Top Live TV Streaming Services for 2025

Ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are an excellent alternative to traditional cable, offering a flexible way to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the burden of long-term contracts. The beauty of these services is their affordability and the convenience of streaming from anywhere—be it at home or on the go with your mobile device or tablet. No extra fees, no hardware to purchase, just pure, uninterrupted entertainment tailored to your budget and preferences.

With a plethora of options available, choosing the right live TV streaming service can be daunting. But fear not—we’ve scoured the landscape to bring you the best live TV streaming services to consider in 2025.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Limited-Time Offer: DirecTV Stream (Choice) - $79.99 at DirecTV (Includes $10 off for 24 months offer).

DirecTV Stream stands out as one of the top cable alternatives, offering unmatched flexibility to customize your TV viewing experience. With three Signature Packages—Entertainment, Choice, and Ultimate—you can choose from over 90 to more than 160 channels, ranging from family-friendly entertainment to specialty channels and regional sports. For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces new Genre Packs, allowing you to focus on live sports, entertainment, or news at a more affordable price point.

Subscribers benefit from 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've aired, even if you missed recording them.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle With TV

Disney Bundle Included: Hulu + Live TV - $82.99 at Hulu (Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)).

Hulu + Live TV is a powerhouse for those seeking a comprehensive streaming experience. It combines Hulu's extensive on-demand library with over 95 live TV channels, making it a perfect fit for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more. The included Disney Bundle, typically priced at $16.99 per month, adds even more value to your subscription.

Enjoy unlimited DVR space to record your favorite content, and stream on two devices simultaneously, with the option to upgrade to unlimited screens. Plus, take advantage of a three-day free trial to test the waters before committing to a monthly subscription.

Fubo

Best For Sports Variety

$30 Off First Month: Fubo (Pro) - $84.99 save 35% $54.99 at Fubo (Save $30 off first month after free trial period).

Fubo is the go-to service for sports enthusiasts, boasting over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. With a focus on sports, Fubo offers access to more than 55,000 live events annually, covering everything from NFL and NBA to international soccer and more. The base plan includes over 35 regional sports networks, ensuring you never miss a game.

Stream on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go. New subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial to experience Fubo's comprehensive sports coverage firsthand.

Sling Freestream

Best For Free TV

Watch and Earn Prizes: Sling Freestream - See it at Sling (Over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows).

If you're looking for free entertainment without specific preferences, Sling Freestream is your answer. With over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, you'll find a vast selection of reruns and older content to enjoy at no cost.

Create a free Sling TV account to access 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, and earn rewards or even win prizes just by watching. Sling Freestream also offers the flexibility 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?

While major networks may not be available for free, you can access certain TV shows and channels without cost. Using a TV antenna is a straightforward way to catch local channels and some extras. Alternatively, explore free streaming sites or apps like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others for a variety of content.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Each of the highlighted services 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 their offerings.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

The streaming landscape has evolved, and with numerous services, content removals, and price increases, some are reconsidering cable. Basic cable can be found for $50–$100 per month, often as a promotional offer, but these deals come with contracts that can lead to price hikes after the initial period.

Streaming services, on the other hand, offer month-to-month flexibility, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe as your interests change. If the complexity and cost of multiple streaming services become overwhelming, revisiting cable might be worth considering. Ultimately, the choice depends on your viewing habits and budget.