Top Live TV Streaming Services of 2025

Ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are the perfect alternative to traditional cable, offering a flexible and cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports. With no long-term contracts and the freedom to watch on your mobile devices at home or on the go, streaming services are revolutionizing how we consume media. What's more, they often come at a fraction of the cost of cable, with no hidden fees or hardware expenses to worry about.

With an array of options available, choosing the right live TV streaming service can feel overwhelming. But fear not—we've sifted through the choices to bring you the top picks for 2025, tailored to different needs and budgets.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Limited-Time Offer

DirecTV Stream (Choice)

0Includes $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 viewing experience. Choose from three Signature Packages, each designed to cater to different preferences:

• Entertainment: Over 90 channels focused on entertainment and family-friendly programming.
• Choice: Adds 35 more channels, including specialty and regional sports networks.
• Ultimate: Over 160 channels covering movies, sports, and news.

For those with specific interests, DirecTV Stream also introduces new Genre Packs—targeted content selections like live sports, entertainment, or news, ensuring you get exactly what you want at a more affordable price.

Your subscription comes with unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and the freedom to stream on an unlimited number of devices at home. Plus, you can catch up on your favorite shows up to 72 hours after they air, even if you missed recording them.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle With TV

Disney Bundle Included

Hulu + Live TV

0Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).
$82.99 at Hulu

Hulu + Live TV is your go-to if you're looking for a comprehensive streaming bundle. With over 95 channels and the Disney Bundle included in the monthly cost, you get Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) for a total value that normally costs $16.99 per month separately.

Enjoy unlimited DVR space to record your favorite content, and stream on two devices simultaneously—or upgrade to unlimited screens for the whole family. Hulu + Live TV also offers a three-day free trial, allowing you to experience the service before committing.

Fubo

Best For Sports Variety

$30 Off First Month

Fubo (Pro)

0Save $30 off first month after free trial period.
$84.99 save 35%
$54.99 at Fubo

Fubo is the ultimate choice for sports enthusiasts, boasting over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. With a focus on sports, Fubo offers more than 55,000 live events annually, covering NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, international soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and more. The base plan includes over 35 regional sports networks.

Fubo allows streaming on up to 10 devices simultaneously at home and three on the go. New subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial to test the service.

Sling Freestream

Best For Free TV

Watch and Earn Prizes

Sling Freestream

0Over 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 a specific preference, Sling Freestream is an excellent choice. With over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, it offers a vast selection of content, mostly reruns and older shows, but with plenty of variety.

Creating a free Sling TV account provides 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind. Plus, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching. Sling Freestream also offers the option to upgrade with various add-ons from Sling TV plans within your profile.

While other free streaming services exist, Sling Freestream stands out as our top recommendation.

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. Using a TV antenna to pick up local channels is one of the easiest ways to access live TV for free. Additionally, free streaming services like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi offer live TV options.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Each of the services mentioned above provides a free trial: Hulu + Live TV offers three days, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo provides a generous seven-day trial.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

With the proliferation of streaming services and their fluctuating content and prices, some are reconsidering cable. Basic cable can be found for around $50–$100 per month, often as a limited-time offer. However, contracts can lock you in for a year or more, with potential price increases at the end.

Streaming services offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe easily. If you're frustrated with the rising costs and complexity of multiple streaming services, cable might be worth another look. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and viewing habits.