Top Live TV Streaming Services in 2025

Are you ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services offer an excellent alternative to traditional cable, allowing you to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the burden of long-term contracts. The beauty of streaming lies in its flexibility—you can watch from the comfort of your home or while on the go using your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, these services are often more budget-friendly, with no hidden fees or hardware costs to worry about.

With the array of options available, choosing the right live TV streaming service can be daunting. But don't fret—we've done the research and highlighted the top live TV streaming services you should consider in 2025.

DirecTV Stream

### Best Cable Alternative

Limited-Time Offer: DirecTV Stream (Choice)

0Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.
$79.99 at DirecTV

DirecTV Stream stands out as a top cable alternative, providing unmatched flexibility to tailor your TV experience. The service offers three Signature Packages, each designed to suit different viewing preferences. The **Entertainment** package boasts over 90 channels, perfect for entertainment and family-friendly viewing. Step up to the **Choice** package, which adds 35 more channels, including specialty options and regional sports. For those who crave the ultimate viewing experience, the **Ultimate** package delivers more than 160 channels, covering movies, sports, and news.

For viewers with specific tastes, DirecTV Stream introduces **Genre Packs**—focused collections of content such as 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 option to stream on an unlimited number of devices within your home. Additionally, you can catch up on your favorite programs 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 Hulu

Hulu + Live TV offers a compelling package that combines the beloved Hulu streaming service with a robust live TV option featuring over 95 channels. It's a must-have for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and beyond, as it includes the Disney Bundle, which typically costs an additional $16.99 per month. This means, alongside access to more than 95 live TV channels, you'll also enjoy Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).

Hulu + Live TV also provides unlimited DVR storage for recording your favorite movies and shows. You can stream on two devices simultaneously or upgrade for unlimited screens, ensuring everyone in the family can watch without interruption. Plus, there's a three-day free trial available, allowing you to explore the service before committing to a 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 Fubo

Fubo is renowned for its focus on sports, offering more than 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Though it comes with a higher price tag, Fubo's comprehensive channel lineup makes it worth considering. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go.

Sports fans will revel in Fubo's offerings, 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. The base plan includes over 35 regional sports networks, ensuring you never miss a game. New subscribers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial to test out the service.

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 Sling

If you're looking for free viewing options, Sling Freestream is an excellent choice. It offers over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows at no cost. While the content primarily consists of reruns and older titles, the vast selection ensures there's always something worth watching.

While not mandatory, creating a free Sling TV account grants you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, enabling you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind your favorite content. Additionally, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching through Sling Freestream. The service also provides options to upgrade with various add-ons from the 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?

While you can watch certain TV shows and channels for free, major networks typically aren't included. One of the simplest ways to access live TV for free is by using a TV antenna to receive local channels and some additional ones. Alternatively, explore free streaming sites or apps such as Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Each of the live TV streaming services mentioned offers a free trial, with varying durations. 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?

The streaming landscape has evolved dramatically, and some are reconsidering the return to cable due to the proliferation of streaming services, content removal, and price increases. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, but these are usually promotional rates that require a contract. Once the promotional period ends, prices can increase significantly, forcing a decision to either accept the higher cost or switch providers.

Streaming services, on the other hand, offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe with ease. If you're frustrated with the growing number of streaming services and their rising costs, revisiting cable could be an option to consider. Ultimately, the choice is yours, depending on your preferences and viewing habits.