13 Ways to Watch BET Live Without Cable

I’ll show you the easiest ways to access BET without cable. My advice is based on my own hands-on testing of these streaming services, scrutinizing plans and prices, so you can find a solution that fits your needs and budget.

BET
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You can watch BET without cable on six live TV streaming services. 

DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Philo, Sling TV and YouTube TV all stream the BET live without cable.

There are 13 plans that offer BET from these streaming services. I’ll show you the easiest ways to access BET without cable. My advice is based on my own hands-on testing of these streaming services, scrutinizing plans and prices, so you can find a solution that fits your needs and budget.

Black Entertainment Television (BET), founded by Robert L. Johnson in 1980, filled a significant gap in the market by catering to African-American audiences. Johnson, inspired while working as a cable TV lobbyist, launched BET with a modest investment. 

Today, BET’s programming includes original shows, comedy specials, and public affairs programs. It has grown in popularity in part to the remarkable run of shows from Tyler Perry, including “The Oval”, “Sistas” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”

How to Watch BET on TV

Thanks to this new era of streaming and cord cutting, there are a number of ways you can use a Smart TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast to watch TV.

If you’re a fan of BET, you may want a live TV streaming service that carries other networks such as Discovery, History, Lifetime, HGTV, and Paramount Network.

Some of these streaming services offer local channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX. But you should expect to pay more if you want them in your channel lineup. 

DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and Philo are currently the four streaming services with BET that offer a free trial. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be billed for your live TV plan. 

DIRECTV STREAM

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Entertainment$79.99/month75+
Choice$108.99/month105+
Ultimate$119.99/month140+
Premier$164.99/month150+
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia

DIRECTV STREAM has BET in its entry-level channel bundle. You have four ways to watch BET without cable through DIRECTV STREAM.

The Entertainment package has more than 75 live TV channels for $79.99 per month. Subscribers can watch TV on unlimited screens within your home.

A&E, Bravo, HGTV, History, Nickelodeon, ESPN, USA Network and local channels such as NBC and FOX are included in the Entertainment plan. You get unlimited Cloud DVR and 40,000 on-demand movies and shows.

The Choice package has 40 regional sports channels, including Bally Sports networks, NBC Sports and Marquee Sports Network. Choice subscribers get more than 105 channels for $108.99 per month. 

The Ultimate package has more than 140 channels, including local channels, and more sports and entertainment channels. The Ultimate package is $119.99 per month. 

The Premier Package has over 150 channels, including premium channels such as Max, Cinemax and Showtime. A subscription to Premier is $164.99 per month.

Subscribers can get three months of Max (formerly HBO Max), Showtime, STARZ, Cinemax and MGM+ (formerly EPIX) for free before the monthly rates kick in.

There are no contracts. You can subscribe month to month and cancel whenever you want. DIRECTV STREAM works on Roku, Android TV, Fire TV devices, Apple TV and even iPhones and iPads with current iOS software.

Subscriptions run month to month and so you can cancel whenever you want. 

DIRECTV STREAM offers BET alongside a wide array of channels including sports networks and premium entertainment, making it a top pick for those who value a comprehensive media experience. Compared to Fubo, it provides a broader entertainment selection, though at a higher cost.

Fubo

  • Free trial
  • 1,000 hours Cloud DVR
  • 10 simultaneous streams
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Pro$74.99/month182
Elite $84.99/month248
Premier$94.99/month257 & Showtime
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Xbox One, along with Smart TVs by Hisense, Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast TV. Android, iPhones and iPads with current iOS.

Fubo (formerly fuboTV) has the BET in all its channel packages.

fubo offers three plans with the BET network. fubo Pro, Elite and Premium. 

The Pro channel package has 182 channels, including local channels in most areas of the U.S. Food network, HGTV, MSNBC and Comedy Central are part of the Pro bundle.

Subscribers get 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR storage. You can watch live TV on 10 screens at once. 

A subscription costs $74.99 per month. A regional sports fee is included, and costs between $10.99 to $13.99 per month. 

The Elite plan is $84.99 per month, and has 65 more sports, news and entertainment channels. The Premier plan has 231 channels, including Showtime, for $94.99 per month

fubo has a library of on-demand content, including movies and TV shows. Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV and Smart TVs all carry the fubo app.

The fuboTV Elite package adds 60 more channels. Fubo has mobile apps for iPhone and Android so you can watch ESPN live on your smartphone. Subscribers can watch live TV through their web browser.

Fubo stands out for sports fans and entertainment lovers alike, offering BET, Comedy Central, and extensive sports coverage, perfect for those who want a mix of both worlds. While it excels in sports, it is more expensive than Philo, which focuses mainly on entertainment.

Hulu + Live TV

  • Sign up & get Disney+ and ESPN+ included
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR (9 mos.)
  • Two simultaneous streams
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Hulu + Live TV$76.99/month90+
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV.

Hulu Live TV has over 90 channels including BET, History Channel, HGTV, CNN, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN News.

Hulu has one live TV plan with BET. You will find more local NBC, ABC and FOX stations than any other live TV streaming service. And Hulu has a growing number of regional sports channels such as NBC Sports.

Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month and includes unlimited DVR. 

Subscribers get more than just live TV channels to watch. You will have full access to ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu’s on-demand library. Hulu on-demand subscribers will find a number of BET shows with numerous seasons to watch.  

Hulu Live TV is an excellent choice for families seeking a well-rounded selection, including BET, HGTV, and CNN, along with access to Hulu’s on-demand content. It offers more local and regional sports channels compared to Sling TV, providing a more diverse viewing experience. 

Philo

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Philo$25/month72
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, and Sony Bravia.

Philo offers more than 70 TV channels including BET, HGTV, CMT, Discovery and Paramount Network.

A subscription costs $25 per month and includes unlimited Cloud DVR. Philo has only one streaming TV package.

You can use Philo on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV devices such as Google Chromecast. From a web browser, you can watch Philo on Mac computers, PCs, iOS devices and Android devices.

If you’re using an Amazon Fire TV, you can use your single sign-on feature. By activating one app through Philo, you will automatically be signed into other TV Everywhere apps supported by your subscription. 

Philo is the go-to for budget-conscious viewers, offering BET and other popular entertainment channels like Comedy Central and HGTV, making it an affordable yet rich entertainment package. Its focus on entertainment and lifestyle channels sets it apart from YouTube TV, which offers a broader range of content including sports.

Sling TV

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Orange$40/month32
Blue$40/month40
Orange + Blue$55/month88
Device support: AirTV Mini, Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast along with Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast.

Sling TV has BET in the Orange or Blue channel bundle. 

With Sling, you’re able to build your own channel package. You can pick either Sling Orange or Sling Blue. 

The Sling Orange plan includes 32 channels, including entertainment networks like AMC, BET and History. A subscription to Sling Orange costs $40 per month. 

The Sling TV Blue plan has 40 channels, including Discovery, NFL Network, and FS1. You can combine the Sling Blue with Sling Orange for $55 per month, or select a number of smaller add-on packages.

All subscribers get 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage. Sling is currently offering half off for the first month of service. 

Sling TV works on just about any streaming device: Roku, Firestick, Chromecast and Apple TV. Gamers can watch TV on Xbox. The Sling app is supported by Samsung Smart TVs and Smart TVs operating on Android TV or Google TV. Sling TV supports mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Sling TV caters to viewers who prefer customizability, featuring BET and allowing subscribers to tailor their package with entertainment and sports options. While it offers a flexible package, Hulu Live TV provides a more comprehensive channel lineup for a slightly higher price.

YouTube TV

  • Free trial
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR
  • Three simultaneous streams
PLANPRICECHANNELS
YouTube TV$72.99/month128
Device support: Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs by Samsung, LG, VIZIO, Hisense, Sharp and Sony; Chromecast, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation and Google Nest Hub; Android and iOS devices.

YouTube TV has BET and 128 live TV channels. 

A subscription costs $72.99 per month. You can watch live TV on three screens at once.

You’ll be able to watch CMT, Discovery, FS1, CNN, Golf Channel and FX. Unlimited Cloud DVR is included with a subscription. And you can create up to 6 profiles for a household per account.

YouTube TV is perfect for non-tech-savvy subscribers seeking a wide range of content including BET, CNN, and exclusive sports channels, bolstered by its impressive DVR capabilities. Its comprehensive package is more inclusive than Philo’s, though at a higher price point.

What’s the best way to watch BET?

FEATUREPHILOHULU + LIVE TV
Monthly Price$25$76.99
Channel Count72 channels90 channels
Sports ChannelsNoneIncludes regional and national sports networks
Local ChannelsNoneBroad range of local channels
On-Demand LibraryLimitedExtensive, including Hulu’s original content
Additional ContentFree, ad-supported channelsESPN+, Disney+
Cloud DVRUnlimitedUnlimited
Device CompatibilityWide range including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TVWide range, similar to Philo
User ProfilesUp to 10Up to 6 profiles per account
Trial Period7 daysNo.
Ideal ForBudget-conscious viewers; focus on entertainmentViewers seeking a comprehensive package with sports, news, and more

Philo stands out as an exceptionally budget-friendly choice, offering a surprisingly extensive channel lineup at a very competitive price. 

For viewers whose primary interest is in entertainment and lifestyle channels, including BET, HGTV, and Discovery, Philo presents a cost-effective solution without the added expense of sports or local channels. 

Its straightforward, single-package offering simplifies the choice, making it an excellent option for those who want a no-frills, yet comprehensive streaming experience. The addition of unlimited Cloud DVR and compatibility with a wide range of devices further enhances its appeal to a budget-conscious audience looking for value without sacrificing quality.

On the other hand, Hulu Live TV caters to a broader spectrum of needs, combining the versatility of live TV with the rich on-demand streaming library. This service is particularly appealing for those who desire a more rounded entertainment package. 

It offers not only BET but also a substantial selection of local channels, sports networks, and exclusive access to ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu’s original content. This multifaceted approach makes Hulu Live TV an ideal choice for families or individuals seeking both current live TV and a deep well of on-demand shows and movies. 

While it is priced higher than Philo, the breadth of content and the inclusion of extensive DVR capabilities justify the investment, particularly for those who value a diverse and comprehensive media experience.

In essence, Philo is the go-to service for viewers seeking a cost-effective, entertainment-focused package, while Hulu Live TV is a superior choice for those looking for a more expansive selection of content, including sports, news, and a rich on-demand library. 

Each service addresses different viewer needs, making them standout choices in their respective categories for anyone looking to watch BET without the traditional cable setup.

Jim Kimble is a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of journalism experience. He has been at the forefront of the cord-cutting movement since 2016, testing and writing about TV-related products and services. He founded The Cord Cutting Report in 2016, and serves as the editor.

Major publications, including MarketWatch, Forbes, and South Florida Sun Sentinel, have interviewed Kimble for his years of expertise. He gives advice on the complexities consumers are navigating with streaming options, and over-the-air TV. Kimble has been a staff writer or correspondent for several award-winning, daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe.

1 thought on “13 Ways to Watch BET Live Without Cable”

  1. WOW! This was an EXCELLENT article. You gave so much information which was very helpful to me.
    As of today 3/18/2024 I will be cancelling my Direct TV service. I wish I could cancel my internet service as well. AT&T is charging me $287.34 a month and is constantly going up with their prices all the time.

    Do you know of any other internet services that has LOW Internet plans. I know I probably can try Xfinity but I don’t know if I can trust them and they really don’t have good customer service.

    I know I can also go with DISH for Internet service but I don’t know if I can trust them.

    My Landline phone is $34.00 a month and I don’t have a Cell Phone.

    I was thinking about going with Jitterbug but I don’t know if I can go with other Cell Phone companies plans or not or I am suppose to go with Jitterbug Cell Phone plans.

    The only reason I want a Cell Phone is because I can’t get verification codes on my Landline phone and this is causing me a lot of problems.

    One question I have for you is once I sign up for these Streaming Services how do I cancel these services on my TIVO Device.

    I tried getting a Streaming Service Subscription with Sling TV and Philo but my VISA Prepaid Debit Card got denied. I don’t know why. I had enough money on the card.

    Do you know if Hulu-Live TV accepts Prepaid Debit Cards?

    Well that is all I have to say.

    Thank you for giving up so much of your time to write this article.

    Thank you for listening and may GOD Bless You!

    Sincerely,
    Prophetess Wanda L. Davis

    Reply

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