Top Live TV Streaming Services in 2025

Ready to break free from the shackles of cable TV and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are the perfect modern alternative, offering you the flexibility to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without being locked into long-term contracts. Not only can you enjoy your content at home, but you can also take it with you on your mobile phone or tablet, anytime, anywhere. Plus, these services are often more budget-friendly, with no hidden fees or hardware costs to worry about.

With the plethora of options available, choosing the right streaming service can be 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)

0Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.$79.99 at DirecTVDirecTV Stream stands out as one of the premier cable alternatives, 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 package delivers over 90 channels, focusing on entertainment and family-friendly content. Step up to the Choice package, and you gain an additional 35 channels, including specialty channels and regional sports. For those who crave a comprehensive selection, the Ultimate package provides more than 160 channels, covering movies, sports, and news.

For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces Genre Packs, which are curated collections of channels centered around live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are cost-effective and ideal for those who know exactly what they want to watch.

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. Additionally, 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

0Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).$82.99 at HuluHulu + Live TV merges the renowned Hulu streaming platform with a robust live TV package, featuring over 95 channels. It's a perfect fit for fans eager to dive into the universes of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and beyond, thanks to the included Disney Bundle, which typically costs an additional $16.99 per month. With your subscription, you not only access over 95 live TV channels but also enjoy Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).

Hulu + Live TV offers unlimited DVR storage for recording your favorite content. You can stream on two devices simultaneously or upgrade to unlimited screens to ensure everyone in your household can watch their preferred shows without interruption. Plus, you can try out the service with a three-day free trial before committing to a monthly subscription.

Fubo

Best For Sports Variety

$30 Off First Month### Fubo (Pro)

0Save $30 off first month after free trial period.$84.99 save 35%$54.99 at FuboFubo is a live TV subscription service with an intense focus on sports, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. While it commands a higher price, Fubo's extensive catalog makes it a top choice for sports enthusiasts. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at once, with the ability to watch on up to three devices on the go.

Fubo is the go-to service for sports lovers, 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’re never far from a game. New subscribers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial to experience Fubo firsthand.

Sling Freestream

Best For Free TV

Watch and Earn Prizes### Sling Freestream

0Over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows.See it at SlingIf you're looking for content without a specific agenda, Sling Freestream is an excellent choice. It offers over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, all for free. While you won't find the latest releases, the vast library ensures you’ll discover something intriguing to watch.

Creating a free Sling TV account enhances your experience by providing 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind. You can also earn rewards and have a chance to win prizes just by watching content on Sling Freestream. If you decide you want more, you can upgrade with various add-ons from the Sling TV plans within your profile.

Among the many free streaming options, Sling Freestream is 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 major networks might be out of reach. A TV antenna can capture local channels and some extras. Alternatively, explore free streaming platforms like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others for a variety of content.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

All the mentioned services offer free trials, with durations varying. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo gives you a generous seven-day trial.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

As we circle back to the cable vs. streaming debate, it's worth noting that with the proliferation of streaming services, content removal, and rising costs, cable might seem appealing again. Basic cable often starts at $50–$100 per month, but these are typically promotional rates that increase after a contractual period.

Streaming services, however, offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe without hassle. If the complexity and cost of multiple streaming services are overwhelming, revisiting cable could be a viable option. The choice ultimately depends on your viewing habits and budget preferences.