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Neil Bennett

The best cable-free online TV streaming service in California

Are you a would-be cort cutter in California? This article will to equip you with everything you need to know at the start of your cable-free journey

Editor's pick

DirecTV Stream

✔ Widest range of local affiliate channels

✔ Most Top Cable TV channels

✔ Only service to offer Spectrum SportsNet LA

✖ Doesn't host Bally Sports San Diego

Monthly from

$79.99

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DirecTV Stream is the GOAL pick for California's best online TV streaming service.

They have the best local affiliate coverage in the state and are also the only streaming service to offer Spectrum SportsNet LA.

Of course, competitors offer their own benefits. Fubo offers a cheaper Spanish-speaking package along with its extensive list of regional sports networks within the state.

Sling TV, meanwhile, offers great value at just $40 a month and great flexibility regarding add-ons and extras.

Cable TV channels - DirecTV vs Fubo vs Sling TV

ChannelDirecTV StreamFuboSling TV
A&E✔*✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
AMC✔✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
BET✔✔✔ (Blue + Orange)
Bravo✔✔✔ (Orange)
Cartoon Network✔✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
CNN✔✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
Comedy Central✔✔✔ (Blue + Orange)
Discovery✔✔✔ (Orange)
Disney Channel✔✔✔ (Blue)
Disney Junior✔✔✔*
E!✔✔✔ (Orange)
ESPN✔✔✔ (Blue)
ESPN2✔✔✔ (Blue)
Food Network✔✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
Fox News✔✔✔ (Orange)
Freeform✔✔✔ (Blue)
FS1✔✔✔ (Orange)
Fox Sports 2✔✔✔*
FX✔✔✔ (Orange)
FXX✔✔✔*
Hallmark Channel✔✔✔*
HGTV✔✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
History✔*✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
Investigation Discovery✔✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
Lifetime✔*✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
MSNBC✔✔✔ (Orange)
MTV✔✔✔*
Nickelodeon✔✔
Paramount Network✔✔✔*
Syfy✔✔✔ (Orange)
TBS✔✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
TLC✔✖✔ (Orange)
TNT✔✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
Travel Channel✔*✖✔ (Blue + Orange)
truTV✔✖✔* (Orange)
USA Network✔✔✔ (Orange)
VH1✔✔✔*
WE tv✔✖✔*

*signals that customers require either an add-on or a bigger package for this particular channel

What is the best streaming service for Spanish speakers?

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DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Sling TV all offer Spanish-language channel options for their customers. But which one is best and which offers the greatest value? Let's take a deep dive.

The cheapest of the three streams is Fubo Latino, which currently costs just $19.99 per month and offers 60+ channels.

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DirecTV Stream offers a specific package for Spanish-speaking people, Optimo Más. It comes with over 100+ channels, 55 of which are Spanish-only, and is currently priced at $49.99 per month. They also offer the option of adding Spanish-speaking extras to an English-language base package.

DirecTV Stream Deportes costs just $5 monthly and is ideal for sports fans. Meanwhile, DirecTV Stream Espanol is $15 per month and gives you everything Deportes does, plus various entertainment channels.

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Last but not least, Sling TV offers Spanish-language channels through Sling Latino. This is a $10.50 extra for customers with Sling Blue. This combination has 62 channels and costs $50.50 all in.

Add Sling Latino to your Blue package for $10.50
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Best online streaming service for live sports in California

There is little to differentiate DirecTV Stream, Fubo and Sling TV when it comes to national TV channel coverage.

If you opt for Sling TV, you will need to look at combining their Blue and Orange package, which starts at $55 per month. Additional sports channels are available as Extras, which start at roughly $10 per month.

DirecTV Stream and Fubo are both better for Regional Sports Networks.

ChannelDirecTV StreamFuboSling TV
ESPN✔✔✔* (Blue)
FOX✔✔✔* (Orange)
FS1✔✔✔* (Orange)
MLB Network✔*✔*✔*
TBS✔✖✔
Bally Sports SoCal✔*✔✖
Bally Sports West✔*✔✖
Bally Sports San Diego

✔

✔

✖
Bally Sports California✔*✔✖
NBC Sports Bay Area✔*✔✖
NBC Sports California✔*✔✖
Spectrum SportsNet✔*✖✖
Spectrum SportsNet LA✔*✖✖

*signals that customers require either an add-on or a bigger package for this particular channel

How to watch MLB baseball in California without cable

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TeamRegional Sports NetworkAvailable On
Los Angeles AngelsBally Sports WestDirecTV Stream, Fubo
Los Angeles DodgersSpectrum SportsNet LADirecTV Stream
Oakland AthleticsNBC Sports CaliforniaDirecTV Stream, Fubo
San Francisco GiantsNBC Sports Bay AreaDirecTV Stream, Fubo

Los Angeles Angels matches are available in the local market on Bally Sports West. Los Angeles Dodgers matches are available on Spectrum SportsNet LA.

Oakland Athletics can be found on NBC Sports California. San Francisco Giants fans, meanwhile, can catch their games locally on NBC Sports Bay Area.

Bally Sports West, NBC Sports California and NBC Sports Bay Area are available on both DirecTV Stream and Fubo. Spectrum SportsNet LA is only available via DirecTV Stream.

RELATED: Los Angeles Dodgers 2024 MLB schedule: TV channel, Livestream & Where to watch the game

In terms of national TV coverage, DirecTV Stream hosts TBS, giving it the nod over Fubo. Both services do, however, carry ESPN, Fox, and FS1. The MLB Network is also available as an add-on to both.

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Angels and Giants fans who live out of market can watch their teams in action on MLB.tv.

Lastly, Apple TV+ have rights to Friday night games. Subscriptions to Apple TV+ are available from $9.99 per month.

How to watch NBA basketball in California without cable

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TeamRegional Sports NetworkAvailable On
LA LakersSpectrum SportsNet LADirecTV Stream
LA ClippersBally Sports SoCalDirecTV Stream, Fubo, Bally Sports+
Golden State WarriorsNBC Sports Bay AreaDirecTV Stream, Fubo
Sacramento KingsNBC Sports CaliforniaDirecTV Stream, Fubo

Los Angeles Lakers fans require Spectrum SportsNet LA to watch the game locally. This is only available on DirecTV Stream.

Los Angeles Clippers fans can watch games locally on Bally Sports SoCal, which is available via DirecTV Stream and Fubo.

If you're looking to watch the Sacramento Kings or the Golden State Warriors, games are shown on NBC Sports California and NBC Sports Bay Area. Both channels are available on DirecTV Stream and Fubo.

For national NBA coverage, ABC and ESPN are available on DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Sling TV. TNT is not available on Fubo and can only be found on DirecTV Stream and Sling TV.

Invest in an NBA League Pass to watch the Lakers, Clippers, Golden State Warriors, or Kings out-of-market.

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How to watch NFL football in California without cable

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Nationally, NFL matches are mainly split across CBS and Fox, with some games on ESPN - three channels are available across DirecTV Stream and Fubo.

However, select games are exclusive to Amazon Prime Video, ESPN+, or Peacock, meaning that you will need additional subscriptions to watch all games.

Paramount+ is a cheaper option for CBS games than DirecTV Stream and Fubo. However, the service is limited by regional restrictions, particularly if the Rams and Chargers are playing at the same time.

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How to watch WNBA basketball in California without cable

Rickea Jackson #2 of the Los Angeles SparksRickea Jackson #2 of the Los Angeles Sparks

The majority of Los Angeles Sparks matches can be watched locally on Spectrum SportsNet, which is only available via DirecTV Stream.

DirecTV Stream should generally be seen as a good all-around option for Sparks fans. It also offers access to ESPN, NBA TV, and the CBS Sports Network, which all have various rights to the WNBA.

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How to watch NHL ice hockey in California without cable

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TeamRegional Sports NetworkAvailable On
Anaheim DucksKCOP Channel 13DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Victory+
Los Angeles KingsBally Sports WestDirecTV Stream, Fubo
San Diego SharksNBC Sports CaliforniaDirecTV Stream, Fubo

Ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season, Anaheim Ducks announced they would be leaving Bally Sports. Games will instead be shown locally on KCOP Channel 13 and free of charge on Victory+.

Los Angeles Kings fans can watch their team's games on Bally Sports West, a channel available through DirecTV Stream and Fubo.

DirecTV Stream subscribers will require anything from the 'CHOICE' package or above. Fubo subscribers will require anything from the 'Pro' package or above.

San Jose Sharks fans fans, meanwhile, can find their team's games on NBC Sports California. This channel is also available through DirecTV Stream and Fubo and will require the 'CHOICE' or 'Pro' package, as a minimum, respectively.

However, the cheapest way to watch Bally Sports San Diego is through the direct-to-consumer app Bally Sports+, which launched in 2022. Subscriptions for the service start at just $19.99 per month.

Lastly, if you're a fan of the Kings, Ducks, or Sharks and you live outside the market, the best and cheapest way for you to follow your team is through ESPN+.

Watch NHL games out-of-market with ESPN+
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How to watch MLS and NWSL soccer in California without cable

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Apple TV and its MLS Season Pass are the best online streaming services for fans of Los Angeles FC and LA Galaxy.

Ordinarily, subscriptions to Apple TV are $14.99 per month or $149 for the year.

Get an MLS Season Pass today
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For NWSL fans, the best online streaming service is Paramount+, although some games are also exclusive to the NWSL+ service.

Paramount+ subscriptions start from $7.99 per month, with discounts available for those who pay for the year in advance.

Watch the NWSL with Paramount+
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  • Best online TV streaming service for local affiliates in Bakersfield, CA

    NetworkChannel ListAvailable On
    ABC23 (KERO)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    CBS29 (KBAK)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Paramount+
    FOX58 (KBFX-CD)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    NBC17 (KGET)DirecTV Stream (VOD), Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)

    DirecTV Stream offers the best local coverage across Bakersfield.

    If you're looking to watch your TV on the go, however, it is worth noting that the CBS app is not available on DirecTV Stream but is available on Fubo.

    Sling TV offers the cheapest choice, and you can fill the gap left by not having CBS coverage by getting a Paramount+ subscription.

    Get the best local coverage in Bakersfield, CA with DirecTV Stream
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  • Best online TV streaming service for local affiliates in Chico-Redding, CA

    NetworkChannel ListAvailable On
    ABC7 (KRCR)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    CBS12 (KHSL)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Paramount+
    Fox20 (KCVU)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    NBC24 (KVNV)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Peacock
    PBS9 (KIXE)DirecTV Stream (VOD)

    DirecTV Stream has the best local channel coverage across Chico and Redding, California, although PBS is only available via Video On Demand.

    To watch CBS on the go, you will need either Fubo or Paramount+, as DirecTV Stream doesn't host the CBS app.

    Get the best local coverage in Chico-Redding, CA with DirecTV Stream
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  • Best online TV streaming service for local affiliates in Eureka, CA

    NetworkChannel ListAvailable On
    ABC23 (KAEF)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    CBS17 (KVIQ)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Paramount+
    FOX28 (KBVU)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    NBC3 (KIEM)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD) Peacock
    PBS11 (KEET)DirecTV Stream

    DirecTV Stream is the best option for local affiliate channels in Eureka, California.

    Sling TV represents the best value, although most local affiliates are only viable via Video On Demand. Like Fubo, it also doesn't have Fubo in any guise, and like other regions, you will need a separate Paramount+ subscription for local CBS channels.

    Get the best local coverage in Eureka, California on DirecTV Stream
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  • Best online TV streaming service for local affiliates in Fresno-Visalia, CA

    NetworkChannel ListAvailable On
    ABC30 (KFSN)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV
    CBS47 (KGPE)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Paramount+
    FOX26 (KMPH)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    NBC24 (KSEE)DirecTV Stream (VOD), Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    PBS40 (KVPT)DirecTV Stream

    Fubo gets the nod over DirecTV Stream in California's Fresno and Visalia markets.

    While DirecTV Stream is the only option that covers local PBS affiliates, Fubo is the only streaming service to offer every other local affiliate as standard, with NBC only available via Video On Demand on DirecTV Stream.

    For Spanish speakers, Telemundo, UniMás, and Univision are available on DirecTV Stream and Fubo. Spanish-speaking packages are also available as an additional extra on Sling TV.

    Get the best local coverage in Fresno-Visalia, CA with Fubo
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  • Los Angeles LakersGetty

    Best online TV streaming service for local affiliates in Los Angeles, CA

    NetworkChannel ListAvailable On
    ABC7 (KABC)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV
    CBS2 (KCBS)DirecTV Stream Fubo, Paramount+
    FOX11 (KTTV)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV
    NBC4 (KNBC)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV, Peacock
    PBS26 (KVCR), 41 (KLCS), 48 (KOCE)DirecTV Stream

    There is little difference between DirecTV Stream and Fubo when it comes to who is the best online streaming service in the region.

    DirecTV Stream is our recommendation because it is the only provider to offer access to PBS local affiliates, Spectrum SportsNet, and Spectrum SportsNet LA.

    However, if you're not a sports fan or if you're only interested in access to the local Bally Sports channels in the region, you may wish to consider other options.

    Sling TV is the best in terms of value, and you can pair it with a $7.99 per month Paramount+ subscription if you want CBS.

    Get the best coverage in Los Angeles, CA with DirecTV Stream
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  • Best online TV streaming service for local affiliates in Monterey-Salinas, CA

    Network Channel ListAvailable On
    ABC8 (KSBW-DT2)DirecTV Stream, Fubo (VOD), Sling TV (VOD)
    CBS46 (KION)DirecTV Stream, Fubo
    FOX35 (KCBA)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    NBC8 (KSBW)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)

    Fubo is our pick for the best online TV streaming service in Monterey and Salinas, California.

    As well as offering access to all local affiliate channels, Fubo also offer the cheapest Spanish speaking package, granting viewers access to channels like Univision and Telemundo.

    As always, DirecTV Stream and Sling TV offer strong competition, particularly if you combine them with Paramount+ to watch your local CBS affiliate station.

    Get the best local coverage in Monterey-Salinas, CA with Fubo
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  • Best online streaming service for local affiliates in Palm Springs, CA

    NetworkChannel ListAvailable On
    ABC42 (KESQ)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    CBS38 (KPSP-CD), 42 (KESQ-DT2)DirecTV Stream, Fubo
    FOX33 (KDFX-CD)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    NBC36 (KMIR)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)

    There is nothing to pick between DirecTV Stream and Fubo as the best online TV streaming service in Palm Springs, California, with both providers carrying all local network affiliates.

  • Best online streaming service for local affiliates in Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, CA

    NetworkChannel ListAvailable On
    ABC10 (KXTV)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    CBS (KOVR)13 (KOVR)DirecTV Stream, Fubo
    FOX40 (KTXL)DirecTV Stream, Fubo (VOD), Sling TV (VOD)
    NBC3 (KCRA)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    PBS9 (KVIE)DirecTV Stream

    DirecTV Stream has the best coverage across Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto.

    They are the only service that carries PBS. Fubo and Sling TV also require either the Watch ABC, FOX NOW, or NBC App to watch their broadcasts Live or on demand.

    All three providers offer Spanish-language add-ons and packages.

    Get the best coverage in Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto, CA with DirecTV Stream
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  • Alex Morgan, San DiegoImagn

    Best online streaming service for local affiliates in San Diego, CA

    NetworkChannel ListAvailable On
    ABC10 (KGTV)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    CBS8 (KFMB)DirecTV Stream, Fubo
    FOX69 (KSWB)DirecTV Stream (VOD), Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    NBC39 (KNSD)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV
    PBS30 (KPBS)DirecTV Stream

    Fubo is the best online streaming service in San Diego. It has all local affiliate channels outside of PBS and the cheapest Spanish-speaking base package.

    DirecTV Stream customers require the FOX NOW app to watch KWSB. However, they have the widest selection of cable channels.

    Sling TV, as always, offers a cheap and flexible option. Like DirecTV Stream, it offers good value Spanish-speaking add-ons to its base packages.

    Get the best local coverage in San Diego, CA with Fubo
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  • Klay Thompson Golden State WarriorsGetty

    Best online streaming service for local affiliates in San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA

    NetworkChannel ListAvailable On
    ABC7 (KGO)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV
    CBS5 (KPIX)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Paramount+
    FOX2 (KTVU)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV
    NBC11 (KNTV)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV
    PBS23 (KRCB), 30 (KQED)DirecTV Stream

    DirecTV Stream is our choice as the best online streaming service in San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, California.

    The service has the greatest coverage of local affiliates within the region, with the added advantage of having NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California for local access to Golden State Warriors and Oakland Athletics games.

    KPYX, the independent affiliate channel run out of San Francisco, is unavailable on any online streaming service. It requires an antenna and can be found on Channel 44.

    Get the best local coverage in San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose with DirecTV Stream
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  • Best online streaming service for local affiliates in Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-San Luis Obispo, CA

    NetworkChannel ListAvailable On
    ABC3 (KEYT)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    CBS12 (KCOY)DirecTV Stream, Fubo
    FOX24 (KKFX-CD)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)
    NBC6 (KSBY)DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV (VOD)

    There is nothing to pick between DirecTV Stream and Fubo regarding the best local coverage.

    Therefore, the service you choose is purely down to local preference. DirecTV Stream has a better range of cable channels. Fubo, however, offers cheaper Spanish-language only packages.

    Sling TV is a good, cheaper choice. Most of their local affiliate coverage requires video-on-demand apps. Combine it with Paramount+ to get KCOY Channel 12.

  • FAQs

    Which online streaming service has the best DVR capability?

    Fubo and DirecTV Stream both offer unlimited DVR capabilities.

    Sling TV comes with 50 hours of free DVR storage, which can be extended to 200 hours for an additional $5 per month.

    Which online streaming service lets you stream from most devices simultaneously?

    DirecTV Stream wins this particular battle, allowing subscribers to stream on as many as 20 devices at once.

    Fubo is in the second spot, allowing ten simultaneous streams. Simultaneous streams are pretty limited on Sling TV, which only allows 3.