Channel counts like "25,000+" are easy to print. These ten criteria tell you how a service will feel on a busy Sunday night.
The scoring sheet
Give each provider a score from 1 to 5 on:
- Peak-time stability during live sports.
- Channel start time: how fast a channel opens after you click it.
- US lineup quality: networks, local stations, news and sports you actually watch.
- TV guide accuracy and correct time zones.
- Picture quality: true HD and 4K where advertised.
- On-demand library: recent movies and complete series.
- Device support: Firestick, Smart TVs, phones, Apple TV.
- Support response time and quality.
- Transparent pricing in dollars, with no hidden fees.
- Flexibility: trial, short plans and easy upgrades.
How to use it
Score two or three providers during their trials, on the same evening and the same TV. The total score makes the decision for you.
Quick version: 7 criteria to choose.