What Fubo TV is and how it differs from cable

Fubo TV is a streaming service that delivers live television channels over the internet instead of through a cable box. You watch on a smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer using an app or web browser. It carries sports, news, entertainment, and lifestyle channels — roughly 150 to 200 depending on which plan you choose — plus cloud DVR storage so you can record programs and watch them later.

Unlike cable, there is no contract, no installation appointment, and no equipment rental fee. You can cancel anytime. The trade-off is that Fubo TV requires a stable internet connection (the company recommends at least 35 Mbps for 4K viewing, though standard HD works on slower speeds), and the channel lineup changes periodically as licensing agreements shift.

Fubo TV is owned by Fubo, Inc., a publicly traded company. It competes with services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV, each of which has a different channel mix and price point.

Key Takeaways

  • Fubo TV streams live channels and on-demand content over the internet with no contract or cable box required.
  • Monthly cost varies by plan tier and ranges from roughly $75 to $120 per month, with price increases announced periodically.
  • You need a reliable internet connection and a compatible device (smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer) to watch.
  • The service includes cloud DVR storage, though the amount of storage and how long recordings are kept depends on your plan.
  • You can add premium channels like Showtime or Starz for an extra monthly fee, similar to cable add-ons.

Fubo TV plan tiers and what each includes

Fubo TV offers multiple subscription tiers, and the exact names and prices change over time. As of the most recent updates, the company typically offers a base plan (sometimes called "Pro") and higher tiers with more channels and features. The base plan usually includes 150+ channels, cloud DVR, and the ability to stream on multiple devices at once.

Higher tiers add more channels — particularly sports and international programming — and may include larger cloud DVR storage or longer retention periods for recorded shows. Some tiers also bundle premium channels like Showtime or Starz at a discount compared to adding them separately.

Prices are not fixed and have increased multiple times in recent years. Before you commit, check Fubo TV's website or app for the current plan names, channel counts, and monthly cost in your region, as pricing can vary slightly by location and promotional offers.

Internet requirements and device compatibility

Fubo TV works on most modern devices: smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Roku, Fire TV, Google TV), phones and tablets (iOS and Android), computers (Mac and Windows via web browser), and some gaming consoles. Download the Fubo app from your device's app store or visit fubo.tv in a web browser to log in.

Internet speed matters. Fubo recommends at least 35 Mbps for 4K viewing, but standard HD streams typically work on 10 to 25 Mbps. If your home internet is slower or unreliable, you may experience buffering or picture quality drops. Test your speed at speedtest.net to see if your connection is adequate before you subscribe.

You can stream on multiple devices at the same time, but the number of simultaneous streams allowed depends on your plan tier. Most base plans allow two or three streams at once; higher tiers may allow more.

Cloud DVR storage and how recordings work

Fubo TV includes cloud DVR — a feature that lets you record live programs to watch later without needing a physical DVR box. All plans include some amount of storage, typically 500 hours or more, though the exact limit varies by tier. Recordings are stored on Fubo's servers, not on your device.

To record a show, open the program listing in the Fubo app or website and select "Record." The system will automatically record the episode when it airs. You can then watch it anytime within the retention period, which is usually 30 days but can vary. Recordings are deleted after that window closes.

Some programs, particularly sports events, may have restrictions on when and how long you can keep recordings due to licensing rules. Check the Fubo app for details on specific events or channels.

Add-ons and premium channels

Beyond the base plan, Fubo TV offers optional add-ons for an extra monthly fee. These typically include premium movie channels (Showtime, Starz, Paramount+), sports packages, and international channel bundles. Prices for add-ons range from a few dollars to $15 or more per month depending on the channel or package.

You can add or remove these options anytime through your account settings. Some add-ons come with a free trial period; others charge immediately. Review what you want before you add it, because you will be charged the next billing cycle if you do not remove it.

Billing, cancellation, and account management

Fubo TV charges a monthly subscription fee, usually billed on the same date each month. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or PayPal. The first month may be discounted or offered at a trial rate, depending on current promotions.

To cancel, log into your Fubo account, go to Account Settings, and select the option to cancel your subscription. You can cancel anytime — there is no early termination fee or contract. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle, so if you cancel mid-month, you can still watch until your next billing date.

If you have questions about your bill, charges, or account, Fubo offers customer support through its website, app, and phone. Look for the "Help" or "Support" section in your account to find contact options.

How Fubo TV compares to other live TV streaming services

Several services compete with Fubo TV in the live streaming space. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all stream live channels without a contract, but each has a different channel lineup, price, and feature set. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV tend to be pricier but include more mainstream channels; Sling TV is cheaper but carries fewer channels and may have fewer simultaneous streams.

The best choice depends on which channels matter most to you. If you watch a lot of sports, Fubo TV is often a strong option because it carries many sports channels. If you want news and entertainment, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV may have a better mix. Compare the current channel lineup and price of each service on their websites before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a contract to use Fubo TV?

No. Fubo TV has no contract, no early termination fee, and no cancellation penalty. You can cancel your subscription anytime by logging into your account and selecting the cancel option. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle.

Can I watch Fubo TV outside the United States?

Fubo TV is primarily available in the United States. If you travel outside the country, you may not be able to stream due to licensing restrictions. Some content is geo-blocked and will not play outside the U.S., even if you have an active subscription.

What happens if my internet goes out?

You will not be able to stream Fubo TV without an internet connection. If you have recorded shows using cloud DVR, they are stored on Fubo's servers and will be available to watch once your internet is back online. Live TV requires an active connection at the time you want to watch.

Can I share my Fubo TV account with family members in another household?

Fubo TV's terms of service restrict account sharing to members of the same household. Sharing login credentials with people outside your home may violate the terms. Check Fubo's current policies on account sharing, as rules can change.

How do I know if a channel I want is included in Fubo TV?

Visit fubo.tv and use the channel guide or search feature to see the full lineup for each plan tier. You can also contact Fubo customer support to ask whether a specific channel is available. Channel lineups change periodically, so check before you subscribe if a particular channel is important to you.