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 enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the hassle of long-term contracts. The best part? You can watch on any device, be it at home or on the go, and these services often come at a more budget-friendly price, with no hidden fees or extra hardware costs.
With a sea of options available, choosing the right streaming service can feel overwhelming. But don't worry—we've sifted through the choices to bring you 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 premier cable alternatives, providing you with the flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. Choose from three Signature Packages: the **Entertainment** pack with over 90 channels for family-friendly and entertainment-focused content, the **Choice** pack which adds 35 specialty and regional sports channels, or the **Ultimate** pack, offering over 160 channels that cover everything from movies to sports to news.
For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces new **Genre Packs** focused on live sports, entertainment, or news, making it more affordable and targeted to your viewing preferences. With your subscription, enjoy unlimited DVR storage, simultaneous recording, and streaming on an unlimited number of devices at home. Plus, you can catch up on 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
0Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).
$82.99 at Hulu
Hulu + Live TV merges the beloved Hulu streaming platform with a robust live TV package, boasting over 95 channels. It's the go-to choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and beyond, thanks to the included Disney Bundle, typically valued at $16.99 per month. This bundle grants you access to Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads), alongside your live TV channels.
Enjoy unlimited DVR space to record your favorite content, and stream on two devices simultaneously, with the option to upgrade for unlimited screens. Plus, there's a three-day free trial to test the waters before committing to a 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 your go-to for a sports-centric live TV subscription, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Although it comes with a higher price tag, Fubo's comprehensive channel lineup and focus on sports make it a top pick. Stream on up to 10 devices at home and three on the go, ensuring you never miss a game.
Sports lovers will revel in access to over 55,000 live events annually, from NFL and NBA to international soccer and more. With over 35 regional sports networks in the base plan, there's always a game to watch. New subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial to experience Fubo firsthand.
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 to watch TV without a specific channel in mind, 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 the content might lean towards reruns and older shows, the sheer variety ensures you'll find something to enjoy.
Creating a free Sling TV account unlocks 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, enabling you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Plus, you can earn rewards and potentially win prizes just by watching. Sling Freestream also allows you to upgrade later with various add-ons from the Sling TV plans within your profile.
Among the many free streaming services, Sling Freestream emerges 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 usually require a subscription. The easiest way to access live TV for free is with a TV antenna, which picks up local channels and some additional ones. Otherwise, consider free streaming platforms like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Each of the aforementioned services offers a free trial, varying in length: Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo gives you a generous seven-day trial.
Should You Get Cable Instead?
As streaming services proliferate, and with content being removed and prices rising, the appeal of traditional cable is resurfacing. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, though these are typically promotional offers. Contracts might lock you in for a year or more, with price increases looming once the promotional period ends.
One of the biggest advantages of streaming services is their month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel anytime without hassle and resubscribe to new services as needed. If you're tired of juggling multiple streaming subscriptions and their escalating costs, cable might be worth reconsidering.
