If you’re trying to cut the cable TV cord and want to keep your favorite channels, Fubo is one of the top live TV streaming services to consider.
The service launched in 2015 with a focus on soccer and has evolved over the years.
Fubo Live TV Streaming Service Review: Is It Worth It?
Fubo Fast Facts:
1. Plans and Pricing
Fubo is one of the most expensive live TV streaming services available. The service increased its starting price by $5 a month in January 2024.
Here are Fubo’s two main plans:
Pro
- $79.99/month
- 100+ channels
- Cloud DVR: 1,000 hours
- Unlimited Streams: 10 screens at home
Elite
- $89.99/month
- 200+ channels
- 4K content
- Cloud DVR: 1,000 hours
- Unlimited Streams: 10 screens at home
With Fubo, most customers end up paying more than the plan price. Mandatory regional sports fees between $11.99 and $14.99 per month apply in many cities.
In addition, there are optional add-ons for premium features and channels, including Sports Plus with NFL RedZone for $10.99 per month.
No contract is required, and new users can typically get a free trial. Start here.
If you decide to cancel Fubo during a free trial, you won’t be billed. But if you cancel outside of a trial, no prorated refund will be provided.
Users who cancel can continue to access the service until the end of their billing date.
SAVINGS TIP: Whether you choose Fubo or not, consider pausing or canceling your live TV service for part of the year to save money.
2. Channel Lineups
The base plan for Fubo includes more than 100 channels, but that doesn’t mean it has all of the networks that you watch.
There are several gaps in Fubo’s channel offerings. Let’s go through them.
Sports
Fubo positions itself as the best live TV streaming service for sports fans, but that depends on the type of sports you watch.
The channel lineup is overall very good for soccer and football fans.
Fubo added ESPN and other Disney-owned networks in August 2020. ESPN is an essential channel for many sports fans.
But, in July 2020, Fubo dropped Turner networks including TNT and TBS.
Those two networks air some games from the NBA, NHL, MLB and March Madness. That’s a lot of sports content that you can’t get with Fubo.
There is a new workaround. Max has launched a sports add-on with access to live games from Turner networks.
Bally Sports’ 19 regional sports networks (RSNs) returned to Fubo in February 2023, including in the base Pro plan. RSNs from AT&T SportsNet and NBC sports are also offered.
DIRECTV STREAM also provides many regional sports networks from Bally Sports.
Locals
If you don’t have access to an antenna, you may want a streaming service that includes your local broadcast TV stations.
In most cities, Fubo now offers local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC stations. The CW is also available in some markets.
You can check Fubo’s website to verify the local stations where you live.
If you don’t see the call letters of your local TV stations, Fubo will offer network programming either on demand or from a national feed.
Looking for alternatives? YouTube TV, Hulu Live and DIRECTV STREAM also provide solid local coverage.
Entertainment
For a service that focuses on sports content, you may be surprised to learn that Fubo’s lineup of entertainment networks is pretty strong.
The service has deals with major content partners, including:
- Disney
- FOX
- NBCUniversal
- Paramount (ViacomCBS)
- Discovery
- Crown Media (Hallmark)
The Turner networks (now part of Warner Bros. Discovery) are the biggest omission, plus A&E Networks (A&E, History, Lifetime, etc.) and AMC Networks (AMC, BBC, WE TV, etc.) are no longer offered on Fubo either.
YouTube TV, Hulu Live, DIRECTV STREAM and Sling TV all carry Turner networks like CNN, TBS and TNT.
However, YouTube TV doesn’t have A&E Networks. You can still find those channels when you subscribe to Hulu Live, DIRECTV STREAM and Sling TV.
ACTION ITEM: Go through your current live TV guide and make a list of your must-have channels. Then, use the search tool on Fubo’s website to confirm their availability before you sign up.
3. Cloud DVR
If you like to record shows, movies and events to watch later, Fubo includes DVR storage with all of its plans.
Storage is in the cloud. You do not need a separate piece of equipment.
Here’s how it works: When you select a program on Fubo, you’ll see options to record it. For a series, you can record a single episode, new episodes or new episodes and reruns.
Then, click on the My Stuff tab to access your DVR and watch your programs.
From the My Stuff tab, you can see how much cloud DVR space is remaining and free up space by deleting recordings. If you run out of storage space, new content will not be recorded.
Unlike YouTube TV’s unlimited cloud DVR, Fubo has limits on its cloud DVR storage that may affect some users. However, Fubo plans to upgrade its DVR to unlimited sometime in 2024.
Until then, the base plan includes 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage. Recordings are saved until you delete them.
One thing I like about Fubo’s DVR is that you can set a recording in advance or while the program is already in progress. Either way, the entire program will be available to watch later.
And Fubo says it will automatically extend the recording time in the event that a show or game extends past its scheduled time.
4. Supported Devices
A supported device is the one piece of equipment that you need to get started with Fubo, but chances are you already own one.
The service lets you stream on your phone, computer, tablet or to a TV set.
To stream on the big screen, the Fubo app is available to download on the major streaming platforms:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV/Google TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- Roku
- Xbox One
- Select Smart TVs (see list)
If you’re trying to stream Fubo through your smart TV’s interface, only newer models are compatible. Learn more here.
5. Family Sharing
If multiple people in your household want to use Fubo at the same time, they can.
The service’s base plan allows you to stream from 10 in-home devices at the same time and several streams on the go.
If you’re trying to stream from multiple locations, things get more complicated.
Fubo allows you to stream from a compatible TV device such as a Roku from any location, but you can only use TV devices from one location at a time.
However, streaming from different locations is allowed on phones and computers.
With Fubo, you can create up to six profiles per account. Each profile will have a separate list of favorite channels and recordings.
Unfortunately, there are no parental controls with Fubo.
6. User Experience
Fubo provides a cable-like experience that many new cord cutters desire.
I tested Fubo using a Roku Ultra and found the app easy to navigate, with no performance issues throughout my 30-day review period.
Here are a few of the features that stood out to me:
Favorite Channels
Fubo’s live guide allows you to add favorite channels for quick access. You can also reorder your favorites to appear at the top of the guide.
Multiview
Available only to Apple TV users, Multiview is Fubo’s best feature for sports fans. You can watch up to four live channels at once on the same screen.
I demonstrate how it works in the video below:
Fubo competitor YouTube TV has rolled out its own multiview feature that can be used with many compatible smart TVs and streaming media players.
At the time of this update, YouTube TV’s version offers only pre-selected streams — not fully customizable.
4K Content
Fubo streams some content in 4K, but it’s extremely limited at the time of this writing. You can find a list of 4K events here.
4K content is available with the Elite plan.
Lookback
If you forget to set a DVR recording, Fubo’s Lookback feature offers on-demand sports and entertainment programming from the last three days.
For sports, you can filter events by date using the sports tab. Lookback content for news and entertainment programs will be mixed in with the more extensive on-demand library.
You can’t skip ads with this content. For that, remember to set your DVR.
7. Fubo Pros and Cons
Fubo is a live TV service with a premium look, feel and monthly price to go along with it.
The biggest reason why people may prefer YouTube TV, Hulu Live or Sling TV over Fubo is the channel lineup. Fubo doesn’t include Turner networks like TBS, TNT and CNN.
That said, Fubo has regional sports networks that several other services have dropped.
A feature-packed live TV streaming app is great, but what difference does it make if it doesn’t carry your must-have channels? Review the channel lineup here.
| Pros | Cons |
| 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels in base plan | Missing channels: No Turner, AMC or A&E Networks |
| Adequate DVR storage | High monthly price |
| At least 10 simultaneous streams per account | Regional sports fee |
| Bally Sports RSNs included | 4K content not in base plan |
| Multiview for Apple TV devices |
If the channel lineup works for your household, you may prefer Fubo over YouTube TV. The only way to find out is to take advantage of Fubo’s free trial.
If you’ve tried out Fubo, add to my review in the comments below!
REVIEW METHODOLOGY: When I test a streaming service, I pay for it with my own money and use it for at least 30 days. During that time, I evaluate the service’s content, app performance, features and user experience across multiple compatible devices. This helps me assess the overall value of the service compared to other available streaming options that I’ve tested. None of the content on my website and YouTube channel is sponsored.
Hello Michael, Ive been a hulu,disney,espn customer for just over 2 months and I’m so frustrated with Hulu buffering and kicking me off, so Ive called them numerous times,only to sit on hold forever. I test all my devices everyday and I have 500mbp via WOW and confirm the speeds using speedtest. I started looking at Fubu tv and came across your very detailed video and website, great job explaining pros and cons. Just wanted to say thanks and I’ll keep checking your website in future. Bob
Thanks, Bob. Let me know how fuboTV works out for you. I’ve heard similar complaints about Hulu Live in the past regarding buffering.
Tried it back in January and it only worked on my computer. Tried unsuccessfully to cancel the service and was billed for 3 months without any service being provided. I think this is a rip-off and would not recommend to anyone.
I am experiencing constant buffering! I am not at all happy about this!! I have RCA Roku Smart TV, my internet provider is Ziply.
Go to SpeedTest.net and run a speed test. If it’s less than 25 Mbps, contact your internet provider. The issue is likely with them in that case.
I am so frustrated with Fubo right now! Last night I wanted to watch a Jazz game but all the channel would do was show me the red circle going around and around. At one time the screen told me my subscription had expired but it was the subscription of a grandson who doesn’t even live here! I paid MY subscription on the 12th of Dec and it is for the higher amount not the less amount which I actually signed up for. Then I paid for the expert, immediate tech help but never received any. About ready to cancel.
Damg. that is one expensive package. Subscribe to several streaming services, don’t think it adds up to that much per month!!
Yeah, and it just went up.
Non-notified price increase March 1. Called them, and it was not a nice experience at all.
And while they have sports (we went there for Root), we’ll be leaving. They are priced as a premium streaming service, but they sure aren’t premium. Content, beyond sports, is absymal.
We really want Root sports, but we’ll be leaving this.
Yep, same experience with Fubo! They initiated a 22.5% increase with NO WARNING in Feb-Mar 2023.
When I saw my bill, I complained via their “customer service” email, and received a form-letter back claiming they’d sent an email announcement (no, they didn’t) of their new pricing, which was required to provide ‘premium’ regional programming. Total BS.
I’m cutting-the-cord on Fubo-Me-Once… you’re outta here! At $90/month, it’s just too klugy an interface (i.e. you can’t ‘jump’ back and forth between Fubo channels), much less utilize picture-in-a-picture.
Look, it was a reasonable value at $69 w/ regional sports package. But at $90, might as well consider going back to… cable (puke!!!) — b/c at least you get far better responsiveness, ability to jump back to another live program, and enter picture quality as well.
I have fiber-optic internet that’s asynchronous 350-400 Mbps up/down, so there’s ample bandwidth for 720p or 1080i resolution, but rarely got sharp images with live sports events on Fubo. So, three strikes, you’re out, Fubo!!!!
Yep, and it regularly gets more expensive, with little or no warning.
Stay away. Their content is sub-par, their interface is nothing short of clunky, and talking to them is like talking to a Corporate Exec – all you’ll get is “sorry for your confusion and frustration”.
Stay away. They are bad and getting worse.
Fubo is as bad as they say. Moving from channel to channel is slow.
I only subscribe to watch the Astros. The cost is to much. Other than the local channels that’s all I use it for.
Guess it’s back to the radio.
Fubo increaased my cost by $19 in February. They claim to have sent out a notice in January, but if they did, they omitted mentioning the huge increases in regional sports fees and other fees. The first I knew about the huge increase was when I got a nasty surprise on my VISA card a couple days ago. And, they will not give a refund. So, I am going to have to contact my VISA company and dispute the charge. I will no longer be using fubo. They’re unethical!
I’d echo this. If there was a mail on the increase, it was buried somewhere in a long thread on new programming. My first alert was the already charged increase on my credit card.
Fubo is now priced at the level of a DirectTV streaming, YouTubeTV, etc. And they are far, far, far from worth it.
I’d recommend staying away.
Not only did I not get the trial week for free, but I was also charged $302.87 for a quarterly Subscription. When I tried to cancel my one week, I was told that I wasn’t eligible because my Email address was used one and a half years ago.
I offered to pay for the week that I used. The representative would limit my use to one month and charged me $120.36. What a rip off. Don’t trust their free trials and monthly /quarterly charges. Great PR FUBOTV!
Sheldon Stein, O.D.
Jacksonville, FL
Wow, awful. I’m so sorry.
Michael, I’d strongly recommend that you go over to Truth Pilot and read the reviews there.
I think you will some Cons to your list, and will change your overall rating.
This is not a good company, and it’s not a competitive streaming service.
Hey Joe. I don’t base my reviews on other websites. It’s from my experience testing the services. I will often add context when I re-test and anecdotes from my readers/viewers. That said, I don’t typically recommend Fubo. I’ll take a look a look at my review to make sure I’m communicating my views clearly.
Fubo and your article speak often about TV in one location. Does 1 household (husband and wife) mean we are one location? We like to watch different shows.
Yes, one household. You have plenty of streams so you can watch your own shows on different devices — TVs, phones or computers. They just don’t want you sharing your membership with people outside of your household.
So, Fubo decides to punish its subscribers by charging $32 and change to watch regional MLB games. But the downside is you don’t get to watch any thing else MLB. To watch everyone else you have to pay an additional $80 a month for the privilege to watch. Well done. I”m moving on. You used to have Premier League futball as well but now most games are in Spanish. Yea. I want to watch British futball in Spanish. And on top of that I have to restart your stupid app every time I want to watch it. Nope. Done with that too. If I can’t watch MLB why keep Fubo.
Beginning to see more buffering, higher prices, blacked out baseball games, and disappearing channels. When I reach out to FUBU for customer support it is clear that they my complaints fall on deaf ears. Looking elsewhere for better service.
Beginning to see more buffering, higher prices, blacked out baseball games, and disappearing channels. When I reach out to FUBU for customer support it is clear that my complaints fall on deaf ears. Looking elsewhere for better service.
I gave fubo a couple of tries and found two customer service issues that are really inexcusable in this time of competing streaming services. First I did the free trial. I canceled the next day, thinking I’d at least be able to finish out the 7 days. My fault for not reading the fine print. They cut you off immediately if you cancel your free trial. This is not the way to create good customer relations.
I gave them another try yesterday, and again found that it wasn’t going to work for me. Since I’d used my free trial, I had to sign up. When I found that I still couldn’t watch the programs I wanted to, I canceled immediately. I tried to contact them today to ask for a refund but they do not give refunds. Period. No matter what. And the automated assistant would not connect me with a live person to talk to. It sent me to the support page, which said click the link at the bottom of the page, which sent me back to the automated assistant. I would not recommend fubo ever to anyone.
I have a question. I live in Houston but also Maine. Up until 2 days ago I was able to record the Astros on Fubo in Houston. Then watch them live (when they were recording) in Maine. 2 days ago I could see they were recording but when I try to watch it keeps saying unknown error try again later? I’ve been able to watch for a couple of years now. Any ideas? I know they rolled out some new change but don’t understand. Thank you so much.
These live TV services are intended for one household, but you could try contacting customer support to see if they can help.
As someone who has used Fubo since the days it was a niche provider of a dozen soccer only channels, I’ve seen the prices go up with the channels, the UI changes, and customers service issues from a great variety of people who have no idea what they are getting into with streaming TV services in general. I’ve tried Hulu, YTTV, AT&T’s various offerings, Philo, and Sling. Through it all, I’ve stayed with Fubo because no one else offers all the channels they do. Most of the complaints people direct towards Fubo have nothing to do with the service itself.
Streaming providers are stealing content. Many of the sports we used to get on TV are now locked into services like ESPN+, Paramount+, and Peacock. This has nothing to do with Fubo. The prices to access the sports we do get have gone up, leading Fubo to raise prices to keep up. This is not Fubo’s fault. I hear people complain about streaming/buffering issues, but these are uniformly device and network provider issues. These are not under Fubo’s control. Finally, I’ve seen a lot of people complaining about not getting promotional pricing and not getting refunds for pro-rated service, yet the terms are clearly stated when signing up and people ASSUMING the price they see won’t actually be charged never ceases to amaze me. This is not Fubo’s error.
I can confirm they sent out an email about regional sports fee increases and the $5 increase, but if people haven’t appropriately set up their spam filters or checked the correct email account, you can’t hardly blame Fubo.
Unlike YTTV, I’ve had content on my Fubo DVR for over 2 years that never got taken away or turned into On Demand content with forced advertising.
Unlike Hulu, I don’t tear my hair out in frustration at the terrible UI that forces content down my throat that I have zero interest in.
Unlike Sling, I have so many streams in my house that it’s never an issue to have it on multiple screens.
Unlike Philo, I actually have the channels I want.
Now, do I sometimes wish it was still just a $12 service offering a handful of channels? Sure. Do I sometimes wish they didn’t have to make deals for 25 channels just to get the 2 or 3 sports channels I want? Yes. Do I sometimes wish I didn’t have to get all the RSN’s that cover the sports I don’t care about just to get the ones that do cover what I do want? Absolutely. But the majority of complaints I see are not actual issues that are the fault of Fubo. Either people aren’t paying attention when they sign up, aren’t aware of their own network and/or device issues, or don’t know the realities of the cost of live sports.
Thank you for your review. I agree with several of your points!
In December 2023 Fubo was offering a month free trial for first time users and if you cancelled before the trial period was up you wouldn’t be charged. I cancelled after a week. On my account I was scheduled for cancellation on February 2 2024. They charged my account on Jan 3 2024. I waited until February 3 to check my credit account and the charge was still there. I decided to get the $70+ lower tier because the additional charges ran the price up to $96.32!!
Read the Better Business Bureau’s reports concerning Fubo before you decide to get the service…
SCAM!!! Nice young lady was finally located today. I have not viewed a single minute of Fubo streaming due to issues Fubo had with connecting me. Fubo billed me $375.51 regardless ~ twice! The young lady apparently tried but her best offer was a partial refund for something I did not receive. Internet is full of complaints about billing and connections. Why is this not criminal behavior? Better Business Bureau warned me. Should have read their website prior to dealing with those scumbags.