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. The beauty of streaming lies in its convenience—you can enjoy your favorite content at home or on the go using your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, these services are generally more budget-friendly, with no hidden fees or hardware requirements to worry about.

With a plethora of options available, choosing the right live TV streaming service can feel overwhelming. Fear not—we've done the research for you and compiled a list of the best live TV streaming services to explore in 2025.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Limited-Time Offer
DirecTV Stream (Choice)
$79.99 at DirecTV, includes $10 off for 24 months

DirecTV Stream stands out as a top-notch cable alternative, providing unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. The service offers three Signature Packages, each designed to meet different viewing preferences. The **Entertainment** package includes over 90 channels, focusing on family-friendly and entertainment programming. The **Choice** package adds 35 more channels, including specialty options and regional sports. For those seeking a comprehensive viewing experience, the **Ultimate** package offers over 160 channels, covering everything from movies to sports and news.

For those with specific tastes, DirecTV Stream introduces new **Genre Packs**, each dedicated to a particular type of content, such as live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are more cost-effective and ideal for viewers who know exactly what they want to watch.

Subscribers enjoy unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and the freedom to stream on an unlimited number of devices within their 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
$82.99 at Hulu, includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)

Hulu + Live TV merges the beloved Hulu streaming service with a live TV package boasting over 95 channels. It's the perfect choice for fans eager to dive into Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, thanks to the included Disney Bundle, which typically costs $16.99 per month. This bundle gives you access to Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads), in addition to the extensive live TV channel lineup.

With Hulu + Live TV, you benefit from unlimited DVR storage to record your favorite movies and shows. The service supports streaming on two devices simultaneously, with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens, ensuring everyone in the family can watch without interruption. Plus, there's a three-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV, allowing you to test the service before committing to a monthly subscription.

Fubo

Best For Sports Variety

$30 Off First Month
Fubo (Pro)
$84.99 save 35% $54.99 at Fubo, save $30 off first month after free trial period

Fubo is a live TV subscription service that caters to sports enthusiasts, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Known for its extensive catalog, Fubo does come with a higher price tag but offers unparalleled access to sports content. Most Fubo plans support streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go.

For sports fans, Fubo is the go-to choice, providing access to over 55,000 live events annually, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, international soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and more. With over 35 regional sports networks included in the base plan, there's always a game to watch. New subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial of Fubo.

Sling Freestream

Best For Free TV

Watch and Earn Prizes
Sling Freestream
See it at Sling, over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows

If you're seeking free TV content without specific preferences, Sling Freestream is an excellent option. It offers over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, all at no cost. While you won't find the latest releases, the vast selection includes plenty of reruns and older content to keep you entertained.

While not mandatory, creating a free Sling TV account grants you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Additionally, you can earn rewards and even have a chance to win prizes simply by watching through Sling Freestream. The service also offers the option to upgrade with various add-ons from Sling TV plans within your profile.

Among the many free streaming services available, Sling Freestream stands out as our top pick.

Live TV Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live TV For Free?

While certain TV shows and channels can be accessed for free, major networks are typically not included. The simplest way to watch live TV is with a TV antenna, which can pick up local channels and some additional stations. Alternatively, free streaming sites or apps like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi are worth exploring.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Each of the live TV streaming services highlighted here offers a free trial, with varying durations. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo boasts a generous seven-day trial.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

The debate about whether to return to cable after years of streaming has gained traction. With the proliferation of streaming services, content removal, and price increases, some may find cable more appealing. Basic cable can be found for around $50–$100 per month, though these rates are often promotional and may increase significantly after the initial contract period.

Streaming services, however, offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe easily based on your preferences. If the rising costs and numerous streaming subscriptions are becoming a hassle, revisiting cable might be a viable option to consider.