The US streaming market is full of acronyms. Here is what they mean and where your money goes.
Subscription video on demand (SVOD)
Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video. Series and movies on demand for a monthly fee. Little or no live TV.
Ad-supported video on demand (AVOD)
Free or cheaper tiers with adverts, such as Tubi or ad tiers of paid apps.
Free ad-supported TV (FAST)
Free live-style channels such as Pluto TV and Samsung TV Plus. Good for background TV, limited for sports and big networks.
Virtual cable (vMVPD)
Live TV over the internet, such as YouTube TV or Sling TV, often $40–$80+ a month.
IPTV subscriptions
Live channels, sports and a large on-demand library in one player app, for one price.
The stacking problem
Many homes pay for four or five services at once and still miss channels. Adding them up often reaches cable prices again.
The all-in-one approach
One IPTV plan can replace several apps for live TV and movies. Compare costs in IPTV vs streaming apps.