Are you ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are the perfect alternative to traditional cable, offering you the flexibility to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the burden of long-term contracts. The best part? You can stream not only at home but also on the go using your mobile phone or tablet. And let's not forget the affordability factor—streaming services often come at a lower cost with no hidden fees or additional hardware requirements.
With the plethora of options available, choosing the right live TV streaming service can feel overwhelming. But fear not—we've done the research for you and are here to guide you through the best live TV streaming services to consider in 2025.
DirecTV Stream
Best Cable Alternative
DirecTV Stream stands out as an excellent cable alternative, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. With three Signature Packages to choose from, you can find the perfect fit for your viewing preferences. The **Entertainment** pack provides over 90 channels focused on entertainment and family-friendly programming. The **Choice** pack enhances your selection with an additional 35 channels, including specialty channels and regional sports. For those seeking the ultimate viewing experience, the **Ultimate** pack boasts over 160 channels covering movies, sports, and news.
For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces new **Genre Packs**—curated collections of channels dedicated to sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are cost-effective and ideal for those who know exactly what they want to watch.
With your subscription, you'll 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. 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
Hulu + Live TV merges the beloved Hulu streaming platform with a robust live TV package, offering over 95 channels. This service is a dream come true for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle in its monthly fee—a package that typically costs $16.99 per month. With Hulu + Live TV, you'll get access to over 95 live TV channels, Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).
Hulu + Live TV also provides unlimited DVR space to record your favorite content. You can stream on two devices simultaneously, or upgrade to unlimited screens to keep the whole family entertained without interruptions. Plus, there's a three-day free trial available, allowing you to test the service before committing to a monthly subscription.
Fubo
Best For Sports Variety
Fubo is the go-to live TV subscription service for sports enthusiasts, boasting over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. While it comes with a higher price tag, Fubo's extensive sports coverage is unmatched. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home, and up to three devices on the go.
Sports fans will appreciate Fubo's 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 sure to catch every game. New subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial to experience Fubo's offerings firsthand.
Sling Freestream
Best For Free TV
If you're looking for free TV without a specific preference, Sling Freestream is an excellent choice. It offers over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows—completely free. While you won't find the latest releases, the vast selection includes plenty of reruns and older content to keep you entertained.
Creating a free Sling TV account allows you to enjoy 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, giving you the ability 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 later, you can easily add various add-ons from Sling TV plans within your profile.
Sling Freestream is our top pick among other free streaming services like the Roku Channel and Tubi.
Live TV Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live TV For Free?
While some TV shows and channels can be viewed for free, major networks are typically not included. One of the simplest ways to access live TV is through a TV antenna, which picks up local channels and some additional ones. Alternatively, you can explore free streaming sites or apps like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Each of the services mentioned above offers a free trial, with varying durations. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo is the most generous with a seven-day trial.
Should You Get Cable Instead?
The streaming landscape has evolved significantly, with many now reconsidering the shift back to cable due to the proliferation of streaming services, content removals, and increasing costs. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, but these prices are typically promotional and may rise significantly after the initial period. Streaming services offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe with ease.
Ultimately, the choice between streaming and cable depends on your preferences and tolerance for the current streaming ecosystem. If the rising costs and fragmentation of content across multiple services frustrate you, cable might be worth considering again.
