FuboTV is offering an all-access, one-week free trial - here's how it works

• FuboTV is a cord-cutting service a la Sling or Hulu which offers live programming and on-demand streaming with a focus on sports.
• You can net yourself a 7-day free trial by providing a valid credit or debit card, so long as you've never been a subscriber before.
• The trial gives you full access to the $55 base package, comprising over 100 channels, and a 30-hour cloud DVR storage system for recording your favorite programs.

These days, mammoth cable TV packages can be pricey and restrictive, so alternative "cord-cutting" platforms have begun to pop up, offering much of the same live programming for a fraction of the cost (and without nasty multiyear contracts).

FuboTV is one of those platforms, running a similar business model to Sling, except with a slightly higher entry point and a focus on sports channels. Its base package will run you $54.99 per month - no pittance compared to Sling's $15 starter selection - but if you want to dip your toes in the water without throwing down any cash, there's a free trial available for new customers. Here's how it works.

What's included?

A free trial of FuboTV lasts for a week, starting the exact minute you complete the sign-up process and running seven full days. So, if you sign up on October 1 at 7:03 p.m., your trial will expire on October 8 at 7:03 p.m.

For your trouble, you'll get full access to the base FuboTV channel package, which includes more than 100 channels, available on every supported device (more details on that below).

Many of these channels also offer on-demand streaming content, including TV shows, movies, and sports events. On-demand content rotates in availability, so your mileage may vary.

Since you're basically getting the full FuboTV package, you'll also get 30 hours of cloud-based DVR storage to record and watch anything you want.

Where can I watch?

As mentioned above, the free trial works like a full subscription, so you'll be able to watch live streaming content and on-demand content on any supported device. The list includes Android and Apple devices, Amazon Fire TV, Roku devices, Samsung smart TVs, and of course, in-browser viewing. Check here for a full list with detailed requirements.

I should note that some features are restricted by device. For example, there are buttons to skip forward or backward 15 seconds while viewing in a browser, but you don't have that option while watching on Roku device.

What do I need?

To get started, you'll need to provide a valid credit or debit card. As with many free trials, if you do not cancel before seven days have elapsed, you'll be charged for a full month of FuboTV and converted to a full account. If you have previously had a FuboTV account, you are not eligible for a free trial.

Unlike many free trials, though, canceling your trial will immediately shut off your account, preventing you from accessing the service for the remainder of the seven days. If you're sure you don't want to proceed but would like to continue using FuboTV for the rest of your trial, it would behoove you to cancel as close to the end of the trial period as possible.

As far as your internet connection is concerned, you don't need to have a spendy package, but if you want to stream in higher resolutions (1080p or 4K), you'll want at least a consistent 10 Mb/s connection. That said, much of FuboTV's programming is limited to 720p, so this shouldn't be an issue for most people.

Sign up for a free week of FuboTV here