Ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services offer a fantastic alternative to traditional cable, allowing you to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the burden of long-term contracts. The best part? You can stream your content at home or on the go using your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, these services are often more affordable, with no extra fees or hardware to worry about.
But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Fear not—we've done the research and compiled a list of the best live TV streaming services to try in 2025.
DirecTV Stream
Best Cable Alternative
Limited-Time Offer
DirecTV Stream (Choice)
0
Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.
$79.99 at DirecTV
DirecTV Stream stands out as one of the premier cable alternatives, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV experience. The service boasts three Signature Packages, each with a unique channel lineup to suit your preferences. The Entertainment pack features over 90 channels focused on entertainment and family-friendly content. The Choice pack expands your options with an additional 35 channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. For those who crave variety, the Ultimate pack delivers over 160 channels covering movies, sports, and news.
For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces new Genre Packs—targeted content collections like live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are more budget-friendly and ideal for those who know exactly what they want to watch.
With your subscription, you'll benefit from unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and stream on an unlimited number of devices at home. Plus, you can catch up on your favorite programs up to 72 hours after they've aired, even if you missed recording them!
Hulu + Live TV
Best Streaming Bundle With TV
Disney Bundle Included
Hulu + Live TV
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Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).
$82.99 at Hulu
Hulu + Live TV seamlessly blends the popular Hulu streaming platform with a live TV package that includes over 95 channels. It's the perfect choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it comes bundled with the Disney Bundle at no extra cost, which normally costs $16.99 per month. This means you get access to more than 95 live TV channels, as well as Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).
With Hulu + Live TV, you'll enjoy unlimited DVR storage to record your favorite movies and shows. The service supports streaming on two devices simultaneously, or you can upgrade to unlimited screens to keep the whole family entertained. Additionally, Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial, allowing you to experience the service before committing to a monthly subscription.
Fubo
Best For Sports Variety
$30 Off First Month
Fubo (Pro)
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Save $30 off first month after free trial period.
$84.99 save 35%
$54.99 at Fubo
Fubo is a live TV subscription service with a strong emphasis on sports, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. While it comes with a higher price tag, Fubo's comprehensive channel lineup is unmatched. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go.
For sports enthusiasts, Fubo is the ultimate destination, providing access to over 55,000 live events annually, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, international soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and more. With over 35 regional sports networks included in the base plan, you'll never miss a game. New subscribers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial to test the service.
Sling Freestream
Best For Free TV
Watch and Earn Prizes
Sling Freestream
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Over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows.
See it at Sling
If you're looking for free content without specific preferences, Sling Freestream is an excellent choice. It offers over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows—all at no cost. While you won't find the latest releases, the vast selection ensures you'll discover something interesting to watch.
Creating a free Sling TV account grants you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Plus, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching through Sling Freestream. The service also offers the option to upgrade with various add-ons from Sling TV plans within your profile.
Among the many free streaming services available, Sling Freestream stands out as our top pick.
Live TV Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live TV For Free?
Yes, you can watch certain TV shows and channels for free, though major networks are typically not included. One of the simplest ways to access live TV is by using a TV antenna to pick up local channels and a few extras. Alternatively, you can explore free streaming sites or apps like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Each of the live TV streaming services mentioned above offers a free trial, with varying durations. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo is the most generous, with a seven-day trial.
Should You Get Cable Instead?
After years of cutting the cord and embracing streaming, some are reconsidering cable due to the proliferation of streaming services, content removal, and price increases. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, though these are usually promotional rates. Contracts often lock you in for a year or two, and prices can rise significantly afterward.
One of the key advantages of streaming services is their month-to-month billing flexibility. You can cancel anytime without hassle and easily resubscribe if a new service catches your interest.
Ultimately, the choice between streaming and cable depends on your preferences and budget. If you're frustrated with the growing number of streaming services and rising costs, cable might be worth reconsidering.
