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.
FOX News, MSNBC and HLN were added to the Sling Blue base plan in December 2019.
At the same time, Sling increased the price of the skinny bundle from $25 to $30 per month. Another $5 price increase went into effect in January 2021.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 $35 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 $50 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.
For those who only want to watch FOX News, MSNBC or CNN for a one-time event, any of the streaming TV services I’ve mentioned will do. They all offer the major cable news networks and have free trials of a week or sometimes longer.
Action Plan:Sign up for a free trial of Sling TV and test it outIf you don’t want to continue, cancel the trial before you’re billedRepeat this process with other streaming TV services:YouTube TVHulu + Live TVIf you’re trying to cut the cord, only cancel cable TV after you find a suitable replacementMore Streaming TV Content From Michael Saves:The #1 Mistake People Make After Canceling Cable TV7 Best Ways to Lower Your Streaming TV BillHow to Cut the Cord in 7 Steps: A Simple Guide