Are you thinking about a new smart TV but can’t bring yourself to lose cable? Cutting the cord on cable TV doesn’t have to mean missing your favorite team play or live news. You can enjoy your favorite live channels with the right setup, all without a pricey contract. Here’s how to keep you in the game.
Why People Still Want Live TV
On-demand streaming is the hot trend right now, but live TV is still essential. Breaking news, severe weather coverage or your favorite sports team can’t wait for highlights. Local broadcasts help people keep in touch with their community and national networks for the wider country.
Streaming Services With Live News Channels
So, where can you access live news? Several streaming services on nearly every smart TV system have access to the 24-hour news cycle. Here are some of the options that make it easy to stay informed:
- YouTube TV: A complete cable replacement, live access to major and local networks
- Hulu + Live TV Bundle: Combines on-demand with 90+ live channels
- Sling TV:A budget-friendly option that lets you choose which channels you want to watch
- Pluto TV: Free streaming and cable service with live news coverage supported by ads
All you need to access these plans is a smart TV or a live TV streaming device with strong internet. We can help you with the internet, but for our recommendations on smart TV options, check out our Black Friday guide.
How To Stream Live Sports Without Cable
If you’re looking for your favorite teams, we also have you covered. Here are our top picks:
- ESPN+: The go-to for sports streaming, including everything from college football to UFC. It can even be bundled with Hulu
- Paramount+: Offers NFL, March Madness and local CBS broadcasts
- Peacock: Budget-friendly streams from Premier League soccer, Sunday Night Football, and Olympic coverage when it comes around
- Amazon Prime Video – Thursday night football
- League Pass: stream every out-of-market NBA game
If you want to guarantee no buffering and missing game-changing plays, Mercury Fiber can make your streaming experience as smooth as possible.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Not sure what streaming services are right for you? Check out this short guide based on your viewing preferences:.
| Type of Viewer | Best Option |
| Want all major local + national channels | YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV |
| Want to save money | Sling TV, Pluto TV, or Tubi |
| Big sports fan | ESPN+, Paramount+, or League Pass |
| Want free local news | NewsON or an HD antenna |
Why Mercury Fiber Is Perfect for Streaming
If you are streaming live content, every second matters. Mercury is built to deliver a seamless experience with symmetric upload and download speeds, meaning little or no lag even with multiple devices on one network. We’re proud to service homes across Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio.
