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 burden of long-term contracts. The beauty of streaming is its flexibility; you can watch from the comfort of your home or 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.

Choosing the right streaming service can be overwhelming with so many options available. We've done the research for you and compiled a list of the top live TV streaming services to consider in 2025.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Limited-Time Offer

DirecTV Stream (Choice)

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

DirecTV Stream stands out as a top cable alternative, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. The service boasts three Signature Packages, each tailored to different viewer preferences. The Entertainment package provides over 90 popular channels focused on entertainment and family-friendly content. The Choice package expands your options with an additional 35 channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. For those seeking the ultimate viewing package, the Ultimate package offers more than 160 channels, covering movies, sports, and news.

For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces new Genre Packs, which are more affordable and cater to specific content types such as live sports, entertainment, or news.

With a DirecTV Stream 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. 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

Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads). $82.99 at Hulu

Hulu + Live TV seamlessly integrates Hulu's streaming library with a robust live TV package featuring over 95 channels. It's an ideal choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, thanks to the included Disney Bundle, typically valued at $16.99 per month. This bundle adds Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) to your subscription, enhancing your entertainment options.

Hulu + Live TV offers unlimited DVR storage for recording your favorite content. You can stream on two devices simultaneously or upgrade to unlimited screens for family viewing. A three-day free trial is available, allowing you to explore the service before committing to a monthly subscription.

Fubo

Best For Sports Variety

$30 Off First Month

Fubo (Pro)

Save $30 off first month after free trial period. $84.99 save 35% $54.99 at Fubo

Fubo is renowned for its extensive sports coverage, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Although it comes at a higher price, Fubo's comprehensive channel lineup is unmatched. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home and 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 in the base plan, you'll never miss a game. Fubo offers a seven-day free trial for new subscribers to test the service.

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

Sling Freestream is perfect for those who enjoy free TV without a specific preference. It offers over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows at no cost. While the content is mostly older, the vast selection ensures you'll find something interesting to watch.

Creating a free Sling TV account gives you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Additionally, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching through Sling Freestream. The service also offers the option to upgrade with various add-ons from the Sling TV plans within your profile.

Among other free streaming services, Sling Freestream stands out as our top choice.

Live TV Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live TV For Free?

While major networks are typically not available for free, you can access certain TV shows and channels without cost. Using a TV antenna is one of the simplest ways to watch live TV, picking up local channels and a few extras. Alternatively, free streaming sites and apps 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 live TV streaming services mentioned above offers a free trial, varying in duration. 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, and many are reconsidering the switch back to cable due to the proliferation of services, content removals, and price increases. Basic cable typically costs between $50 and $100 per month, often as part of limited-time promotions. However, these deals usually require a contract, locking you in for one to two years, after which prices can increase dramatically.

One of the key benefits of streaming services is their month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe at any time without hassle. If the growing number of streaming services and rising costs are frustrating you, cable might be worth reconsidering.