Ready to cut the cord and embrace the future of streaming? Live TV streaming services are an excellent alternative to traditional cable, offering a wealth of TV shows, movies, and live sports without the burden of long-term contracts. The beauty of these services is their affordability and flexibility, allowing you to stream content at home or on the go using your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, you won't have to worry about extra fees or hardware costs.
Choosing the right service can be daunting with so many options available. We've narrowed down the best live TV streaming services for you to consider in 2025, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your viewing needs.
DirecTV Stream
Best Cable Alternative
Limited-Time Offer
DirecTV Stream (Choice)
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Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.
$79.99 at DirecTV
DirecTV Stream stands out as a top cable alternative, offering unmatched flexibility to tailor your TV experience. With three Signature Packages, you can choose the one that best fits your preferences. The Entertainment pack features over 90 channels, focusing on entertainment and family-friendly content. Upgrade to the Choice pack for an additional 35 channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. For those who crave a comprehensive lineup, the Ultimate pack delivers over 160 channels, covering movies, sports, and news.
For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces Genre Packs, affordable options focused on live sports, entertainment, or news. With your subscription, enjoy unlimited DVR storage, simultaneous recording, and streaming on unlimited devices at home. Plus, catch up on 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
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Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).
$82.99 at Hulu
Hulu + Live TV seamlessly blends Hulu's renowned streaming service with a robust live TV package, boasting over 95 channels. It's a stellar choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as the subscription includes the Disney Bundle, typically priced at $16.99 per month. This means you get Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) alongside your live TV channels.
Enjoy unlimited DVR space to record your favorites, and stream on two devices simultaneously, or upgrade for unlimited screens. Hulu + Live TV also offers a three-day free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing to a monthly subscription.
Fubo
Best For Sports Variety
$30 Off First Month
Fubo (Pro)
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Save $30 off first month after free trial period.
$84.99 save 35%
$54.99 at Fubo
Fubo is your go-to live TV subscription service for sports enthusiasts, featuring over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. While it's on the pricier side, Fubo's comprehensive sports catalog is unmatched. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go.
With over 55,000 live events annually, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA, NASCAR, international soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, and MMA, Fubo ensures you never miss a game. The base plan includes over 35 regional sports networks. New subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial to experience the service firsthand.
Sling Freestream
Best For Free TV
Watch and Earn Prizes
Sling Freestream
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Over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows.
See it at Sling
If you're looking for free TV without specific preferences, Sling Freestream is an excellent choice. With over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, all at no cost, you'll find plenty to watch, though expect mostly reruns and older content.
Creating a free Sling TV account grants you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind. Plus, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching. Sling Freestream also offers the option to upgrade with various add-ons from Sling TV plans within your profile.
Among free streaming services, Sling Freestream is 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 typically aren't. Using a TV antenna is one of the simplest ways to access local channels and a few extras. Alternatively, explore free streaming platforms like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Each service mentioned above offers a free trial: Hulu + Live TV for three days, DirecTV Stream for five days, and Fubo for seven days.
Should You Get Cable Instead?
After years of cutting the cord, the landscape of streaming services can feel overwhelming with content removals and price increases. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, though these are usually promotional offers. Contracts might lock you in for a year or two, and prices can rise significantly afterward.
Streaming services offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe with ease. If you're frustrated with the complexities and costs of streaming, cable might be worth reconsidering.