How to Watch FXNow Without Cable

FXNow

FXNow is an impressive streaming service that offers most FX shows on-demand. But it requires an expensive cable subscription. So, how can you get FXNow cheaper? Subscribe to a less-expensive streaming TV service.

Before we get into it, let’s clarify something. Streaming TV services are live, with commercials and all. But the streaming TV services listed in this article also offer access to FXNow, a streaming website that gives you FX shows on-demand (for no additional charge). You can’t get FXNow without some sort of TV service, even if it’s just live TV streamed over the internet.

The thing is, streaming TV services are expensive. So, let’s see what each of them brings to the table and whether they’re worth the money. And we’ll cover some cheaper FX-viewing options, in case you’re not into the whole streaming TV thing.

The Best Service: YouTube TV ($50/Month)

If you’re going to subscribe to a streaming TV service for FXNow, you should look at YouTube TV first. Our testers over at Review Geek found that YouTube TV is by far the best streaming TV service. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s packed with 60 network channels (including some local channels), unlimited DVR recording (you can keep recordings for nine months), and it has a great interface, to boot.

The only obvious downside is that YouTube TV doesn’t have an HBO add-on (it has Showtime and Starz). That’s not an issue for everyone, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

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The Cheap Option: Sling Blue ($25/Month)

The cheapest way to get FXNow without cable is to subscribe to Sling TV’s Blue plan. With the Blue plan, you get access to FX and 43 other channels. For $25 a month, Sling’s a serious contender.

But you get what you pay for. The Sling interface is (subjectively) awful when compared to any other streaming TV service, and you have to pay extra to get DVR functionality and additional channels.

Great for On-Demand Exclusives: Hulu with Live TV ($45/Month)

Hulu with Live TV is, in many ways, comparable to YouTube TV. It’s got a good interface and a variety of channels. It also comes with some on-demand streaming options, in case the FXNow access isn’t enough for you.