Ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services offer a fantastic alternative to traditional cable, giving you access to your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the burden of long-term contracts. One of the best perks? You can stream 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 eliminate the need for extra fees or cumbersome hardware.
With a plethora of options available, choosing the right service can feel overwhelming. But don't worry—we've done the legwork and identified the top live TV streaming services to explore in 2025.
DirecTV Stream
Best Cable Alternative
Limited-Time Offer: DirecTV Stream (Choice) - $79.99 at DirecTV, includes $10 off for 24 months.
DirecTV Stream stands out as a premier cable alternative, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. The service boasts three Signature Packages: the **Entertainment** pack with over 90 channels focused on entertainment and family-friendly programming, the **Choice** pack which adds 35 more channels including specialty and regional sports, and the **Ultimate** pack with over 160 channels covering movies, sports, and news.
For those with specific viewing preferences, DirecTV Stream also introduces new **Genre Packs**—affordable options focused on specific content types like live sports, entertainment, or news. With your subscription, enjoy unlimited DVR storage, simultaneous recording, and streaming on unlimited devices at home. Plus, you can catch 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 - $82.99 at Hulu, includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).
Hulu + Live TV merges the renowned Hulu streaming platform with a robust live TV package featuring over 95 channels. It's an ideal choice for fans eager to dive into the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, all included in the monthly fee through the Disney Bundle, which normally costs $16.99 per month. This package grants you access to more than 95 live TV channels, along with Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).
Enjoy unlimited DVR space to record your favorite movies and shows. Hulu + Live TV allows streaming on two devices simultaneously, with the option to upgrade to unlimited screens for the entire family. Plus, a three-day free trial lets you sample the service before committing to a monthly subscription.
Fubo
Best For Sports Variety
$30 Off First Month: Fubo (Pro) - $84.99 save 35% $54.99 at Fubo, after free trial period.
Fubo is a standout live TV subscription service, particularly for sports enthusiasts, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Known for its comprehensive channel lineup, Fubo does come at a higher price. However, most plans support streaming on up to 10 devices at home, and up to three devices on the go.
For sports lovers, Fubo is unmatched, 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 try Fubo with a seven-day free trial.
Sling Freestream
Best For Free TV
Watch and Earn Prizes: Sling Freestream - Over 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 without specific preferences, Sling Freestream is a great choice. 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 always find something interesting to watch.
A free Sling TV account provides 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, enabling you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. You can also earn rewards and have a chance to win prizes by watching through Sling Freestream. Additionally, you have the option to upgrade with various add-ons from Sling TV plans within your profile.
Among other free streaming services, Sling Freestream is our top recommendation.
Live TV Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live TV For Free?
You can view certain TV shows and channels for free, though major networks are typically not included. One of the simplest methods to access live TV is by using a TV antenna to pick up local channels and a few additional ones. Alternatively, you can explore free streaming platforms like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
All the mentioned live TV streaming services offer free trials, though the durations differ. 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?
After years of cord-cutting and embracing streaming, some are reconsidering cable due to the proliferation of streaming services, content removal, and price increases. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, though these prices are usually promotional and require a contract that may lead to price hikes after a year or two.
Streaming services offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe easily. If the growing number of streaming services and their rising costs frustrate you, cable might be worth reconsidering. The choice ultimately depends on your needs and preferences.
