If you’re a news junkie, you can cut the cable TV cord and still watch FOX News, MSNBC, CNN and other networks on the cheap.
Over the past few years, I’ve tested all of the major streaming TV services, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV.
Best Live TV Streaming Service for Cable News
Several streaming TV services carry the most popular cable news networks in their base plans. These skinny bundles are typically half the price of cable or satellite services.
But Sling TV is the #1 budget option for those who watch cable news and not much else.
Sling Blue is now the cheapest way to get the three most popular cable news networks: FOX News, MSNBC and CNN. The $40 monthly plan also includes BBC America, HLN, Bloomberg TV and Local Now.
FOX News, MSNBC and HLN were added to the Sling Blue base plan in December 2019.
How to Pick Up Local News With Sling TV
Although the Sling Blue package is my favorite for cable news, it’s lacking when it comes to local news.
Sling is able to keep its prices lower than competitors like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV because it provides fewer broadcast stations: ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC.
If you live in an urban or suburban area, you can likely get around this limitation by installing a digital antenna. To pick up local stations, I use a $40 Mohu Leaf that connects to the back of my TV set.
My Recommendations
If your must-have channels include mostly cable news networks, Sling Blue is going to be the most affordable option at $40 per month.
But if you or other members of your household watch ESPN and other sports networks, Sling Orange + Blue is probably a better choice. At $55 per month, it’s still cheaper than YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.
Not seeing all of your favorite networks with Sling TV? The good news is that you have other options. Check the channel lineups for YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.
They’re priced higher than Sling TV, but they also include the major cable news networks and may have some of the others that you really want.
Action Plan
- Sign up for Sling TV and test it out
- Don’t like Sling? Repeat this process with other streaming TV services:
- If you’re trying to cut the cord, only cancel cable TV after you find a suitable replacement
Michael:
Thanks for your hard work and clear writing & videos. I’m searching for the most economical way to get MSNBC. I have Philo & Locast and only lack MSNBC. Kinda hate to add Sling Blue for a single channel.
Your thoughts plz.
Regards,
bob
I would enter your favorite channels in this tool. See what Sling recommends. You may be able to cancel Philo if you get Sling Blue + an add-on plan. Keep Locast since Sling doesn’t have all locals. https://www.sling.com/service/service-optimizer
Michael, I have cut the cord with Xfinity and have Roku and You Tube TV, The fox news broadcast is not live, it is snip-its of past broadcasts. Am I doing something wrong?
If you have YouTube TV ($65/month), you can get the live channel.