In September 2025, the landscape for cord-cutters has evolved amid a wave of price hikes affecting both traditional cable providers and streaming services. Some services have risen by quite a bit, with streaming service price increases being a huge trend.

This shifting terrain has urged consumers to reassess their options for live streaming, reevaluating offerings, pricing, and device compatibility. Learn more here.

Related: Peacock Elevates Sports Streaming with Dolby Atmos NFL Coverage and Other Features

Device Support

When considering moving from cable to streaming, device support is crucial. Popular services like DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV offer compatibility across many prominent platforms, including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android, Xbox, and PlayStation.

The wide range of support ensures that cord-cutters will be able to enjoy their favorite shows and movies on a variety of technologies.

Streaming Service Price Increases Credit: Getty Images

Pricing among services varies widely. For instance, DirecTV and Fubo start at $84.99/month, offering a wide range of content but having potential additional fees like regional network surcharges.

Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV are around $82.99/month, both offering bundles with other services and content libraries to broaden their reach.

Sling TV is a more budget-friendly choice at $45.99/month, with options to customize channel packages and have a lower-priced Sling Select option at $19.99/month.

However, Philo is one of the most affordable options on the list, starting at $28/month. The service is mainly geared towards those wanting entertainment, news, and lifestyle content. It excels in its simplicity, affordability, and unlimited DVR storage, but lacks in other areas like sports coverage.

Check Out: Paramount+ 50% Off Annual Subscription Deal Shakes Up Streaming Price Trend

DVR Capacity

One important part to consider, other than the content, is DVR capacity. Unlimited DVR storage with longer retention is provided by DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. Sling TV has a base 50-hour DVR limit, which can be upgraded to unlimited, while Philo offers unlimited DVR storage.

Add-ons and Customization

Add-ons and customization are where the streaming service price increases really lie, and are a strong feature for users to customize their viewing experience. Premium networks like AMC+, STARZ, Showtime, and Paramount+ are often available as additional packages.

Some services, like Hulu + Live TV, also bundle popular streaming libraries into their live TV plans in an attempt to combine live and on-demand content.

Also Read: Disney’s Acquisition of Fubo Introduces New Sports Streaming Option to the Industry

Individual Priorities Credit: Phillip Goldsberry

When trying to find the best streaming service, the real choice falls to the viewer and their individual preferences. This may depend on maximizing channel options, keeping costs low, or watching certain types of programming like live sports or entertainment. Each service has its own strengths, as well as weaknesses.

For viewers who want to navigate the rapidly changing streaming world, taking advantage of free trials, family accounts, or limited-time deals can help save money as prices increase.

These strategies can help viewers commit to a subscription while still being informed and flexible with their streaming options.