to the total channel count, they are unlocked by default. Keep in mind that not every channel has an HD option, even if most of them do.

As far as sports packages are concerned, Cox TV has got you covered. In addition to the entire ESPN lineup, you get NHL Network, NFL Network, NBA TV, as well as NBC, CBS, and FOX sports channels. Of course, it goes without saying that you get all of the sports channels in HD, to ensure perfect picture clarity on game day.

Cox TV Equipment and Characteristics

If you decide to go with Cox TV to fill out your entertainment cravings, one of the great perks you get is the Contour DVR cable box. It comes in two varieties — the Record 2 DVR, and the Record 6 DVR.

Record 2 DVR

If you like watching what’s on TV right now, and you only record your programs for later if it’s something special, Record 2 is a better choice for you than Record 6.

The Record 2 DVR cable box has almost all of the features of its bigger counterpart, the Record 6, but at a fraction of the cost. It got its name from its ability to record two different channels at once. For example, if you’re away from the TV when both a big game and your favorite show are on TV at the same time — you can record them both using the Record 2 DVR and watch them later.

In addition to the smart, simultaneous recording, you can manipulate your TV programs as if they were recordings. You can pause, rewind, skip forward to live, etc. Additionally, you can use your smartphone as a recording controller. If you forgot to set your DVR to record, you can now do it from anywhere.

If you go with the Record 2, you get 500 gigabytes of recording storage. That translates to about 120 hours of HD footage or 230 hours of regular footage.

Record 6 DVR

On the other hand, if you enjoy watching your TV shows whenever you like, you might need some more recording power. We’re talking about the Record 6 DVR cable box. It’s bigger, better, and stronger than its counterpart in every way.

For example, Record 2 can simultaneously record 2 channels at the same time. Even though that could be considered remarkable, Record 6 can do triple the work — six channels at a time. Hence its name, Record 6. It might seem like overkill, but those of you who like to take your time watching your favorite shows will appreciate it.

Additionally, you get four times the recording storage than what you get with the Record 2. Instead of 500 gigabytes of storage, you get a whopping 2 terabytes. In plain words, that is 340 hours of non-stop HD footage.

If you’re not watching in HD, that’s an even 1000 hours. In a single box, you could record more than a month of continuous video. To put things in perspective, you could have all seasons of Friends, Game of Thrones, and The Office on your drive and still have a month of storage left over.

Still, don’t forget that both Record 2 and Record 6 DVRs come at an additional cost, which can go from $12.99 to $19.99.

Additional Options

If you prefer watching TV on the go, you can also install the Cox TV Connect app, available for iPhone and iPad devices. Through it, you can watch, rewind, and record all of the channels you get on your TV. Nowadays, you don’t have to wait to get home to watch TV — you can do it anytime and anywhere.

Cox TV Customer Support

If you ever have trouble using any of the devices and services provided to you by Cox TV, you should contact Cox customer support. Depending on the severity and urgency of your trouble, you can use different ways of reaching out to the support team.

How Can You Reach Support?

For starters, you should check the Online Self-Service page on their website. It handles the most frequently asked questions the customers might have. Honestly, in most cases, it’s the perfect place to start diagnosing your issue. If the tips don’t help, or your problem is not listed, you could check out the Cox Community Forums. The chances are that someone somewhere had the exact same issue you currently have. Those issues frequently get solved in the forums, and your answer might be somewhere in there.

If both the Self-Service page and the Community Forums fell short of solving your problem, you can contact the staff. Even though there are great chances that you could fix the issue yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can contact the support staff via live chat on the website, or you can send an email. Additionally, you can contact support directly via the phone number listed on the website.

Cox Complete Care

As we mentioned, you can pay extra for Cox Complete Care, which improves the support level substantially. If you do so, Cox will cover every problem you encounter, from software glitches to frayed cables.

However, the reviews show us that Cox’s customer support is lacking, especially when it comes to the live chat on the website. The technicians are slow to reply, and their answers are oftentimes confusing and not helpful. That’s why we suggest you call the staff instead.

Overall, Cox’s support staff is poor, not to mention slow. You’ll probably wait a day or two before you get an email reply. Calling the phone line usually results in quite a bit of hold time.

Bottom Line

All in all, Cox TV is not the worst TV service provider you can choose, but it’s not optimal, either. Although it does come with some cool features, it’s definitely not worth the price.

The premium options, such as the Record 6 DVR and Cox Complete Care are splendid. They take the whole TV experience to the next level. However, you need to pay extra for those. And even though we love the fact that upgrading to HD channels is free, we have to criticize Cox for charging extra for everything else.

If you don’t mind paying for all the extra features like the Record 6 DVR, Cox can be a satisfying option for you. However, when compared to other cable companies, it certainly falls behind not only for its high pricing but also its lack of customer support and package options.

On the other hand, if you are happy with your cable provider or streaming service, you most likely don’t need to buy an indoor antenna. But, keep in mind that a classic antenna could be used as a backup or a free alternative to cable.

Even today, the indoor antenna market is crowded. To help you choose the best one, here is a short list of the best indoor HD antennas.

#1: Editor’s Pick — ClearStream Eclipse 35 Mile

This indoor HD antenna has a unique and versatile design. It’s easy to set up because it grips to any smooth flat surface — walls or windows. Also, you can change the color of the antenna so that it blends in better with the overall design of your room. Use the white side for placement on walls and the black side to blend in with darker surfaces.

In addition, the ClearStream Eclipse antenna can pick up frequencies within a 35-mile range and comes with a 12-foot detachable cable. The overall channel count with this antenna is significantly higher than with other similar antennas.

Quick stats:

• Comes with a 12-foot detachable cable
• An amplifier is not included
• Advertised number of channels: 46
• Actual number of channels: 74

Benefits

Modern and functional design

The ClearStream Eclipse indoor antenna doesn’t have that classic antenna look. Its patented ring-shaped design is sleek and won’t distract you while you are watching TV. In addition, this antenna is not as bulky as other classic antennas. So, the area around your TV set will seem less cluttered.

If you have guests over, this antenna will quickly become a discussion topic. They will be intrigued because i looks nothing like “ancient technology.”

Other than that, the ClearStream antenna is functional because it comes with a detachable cable. If you have to move things around in your room or just want to clean up, the detachable cable feature will make your life easier. Essentially, you won’t have to detach the antenna from the wall or window during cleaning or moving.

More channels

The Clearstream Eclipse antenna has a better signal reception than other antennas. You might be able to pick up as many as 74 channels, depending on the number of TV channels broadcast in your area. As an added bonus, there is no need for an amplifier to get that many channels.

Lifetime warranty

With most other antenna brands, you only get a one-year warranty. However, with the ClearStream Eclipse antenna, you get a lifetime warranty on parts from its manufacturer Antennas Direct.

Downsides

Amplifier not included

This antenna doesn’t come with an amplifier. If you need amplification, you’ll have to buy the model with the 50+ mile range or a third-party amplifier. But, in most cases, you won’t need an amplifier because it might add only a few more channels.

More expensive

The ClearStream antenna is among the more expensive indoor antennas on the market. For example, the Vansky antenna has a longer range at half the price of the ClearStream antenna. On the other hand, the ClearStream is capable of pulling in more channels compared with the 50+ mile range Vansky — with an attached amplifier. All in all, it’s worth the money since you have to pay for this antenna only once — when you buy it — and you’ll be set for a long time.

#2: Cheapest Antenna w/ Lots of Channels — Vansky

The Vansky’s antenna might not have the most appealing design, but it’s on the list as one of the favorites.

Quick stats:

• 16.5-foot cable is not detachable
• Comes with an amplifier
• Advertised number of channels: Not specified
• Actual number of channels: 72
• Amplified number of channels: 73

Benefits

Low cost

The Vansky antenna is inexpensive and practical. For a one-time 20 dollar expense, you can start watching HD channels free of charge. In addition, you won’t need to buy any extra equipment. Having in mind that cable TV subscriptions sometimes cost even five times that amount, this antenna is truly a bargain.

If for some reason you are not satisfied with the quality of the product or signal reception, don’t stress because there is a 45-day money back guarantee. You also get a standard one-year warranty.

Easy setup

The setup process for this antenna is straightforward. Just plug the cable into your TV, stick the antenna on a wall or window and scan the channels. You will most likely have to move the antenna around and rescan the channels until you find the optimal location.

Downsides

Cable not detachable

This antenna comes with a non-detachable 16.5-foot cable, which is longer compared with other antenna brands. But, do still consider the cable length if you intend on buying this antenna. Non-detachable cables can’t be replaced with longer cables. If the cable gets damaged, you will have to replace the entire antenna.

Simple design

The Vansky indoor antenna has a simple, flat design — as do other similar antennas on this list, excluding the ClearStream brand. Vansky’s simple design isn’t necessarily a drawback, but it’s just that — a basic antenna. There is nothing wrong with wanting an antenna that has an appealing design. However, if you are simply looking for a powerful antenna that will do its job — grab sounds and images out of thin air — then, look no further.

#3: Best Two-Sided Antenna — Mohu Leaf 30

The Mohu Leaf 30 antenna can cover a range of up to 40 miles and comes with a 10-foot detachable cable. Even though the design is not as stylish and it doesn’t come with an amplifier or a table stand, it will give you access to free HD channels.

Quick stats

• Cable is detachable
• Comes without an amplifier
• Price: $69.99
• Advertised channel number: 65
• Actual channel number: 55

Benefits

Cable is detachable

Mohu Leaf has a versatile black and white design that comes with a white detachable cable. Generally, you won’t be attaching and detaching the cable very often, but it’s helpful while cleaning, moving or replacing it with a longer cable.

Two-sided

Most of the antennas on this list have two sides — a dark side and a light side. As a result, you can blend the white side of the Mohu Leaf antenna with your walls and the black side with darker surfaces without investing additional effort.

Downsides

Short, thick cable

Of all the antennas on this list, the Mohu Leaf antenna has the shortest and thickest cable. For that reason, you might want to replace it with a longer one. As for the size, the Mohu Leaf antenna is similar in size compared with other antennas on this list.

No amplifier

In most cases, your antenna won’t need to be amplified. However, some people like having the amplification option just in case. Particularly, people living in more isolated areas may need to get an antenna with a longer range or buy an additional signal booster.

#4: Nicest Looking Antenna — BESTHING

BESTHING’s digital TV antenna is not your ordinary indoor antenna. Apart from its exceptional design, it comes with a stand and a signal booster.

Quick stats:

• Cable is not detachable
• Comes with an amplifier
• Advertised channel number: Not specified
• Actual channel number: 59
• Amplified number of channels: 61

Benefits

Integrated amplifier

In general, most antennas that come with amplifiers also include a detachable cable and a power supply. However, with the BESTHING antenna, the amplifier and the USB cable are integrated into a single  adapter. This set-up is practical because there are fewer parts that you have to assemble.

On the other hand, keep in mind that, if one cable fails, you’ll be left with a semi-functional adapter.

Comes with a stand

For those who want to place their antenna next to or on top of the TV, the BESTHING antenna comes with a stand. However, to get the strongest signal reception, keep it close to a window. You are welcome to place the antenna on a table or your entertainment console if there is no interference with the signal.

Downsides

Non-detachable cable

As mentioned already, detachable cables are more convenient if you need to replace it with a longer one.

#5: Indoor Antenna w/ High Range — 1byone

With a 50-mile range and an included amplifier, 1byone antenna has all the essentials needed to successfully pull in all your favorite HD channels for free.

Quick stats:

• Non-detachable cable
• Comes with an amplifier
• Advertised channel count: Not specified
• Actual channel number: 56
• Amplified channel number: 58

Benefits

Comes with an amplifier

In order to avoid interference and increase the number of channels, you need to make use of the amplifier by plugging it into the antenna. With the 1byone antenna, there are two ways to amplify the signal. You can either plug the USB power cable into a USB port on your TV or into the included power supply.

Cheaper than other antennas

The 50-mile range 1byone antenna has a competitive price at only $24.99. However, it’s a bit more expensive compared to the Vansky antenna, for example. But, if you search Amazon for other variations of the same product, you’ll find some models that go for as low as $9.99.

Downsides

Not as many channels

The 1byone antenna has a weaker signal. For example, you can pick up around 58 channels with the signal booster activated. It’s unclear why this antenna pulls in fewer channels than others, but it could be due to the quality of the design and materials.

If you are concerned with the price, consider getting the Vansky antenna instead of the 1byone. In fact, it’s $5 cheaper than 1byone.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Indoor Antenna

Over-the-air broadcast channels such as CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and others can be picked up for free with a standard indoor digital antenna. Not many people are aware of that fact. Antenna prices can vary anywhere from $9.99 to $79.99. Similarly, the channel count can range from about 40 channels to as many as 70 channels. Surprisingly, the ClearStream HD TV Antenna picked up 74 channels. As for the signal strength, indoor antennas can range from 25 miles to about 150 miles. However, at the range of about 60 or 70 miles, antennas start to fall into the category of outdoor antennas.

Things to Look Out For Before Buying

Price

First, try to figure out which antenna offers the best price to quality ratio. Should you spend around 40 bucks on an indoor antenna when the $19.99 model would get the same job done, but at half the price? Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with wanting to save some extra cash if you have the opportunity.

Design

There isn’t much variety in the antenna market in terms of design. Most antennas look the same. Basically, they come with a flat receiver with sticky surfaces attached to a cord with a coaxial connector that you plug into your TV. That’s all there is to it. However, a unique antenna design could quickly become a conversation starter among your friends or family members. But, if your antenna is bulky and strange-looking, it’s likely that you would prefer to keep it out of sight.

Setup simplicity

Will you run into difficulty with the setup process? Unlikely, because antennas nowadays are quite simple and the setup process is straightforward. If you have to move your antenna for whatever reason, just take it down and stick it somewhere else. Could the setup process be any simpler?

Detachable and non-detachable cables

One of the essential features of any antenna design is whether the cable is detachable or not. Depending on the distance from your TV to the wall or window, the cable length can have an impact on the overall presentation. Will your antenna blend in or will it look sloppy?

Most people prefer antennas with a detachable cable. That way, it’s easier to replace the original cable with a longer one or a new one if it gets damaged.

Amplification

If you live in isolated rural areas, chances are your antenna will require a signal booster to maintain a strong signal reception. If your antenna comes with an amplifier try it out to see if it pulls in additional channels. On the other hand, if you don’t get any additional benefits from an amplifier, you probably shouldn’t use it. Keep in mind that it all depends on your setup and where you place the antenna.

There are dozens of DVRs available for TV fans who want to save their favorite programs. Gone are the days of VHS recordings — today, you can store it all digitally. But with so many DVRs on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Between proprietary and 3rd party devices, how can you know which one is the best?

If you live in one of the 41 states where Comcast XFINITY is available, there’s a good chance that you already use their service. If that’s true, and you’re wondering which DVR to choose, then you’re in luck — the Comcast XFINITY X1 DVR is an excellent device that should satisfy the demands of all but the pickiest TV connoisseurs.

Reasons to Upgrade

Subscribing to XFINITY, but don’t have the X1 yet? You’re missing out!

Comcast’s default cable box is definitely outdated — especially in terms of its interface. You may not need all the new bells and whistles like recording and streaming that the X1 offers, but the X1’s interface system is a major improvement over what you have now. It’s easier than ever to find shows, so you can spend less time searching and more time watching!

There are plenty of other small reasons why the X1 is better than the old set-top box. It includes extra features like voice commands, sports stats, and apps that can help you plan your day and streamline your life. Not everyone may need these extras, but they can be a productive means of integrating your work and entertainment.

With the X1, your TV will be an even more central point of your home or living room. With the X1’s music apps and customizable screensaver, you can personalize your experience to match your home’s vibe. It’s a great way to liven up a room that would otherwise be dragged down by a big, empty screen.

Target audience

If you’re wondering who should pick up an X1, here are a few questions to consider:

• Are you looking to get a DVR system?
• Do you get your internet and TV from XFINITY?
• Are you a fan of cloud storage systems?
• Do you like having access to your entertainment on the go?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, then the XFINITY X1 is probably your best bet for a DVR system. It isn’t the best solution for everyone, but it still has a lot to offer — especially if you’re already an XFINITY subscriber.

How Does XFINITY X1 Stack Up?

The XFINITY X1 is hardly the only heavy-hitter on the DVR market. In fact, it’s not necessarily the top DVR that you can get.

Satellite providers DISH and DIRECTV offer proprietary DVR systems that are, in many ways, superior to the X1. DIRECTV’s Genie DVR has twice as much storage as the X1, while DISH’s Hopper 3 has four times as much. In other words, the X1 can record up to 60 hours of HD content— by comparison, the Genie can store nearly 120 hours, and the Hopper 3 saves a massive 240 hours.

Even so, 60 hours is still a lot of content. Even better, the X1 has a colossal selection of on-demand titles available for viewing. With over 163,000 shows and movies, XFINITY has a better selection than either of its competitors.

If storage is still an issue for you, there’s always the option of adding extra storage by means of an external hard drive. While it’s an additional expense, you’d be able to rest easy knowing that you can save pretty much everything you could want.

Features and User Experience

Nobody likes to waste their precious time combing through menus and typing on a TV remote. Thankfully, Comcast understands this and has crafted a user-friendly viewing experience with the X1. You’ll be able to find things to watch without much hassle — after all, isn’t TV time supposed to be relaxing?

X1 Experience

X1’s interface is aptly called the “X1 Experience.” It includes a straightforward guide that will help you navigate channels. It’s a better, more intuitive system than you might be used to. Instead of scrolling through the channels in numerical order, X1’s guide displays shows based on more descriptive information. That makes it quicker and easier to pull up something to watch. Plus, you’ll no longer need to memorize the numbers for each channel!

The X1 allows you to keep watching while you search for other programs. Again, this is a vast improvement over the old days of channel surfing. It makes for a seamless experience that’s hard not to enjoy.

If you have a hectic schedule or busy household, you’ll love the X1’s playback features. As with other DVRs, the X1 has functions that allow pausing and rewinding — just don’t change the channel! As long as you stay on the same station, you can rewind as far back as 60 minutes. Thanks to the X1, you can have much more control over when and how you watch.

The X1 Experience’s one major drawback is that it’s only available for one TV by default. If you want to add similar functions to other TVs in your house, it’ll cost you $10 extra for each set. Unfortunately, these extra devices don’t come with the playback control for live broadcasts. Nevertheless, they do provide the complete DVR experience in terms of watching recordings.

Recording

As you would expect from any DVR on the market today, the X1 is incredibly convenient for recording shows that you don’t want to miss. Perhaps its most useful recording feature is the ability to record shows two weeks before they premier. It’s a great feature for anyone who travels a lot, or for occasions where you know about an upcoming event that will cut into your TV time.

The X1 not only records individual episodes but it can also save entire seasons. That means that you can simply set it to record a specific show without needing to repeat the process week after week.

Unlike other DVRs, the X1 doesn’t only use physical storage to save your recordings. Instead, it uses a cloud system. The cloud has many advantages over traditional storage. If you or any family members are accident-prone, damaging your X1 won’t erase your shows. Since they’re stored on the cloud, you can pull them up again when you replace your device.

The cloud also gives you the ability to watch shows on devices other than your TV. You can use your phone, tablet, laptop, or PC to watch your recordings — with a few exceptions. Not all on-demand programs are available away from your TV, so make sure you check before you head out the door.

Remote

As every TV viewer knows, you’ll probably spend a lot of time with your remote. It’s an important part of the viewing experience. With that in mind, you probably want the easiest possible device in order to cut down on the time spent finding the right button.

XFINITY’s XR11 remote is a convenient controller that will get you binging on exciting programs in no time. Its best feature is its effective voice commands. If you’re skeptical about voice commands, it’s understandable — early systems were subpar, and continue to cause problems for many. XFINITY, however, has done an excellent job of delivering excellent control over your home theater.

Voice Commands

Comcast’s servers take your voice commands and use them to make all users’ commands more effective. You don’t necessarily need to be specific — even just quoting a film or TV show can be enough for the X1 to pull it up. So instead of searching for The Big Bang Theory, a simple “bazinga!” should suffice.

If you don’t have a standard American accent, don’t worry — the XR11 is good at picking up what you say, regardless of your accent. It’s a refreshing feature, especially if you’ve had trouble with similar systems in the past.

The XR11’s voice search isn’t perfect, however — though this is to be expected. Sometimes it’s not able to process more specific searches. In that case, you’ll have to start general and then resort to manual searching in order to find exactly what you’re looking for. On a more minor note, the voice control button could be easier to use. You have to hold it down the entire time you’re talking; otherwise your speech will be cut off. Ultimately, though, it’s a small detail that doesn’t detract much from an otherwise stellar experience.

Buttons

For the more manually-inclined, the X1’s remote includes some convenient quick buttons that act as shortcuts.

• The “A” button lets you tweak your settings, and also helps you learn more about the remote’s functions.
• The “B” button pulls up a useful browser, allowing you to search for new shows without interrupting what you’re already watching.
• The “C” button brings up a special sports application that lets you see more detailed information about the game you’re watching.
• The “D” button lets you quickly erase recordings from your DVR library.

Other Devices

As mentioned above, one of the X1’s coolest features is the ability to take your shows with you wherever you go. Whether you’re sneaking a peek at the big game during work or catching up with your favorite characters on your commute, the X1 has you covered.

By registering your extra devices through email, you gain the ability to save and watch up to 10 recordings on each device. There are some limits, however — not all shows are available for viewing remotely. Thankfully, you can filter these out when deciding what to take with you. Even though your on-the-go options are limited, it’s unlikely that you’ll struggle to find shows to watch while you’re out and about.

Smart House

Tired of having to manually control your lights and thermostats? Ever wanted to lock or unlock your door with the press of a button? If this seems futuristic, it’s not — the house of the future is already here.

The X1 not only gives you power over your entertainment but it also gives you power over your own home! By using the XFINITY Home Secure App, you can integrate numerous automated home and security devices into one convenient interface. Features include the following:

• Activating or deactivating your security system
• Watching videos or images from security cameras
• Locking or unlocking your doors
• Switching lights on or off, or adjusting brightness
• Changing the temperature via thermostats

It’s a great app for anyone who already has connected security devices. If you don’t have a setup like this, maybe the X1 will inspire you to take your home to the next level.

Other information

Before deciding on whether the X1 is the right DVR for you, there are a few extra details that might help you decide.

Fans of streaming services like Netflix and YouTube will be happy to know that the X1 has built-in support for these platforms. If you’re a Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Vudu subscriber, you’re unfortunately out of luck. The X1 does not have support for these platforms, and it’s uncertain as to whether it ever will.

If you want to upgrade to the X1, you’ll also need to upgrade your cable package. XFINITY offers X1 Double Play and X1 Triple Play, either of which you’ll need in order to enjoy all the features that the X1 can deliver. Double Play includes TV service as well as internet, so if you haven’t combined those yet, now may be the time. Triple Play includes extra services in addition to TV and internet — it could be phone service or a home security setup.

The Verdict

Comcast’s XFINITY X1 DVR may not be the best DVR on the market, but that doesn’t mean that it’s bad — far from it. It’s a powerful, user-friendly device that lets you control your TV as well as your living space. Even better, it gives you a sense of mobility that other DVR systems lack. And if you’re already an XFINITY subscriber, it’s easy to add the X1 to your existing subscription.

The future of home entertainment is here, and the X1 gives you unprecedented power over your TV experience.

The platform covers most network channels as well as some local ones. Moreover, Google announced this spring that it’s finally available all around the US, ending the two-year-long wait.

Much like other streaming services, for example, DIRECTV NOW, Sling TV, and Hulu Live, YouTube TV offers a great variety of popular channels, local channels, and cloud DVR. In addition, since you’re already familiar with YouTube, using YouTube TV’s interface will come naturally.

While the streaming service is fairly new, as it was launched in early 2017, it has managed to round up a lot of the best TV channels. Local channels are still a bit behind, but it’s certain that won’t be the case for much longer. A disadvantage is that not all devices support the app.

Here’s a list of all the devices you could use to watch YouTube TV:

• Phone:  iPhone iOS 9.1 and Android L, as well as their later versions
• Tablet: Android L or later versions and iPad iOS 9.1 or later versions. The company also promised availability on Pixel C devices very soon.
• Computer: With the latest version of Chrome, you’ll have the best experience possible.
• TV: stream with Google Chromecast or download the app on Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Xbox One/One S/One X. Supported TVs are LG and Samsung (only models after 2016).

Plans and Pricing — What You Get for Your Money

Unlike most streaming services on the market today, YouTube TV has only one plan and therefore just one price — $49.99/month. The plan includes over 70 networks, including local, sports, and lifestyle-based networks. This is pretty unusual since its competitors — SlingTV, PlayStation Vue, and DIRECTV NOW — have a tier-based package system and different pricing options.

The price of YouTube TV used to be lower, standing at $40/month. However, since the company has added a lot more channels, the increase in price isn’t really a surprise. Still, YouTube TV falls somewhere in the middle price-wise, compared to the competition on the market.

Additionally, if you switch to YouTube TV from regular cable/satellite TV, you won’t be restricted by any contracts. The platform clearly states that you can cancel anytime, no strings attached. They also provide a free 7-day trial, which is definitely enough time to find out whether this service suits you.

Another advantage is that you can share your subscription with up to six people! You get six different logins with just one subscription, which, in turn, means you won’t have any problems when it comes to suggestions. Also, you can simultaneously stream on up to three devices.

The Sports vs. Lifestyle Debate — Available Channels

In the past, YouTube TV focused more on acquiring sports channels. However, this isn’t the case anymore. The streaming service now offers a great variety of lifestyle channels, too. They recently added Food Network and HGTV, which were absolutely necessary!

On the other hand, sports channels are more popular than ever. YouTube TV offers regional channels like Fox Sports and bigger ones like ESPN. If you are a basketball fan, you’re in luck — it has NBA TV too! Baseball fan? No worries — MLB TV is on the channel list as well.

Another selling point is that YouTube TV offers additional networks for an extra monthly fee. For example, you can get Showtime for $11/month, Fox Soccer Plus for $15/month, and Starz for $9/month. Below is a full list of the add-on channels.

• Starz — $9/mo
• CuriosityStream — $3/mo
• Fox Soccer Plus — $15/mo
• AMC Premiere — $5/mo
• Shudder — $5/mo
• Showtime — $11/mo
• Sundance Now — $7/mo
• EPIX — $6/mo
• NBA League Pass – $40/mo

*Check YouTube TV’s full channel list before subscribing.

YouTube TV From the Perspective Of a First-Time User

When you first log in to YouTube TV’s platform, whether through your browser, TV set, phone, or tablet, you’ll see the homepage. The concept of it is very similar to Netflix’s; you can see previews of the live channels without actually clicking on them.

This is very useful, as it gives you a general feel of the shows, without the actual commitment. You’ll also see the names of the shows and their release dates. Moreover, there are a few categories laid out, like recommendations and popular live TV.

The Easy-To-Use Interface

YouTube TV’s interface is rather easy to navigate. You have four main sections — Home, Library, Live, and Search. As the first one, Home, was already discussed, let’s look at the Library section.

The Library section is where you’ll find your cloud DVR recordings, both the previous and the scheduled ones.

The Live section speaks for itself — this is where you can find all channels that are streaming now, local and others. These sections cleverly separate which shows are on-demand and which ones are live.

Last but definitely not least is the Search section. It’s very impressive right off the bat. Since YouTube is owned by Google, it’s no surprise they have one of the best search engines. On this page, you’ll find neat show categories, suggestions, and channel buttons. Again, this is similar to Netflix’s homepage.

Bottom Line

YouTube TV’s best qualities are the smooth operation, its intuitive interface, channel previews, and the general lack of bugs. Everything works perfectly, even when you’re streaming on three different devices using the same subscription account. There’s no lagging or other related problems. Moreover, the streams play flawlessly on all devices — TV, mobile, and browser.

Thus, customers rarely complain. Most of the negative comments are about the lack of specific features. But YouTube TV has grown and evolved quite a bit, considering it’s been on the market for only two years. So far, it’s done a great job at providing versatile channels and a simple-to-use interface, which is more than enough for such a short amount of time.

YouTube TV — The Champion of the Cloud DVR

Now, the feature that should impress you the most is YouTube TV’s cloud storage. Unlike most other streaming services that offer around 50 hours of DVR cloud space, YouTube TV provides unlimited cloud storage.

So, you won’t have to worry whether adding another show to your list will delete previous recordings. This is the best deal on the market. YouTube TV will store your recordings for nine months.

That being said, one of the main reasons people get DVRs is to be able to fast-forward through commercials. Well, you might not get that luxury with YouTube TV. While there are actual recordings, YouTube TV also has on-demand versions of some shows. This means that you’ll be watching a stream rather than a recording, so you won’t be able to skip the ads.

This is due to YouTube TV’s agreements with network providers. However, if you want to try and avoid as many commercials as possible, try looking for your show in the Recent Recordings section. If it’s there, great — you can enjoy it without the ads. If the show isn’t there, though, you’ll have to suffer through them.

Another useful tip — streaming is similar to “regular” TV, in the sense that you can only watch live local channels in your own area. So, if you’re planning to travel, but you still want to watch your local channels, you can watch the recording after the live version has finished airing.

How YouTube TV Compares to Other Streaming Services

YouTube TV has amazing potential for growth, and it’s taken great leaps forward since its launch. Its star features are definitely the unlimited DVR storage space and easy-to-use interface. However, it’s still kind of new, and if you are looking to pay a little less or if it’s just not your cup of tea, there are other streaming options.

Quantity vs. Quality — YouTube TV vs. Sling TV

Sling TV is the first TV streaming service to come out, and it’s the cheapest. Just like YouTube TV, it offers cloud storage. However, Sling provides only 50 hours, which cannot compare with YouTube TV’s unlimited storage. Moreover, Sling TV offers these 50 hours for an additional $5/month payment, while YouTube TV’s unlimited storage is included in the price.

Be that as it may, Sling TV has a multitude of packages, and they are cheaper compared to YouTube TV’s one plan. Sling TV also has some major channels that are still missing from YouTube TV’s lineup, even with its cheapest option.

Overall, you have to give credit where credit is due — Sling TV is the cheaper alternative, and it does provide a great variety of popular channels. However, the platform can lag and glitch sometimes. So, YouTube TV is the winner of this battle, simply because it offers a much better experience. When it comes to DVR, user-friendly interface, and the overall number of channels, YouTube TV is the obvious choice.

The Battle of Sports Channels — YouTube TV vs. DIRECTV NOW

While DIRECTV NOW dominates the market when it comes to the number of channels it offers, it’s also one of the most expensive streaming services. However, unlike YouTube TV, it has a fair amount of plans to choose from.

On the other hand, even its cheapest package has some of the best channels, like HBO and ESPN. Speaking of ESPN, DIRECTV NOW offers a wide variety of sports channels, so if you are a fan of sports, it’s your best bet.

On a different note, DIRECTV NOW’s app seems quite inept compared to YouTube TV’s. The latter provides an unmatched user experience. Coupled with a great selection of channels for its price, YouTube TV is the overall winner.

Affordability vs. Variety — YouTube TV vs. PlayStation Vue

The two most expensive PlayStation Vue packages offer more channels than YouTube TV’s only one. However, the huge channel lineup will cost you either a whopping $84.99, or $64.99 if you go for the cheaper option. So, you decide if it’s worth it.

On the other hand, if you have a big family, and you enjoy streaming simultaneously from different devices, PlayStation Vue might be the right choice for you. It offers more streams — five — compared to YouTube TV’s three.

If you are looking for a platform that allows you to share with more people, PlayStation Vue is a great option. Still, YouTube TV ultimately wins the battle against PlayStation Vue because its pricing is a lot better, and it provides everything you need for a truly satisfying streaming experience.

You Get What You Pay For (Or Do You?) — YouTube TV vs. Hulu with Live TV

Price-wise, YouTube TV and Hulu Live cost the same. Still, YouTube TV offers almost 20 channels more. Its interface is much more advanced than Hulu’s frustratingly difficult one. What’s more, with Hulu Live’s subscription, you can only stream on two devices simultaneously. If you want more, you’ll have to pay an extra $15 to watch simultaneously from five different devices.

In terms of original content, Hulu takes the lead. However, if original content does not concern you, YouTube TV’s overall user experience is way better. Another advantage that YouTube has over Hulu is that Hulu Live provides only 50 hours of DVR space. YouTube’s unlimited DVR storage cannot be ignored.

In Conclusion

YouTube TV definitely deserves a lot more praise than it has been receiving so far. It has gotten better with time, which hasn’t happened for many platforms. Its channel list is steadily growing, and with it — the number of subscribers.

While YouTube TV was somewhat limited in the past, that’s not the case anymore. If it keeps expanding and adding new features, which the company is actually doing, YouTube TV is sure to become one of the best streaming services there is.

What will win you over is that YouTube TV offers unmatched cloud storage and an extremely user-friendly interface. Yes, it is a bit more expensive than Sling TV, but it’s definitely worth it. YouTube TV will surely get even better with time, but even now, it’s a great option for someone who wants to cut ties with standard cable/satellite TV.

You’ll get a chance to take a look at their prices, both apparent and hidden. What’s more, you’ll see a comparison of the quality of their contracts, the number of channels, and more. So without further ado, let’s start with the ultimate TV provider comparison!

How Much Will DIRECTV and Xfinity Services Cost You

Price is probably the most important factor when choosing your provider. Besides the obvious cost of the plan, there are also additional fees that you should take into account. For example, some providers have installation and activation fees, and you can’t forget the cost of extra features. So you should look into every aspect of pricing before you decide.

DIRECTV: Prices of Various Plans

DIRECTV gives customers the ability to choose from six different plans. You can get the smallest package for $35 a month, and you’ll be able to watch over 155 channels, which is more than enough for the price. The largest plan goes for $110, and it comes with over 330 channels. So even if you are the biggest TV fans, you definitely won’t have an issue with the number of channels in any of DIRECTV’s plans.

Furthermore, a great thing about DIRECTV is that even the smallest package has the most popular channels. Thus, if you don’t want to pay too much for TV service, you’ll still have enough channels to keep things interesting.

Another upside to opting for DIRECTV is the fact that it doesn’t have any hidden fees. Since the monthly expenses include most of the features, there won’t be any surprises, unlike for Xfinity. But more on that later.

However, you should know that you’ll have to sign a two-year contract with DIRECTV. In addition, after the first year, you can expect a major increase in price. Thus, DIRECTV’s offer does sound attractive, but can you commit to it for two years? What’s more, will you be able to pay more after the first twelve months?

Xfinity: Prices for Various Plans

For the same price, Xfinity offers a smaller number of channels than DIRECTV. Moreover, there are a lot of extra fees for additional features that DIRECTV won’t charge you for. You’ll read more about them later in the article.

When it comes to available plans, Xfinity lets you choose from three different packages. The smallest plan goes for $49.99 a month, and you’ll get over 140 channels. On the other hand, the Premier package comes with more than 260 channels, and it’s available for $104.99 per month. Additionally, there shouldn’t be any price increases for a one-year contract. That’s a huge advantage over DIRECTV.

Furthermore, the fact that you don’t have to sign a contract is also a great upside. That would be especially useful to those who aren’t sure whether they’ll stay in their apartment for a year or more. But you should know that this option is available for an extra $10 a month. So if you’re able to commit to a year of Xfinity’s TV service, you should definitely go with a contract.

Additional Fees

Besides the regular monthly fee, there are a couple of additional ones that people usually don’t think about until the bill arrives. So in order to avoid last-minute surprises, let’s go through every fee that you’ll have to pay besides the one for monthly service.

Firstly, you can expect prices to go up after a year if you opt for DIRECTV. This provider will charge you more than a double of what you paid for the first 12 months, so you should take that into account.

The next step after you sign a contract is, of course, the installation of the service. Xfinity will charge you $89.99 for a professional installation. However, you can get a self-install kit for $15 if you don’t want the help of a professional. On the other hand, DIRECTV doesn’t have the installation fee.

When it comes to the activation costs, DIRECTV will charge you $24.95. But you have the option to sign up for paperless billing and autopay and, if you choose that, you’ll pay $5 less.

Next, you can get the Xfinity DVR feature for $9.95 a month and Broadcast TV for up to $10 per month. On the contrary, these features will be included in your monthly fee in case you opt for DIRECTV. But if you want to add an extra TV, you’ll have to pay $7 more every month per TV.

If you’re a sports fan, you’ll probably be interested in the regional sports feature. DIRECTV will charge you $8.49 or less a month, while Xfinity’s fee can go up to $8.25 monthly for this special addition.

Contracts

Another important thing to think about when choosing your desired service is the contract and how many options it gives you. When you sign a contract with DIRECTV, you’ll be obligated to pay more after the first year of using it. Furthermore, the company will charge you a fee of $20 a month for the remainder of your contract in case you want to stop using their services early. To make matters worse, even if you decide that DIRECTV1 isn’t working for you during your first year, you’ll still be obligated to pay up to $240.

On the other hand, Xfinity gives you the possibility not to sign a contract, which is a great option to have. However, you’ll be charged $10 more every month if you opt for that option. But it’s not the worst thing in the world, especially because you won’t be forced to use their services for years or pay additional fees in case you want to terminate the contract early.

Thus, as a much better and safer option, Xfinity is the clear winner when it comes to contracts. After all, it won’t limit your options, and there are no price increases.

Channels

As previously mentioned, you’ll get more channels with DIRECTV for basically the same price. However, if you take into account the fact that you’ll have to sign a two-year contract and pay double the second year, the situation doesn’t sound as good, right?

However, the good thing is, even if you pick the cheapest plan, you’ll still get the most popular networks such as HGTV and TBS. In addition, you can watch channels like The CW, FOX NEWS, and USA without paying more for a bigger plan.

On the other hand, channels such as ESPN and Univision will be available to you for a small extra monthly fee. But you’ll still be able to get them, unlike MSNBC, for example, which surprisingly, isn’t a part of DIRECTV’s offer.

When it comes to Xfinity, you’ll enjoy the popular ESPN channel with the Starter plan or above. What’s more, if you choose the Limited Basic package, Univision and the CW are channels away. Furthermore, you’ll unlock channels such as FOX NEWS, USA, and MSNBC if you opt for the Economy plan or above.

As you can see, Xfinity does offer MSNBC in one of its plans. So in case you need this network’s political coverage, then Xfinity is the provider for you.

Local Channels

The number and the quality of local channels depend on your ZIP code. Thus, you’ll need to check this part for yourself. A good upside to both of these providers is the fact that they let you type in your ZIP code and see what they have available for your area. That way, there won’t be any surprises when you start paying for their TV service.

Premium Channels

If you’re a fan of SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ, and HBO, you’ll be happy to know that DIRECTV lets you watch them for free for the first three months of the contract. However, after the trial period, you’ll need to pay almost $60 per month for all of these channels. In case you want just one of them, HBO is available for $17.99 a month, whereas you can get SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, and STARZ for $13.99 per month each.

Xfinity does things a little bit differently. You won’t get a trial period, but you’ll be able to add premium channels to your list for a lower price. For example, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, and STARZ go for $12, while HBO is $15 a month. What’s more, Xfinity offers EPIX, which is unavailable at DIRECTV, for $5.99 per month. Overall, prices per channel aren’t that different. But if you want all of these channels, you’ll pay $9 less every month than what you would with DIRECTV.

Sports Channels

When it comes to sports channels, DIRECTV beats out every other TV provider out there. With this platform, you’ll get exclusive access to the NFL Sunday Ticket, as well as Red Zone and Fantasy Zone channels. So if you are a football enthusiast, DIRECTV is the way to go.

However, even though Xfinity’s offer isn’t as good, this provider still offers the most popular sports networks. ESPN, NFL, and NBC Sports are just some of the channels that you’ll be able to watch with this platform.

TV + Internet Bundles

If you need both TV and internet, there are bundles that can save you a lot of money in the long run. For example, bundling the internet at DIRECTV will save you $10 a month, which is $120 a year.

So in case you sign a two-year contract with DIRECTV, you can get the internet download speed of 100 Mbps with over 155 channels for $75 a month. The largest plan, with more than 330 channels, goes for $150 a month, which is a bargain since the biggest package for just a TV service goes for $110 per month.

Xfinity, on the other hand, offers a faster internet download speed and has a bigger bundle discount. The internet speed can go up to 2GB and has a high data cap. Thus, if you’re working online or you just like to have a fast and stable internet connection, Xfinity is your best choice.

When it comes to combining internet and TV services, you can save from $25 to $35 every month, depending on the package that you get. So Xfinity gives you the possibility to save at least $15 more than its competitor.

The cheapest bundle, in which you get 150 Mbps of download speed and over 140 channels, goes for $79.99 a month, whereas you can get the most expensive one, with over 260 channels, for $134.99 per month. As you can see, the prices are higher than DIRECTV’s. Furthermore, you should keep in mind that there are still additional Xfinity fees for DVR and HD features.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity: Customer Support

Neither DIRECTV nor Xfinity passed the customer service ratings with flying colors. But that doesn’t come as a surprise since most TV providers aren’t known for their amazing customer support.

If you take a look at the ACSI report, which is short for the American Customer Satisfaction Index, you’ll see that DIRECTV has 64 points, which is 7 points more than Xfinity. Therefore, you’ll get better help if you opt for DIRECTV. But bear in mind that the difference isn’t that big to make you give up on Xfinity just based on its customer support.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity Review: Conclusion

If you followed the article closely, you already know that there isn’t a clear winner. In case you need a good TV service, then DIRECTV is the way to go. In addition, this provider doesn’t have as many hidden fees as Xfinity. However, you should keep in mind that you’ll have to sign a two-year contract. What’s more, the prices will go way up after the first 12 months.

On the other hand, Xfinity provides much better internet service. Furthermore, this provider gives you the option to sign a one-year contract or not to sign anything at all. Thus, it’s a great choice for those who don’t want to commit to a 24-month service.

So the choice depends on your own personal preferences. Don’t worry; you really can’t go wrong with either of these TV providers since high-quality service and great features are guaranteed.

While most prefer DIRECTV NOW packages in general, you have to appreciate Sling TV’s low prices. Although DIRECT NOW costs more, you get more channels and more premium content. However, don’t think that Sling TV’s low prices signify an inferior service. Even though you get less content, the provider includes many popular and premium channels. Next, let’s compare the prices, equipment, and capabilities of Sling TV vs. DIRECTV NOW services.

DIRECTV NOW:

• $40–$80 a month
• 60–120+ channels
• 2–3 simultaneous streams
• Cloud DVR included in the price; 20 hours that you can watch for 30 days
• $5 a month for an HBO add-on

Sling TV:

• $25–$45 a month
• 30–50+ channels
• 1–4 simultaneous streams
• DVR not included in the price; $5 a month for 50 hours — forever
• $15 a month for an HBO add-on

If you’re not on a budget and want the largest variety of channels money can buy — DIRECTV NOW is the one for you. However, If you need a more cost-effective TV subscription service, Sling TV is the best option. Unfortunately, even with Sling TV’s low prices, it simply can’t compete with DIRECTV NOW’s variety of content.

Sling TV vs. DIRECTV NOW — Prices and Packages

These two providers offer different services and are tailored to different types of users. Sling TV’s packages are great if you aren’t a demanding viewer and only need a few channels. DIRECTV NOW, however, has all the channels you can think of and is made to fit many viewing preferences. No other TV provider on the market can match DIRECTV’s variety of options and pricing. Also, keep in mind that DIRECTV includes the price of their DVR with every package, which allows for higher savings.

DIRECTV NOW plans and prices:

• Live a Little — $40 a month for over 60 channels
• Just Right — $55 a month for over 80 channels
• Go Big — $65 a month for over 100 channels
• Gotta Have It — $75 a month for over 120 channels

Sling TV plans and prices:

• Sling Orange — $25 a month for 30 channels
• Sling Blue — $25 a month for 35 channels
• Sling Orange + Blue — $40 a month for over 50 channels

As you can tell, Sling TV’s highest-priced package offers fewer channels than DIRECTV NOW’s cheapest package. Even though they cost the same amount of money, DIRECTV NOW’s packages also include the costs of a DVR, while Sling TV’s don’t. However, with lower prices comes a smaller channel selection. Unfortunately, Sling TV excludes a few top channels like Telemundo, The CW, Fox News, and many others.

Sling TV vs. DIRECTV NOW — Channels

The premium channels and pricing schemes that DIRECTV NOW offers can’t be matched. You will also get the Sunday Ticket channel with every package (yes, even the cheapest one). Their packages also include more channels overall and make it easier to find content you want to watch. None of this comes as a surprise considering that DIRECTV NOW has an overall better offer than Sling TV.

However, Sling TV is great if you crave for more channels in foreign languages. The provider offers a handful of international channel options and includes add-ons in many languages, including Mexican and Hindi.

Don’t write Sling TV off just because the numbers are lower. You can view their channel lists and see if they offer any of your favorite shows. And if you’re not a demanding viewer, there’s a good chance you will get all of the channels you need — at a lower price.

Premium Content

Both providers have an excellent selection of premium channels. However, Sling TV, as well as the majority of streaming services, can’t compete with DIRECTV’s content. Most providers will charge you about $15 a month for HBO, but DIRECTV NOW offers this service for a monthly fee of $5.

DIRECTV NOW’s Premium Channel Fees:

• HBO — $5 a month
• SHOWTIME — N/A
• CINEMAX — $5 a month
• STARZ — $8 a month
• EPIX — N/A

Sling TV’s Premium Channel Fees:

• HBO — $15 a month
• SHOWTIME — $10 a month
• CINEMAX — $10 a month
• STARZ — $9 a month
• EPIX — $5 a month

Both providers offer a great selection of premium channels at reasonable prices. Although DIRECTV NOW’s fees are lower, it doesn’t include as many channels as Sling TV does. So if you want EPIX or SHOWTIME, you should opt for Sling TV.

Sling TV vs. DIRECTV NOW — Sports Coverage

If you’re like the average sports lover, you can’t go wrong with either of these services. You can enjoy the college football recaps whenever you want as both providers offer ESPN and ESPN2. However, if there are some specific channels you want to watch, you might be out of luck. Although DIRECTV has great coverage of sports channels, it’s not the best. Both providers have overlooked some major networks, and you might be better off with a different provider entirely if all you want are sports channels.

• NFL Network — only on Sling TV
• NFL RedZone — only on Sling TV
• Big Ten Network — only on DIRECTV NOW
• MLB Network — only on DIRECTV NOW
• CBS Sports Network — only on DIRECTV NOW

Great news for all sports fans! DIRECTV NOW offers the NFL Sunday Ticket channel in selected areas. So hopefully, you live in one of these cities, but even if you don’t, the provider is constantly adding more of them to the list.

Local Channel Support

The selection of local channels is based on the area you live in. However, DIRECTV NOW has a bigger number of affiliates compared to Sling TV. Thus, DIRECTV NOW and its 218 affiliates are more likely to grant you access to ABC and other local channels. Sling TV only works with 36 local affiliates, so their channel selection is much smaller. You can also buy an HD antenna if you want to watch more local channels.

Sling TV vs. DIRECTV NOW — User Experience

Both DIRECTV NOW and Sling TV offer a pleasant viewing experience. Unfortunately, neither of the providers allow you to pause, fast forward, or rewind live shows. DIRECTV NOW does allow you to pause on-demand and DVR content, but the pause button is huge and sits in the middle of your screen. That puts a damper on the whole viewing experience. Also, their interface isn’t extremely user-friendly, and every time you move your pointer, the controls will pop up on your screen. That is unfortunate, as it can interrupt you mid-show and doesn’t allow you to focus solely on the content.

You probably won’t experience any major bugs with DIRECTV NOW’s platform, but some customer complaints have issues with the favorite shows list failing to load. That might be a temporary glitch, but it worsens the viewing experience even further. Also, there have been some customer complaints about the frequent video buffering, no matter how high their internet speed was.

You will likely prefer Sling TV’s interface, as it allows you to sit back, relax, and watch your shows without interruptions or annoying tabs and buttons appearing all over the place. The controls are located in the lower part of the screen; they’re not in your face, but are still within easy reach. However, Sling’s Orange package isn’t impressive with its channel selection.

Sad news for all the TV buffs — if you want to have a variety of shows to watch, Sling TV might not be the best option for you. However, even though the cheapest package leaves much to be desired, you can expect more versatility with the more expensive options. Also, it would be great if both providers offered the option to watch their content without any commercials constantly popping up, but sadly, that isn’t the case.

Sling TV vs. DIRECTV NOW — Device Compatibility & Streaming

If you prefer using a PlayStation 4, you are out of luck, as neither Sling TV nor DIRECTV offers support for PS4. However, you can still stream whatever you want on computer desktops or a number of other streaming services. Although both providers support most major streaming services, Sling TV is compatible with two more than DIRECTV.

DIRECTV NOW Can Be Streamed On

• Apple TV
• Amazon’s Fire TV
• Chromecast
• Roku
• Android mobile and iOS
• PC and Mac

Sling TV Can Be Streamed On

• Apple TV
• Amazon’s Fire TV
• Chromecast
• Roku
• Android mobile and iOS
• Mac and PC
• Xbox One
• Windows phones

Sling TV and DIRECTV NOW have different approaches to simultaneous streaming. Every DIRECTV package features two simultaneous streams, and you can pay an additional fee of $5 a month to add a third one. Sling TV offers different streaming capabilities depending on the package you have selected. With Sling Orange, you can stream from only one device. However, you will be able to stream on three devices at the same time with Sling Blue. Moreover, Sling Orange + Blue allows the entire family to join in on the fun, with four simultaneous streams.

Sling TV vs. DIRECTV NOW — DVRs

DVR is essential if you want to binge-watch your favorite shows. DIRECTV NOW adds the DVR into the prices of all packages, but you will have to pay an additional fee if you want to use it with Sling TV. Although this can be seen as a disadvantage, the higher price tag comes with more perks. Let’s take a look at how Sling TV vs. DIRECTV NOW handles their DVR services:

• DIRECTV NOW Cloud DVR — Price included, 20 hours of HD streaming for 30 days
• Sling TV Cloud DVR — $5 a month, stream up to 50 hours and keep it as long as you want

It’s a bummer that Sling TV excludes the DVR from its packages and that you need to pay an additional monthly fee of $5 if you want to use it. However, this provider offers 50 hours of HD recordings that you can keep for as long as you like. The fact that you’re able to store your shows forever is incredible, and Sling TV gets extra points for this feature.

Although DIRECTV NOW includes the DVR in every package, you can only record a maximum of 20 hours of content and can’t keep it for longer than a month. That doesn’t mean their DVR is bad by any stretch of the imagination; however, it’s not as good as Sling TV’s.

The Winner — DIRECTV NOW

Sling TV put up a good fight, and no other provider can match their affordable prices. Even though DIRECTV NOW’s packages are more expensive, they include more channels and the DVR for the price. Also, the provider offers a plethora of inexpensive add-ons to choose from, including HBO.

DIRECTV NOW features 120+ channels, and Sling TV offers only 50+. Let’s not even mention how great the addition of the coveted NFL Sunday Ticket is. That is an incredible feature that makes the price worth it for all sports lovers.

However, the platform’s user interface is a different story entirely. Only a few things in this world are as annoying as DIRECTV NOW’s player controls showing up on the center of your screen and blocking the picture. However, Sling TV offers an uninterrupted, pleasant viewing experience with controls sensibly located at the bottom of your screen.

On the other hand, the DVR race is a close one. The providers offer different features, and what you decide on depends mostly on your needs. DIRECTV NOW throws in the price of their DVR with every package, but you can only record up to 20 hours of content and can keep it for a limited time. Even though Sling TV charges an additional fee for its DVR, you can store up to 50 hours of content — forever.

With all that in mind, in the battle of Sling TV vs. DIRECTV NOW, DIRECTV NOW is the winner. Both providers allow you to watch a variety of content at reasonable prices. Also, if you can’t live without HBO but don’t want to overpay for it, DIRECTV NOW is the best fit for you.

The only thing you need to watch TV without satellite or cable is a solid and fast internet connection. If you want to pick up local channels and watch the majority of popular shows, sports and news, you can buy an antenna. You probably already own streaming devices such as tablets, cell phones, etc. But you should consider investing in a device that will be connected directly to your TV. Next, let’s take a look at some of the best cable alternatives currently on the market.

Live TV Streaming

There’s a reason why streaming services have gained so much popularity lately, as they offer the best features available at best prices. Whether you want a more budget-friendly option, the highest channel count or the best DVR, live TV streaming has something for everyone.

Here are the most popular providers, their prices, and channel counts:

• AT&T Watch App — $15 a month for over 30 channels
• Philo TV — $16–$20 a month for 37–46 channels
• Sling TV — $25–$40 a month for 30–50 channels
• Hulu with Live TV — $39.99–$43.99 a month for 60 channels
• YouTube TV — $40 a month for 73 channels
• DIRECTV NOW — $40–$75 a month for over 120 channels
• fuboTV — $44.99–$49.99 a month for 74–90 channels
• PlayStation Vue — $44.99–$79.99 a month for 49–90 channels

DIRECTV NOW is DIRECTV’s way of offering its satellite TV for those who don’t want to be locked into long contracts. You can also add HBO for $5 a month. That is a great deal, considering most providers will charge at least $15 a month for it. You will also be able to view some of the most popular networks like the Travel Channel, Sundance TV, and HGTV. Furthermore, their cloud DVR allows you to record 20 hours of live TV that you can keep for 30 days.

With some of the most popular channels and the price of only $25 a month — Sling TV gives you great value for your money. However, if you like to binge-watch your favorite shows, Hulu has a huge library of on-demand content. While YouTube TV is good, it’s still not available in many areas.

Streaming Platforms

Streaming platforms allow you to watch your favorite shows on a flexible schedule and without having to sign any long-term contracts. The only downside is that you won’t be able to watch live TV with these services. But you can still view original content and on-demand movies and shows.

Here are some of the best streaming platforms and their prices:

• CBS All Access — $5.99–$9.99 a month
• Hulu — $7.99–$11.99 a month
• Netflix — $7.99–$13.99 a month
• Amazon Prime — $12.99 a month or $99 a year
• HBO NOW — $14.99 a month

Netflix is the king of original content. Their hit shows like “Stranger Things” and “Peaky Blinders” have solidified the platform’s popularity. The streaming service also offers a variety of movies, and its library is constantly expanding.

Hulu also offers fan-favorite shows, such as “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” on-demand. Amazon Prime is not the most up to date when it comes to their movie selection, but it offers many classics. However, their original programs haven’t taken off yet, except for “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Our Pick

If you want to watch it all, you can combine a live TV streaming service such as Sling TV or DIRECTV NOW with Hulu or Netflix. Also, Hulu Live TV includes everything from Hulu’s regular library in case you want to watch both and not subscribe to two services.

Indoor Antennas

Investing in an antenna allows you to have access to local HD channels forever, with a single payment. Most people don’t know this, but you can get great local channels if you buy an indoor TV antenna. You can also view the ones such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in HD and for free.

Best indoor antennas and their prices:

• Vansky — a one-time payment of $24.95
• Mohu Leaf — a one-time payment of $39.95
• Clearstream Eclipse — a one-time payment of $39.99

Keep in mind that providers change their prices quite frequently, so you should always make sure to check the pricing available on Amazon — as it might be lower there.

A lot of streaming services don’t offer the greatest selection of local channels. Buying an HD antenna is the best way to circumvent that downside. However, if you can’t find a good spot in your home to install it, an HD antenna might not be the best option for you.

The Best Streaming Devices

Streaming devices are great for when you want to watch something on your TV and easily control it without using a remote. They are also known as streaming players, and when you link your TV to the internet, you can use apps like DIRECTV NOW, Sling TV, and Hulu. All of these players come with their interface from which you can select different apps and games.

Here are a couple of best streaming devices and their prices:

• Chromecast — $35
• Roku — $39
• Fire TV — $89.98
• Apple TV — $199.99

You can also opt out of buying a specialized device and use things you already have in your home, such as:

• Phones
• Tablets
• Computers
• Smart TVs

Depending on your phone and the service you use, you should be able to cast the screen on your TV. Tablets work similarly to phones, except they have bigger screens, which are better if you want to watch content on the go. You can also hook up your computer’s HDMI cable to your TV to stream content directly. However, if you already have a Smart TV, you will also have all of these apps ready to use, and you won’t need any additional devices.

More Cable Alternatives

If you don’t like any of the best cable alternatives for you so far, here are a couple more ways you can watch your favorite shows. Keep in mind that while some of these methods come at no monetary cost, others might cost you an arm and a leg.

Borrow Someone Else’s Login

Most providers’ websites will require you to log in to use their streaming services. You could ask the people you know to lend you their username and password to find out what happened in the latest episode of “The Bachelor.” However, if you’re the person who used to give out Netflix logins like candy, you know that this isn’t a long-term solution. Constantly using someone else’s account could even cause friction between the two of you.

Visit the Network’s Website

You can watch so many great shows on the network’s website at no cost. Although you will have to log in to gain access to certain shows, a lot of fan favorites are available for free. You can find shows like “Modern Family” on ABC, “This Is Us” on NBC, and “New Girl” on FOX without even signing in.

Individual Apps

If you don’t watch a wide range of content that spans across different networks, you can simply buy an individual app created by a network or service provider. For example, if you only want to watch GOT, you can purchase the HBO Go app for only $15 a month. You can also get the SHOWTIME if you want to watch shows like “Who Is America.”

Saving Money

As you can tell, you can save a lot of money if you start using a streaming service. You can save thousands of dollars throughout a couple of years if you switch to providers like DIRECTV, DISH or Comcast. Next, let’s take a look at the money pits you’ll avoid if you use some of the best cable alternatives.

Equipment Fees

The rental fees for a single device can range anywhere from $10 to $20 a month. Thus, you will save as much as $300 a year on a single receiver. If you have a big family or live with many roommates, the savings will be even greater. You won’t have to pay for every individual device you want to use and will be able to save more money over time.

Broadcast Fees

Getting ABC, CBS, FOX or NBC can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 a month if you use cable service. However, if you buy an HD antenna, you will be able to watch these channels for a one-time payment of $20–$40.

HD Fees

Cable companies seem to think that watching content in HD is a luxury, and thus, charge you upwards of $10 to do so every month. But streaming services know that is an absolute must and offer 720p quality at the very least. Most of the time, you will be able to watch content in 1080p or more, and you won’t have to pay extra for it.

Sports Fees

You might have to pay your cable company anywhere from $3 a month to watch sports. Although this isn’t a lot of money, why pay for something you can get for free? An antenna will give you access to all sports channels you can imagine — without the added fees.

Regulatory Fees

Cable companies do have to pay to gain access to certain networks, but it’s you who has to foot the bill. Although these fees aren’t usually more than a couple of bucks, why would you pay for them when you don’t have to? It’s time to cut the cord and switch to any of the best cable alternatives mentioned so far.

Additional Fees

On top of all of these, there are even more surcharges that keep piling on your bill. These may include franchise fees, FCC regulatory fees, as well as many others, depending on the provider and channels available.

Popular Alternatives: DIRECTV NOW & Sling TV

You can’t go wrong with any of the services listed, especially considering they all offer free trials. Depending on whether you want the most channels no matter the price or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, these two providers offer the best service.

DIRECTV NOW

DIRECTV NOW offers a huge variety of content even with their cheapest package. However, their prices are some of the highest on the market. You will also receive two simultaneous streams with every package, and you can pay an additional monthly fee to add a third device. Moreover, the provider won’t charge any additional fees if you want to switch from cable to their streaming services, and you won’t even have to sign a contract.

Sling TV

Just because Sling TV offers inexpensive packages, this doesn’t mean their service is inferior in any way. Although you get less content overall, you will still be able to watch some of the most popular premium channels. Also, if you want to watch EPIX or SHOWTIME at no additional cost, go with Sling TV.

Final Thoughts

All of the best cable alternatives mentioned are by far superior to cable with their features, prices, and channel options. Also, the majority of them offer amazing DVRs that make them even more convenient for your binge-watching your favorite shows. However, not every streaming service is the same. So always make sure to do your research to get all the features and channel options you want.

By switching from cable, you can opt out of being locked into contracts without missing out on your favorite channels. With these best cable alternatives, you can mix and match packages and providers to customize your viewing preferences and needs. You have nothing to lose, and you can try out most of these services for a free trial period to see if they fit your needs.