Ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are a fantastic alternative to traditional cable, offering you the freedom to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the hassle of long-term contracts. The best part? You can enjoy streaming at home or on the go, using your mobile phone or tablet. Moreover, these services are often more budget-friendly, with no hidden fees or the need for additional hardware.
With a plethora of options available, choosing the right service might seem daunting. But fear not—we've sifted through the choices to bring you the top live TV streaming services to consider in 2025.
DirecTV Stream
Best Cable Alternative
Limited-Time Offer
DirecTV Stream (Choice)
Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.
$79.99 at DirecTV
DirecTV Stream stands out as a premier cable alternative, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. The service boasts three Signature Packages, each designed to cater to different viewer preferences. The **Entertainment** pack includes over 90 channels focused on family-friendly and general entertainment. The **Choice** pack enhances your viewing with an additional 35 channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. And for those who crave comprehensive content, the **Ultimate** pack provides access to over 160 channels covering everything from movies to sports to news.
For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces new **Genre Packs**—specialized bundles focused on live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are not only more affordable but also ideal for those who know precisely 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 within your home. Additionally, you can catch up on missed shows up to 72 hours after they've aired.
Hulu + Live TV
Best Streaming Bundle With TV
Disney Bundle Included
Hulu + Live TV
Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).
$82.99 at Hulu
Hulu + Live TV merges the beloved Hulu streaming platform with a robust live TV package, featuring over 95 channels. This service is a perfect fit for fans eager to delve into the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle at no additional cost—a bundle that typically costs $16.99 per month. This means you'll have access to Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads), alongside your live TV channels.
Subscribers benefit from unlimited DVR storage to capture your favorite content. The service supports streaming on two devices simultaneously, with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens, ensuring everyone in your household can watch without interruptions. Plus, Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial, allowing you to test the waters before committing to a subscription.
Fubo
Best For Sports Variety
$30 Off First Month
Fubo (Pro)
Save $30 off first month after free trial period.
$84.99 save 35%
$54.99 at Fubo
Fubo is your go-to live TV service if sports are your passion, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. While it carries a higher price tag, Fubo's extensive sports coverage is unmatched, with over 55,000 live events annually, including 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, ensuring you never miss a game.
Fubo allows streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go, making it incredibly versatile for sports fans. New subscribers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial to experience the service firsthand.
Sling Freestream
Best For Free TV
Watch and Earn Prizes
Sling Freestream
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 an excellent choice. It provides access to 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 of reruns and older content ensures there's always something to watch.
Creating a free Sling TV account unlocks 10 hours of DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind your content. Additionally, you can earn rewards and even win prizes simply by watching through Sling Freestream. The service also offers the flexibility to upgrade with various add-ons from Sling TV plans later on.
Among other free streaming options, Sling Freestream stands out as our top pick for free TV.
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. A TV antenna can pick up local channels and some additional ones. Alternatively, explore free streaming sites or apps like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others for live TV content.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Each of the live TV streaming services highlighted offers a free trial. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo gives you a generous seven-day trial to test the service.
Should You Get Cable Instead?
With the rise of streaming services and subsequent content fragmentation, some are reconsidering cable. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, but these are typically promotional rates. Long-term contracts might lock you in at a higher rate after the promotional period.
Streaming services offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe at your convenience. If the increasing number of streaming services and their rising costs are frustrating, cable might be worth a second look. Ultimately, the choice depends on your viewing preferences and budget.
