Streaming & Device Comparisons
Live TV streaming services head-to-head. Streaming devices compared. Audio system bake-offs. Every comparison is honest about who actually wins, who actually loses, and when each one is the right call.
What we compare
When two services or devices both look right, the comparison is what decides. We don't hedge — every comparison page ends with a verdict naming the winner for the most common buyer profile. Browse the existing comparisons below.
Live TV streaming services compared (May 2026) →
YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, Philo. Pricing, sports, streams, and the home-network check-in rule.
Roku Ultra vs Apple TV 4K — which is the smarter buy? →
After installing both for clients, here is the real answer: Apple TV if you live in Apple, Roku if you do not.
Sonos vs Bluesound vs Denon HEOS vs WiiM — which multi-room audio system? →
The honest 2026 comparison of every major multi-room audio ecosystem. Sonos is easiest, Bluesound is for audiophiles, HEOS is for Denon receiver owners, WiiM is the value play.
Streaming apps compared — 4K, price, content →
Netflix, Disney+, Max, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Peacock, Prime Video — side-by-side pricing, 4K HDR availability, and what content is on each.
Streaming bundles compared — when they actually save you money →
Disney Bundle, Apple One, Max + Hulu — the math on every streaming bundle vs buying apps separately. Where you actually save money.
YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV — which cable replacement wins? →
YTTV wins for most households in 2026. Hulu wins when you need the Disney+ bundle. Honest installer's pick.
DirecTV Stream vs Fubo — DTV wins, and Fubo's about to lose RSNs (Local Sports) →
For sports households, DTV Stream is the right pick. Fubo's RSN (Local Sports) contracts are about to lapse — the gap widens through 2027.
Plex vs Jellyfin — polished + paid vs free + DIY →
Plex for normal households. Jellyfin for tinkerers + privacy-focused users. Especially relevant ahead of the July 2026 Plex Pass price hike.
ISP head-to-heads by market
Real-world comparisons of the major internet + cable providers in the top US metros. Symmetric speeds, real pricing, RSN (Local Sports) coverage, and which one to actually order at your address.
Fios vs Xfinity — DMV (DC, NoVa, MD) →
Rick's home market — the gold-standard ISP head-to-head.
Fios vs Xfinity — NYC →
Building wiring often decides this one.
Fios vs Xfinity — Boston →
Coverage is patchwork. Check by address.
Fios vs Xfinity — Philadelphia →
Comcast's home turf.
Fios vs Xfinity — Pittsburgh →
Xfinity dominates; Fios footprint is limited.
Spectrum vs Fios — NYC →
Both available; building wiring drives the answer.
Optimum vs Fios — NY/NJ/CT Tri-State →
Fios still wins most addresses.
Cox vs Fios — Hampton Roads →
Mixed coverage; military housing has its own rules.
Spectrum vs Cox — Phoenix →
Cox is the AZ incumbent; Spectrum is the challenger.
Spectrum vs Cox — San Diego →
Cox dominates; check AT&T Fiber as third option.
Spectrum vs Cox — Oklahoma City →
AT&T Fiber is the upgrade play.
Spectrum vs AT&T Fiber — Los Angeles →
AT&T Fiber wins on internet; Dodgers fans need Spectrum cable.
Spectrum vs AT&T Fiber — Dallas-Fort Worth →
The densest AT&T Fiber market in the US.
Spectrum vs AT&T Fiber — Austin →
Triple-fiber market — also check Google Fiber.
Spectrum vs AT&T Fiber — Charlotte →
AT&T Fiber expanding; Spectrum is the cable fallback.
Xfinity vs AT&T Fiber — Atlanta →
Fiber wins where built; Google Fiber is the third option.
Xfinity vs AT&T Fiber — Chicago →
Spotty AT&T Fiber buildout; building wiring matters.
Xfinity vs AT&T Fiber — Houston →
Strong AT&T Fiber footprint here.
Xfinity vs AT&T Fiber — SF Bay Area →
Densest small-ISP scene in the US.
Xfinity vs AT&T Fiber — Indianapolis →
MetroNet is a real third option.
Xfinity vs AT&T Fiber — Nashville →
Multiple fiber options — rare luxury.
Spectrum vs Google Fiber — Austin →
Google Fiber's flat pricing wins where available.
Xfinity vs Google Fiber — Kansas City →
The Google Fiber flagship market.
Xfinity vs Google Fiber — Atlanta →
3-fiber-option market in some neighborhoods.
Xfinity vs Google Fiber — Salt Lake City →
UTOPIA Fiber is a 3rd option worth checking.
Frontier Fiber vs Xfinity — Dallas →
Frontier inherited Verizon Fios footprint.
Frontier Fiber vs Xfinity — Tampa →
Hurricane reliability favors fiber.
Frontier Fiber vs Xfinity — Connecticut →
Frontier kept the former Verizon network.
AT&T Fiber vs Google Fiber — Austin →
Both excellent; pick by address availability.
AT&T Fiber vs Google Fiber — Nashville →
Bundle savings vs flat pricing.
AT&T Fiber vs Google Fiber — Atlanta →
AT&T has broader coverage; Google has flat pricing.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet vs Xfinity →
The cable refugee escape hatch.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet vs Spectrum →
Use the 15-day trial.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet vs Fios →
Fios wins on speed; 5G wins on simplicity.
Starlink vs CenturyLink — Rural Internet →
For rural addresses where wired is limited.
