Top Live TV Streaming Services in 2025

Are you ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are the perfect replacement, offering you the flexibility to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the burden of long-term contracts. The beauty of streaming lies in its affordability and convenience—you can enjoy content at home or on the go via your mobile phone or tablet, all without worrying about extra fees or hardware costs.

With an array of options available, choosing the right service might seem daunting. But fear not—we've done the research for you and compiled a list of the top live TV streaming services to explore in 2025.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

DirecTV Stream stands out as one of the best cable alternatives, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV experience. With three Signature Packages—Entertainment, Choice, and Ultimate—you can choose from over 90 to more than 160 channels, covering everything from family-friendly entertainment to specialty channels and regional sports. For viewers with specific tastes, the new Genre Packs focus on particular content types, such as live sports or news, making them a cost-effective choice for targeted viewing.

Subscribers benefit from unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and streaming on unlimited devices within your home. Plus, you can catch up on shows up to 72 hours after they air, even if you forgot to record them.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle With TV

Hulu + Live TV offers a comprehensive package that combines Hulu's extensive streaming library with over 95 live TV channels. It's an ideal choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu with ads, and ESPN+ with ads) at no extra cost, a value that typically costs $16.99 per month on its own.

You'll enjoy unlimited DVR space to record your favorite content, the ability to stream on two devices simultaneously (with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens), and a three-day free trial to test the service before committing to a subscription.

Fubo

Best For Sports Variety

Fubo is tailored for sports enthusiasts, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. With access to more than 55,000 live events annually, including major leagues like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more, Fubo ensures you never miss a game. The service includes over 35 regional sports networks in its base plan and allows streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three on the go.

New subscribers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial to experience Fubo's comprehensive sports coverage firsthand.

Sling Freestream

Best For Free TV

If you're looking for free TV options without a specific preference, Sling Freestream is an excellent choice. With over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, you can enjoy a vast array of content without spending a dime. While the selection mainly includes reruns and older content, the variety is sure to keep you entertained.

Registering for a free Sling TV account unlocks 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.

Live TV Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live TV For Free?

Yes, certain TV shows and channels can be accessed for free, though major networks are typically not included. Using a TV antenna is one of the simplest ways to enjoy local channels and some additional content. For streaming options, services like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi offer free live TV, albeit with a focus on older content.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

All the services highlighted above offer free trials. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo gives you a generous seven-day trial to test their offerings.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

With the proliferation of streaming services, content removals, and price increases, some may find themselves reconsidering cable. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, though these are usually introductory rates. Contracts often lock you in for a year or more, after which prices can increase significantly.

Streaming services, on the other hand, offer the flexibility of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe as your preferences change. Ultimately, the choice between cable and streaming depends on your needs and tolerance for the ever-changing landscape of content and costs.