Ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are the perfect alternative to traditional cable, offering a wide range of TV shows, movies, and live sports without the hassle of long-term contracts. The beauty of these services lies in their affordability and flexibility—you can watch from the comfort of your home or on the go with your mobile device or tablet. Plus, they typically come with no hidden fees or hardware costs, making them a cost-effective choice.
With a plethora of options available, choosing the right service can be overwhelming. We've done the research for you and identified the top live TV streaming services to try 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 one of the best cable alternatives, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. The service provides three Signature Packages, each designed to cater to different preferences. The **Entertainment** package offers over 90 channels focused on family-friendly and entertainment programming. The **Choice** package enhances your viewing with an additional 35 channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. For those who crave variety, the **Ultimate** package boasts over 160 channels, covering everything from movies to sports and news.
For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces **Genre Packs**, allowing you to customize your channel lineup with content focused on sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are budget-friendly and ideal for those who know exactly what they want to watch.
Subscribers enjoy unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and stream on unlimited devices at home. Additionally, you can catch up on 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
0Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).
$82.99 at Hulu
Hulu + Live TV is a powerhouse, combining Hulu's streaming library with a live TV package that includes over 95 channels. It's the go-to choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle, typically priced at $16.99 per month, in its subscription cost. This means you get Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) alongside your live TV channels.
With Hulu + Live TV, you benefit from unlimited DVR storage to record your favorite content. The service allows streaming on two devices simultaneously, with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens, ensuring everyone in the family can enjoy their favorite shows without interruptions. Plus, you can test the waters with a three-day free trial before committing to a monthly 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 the ultimate destination for sports lovers, offering a robust live TV subscription service with over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Although it comes with a higher price tag, Fubo's comprehensive channel lineup is unmatched. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home, with the option to watch on three devices while on the go.
With access to over 55,000 live sports events annually, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, international soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, and MMA, Fubo caters to every sports fan. 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 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 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 there's always something interesting to watch.
Creating a free Sling TV account provides 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, enabling you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Additionally, you can earn rewards and even win prizes simply by watching TV or movies through Sling Freestream. If you decide to upgrade, you can easily add various add-ons from Sling TV plans within your profile.
Among the many free streaming options available, Sling Freestream stands out as our top pick.
Live TV Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live TV For Free?
While some TV shows and channels are available for free, major networks are typically not included. One of the simplest ways 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 sites or apps like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi.
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?
As the streaming landscape evolves, many are reconsidering the benefits of traditional cable. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, but these are usually promotional rates that increase after a contract period. Streaming services, on the other hand, offer month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe at any time.
With the rise in streaming service costs and content fragmentation, cable might seem appealing again. The choice ultimately depends on your preferences and budget. If you're frustrated with the growing number of streaming services and their costs, cable could be worth considering once more.
