Ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are an excellent 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 beauty of streaming lies in its flexibility—you can enjoy your content at home or on the go, using your mobile phone or tablet. Not only are these services typically more affordable, but they also spare you the extra fees and hardware concerns that come with cable subscriptions.
With the plethora of options available, choosing the right streaming service can feel overwhelming. But fear not—we've sifted through the choices to bring you the top live TV streaming services to try out in 2025.
DirecTV Stream
Best Cable Alternative
DirecTV Stream stands out as one of the premier cable alternatives, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. With three Signature Packages, you can choose the channel lineup that suits you best. The Entertainment package boasts over 90 channels focused on entertainment and family-friendly programming. Step up to the Choice package for an additional 35 channels, including specialty and regional sports options. For the ultimate viewing experience, the Ultimate package delivers more than 160 channels, encompassing movies, sports, and news.
DirecTV Stream also introduces new Genre Packs, catering to specific interests like live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are budget-friendly and ideal for viewers who know exactly what they want to watch.
Subscribers benefit from unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and the option 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
Hulu + Live TV merges the beloved Hulu streaming platform with a comprehensive live TV package featuring over 95 channels. It's an ideal pick for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and beyond, as it includes the Disney Bundle at no extra cost—a value of $16.99 per month. This bundle comprises Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads), alongside your live TV channels.
Enjoy unlimited DVR storage to record your favorite movies and shows. The service supports streaming on two devices simultaneously, with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens. Plus, take advantage of a three-day free trial to test Hulu + Live TV before committing to a monthly subscription.
Fubo
Best For Sports Variety
Fubo is a top choice for sports enthusiasts, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Despite its higher cost, Fubo provides one of the most extensive channel lineups among live TV streaming services. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go.
With 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, Fubo is the go-to for sports fans. The base plan includes over 35 regional sports networks. New subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial to explore the service.
Sling Freestream
Best For Free TV
Sling Freestream is perfect for casual viewers looking for free content. It offers over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows at no cost. While the selection mainly consists of reruns and older content, the vast variety ensures there's always something to watch.
Creating a free Sling TV account grants you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, enabling you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind. Plus, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching. If you're interested in more, Sling Freestream offers easy upgrades to various Sling TV plans within your profile.
Among other free streaming options, Sling Freestream stands out as our top recommendation.
Live TV Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live TV For Free?
While certain TV shows and channels are available for free, major networks are typically not included. One of the simplest methods to access live TV is through a TV antenna, which picks up local channels and a few extras. Alternatively, free streaming services like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi offer a range of live TV content.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Each of the highlighted live TV streaming services offers a free trial: Hulu + Live TV for three days, DirecTV Stream for five days, and Fubo for seven days.
Should You Get Cable Instead?
With the rise of streaming services and their associated challenges, such as content removal and price increases, some are reconsidering cable. Basic cable can cost between $50–$100 per month, often as part of promotional deals that require a contract. Once the promotional period ends, prices can jump significantly, leaving you to decide whether to pay more or switch providers.
Streaming services, on the other hand, offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe without hassle. If you're tired of juggling multiple streaming subscriptions and rising costs, cable might be worth a second look.
