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 freedom to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the hassle of long-term contracts. Not only can you enjoy your content at home, but you can also take it with you on your mobile phone or tablet, making it perfect for on-the-go viewing. 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 live TV streaming service can be overwhelming. But don't fret—we've sifted through the choices and highlighted the best live TV streaming services for you to explore in 2025.
DirecTV Stream
Best Cable Alternative
Limited-Time Offer
DirecTV Stream (Choice)
0
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. Choose from three Signature Packages, each designed to cater to different viewing preferences. The **Entertainment** package boasts over 90 channels, perfect for family-friendly and general entertainment. Upgrade to the **Choice** package to gain access to 35 more channels, including specialty and regional sports content. For the ultimate viewing experience, 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** focused on particular content types such as live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs offer a cost-effective solution for those who know exactly what they want to watch.
Subscribers benefit from unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and the freedom to stream on an unlimited number of devices within your 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
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Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).
$82.99 at Hulu
Hulu + Live TV is a fantastic option for those seeking a comprehensive streaming bundle. With over 95 channels and the inclusion of the Disney Bundle in the monthly subscription, you get access to Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) at no extra cost. The Disney Bundle alone typically costs $16.99 per month, making this an incredible value.
Enjoy unlimited DVR storage to record your favorite movies and shows, and stream on two devices simultaneously. For larger households, you can upgrade to unlimited screens, ensuring everyone can watch without interruptions. Plus, Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing to a 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 the go-to service for sports fans, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. While it comes with a higher price tag, Fubo provides one of the most extensive channel lineups among live TV streaming services. You can stream on up to 10 devices at home and three devices while away from home.
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 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 test out the service.
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 content, Sling Freestream is an excellent choice. With over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, you'll find a vast selection of content, albeit mostly reruns and older shows. Creating a free Sling TV account grants you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind your favorite shows.
Watch TV or movies through Sling Freestream and earn rewards, with the chance to win prizes. If you decide you want more, you can easily upgrade with various add-ons from Sling TV plans directly from your profile. Among the free streaming services available, Sling Freestream is our top recommendation.
Live TV Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live TV For Free?
While you can watch certain TV shows and channels for free, don't expect to find major networks included. Using a TV antenna is one of the simplest ways to access local channels and a few additional options. Alternatively, explore free streaming platforms like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others for a variety of free content.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Each of the highlighted live TV streaming services offers a free trial period. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo offers the most generous trial at seven days.
Should You Get Cable Instead?
With the rise of streaming services, some are reconsidering the benefits of traditional cable. While basic cable can be found for around $50–$100 per month, these rates are often promotional and may increase significantly after the initial contract period. Streaming services, on the other hand, offer the flexibility of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe as needed.
If the growing number of streaming services and their rising costs are becoming overwhelming, cable might be worth reconsidering. Ultimately, the choice depends on your viewing habits and preferences.
