The cheapest NFL streaming services you can buy this season
With the NFL season kicking off, fans are looking for budget-friendly streaming options. This guide breaks down four affordable services—NFL+, Paramount+, Fox ONE, and YouTube TV—highlighting their game coverage, device compatibility, and pricing. It also explains why free trials alone aren’t enoug…
The National Football League’s 2024 season is set to begin this Wednesday, and fans across the United States are scrambling to find the most cost‑effective ways to watch their favorite teams. With the average American spending a large portion of their budget on entertainment, many are turning to streaming services as a cheaper alternative to traditional cable. Below is a comprehensive look at four of the most affordable NFL streaming options available this season, including what games each service covers, the devices they support, and how they stack up against each other in terms of price and value.
1. NFL+ – The League’s Own Budget Service
Price: $6.99 per month or $39.99 per year
Coverage: Local and regional live streams of early and late Sunday games, plus Sunday, Monday, and Thursday Night Football
Devices: Phones and tablets only
NFL+ is the NFL’s own streaming platform, offering live audio, ad‑free highlights, and a limited slate of games. While it does not provide out‑of‑market games, it covers all local and regional matchups that are broadcast on the NFL Network. The biggest drawback is its device limitation—fans can only watch on smartphones or tablets, which may not be ideal for households that prefer a larger screen or a TV experience.
2. Paramount+ Essential – CBS‑Focused Streaming
Price: $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year
Coverage: Local and regional CBS games, plus selected featured matchups not in the subscriber’s market
Devices: Phones, tablets, and TVs
Paramount+ Essential focuses on CBS broadcasts, giving subscribers access to local and regional AFC games. However, it excludes Sunday games from ABC and FOX, as well as all Sunday, Monday, and Thursday Night Football. The service offers a 4K UHD option for $13.99 per month, but the standard package is often the most budget‑friendly. For fans who only care about CBS coverage, this can be a solid choice.
3. Fox ONE – NFC‑Only Coverage with a Twist
Price: $19.99 per month or $99 per year
Coverage: Local and regional Fox games, plus “America’s Game of the Week” on Sundays
Devices: Phones, tablets, and TVs
Fox ONE streams local and regional games that are broadcast on Fox, primarily featuring NFC matchups. Because Fox only airs NFC home teams, there are weeks during the season when subscribers may not have any games to watch. Fox ONE also offers an add‑on for ESPN at $39.99 per month, which brings Monday Night Football into the mix. This can be a good upgrade for fans who want a broader selection of games but still want to keep costs down.
4. YouTube TV Sports Plan – The All‑Inclusive Option
Price: $44.99 per month for six months, then $64.99 thereafter
Coverage: All local and regional games on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and the NFL Network, plus Sunday and Monday Night Football
Devices: Phones, tablets, and TVs
For fans who want the full slate of NFL games, the YouTube TV Sports plan is the most comprehensive. It includes every game broadcast on the major networks and the NFL Network, as well as the NFL’s flagship Sunday and Monday Night Football. The price is significantly higher than the other options—over twice the cost of Fox ONE and nearly seven times the price of NFL+ Essential—making it a less attractive choice for budget‑conscious viewers. However, for households that want the full experience without a cable subscription, it remains a viable option.
While each of these services offers a different level of coverage and pricing, none can fully replace a traditional cable package for fans who want every game. Free trials, though tempting, are not a practical solution for an entire 18‑week season. The key is to match your viewing needs with the right service and to be aware of cancellation dates and device limitations.
What Comes Next?
As the season progresses, fans will need to monitor game schedules and network changes to ensure they’re not missing key matchups. Some services may offer seasonal promotions or bundle deals, so keeping an eye on pricing updates can help save even more. Ultimately, the best choice depends on which games are most important to you and how much you’re willing to spend to watch them.
Why it matters
Choosing the right streaming service can save fans hundreds of dollars while still giving them access to the games that matter most. Understanding the trade‑offs between price, coverage, and device compatibility helps fans make informed decisions for the entire season.
Key points
- NFL+ offers the cheapest option but is limited to phones and tablets and only covers local games.
- Paramount+ Essential focuses on CBS broadcasts and is slightly more expensive but supports TV viewing.
- Fox ONE covers NFC games and includes a special weekly highlight, but misses many games during the season.
- YouTube TV Sports Plan provides full network coverage at a higher price point.
- Free trials alone are insufficient for a full 18‑week season.
- Each service has unique strengths and weaknesses that affect value for different viewers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch NFL+ on my TV?
No, NFL+ is only available on phones and tablets. For TV viewing, you would need to use a different service.
Does Paramount+ Essential include Monday Night Football?
No, Monday Night Football is not included in the Essential package. You would need to add the ESPN add‑on to access it.
Is Fox ONE available in all states?
Fox ONE streams local and regional games, but coverage depends on whether the game is broadcast on Fox in your area. Some weeks may have no games available.
How do I cancel a subscription?
You can cancel directly through the service’s app or website. Be sure to note the cancellation date to avoid being charged for the next month.
