Are you ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services offer a fantastic alternative to traditional cable, allowing you to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the hassle of long-term contracts. The beauty of streaming is its flexibility—you can watch from the comfort of your home or take your entertainment with you on your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, these services are often more budget-friendly, with no hidden fees or hardware costs to worry about.
With a plethora of options available, choosing the right service can feel overwhelming. But fear not! We've sifted through the choices to bring you the top live TV streaming services to explore 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 a top-tier cable alternative, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. With three Signature Packages, you can choose the one that best fits your needs. The Entertainment package boasts over 90 channels perfect for family entertainment. The Choice package expands your options with 35 additional channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. For those who crave variety, the Ultimate package delivers over 160 channels, covering everything from movies and sports to news.
For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces new Genre Packs, each dedicated to a particular type of content, like live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are not only more affordable but also perfect for those who know exactly what they want to watch.
With your subscription, enjoy unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and stream on an unlimited number of devices at home. Plus, 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 is a powerhouse, combining Hulu's renowned streaming service with a robust live TV package featuring over 95 channels. It's the perfect choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle in its monthly cost, typically valued at $16.99 per month. This means you get Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) alongside your live TV channels.
With Hulu + Live TV, you'll have unlimited DVR space to record your favorite content. The service supports streaming on two devices simultaneously, with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens, ensuring everyone in the family can watch without interruption. Plus, there's a three-day free trial available, allowing you to test the waters 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 FuboFubo is the go-to service for sports enthusiasts, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. While it comes with a higher price tag, Fubo's comprehensive sports coverage is unmatched. Most 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 enjoy a seven-day free trial to experience Fubo's offerings 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 free entertainment without specific preferences, 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 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. Plus, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching through Sling Freestream. If you decide to upgrade, various add-ons from Sling TV plans are available within your profile.
Among the many free streaming services, Sling Freestream stands out as our top pick.
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 are typically not included. Using a TV antenna is one of the simplest ways to access local channels and some additional content. Alternatively, free streaming platforms like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi offer a variety of live TV options.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Each of the services highlighted above offers a free trial, with varying durations. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo gives you a generous seven-day trial to explore their offerings.
Should You Get Cable Instead?
The streaming landscape has evolved significantly, and with the proliferation of services, content removals, and price increases, some are reconsidering cable. Basic cable can be found for $50–$100 per month, often as a promotional offer. However, these deals usually require a contract, and prices can rise significantly after the promotional period.
Streaming services offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe as your preferences change. If the complexity and cost of multiple streaming subscriptions become overwhelming, revisiting cable might be a viable option. Ultimately, the choice depends on your viewing habits and budget.
