The NFL season is just around the corner, and with it comes the exciting anticipation of game day. For many fans, that means tuning in to their favorite teams and players on their television screens. But what about those who don't have cable or satellite TV? In the age of cord-cutting, streaming services have become the go-to solution for accessing live sports content, including the NFL.
With a plethora of options available, it can be challenging to navigate the streaming landscape and find the best service for your needs. Fear not, loyal football fans! We're here to guide you through the labyrinth of NFL streaming services and present our top picks for 2024.
NFL Sunday Ticket
The NFL's official streaming service, NFL Sunday Ticket, is a must-have for die-hard fans looking to catch every out-of-market game. Available exclusively through YouTube TV, NFL Sunday Ticket provides access to all regular-season games, including out-of-market games that are not broadcasted locally. You can watch games live, on demand, or even replay them after they've finished.
Why we love NFL Sunday Ticket:
- Complete access: This is the only way to watch every out-of-market game, making it ideal for those who want to follow a specific team or keep up with all the NFL action.
- Flexibility: You can stream games on multiple devices, including smart TVs, phones, tablets, and laptops.
- Features: NFL Sunday Ticket offers a wide range of features, including live replays, RedZone channel, and the ability to customize your viewing experience.
- Integration with YouTube TV: You can access NFL Sunday Ticket through the YouTube TV app, which means you can enjoy all the benefits of YouTube TV, including unlimited DVR storage and a comprehensive library of on-demand content.
What you need to know:
- Availability: NFL Sunday Ticket is only available in the United States.
- Cost: The cost of NFL Sunday Ticket varies depending on the package you choose.
- Availability for all games: While NFL Sunday Ticket is the ultimate option for watching every out-of-market game, it doesn't include every game, such as preseason games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl.
fuboTV
fuboTV is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of live channels, including many sports channels. The service is particularly known for its comprehensive sports coverage, with a focus on soccer, but it also includes a variety of NFL channels.
Why we love fuboTV:
- Multiple NFL channels: fuboTV offers a solid selection of NFL channels, including NFL Network, ESPN, CBS, and NBC, allowing you to watch most regular-season games.
- Sports-focused: fuboTV caters to sports fans with a wide array of sports channels and a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to find the games you're looking for.
- DVR storage: fuboTV allows you to record live games with its cloud DVR feature.
- Wide channel selection: Beyond sports, fuboTV also includes a variety of entertainment channels, news channels, and family-friendly content.
What you need to know:
- Price: fuboTV's pricing plans vary based on the number of channels you choose, but it's generally considered a more affordable option compared to some other services.
- Local channels: fuboTV's availability of local channels can vary depending on your location. It's important to check if your local CBS and NBC affiliates are included in your fuboTV package.
- Streaming quality: Like most streaming services, the quality of the stream depends on your internet speed and connection.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of live channels, including many local channels, making it a good option for those who want to catch their favorite NFL games.
Why we love Hulu + Live TV:
- Local channels: Hulu + Live TV includes local affiliates for CBS, NBC, and other major networks in most markets.
- Wide channel selection: The service offers a diverse selection of channels, including entertainment, news, sports, and kids' channels.
- DVR storage: Hulu + Live TV includes a DVR feature, allowing you to record games and watch them later.
- Integration with Hulu: Hulu + Live TV also gives you access to Hulu's extensive on-demand library.
What you need to know:
- Price: Hulu + Live TV is a bit more expensive than some other streaming services.
- Limited sports channels: While Hulu + Live TV does offer some sports channels, it doesn't have as many as some other services dedicated to sports, like fuboTV.
- Regional blackouts: Similar to traditional cable, Hulu + Live TV may have regional blackouts for certain games, depending on your location.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a popular choice for budget-conscious cord-cutters looking for a more affordable way to access live TV. The service offers multiple packages, and its "Orange" and "Blue" packages include various sports channels, including ESPN.
Why we love Sling TV:
- Price: Sling TV is one of the most affordable streaming services available.
- Flexible packages: Sling TV offers various packages with a variety of channels to choose from, allowing you to customize your experience and pay only for the channels you want.
- DVR storage: Sling TV offers a cloud DVR feature for recording shows and games.
What you need to know:
- Limited local channels: Sling TV does not offer local channels in all markets.
- Channel limitations: Depending on the package you choose, you may not have access to all the major sports channels.
- Streaming quality: Like other streaming services, the quality of the stream depends on your internet connection.
Paramount+
Paramount+ is a streaming service that offers a variety of live sports content, including NFL games. The service includes CBS, the home of the NFL's AFC Championship game, and NFL on CBS.
Why we love Paramount+:
- CBS: Paramount+ gives you access to CBS, which broadcasts many NFL games, including Thursday Night Football.
- NFL on CBS: Paramount+ includes NFL on CBS, a streaming service that provides access to CBS's NFL coverage.
- Price: Paramount+ offers an affordable monthly subscription fee.
What you need to know:
- Limited NFL coverage: While Paramount+ does include CBS and NFL on CBS, it does not have access to all NFL games.
- Regional blackouts: You may experience regional blackouts for certain CBS NFL games depending on your location.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is a streaming service dedicated to sports fans, offering a variety of live and on-demand sports content. It also includes some NFL games, especially those that aren't broadcasted on traditional television networks.
Why we love ESPN+:
- Affordable: ESPN+ has a very affordable subscription fee.
- Variety of content: ESPN+ features a range of live and on-demand sports content, including NFL games.
- Exclusive content: The service offers exclusive content, including ESPN Films documentaries and other original programming.
What you need to know:
- Limited NFL coverage: ESPN+ primarily focuses on college football, and its NFL coverage is limited.
- Blackouts: You may experience blackouts for certain NFL games due to local broadcast agreements.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of on-demand content and live sports, including "Thursday Night Football."
Why we love Amazon Prime Video:
- Free with Prime: If you're already an Amazon Prime subscriber, you have access to Prime Video, including "Thursday Night Football," at no additional cost.
- Exclusive content: Amazon Prime Video offers exclusive content, including original movies and series.
- Free trial: You can sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to test out the service before committing to a subscription.
What you need to know:
- Limited NFL coverage: Amazon Prime Video only broadcasts "Thursday Night Football."
- Requires Prime membership: You need to have an Amazon Prime membership to access Amazon Prime Video and "Thursday Night Football."
Peacock
Peacock is a streaming service from NBCUniversal that offers a variety of live and on-demand content, including NFL games. The service includes NBC, which broadcasts "Sunday Night Football," and NBC Sports, which broadcasts some NFL games.
Why we love Peacock:
- "Sunday Night Football": Peacock is the home of "Sunday Night Football," one of the most popular NFL games.
- NBC Sports: Peacock includes NBC Sports, which broadcasts some NFL games.
- Free tier: Peacock offers a free tier with limited content, but you can upgrade to a paid tier for full access to all of its offerings.
What you need to know:
- Limited NFL coverage: Peacock primarily focuses on NBC's NFL coverage and does not have access to all games.
- Regional blackouts: You may experience regional blackouts for certain NBC NFL games.
NFL Mobile App
The official NFL Mobile app is a fantastic option for fans who want to watch NFL games on their mobile devices. The app offers a variety of features, including live streaming of games, replays, highlights, and more.
Why we love the NFL Mobile App:
- Free access: The basic version of the app is free and allows you to watch live games and highlights.
- Live streaming: The app offers live streaming of NFL games, including out-of-market games.
- Mobile optimized: The NFL Mobile app is designed specifically for mobile devices, making it easy to watch games on the go.
What you need to know:
- Limited free content: The free version of the app offers limited content, and you need a subscription to unlock all of its features.
- Blackouts: You may experience blackouts for certain games due to local broadcast agreements.
Choosing the Best Streaming Service for You
Finding the best NFL streaming service is all about finding the service that fits your needs and budget.
Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice:
- Cost: Streaming services vary in cost, so it's important to compare pricing plans and find one that fits your budget.
- Channels: Different streaming services offer different channels, so it's important to check which channels include the NFL games you want to watch.
- Local channels: If you want to watch your local CBS, NBC, or other local channels, make sure the streaming service you choose includes them.
- DVR: A DVR feature is essential if you want to record games and watch them later.
- Features: Some streaming services offer additional features, such as live replays, RedZone channel, and the ability to customize your viewing experience.
Here's a quick breakdown to help you find the best fit:
- For complete out-of-market game access: NFL Sunday Ticket
- For a comprehensive sports package with NFL channels: fuboTV
- For a mix of local channels and sports content: Hulu + Live TV
- For budget-conscious fans: Sling TV
- For access to CBS's NFL coverage: Paramount+
- For a mix of sports content, including some NFL games: ESPN+
- For "Thursday Night Football" and more: Amazon Prime Video
- For "Sunday Night Football" and NBC Sports coverage: Peacock
- For mobile streaming: NFL Mobile App
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best streaming service for NFL fans?
The best streaming service for NFL fans depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want to watch every out-of-market game, NFL Sunday Ticket is the best choice. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option, fuboTV or Sling TV might be better.
2. Do I need cable to watch NFL games?
No, you do not need cable to watch NFL games. Streaming services offer a wide variety of options for watching live NFL games.
3. Can I watch NFL games on my phone?
Yes, you can watch NFL games on your phone using the NFL Mobile app or through other streaming services that offer mobile streaming.
4. How much does NFL Sunday Ticket cost?
The cost of NFL Sunday Ticket varies depending on the package you choose, but it's generally more expensive than other streaming services.
5. What is the best streaming service for "Sunday Night Football"?
Peacock is the streaming service that broadcasts "Sunday Night Football."
Conclusion
The NFL season is a time for passionate fans to gather around their screens and cheer on their favorite teams. In this age of cord-cutting, streaming services have revolutionized how we watch sports, and the NFL is no exception. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you navigate the vast array of options and find the best streaming service for your needs. From the comprehensive coverage of NFL Sunday Ticket to the affordable offerings of fuboTV and Sling TV, there is a streaming service out there for every football fan. So grab your snacks, get your team jerseys ready, and prepare for another exciting season of NFL action!