Top Live TV Streaming Services of 2025

So, you're ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are the perfect alternative, offering you the flexibility to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without being locked into a long-term contract. 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 often more budget-friendly, with no extra fees or hardware required.

With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to decide which service to choose. Don't worry—we've done the research for you and identified the top live TV streaming services to consider in 2025.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Limited-Time Offer

DirecTV Stream (Choice)

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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 curated selection of channels to suit your preferences. The Entertainment pack includes over 90 popular channels, focusing on entertainment and family-friendly programming. The Choice pack adds 35 more channels, including specialty channels and regional sports. For those seeking the ultimate viewing experience, the Ultimate pack boasts over 160 channels, covering everything from movies and sports to news.

For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream 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 the freedom to stream on an unlimited number of devices within your 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 blends the popular Hulu streaming service with a live TV package, offering over 95 channels. It's a fantastic option for fans eager to dive into the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, thanks to the inclusion of the Disney Bundle in its monthly cost, typically valued at $16.99 per month. This means you'll get access to over 95 live TV channels, along with the base Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).

Hulu + Live TV also offers unlimited DVR space to record your favorite movies and shows. You can stream on two devices simultaneously, or upgrade to unlimited screens to ensure the whole family can watch without interruptions. There's also a three-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV, 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, featuring over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. While it may come with a higher price tag, Fubo is renowned for its comprehensive content catalog. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices simultaneously, and you can watch on up to three devices while on the go.

For sports enthusiasts, Fubo is the go-to choice, offering access to over 55,000 live events each year, 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 of Fubo to test the service for themselves.

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 something to watch without a specific preference, 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 recent movies or TV shows, you'll have access to a wide variety of reruns and older content, ensuring there's always something interesting to watch.

Creating a free Sling TV account isn't required, but it does grant you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Plus, you'll earn rewards and even have a chance to win prizes just by watching TV or movies through Sling Freestream. If you decide to upgrade, you can add various add-ons from the Sling TV plans later on from within your profile.

Among other free streaming services, Sling Freestream stands out as our top pick.

Live TV Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live TV For Free?

You can watch certain TV shows and channels for free, though major networks are usually not included. One of the easiest 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 more.

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 embracing streaming, many are reconsidering cable due to the proliferation of streaming services, content removal, and rising costs. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, but these are typically promotional offers. Signing a contract might lock you in for a year or two, and once that period ends, prices can increase significantly.

One of the main advantages of streaming services is their month-to-month billing, which allows you to cancel or resubscribe as your preferences change. If you're frustrated with the growing number of streaming services and their costs, cable might be worth reconsidering.