So, you're ready to ditch cable and embrace the future of streaming? Live TV streaming services offer a fantastic alternative, 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 from the comfort of your home or on the go using your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, these services are typically more affordable, with no extra fees or hardware to worry about.
But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be daunting. Don't worry—we've done the research and compiled a list of the best live TV streaming services for you 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 a top cable alternative, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV experience. The service provides 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 programming. The Choice pack adds 35 more channels, including specialty channels and regional sports. For those who want everything, the Ultimate pack offers more than 160 channels, covering movies, sports, and news.
For viewers with specific tastes, DirecTV Stream also introduces new Genre Packs, each dedicated to a particular type of content, such as live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are more affordable 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 shows up to 72 hours after they've aired—even if you forgot to record 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 integrates the popular Hulu streaming service with a live TV package featuring over 95 channels. It's an excellent choice for fans looking to dive into the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle at no extra cost, which typically costs $16.99 per month. This means, alongside over 95 live TV channels, you'll enjoy Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).
With Hulu + Live TV, you'll also have unlimited DVR space to record your favorite movies and shows. The service allows streaming on two devices simultaneously, or you can upgrade to unlimited screens for the whole family to watch without interruptions. Plus, there's a three-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV to test 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 focus on sports, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Known for its comprehensive catalog, Fubo does come with a higher price tag. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at once, and you can watch on up to three devices while on the go.
For sports enthusiasts, Fubo is the ultimate choice, 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 enjoy a seven-day free trial to test out 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 TV without specific preferences, Sling Freestream is a great option. It offers over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows—completely free. While you won't find the latest movies or TV shows, you'll enjoy a wide variety of reruns and older content, ensuring you'll always find something interesting to watch.
Creating a free Sling TV account isn't mandatory, but it provides 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 is our top pick.
Live TV Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live TV For Free?
While some TV shows and channels are available for free, major networks are typically not included. One of the easiest ways to access live TV is by using a TV antenna to receive 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, though the duration varies. 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 moving to streaming, many are reconsidering cable due to the increasing number of streaming services, content removals, and price hikes. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month in many areas, but these prices are usually promotional and require a contract. Once the promotional period ends, prices can increase significantly.
Streaming services offer the flexibility of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe easily. If you're frustrated with the growing number of streaming services and rising costs, cable might be worth reconsidering.
