If you're ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of live TV streaming, you’re in luck! These services offer the freedom to watch your favorite shows, movies, and sports without being locked into a long-term contract. Plus, you can stream from the comfort of your home or on the go, using your phone or tablet. And let’s not forget—the prices are generally much more wallet-friendly compared to traditional cable.
The best part? With so many options out there, you can tailor your streaming experience to suit your preferences and budget. But with hundreds of services available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. No worries—we’ve done the heavy lifting and picked the top live TV streaming services for you to try in 2025.
DirecTV Stream
Best Cable Alternative
Limited-Time Offer
DirecTV Stream (Choice)
$79.99 at DirecTV
DirecTV Stream is one of the best alternatives to traditional cable, offering a flexible and customizable TV experience. The service provides three main packages: Entertainment, Choice, and Ultimate, each with varying channel selections to match your interests. The Entertainment package includes over 90 channels, focusing on family-friendly and entertainment programming. The Choice package adds another 35 channels, including specialty channels and regional sports. For those who want the full spectrum, the Ultimate package boasts over 160 channels, covering everything from movies to sports and news.
For viewers with specific tastes, DirecTV Stream also offers new Genre Packs—each dedicated to a particular type of content like sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are budget-friendly and ideal for niche audiences.
With DirecTV Stream, you’ll enjoy unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and the option to stream on an unlimited number of devices at home. You can even catch up on missed shows for up to 72 hours after they air.
Hulu + Live TV
Best Streaming Bundle With TV
Disney Bundle Included
Hulu + Live TV
$82.99 at Hulu
Hulu + Live TV combines the popular Hulu streaming service with a live TV package featuring over 95 channels. It’s a fantastic choice for fans of Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar, as the monthly cost includes the Disney Bundle—a service that would normally cost $16.99 per month. This means you’ll get the base Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) along with your live TV channels.
The service also offers unlimited DVR space to record your favorite shows and movies. You can stream on two devices simultaneously or upgrade to unlimited screens for family viewing. Hulu + Live TV also provides a three-day free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing.
Fubo
Best For Sports Variety
$30 Off First Month
Fubo (Pro)
$54.99 at Fubo
Fubo is a live TV subscription service with a strong focus on sports, offering more than 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Known for its extensive catalog, Fubo includes over 55,000 live events annually, covering the 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, you’ll never miss a game.
Most Fubo plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices simultaneously, and you can watch on up to three devices while on the go. New subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial to test the service.
Sling Freestream
Best For Free TV
Watch and Earn Prizes
Sling Freestream
Sling Freestream is a free streaming service featuring over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows. While it doesn’t offer recent releases, you’ll find plenty of reruns and classic content to keep you entertained. Creating a free Sling TV account gives you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Plus, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching.
You can also upgrade with various add-ons from the Sling TV plans later on from within your profile.
Live TV Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live TV For Free?
Certain TV shows and channels can be viewed for free, but don’t expect major networks. Using a TV antenna to pick up local channels is one easy way to catch live TV for free. Alternatively, you can explore free streaming sites like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Each of the services mentioned above offers a free trial. 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?
While basic cable might seem cheaper upfront, prices often increase after promotional periods end. Streaming services, on the other hand, offer month-to-month billing, giving you the flexibility to cancel anytime or switch to a different service when something new catches your eye.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and budget. If you’re tired of juggling multiple streaming subscriptions and rising costs, cable might be worth reconsidering.
