Top Live TV Streaming Services of 2025

Ready to cut the cord and dive into the future of entertainment? Live TV streaming services are an excellent alternative to traditional cable, offering you the freedom to watch your favorite shows, movies, and live sports without the burden of long-term contracts. The best part is the flexibility to stream at home or on the go from your mobile device or tablet. Plus, these services often come at a more affordable price, with no hidden fees or hardware costs to worry about.

With the market flooded with options, choosing the right live TV streaming service can feel overwhelming. Don't worry—we've done the research for you and compiled a list of the top live TV streaming services you should 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 a premier cable alternative, offering unmatched flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. The service boasts three Signature Packages, each designed to cater to different viewer preferences. The Entertainment package features over 90 channels, focusing on family-friendly and entertainment content. The Choice package expands your options with an additional 35 channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. For the ultimate viewing experience, the Ultimate package provides access to over 160 channels, covering movies, sports, and news.

In addition, DirecTV Stream introduces new Genre Packs, each centered around specific content types like sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are budget-friendly and perfect for viewers with niche interests.

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 shows up to 72 hours after they air, 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 seamlessly blends the popular Hulu streaming service with a live TV package featuring over 95 channels. It's an ideal choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle at no extra cost—a service that typically costs $16.99 per month. This means you get Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads), in addition to your live TV channels.

Hulu + Live TV also offers unlimited DVR space to record your favorite movies and shows. You can stream on two devices simultaneously, or upgrade to unlimited screens for a family-friendly viewing experience. There's also a three-day free trial available, allowing you to explore the service before committing to a monthly 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 a live TV subscription service with a strong emphasis on sports, boasting over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Known for its extensive sports catalog, Fubo offers a premium experience, albeit at a higher price. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home, with the option to watch on three devices while away.

For sports enthusiasts, Fubo is the ultimate choice, providing 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. With over 35 regional sports networks included in the base plan, you'll never miss a game. 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

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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 free entertainment without specific preferences, Sling Freestream is a great option. It offers 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 ensures you'll discover something to enjoy.

Creating a free Sling TV account grants you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. You can also earn rewards and enter prize draws just by watching. Sling Freestream 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 recommendation.

Live TV Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live TV For Free?

You can watch certain TV shows and channels for free, but major networks are typically not included. One of the simplest ways to access live TV is by using a TV antenna to receive local channels and a few extras. Alternatively, free streaming services like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi offer a variety of content.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Each of the live TV streaming services mentioned offers a free trial, though the duration varies. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo offers a generous seven-day trial.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

After years of cord-cutting, some are reconsidering the value of cable due to the proliferation of streaming services, content removals, and price increases. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, though these rates are usually promotional and require a contract. Once the promotional period ends, prices can increase significantly.

Streaming services, on the other hand, offer month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe without hassle. If the ever-growing number of streaming services and their rising costs are frustrating you, cable might be worth reconsidering. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on your viewing preferences and budget.