Top Live TV Streaming Services for 2025

Ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services offer a fantastic alternative to traditional cable, providing you with access to 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. These services are not only more affordable but also eliminate extra fees and the need for additional hardware.

With the plethora of options available, choosing the right service can be daunting. Fear not—we've done the research and selected 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 one of the premier cable alternatives, offering unmatched flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. The service provides three Signature Packages, each designed with different channel selections to match your preferences. The Entertainment pack offers over 90 channels focused on entertainment and family-friendly programming. The Choice pack adds 35 more channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. For those who crave variety, the Ultimate pack boasts over 160 channels covering movies, sports, and 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 cost-effective and ideal for those who know precisely what they want to watch.

With a DirecTV Stream subscription, you get unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and the freedom to stream on an unlimited number of devices at home. Additionally, 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 is the perfect blend of Hulu's popular streaming service and a robust live TV package featuring over 95 channels. This service is ideal for fans eager to dive into the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle in the monthly cost, which typically costs $16.99 per month. This means you'll enjoy more than 95 live TV channels, along with Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).

Hulu + Live TV offers unlimited DVR space for recording your favorite movies and shows. You can stream on two supported devices at once or upgrade to unlimited screens, ensuring everyone in the family can watch without interruption. Plus, there's a three-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV, allowing you to explore the service before committing to a 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 your go-to live TV subscription service if sports are your passion. With over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage, Fubo boasts one of the most extensive channel lineups among live TV streaming services. Although it comes with a higher price tag, it's well worth it for sports enthusiasts. Most Fubo plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go.

Fubo provides access to over 55,000 live sports events annually, 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 take advantage of a seven-day free trial to test the service.

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 a no-cost viewing experience, Sling Freestream could be your answer. It offers over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, all free of charge. 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 grants you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Plus, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching through Sling Freestream. If you decide you want more, you can easily upgrade with various add-ons from the Sling TV plans within your profile.

Among the numerous free streaming options, 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 you won't find major networks. One of the simplest ways to access live TV is through a TV antenna, which can pick up local channels and some additional ones. For streaming, free services like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi are great options to explore.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Each of the services highlighted above offers a free trial, with varying durations. Hulu + Live TV gives you a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo provides the most generous trial period at seven days.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

The debate on cable versus streaming is ongoing. With the rise in streaming services, content fragmentation, and price increases, some are reconsidering cable. Basic cable often starts at $50–$100 per month, but these rates are usually promotional and can increase significantly after the contract period. Streaming services, on the other hand, offer the flexibility of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe as needed.

Ultimately, the choice between cable and streaming depends on your preferences and budget. If the complexity and costs of multiple streaming subscriptions are becoming too much, cable might be worth another look.