The streaming wars have entered a new phase. Since our last update in October, the landscape has shifted dramatically. While the "shift away from traditional cable" is complete, the prices for that privilege have become volatile.
In just the last 60 days, we have seen major price hikes from two of the biggest providers and a shock price decrease from another due to a sudden loss of channels.
We’ve updated our comparison of the five biggest players—YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, and DIRECTV STREAM—to show you exactly what you’ll pay today and what has changed since the fall.
1. YouTube TV: The Reliable Standard
Current Price: $82.99/mo Change Since Oct 3: No Change (Last hike was Jan 2025)
YouTube TV remains the "safe" choice. While competitors have fluctuated wildly in Q4 2025, YouTube TV has held its price steady at $82.99. It remains the cleanest, fastest replacement for traditional cable.
The Experience: It just works. The "Multiview" feature is essential for sports fans, and the unlimited DVR is the industry benchmark.
The Verdict: If you want stability and the best user interface, this is still the king.
2. Hulu + Live TV: The "Super App" Transition
Current Price: $89.99/mo (With Ads) | $99.99/mo (No Ads) Change Since Oct 3: 🔺 Increased by ~$7/mo (Effective Oct 21, 2025)
Just weeks after our last post, Hulu executed its largest price hike to date. But the bigger story is the user experience. Disney has confirmed the standalone Hulu app will be retired in 2026.
The Experience Shift: Right now, you can still use the dedicated Hulu app. However, Disney is aggressively moving features and content into the Disney+ app.
The Warning: This service is currently in a "transition phase." You may find yourself forced to watch Live TV inside the Disney+ app sooner rather than later, which many users find clunkier than the traditional Hulu interface.
The Value: Despite the hike, it remains the "Undisputed Value Bundle" if you use the included extras (Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu library).
3. Fubo: The "Sports Specialist" (Major Alert)
Current Price: $73.99/mo (Pro Plan) + RSN fees Change Since Oct 3: 🔻 DECREASED by ~$11/mo (Effective Dec 5, 2025)
The Big News: In a shock move this December, Fubo lowered its base price. However, this comes with a massive catch. Fubo is currently in a carriage dispute with NBCUniversal, meaning NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, and Bravo have been removed from the lineup.
The Good: It is now cheaper than YouTube TV and retains its dominance in international soccer and niche sports.
The Bad: You now have huge holes in your lineup: No Turner networks (TNT/TBS/CNN) and now no NBC networks.
The Verdict: Only choose Fubo right now if you are a die-hard international sports fan and don't need mainstream news or entertainment channels.
4. Sling TV: Still The Budget King
Current Price: $46/mo (Orange or Blue) | $61/mo (Combined) Change Since Oct 3: No Change (Last hike was late 2024)
Sling continues to hold the line as the only sub-$50 option. It hasn't seen a price movement in late 2025, making it an increasingly attractive "life raft" for those tired of the $80+ bills elsewhere.
The Catch: You still have to deal with missing local channels in many areas (requiring an antenna) and a split channel lineup (Disney vs. Fox/NBC).
The Verdict: Best for individuals and small families who want to save ~$400 a year compared to YouTube TV.
5. DIRECTV STREAM: The Premium Option
Current Price: $86.99/mo (Entertainment) | $114.99/mo (Choice - Required for RSNs) Change Since Oct 3: 🔺 Increased by ~$7-10/mo (Effective Oct 5, 2025)
Directly following our last post, DIRECTV implemented a price increase. While the entry-level package is $86.99, most users choose this service for Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) to watch local MLB/NBA/NHL teams. To get those, you must now pay for the "Choice" package, which has climbed significantly.
The Verdict: This is the most expensive service, but for fans of local teams (Braves, Dodgers, Yankees, etc.), it is often the only option that carries your games.
*Note: Fubo price drop reflects the removal of NBCUniversal channels.
The Final Verdict: Update for Winter 2025
Go with YouTube TV if you want the safest, most stable experience. It is a dedicated TV app, not a "feature" inside a Disney app.
Go with Hulu + Live TV only if you are a Disney/ESPN+ power user. Be aware that the standalone Hulu app is set to retire in 2026, so you will eventually be watching live TV inside the Disney+ app.
Go with Sling TV if the recent hikes from Hulu and DIRECTV have officially pushed you out of the "premium" market.
Proceed with Caution on Fubo: The price drop is nice, but the loss of NBC is a major blow to its channel lineup.