T-Mobile's TVision Live TV Hands-On: A $10 Value Worth Considering for Customers
With the growing trend of cutting the cord, affordable live TV streaming options are more appealing than ever. T-Mobile has entered the fray with TVision, a revamped live TV streaming service exclusive to its customers. With its base plan starting at just $10, TVision Vibe stands out as a cost-effective alternative—though its value depends on your entertainment needs. Here's a detailed look at TVision and how it compares to the competition.
TVision Overview
TVision offers four subscription tiers, each tailored to different viewing preferences:
- TVision Vibe: $10/month for 30+ channels (lifestyle and entertainment-focused, no sports or local channels).
- TVision Live TV: $40/month for 35+ channels, including local networks in select markets.
- TVision Live TV Plus: $50/month for 65+ channels.
- TVision Live Zone: $60/month for 78+ channels.
Key Features Across Plans:
- Up to 100 hours of DVR storage for Live TV plans.
- Support for popular devices like iOS/Android phones, streaming boxes, and smart TVs.
- Optional TVision Hub, a $50 Android TV streaming box with a custom remote for seamless navigation.
Why TVision Vibe Stands Out
For just $10/month, TVision Vibe offers a solid lineup of 30+ channels, including:
- AMC
- Discovery Channel
- Comedy Central
- HGTV
- Animal Planet
This price undercuts competitors like Philo ($20/month) and Sling TV ($30/month). However, it excludes:
- Sports (e.g., ESPN, Fox Sports).
- News channels (e.g., CNN, Fox News).
- Local networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS.
If you're okay with limited options, TVision Vibe offers unbeatable value for its price.
The Mid-Tier Plans: Are They Worth It?
The $40 TVision Live package includes local channels (in select markets) and popular networks like ESPN and CNN, making it competitive with Sling TV and YouTube TV. However, it falls short in terms of user experience and channel selection when compared to the higher-priced Hulu + Live TV ($65/month) or YouTube TV ($65/month).
Value Comparison:
- TVision Live TV: $40/month for 35+ channels.
- Sling Blue: $30/month for 30+ channels but lacks locals in many markets.
- Hulu + Live TV: $65/month with a broader selection and Disney+ bundle options.
Usability: Smooth Navigation but Disorganized Content Discovery
TVision’s app shines in responsiveness, offering fast channel surfing and minimal lag. Using the TVision Hub enhances the experience with a dedicated guide and DVR button. However, the app’s content discovery lags behind competitors:
- Program Guide: A traditional grid-style guide makes finding live content simple.
- On-Demand Sections: A cluttered mix of shows without clear labels for live, on-demand, or DVR content.
If content organization matters, alternatives like Hulu or YouTube TV may provide a better experience.
Who Should Choose TVision?
- Budget-Conscious Users: If you’re a T-Mobile or Sprint customer, TVision Vibe delivers unmatched value for $10/month.
- Live TV Viewers: The $40 TVision Live plan is competitive but may fall short in channel variety for avid sports or news fans.
- Tech-Savvy Streamers: Those looking for an affordable second service to complement other platforms like Netflix or Disney+.
Final Thoughts: Worth $10 if You're a T-Mobile Customer
TVision’s affordable Vibe tier is a standout for price-sensitive viewers, but its higher-tier Live packages face stiff competition. While the TVision Hub adds convenience, it's not essential unless you heavily use T-Mobile services. For T-Mobile customers, TVision Vibe is a no-brainer—offering a quality entry-level streaming option without breaking the bank.
For everyone else, it might be worth waiting until 2021, when T-Mobile opens TVision to non-customers (likely at higher prices). Until then, services like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV may offer a more robust package.
Takeaway: If you’re already a T-Mobile customer, now is the perfect time to give TVision a shot—especially at just $10 per month for Vibe.
