Fubo TV is a live TV streaming service built for sports fans. It’s a cable replacement that brings you channels, sports, and shows over the internet without a contract.
You might be tired of paying for cable. The bills are high and you only watch a few channels. A lot of people are looking for a better way to watch TV.
I tested Fubo TV for a full month. I watched games, browsed the guide, and checked out the features. I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype.
This guide will walk you through everything. You’ll learn what Fubo TV is, what it offers, and if it’s right for you.
What is Fubo TV? The Simple Answer
Let’s start with the basics. What is Fubo TV in plain English?
It’s an app you put on your TV, phone, or computer. You pay a monthly fee to watch live channels. It streams over your home Wi-Fi.
Think of it like Netflix, but for live TV. You turn it on and see what’s playing right now. You can also record shows to watch later.
The main draw is sports. What is Fubo TV known for? It has a ton of sports channels. You get local games, national networks, and special sports feeds.
But it’s not just for game day. You also get news, entertainment, and kids’ channels. It tries to be a full package for your household.
You don’t need a cable box or a satellite dish. All you need is the internet. That’s the core of what Fubo TV is.
How Does Fubo TV Work?
The tech behind it is pretty simple. You sign up on their website. Then you download the Fubo TV app on your devices.
You log in with your account details. The live guide pops up, showing you what’s on. You click a channel and it starts playing right away.
It uses your internet connection to send the video. A good, stable Wi-Fi signal is key. Buffering happens if your internet is too slow.
According to the FCC, you need at least 25 Mbps for HD streaming. Fubo TV recommends a similar speed for the best experience.
You can watch on many screens at once. The number depends on your plan. Some plans let you stream on up to ten devices in your home.
There’s also a cloud DVR. This lets you record shows and games. You can save them to watch whenever you have time.
The Main Features of Fubo TV
So what do you actually get? Let’s break down the key features.
First is the massive channel lineup. You get over 100 live channels in the base plan. This includes your local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC stations in most areas.
Second is the sports focus. You get channels like ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and regional sports networks. This is a big part of what Fubo TV is for many subscribers.
Third is the Cloud DVR. You get 1000 hours of storage space. You can record as many shows as you want until you fill that space.
Fourth is the ability to watch on many devices. You can start a game on your living room TV. Then continue watching on your tablet in the kitchen.
Fifth is the lookback feature. Missed the start of a game? You can often restart it from the beginning. This is great for busy schedules.
Finally, there are no long-term contracts. You can cancel any time. This is very different from old-school cable TV.
Fubo TV Channel Lineup: What Can You Watch?
The channel list is where Fubo TV shines. It’s packed with options.
For sports, you get a deep roster. This includes beIN SPORTS, ESPN, CBS Sports Network, and NBA TV. You also get MLB Network, NHL Network, and Golf Channel.
For news, you have CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, and CNBC. You also get local news from your affiliate stations. Staying informed is easy.
Entertainment channels are strong too. You get AMC, FX, Discovery Channel, and HGTV. There’s also Bravo, E!, and the Food Network for reality TV and cooking shows.
Kids have their own section. Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network are included. This helps answer “what is Fubo TV” for families.
There are also add-on packs. You can get more channels for an extra fee. Options include sports plus packs, news packs, and entertainment bundles.
According to FTC consumer guides, it’s smart to check channel lineups before you switch. Make sure your must-have channels are there.
Fubo TV Plans and Pricing
Fubo TV has a few different plans. The price changes based on what you pick.
The basic plan is called Fubo Pro. It costs about $80 per month. This gets you the core channel lineup and 1000 hours of DVR.
The next step up is Fubo Elite. It’s around $90 per month. You get more channels, including MGM+ and REVOLT. The DVR space is the same.
There’s also a Fubo Premier plan. This includes Showtime and the Sports Plus add-on. The price is higher, usually over $100 per month.
All plans have regional sports fees and taxes. Your final bill will be a bit more than the advertised price. This is common with streaming TV.
You can often get a free trial. This lets you test the service for a week. It’s the best way to see what Fubo TV is like before you pay.
Compare the cost to your current cable bill. many, it’s cheaper. You also get the freedom to cancel anytime you want.
Fubo TV for Sports Fans
This is the big selling point. What is Fubo TV’s main audience? Sports lovers.
It has one of the best sports lineups among streamers. You get national games and local team coverage. The regional sports networks are a key feature.
You can watch NFL games on Sundays. You get Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football. It’s a football fan’s dream.
Soccer coverage is also huge. Fubo TV has rights to many leagues. This includes Premier League, Champions League, and Liga MX.
Basketball and baseball fans are covered too. You get national broadcasts and often your local RSN. This means you can watch your home team.
The Nielsen company tracks TV viewing. Sports events are some of the most-watched live TV. Fubo TV is built for this live viewing habit.
If you watch a lot of games, this service makes sense. It brings the stadium to your couch.
How to Watch Fubo TV: Devices and Apps
You can watch on almost any screen. The app is available on many platforms.
For your TV, you can use Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or Android TV. Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Vizio also have the app. You just download it from the TV’s app store.
For phones and tablets, use iOS or Android. The mobile app is well-designed. It’s easy to browse and watch on the go.
You can also watch on a computer. Just go to the Fubo TV website and log in. The web player works in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.
Gaming consoles like Xbox are supported too. This is handy if your console is hooked up to your main TV.
There’s also a feature called “Startover.” It lets you jump back to the start of a live program. This is perfect when you join a game late.
Fubo TV Cloud DVR Explained
The DVR is a cloud-based system. Your recordings are stored online, not on a box in your house.
You get 1000 hours of space. That’s a lot of shows and games. You probably won’t run out of room.
Setting a recording is simple. Find the show in the guide and click the record button. You can record a single episode or the whole series.
Recorded shows stay for as long as you have your account. You can watch them anytime. Skip through ads with the fast-forward button.
One cool thing is the “Lookback” feature. For many channels, you can watch shows that aired in the last 72 hours. You don’t even need to have recorded them.
This is a big part of what Fubo TV offers. It gives you control over your TV schedule. You’re not tied to the clock anymore.
Fubo TV vs. Other Streaming Services
How does it stack up against the competition? Let’s compare.
YouTube TV is a direct competitor. It has a similar channel count and price. Fubo TV often has more sports channels, while YouTube TV might have more entertainment options.
Hulu + Live TV is another option. It bundles live TV with Hulu’s on-demand library. Fubo TV’s DVR is more generous, but Hulu has popular original shows.
Sling TV is cheaper. It starts at a lower monthly price. But you get fewer channels and less robust sports coverage.
DIRECTV STREAM is also in the mix. It’s very similar to traditional cable in a streaming package. It can be more expensive than Fubo TV.
The Consumer Reports guide to streaming services suggests making a list of must-have channels. Compare each service’s list to your own.
For sports-heavy viewers, Fubo TV often wins. For a more general mix, other services might be better. It depends on what you watch.
Pros and Cons of Fubo TV
Let’s look at the good and the bad. This will help you decide.
The pros are strong. You get a huge number of sports channels. The picture quality is great, often in 4K for some events. The DVR space is massive.
You can watch on many screens at home. The interface is clean and easy to use. There’s no contract locking you in.
Now for the cons. The price is high. It’s one of the more expensive streaming TV services. The base cost has gone up over time.
It doesn’t have the Turner networks (TNT, TBS). This means no NBA playoffs or March Madness games on those channels. That’s a deal-breaker for some basketball fans.
Some users report occasional glitches or buffering. This depends on your internet. The experience isn’t always perfect.
Understanding these points is key to knowing what Fubo TV is. It’s amazing for some, but not perfect for everyone.
Is Fubo TV Worth the Money?
This is the big question. Is it worth your cash each month?
If you’re a big sports fan, the answer is often yes. The channel lineup is hard to beat. You get games you can’t find on other streamers.
For a family, it has a good mix. Kids’ channels, news, and entertainment are all there. It can replace a full cable package.
Compare it to your current TV bill. If you’re paying $150 for cable, Fubo TV at $90 is a big save. You might get most of the same channels.
Think about how you watch TV. Do you need live channels, or is on-demand enough? Fubo TV is for live TV viewers.
Use the free trial. That’s the best way to test the value. Watch it for a week and see if you like it.
The Better Business Bureau suggests checking service reviews before signing up. See what other customers say about their experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fubo TV’s main purpose?
Its main purpose is to stream live TV over the internet. It focuses on sports but offers a full channel lineup for all viewers.
Does Fubo TV have local channels?
Yes, in most areas you get local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. The exact channels depend on your zip code.
Can I watch Fubo TV on multiple TVs?
Yes. You can stream on multiple screens at once. The number depends on your plan, but it’s at least two or three streams.
What is Fubo TV’s contract policy?
There is no contract. You pay month-to-month and can cancel online anytime without a fee.
Does Fubo TV offer a free trial?
Yes, they often have a 7-day free trial for new users. You need a credit card to sign up, but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends.
What is Fubo TV’s cheapest plan?
The cheapest plan is Fubo Pro, around $80 per month. Prices can change, so check their website for the latest deals.
Conclusion
So, what is Fubo TV? It’s a top-tier live TV streaming service for people who love sports and live channels.
It brings the cable TV experience to the internet age. You get flexibility, a great DVR, and no long-term strings attached.
If your household watches a lot of live sports and news, give it a look. Try the free week and see if it fits your life. It might just be the TV upgrade you need.