Ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are an excellent alternative to traditional cable, offering you the flexibility 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 stream it on the go using your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, these services are typically more budget-friendly, with no hidden fees or hardware costs to worry about.

With a plethora of options available, choosing the right service can be daunting. But don't fret—we've done the research and compiled a list of the best live TV streaming services to consider 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 top cable alternatives, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. Choose from three Signature Packages, each designed to cater to different tastes. The **Entertainment** package boasts over 90 channels focused on entertainment and family programming. The **Choice** package enhances your selection with an additional 35 channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. For those seeking the ultimate viewing experience, the **Ultimate** package provides over 160 channels, covering everything from movies to sports and news.

DirecTV Stream also introduces new **Genre Packs**, allowing you to customize your viewing even further with packs dedicated to sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are cost-effective and ideal for viewers with specific content interests.

With your subscription, enjoy unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and stream on an unlimited number of devices at home. Plus, you can catch up on your favorite shows up to 72 hours after they air, 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 popular Hulu streaming platform with a comprehensive live TV package, offering over 95 channels. It's the perfect choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle at no extra cost, typically valued at $16.99 per month. This bundle provides access to Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads), in addition to your live TV channels.

Hulu + Live TV also offers unlimited DVR storage to record your favorite content. Stream on up to two devices simultaneously, or upgrade to unlimited screens to ensure the whole family can watch without interruptions. Plus, enjoy a three-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV before committing to a monthly 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 live TV streaming service if sports are your passion. With over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage, Fubo offers one of the most extensive channel lineups available. Although it comes with a higher price tag, most Fubo plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go.

Sports fans will appreciate Fubo's coverage of 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 more than 35 regional sports networks included in the base plan, you'll never miss a game. New subscribers can take advantage of 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 for free content without specific preferences, Sling Freestream is an excellent choice. 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 extensive library ensures you'll always find something to watch.

Creating a free Sling TV account allows you to access 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, enabling you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind your content. Additionally, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching TV or movies through Sling Freestream. For those interested, you can upgrade with various add-ons from the Sling TV plans within your profile.

Sling Freestream is our top pick among other free streaming services.

Live TV Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live TV For Free?

Yes, you can watch certain TV shows and channels for free, but major networks are typically not included. Using a TV antenna is one of the simplest ways to access local channels and a few extras. Alternatively, explore free streaming platforms like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

All the services highlighted above offer free trials, with varying durations. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo offers a generous seven-day trial.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

As streaming services proliferate, and with content being removed and prices increasing, some might consider returning to cable. Basic cable can be found for around $50–$100 per month in many areas, but these are often promotional rates. Contracts can lock you in for one to two years, after which prices can increase significantly.

One of the key advantages of streaming services is their month-to-month billing flexibility. You can cancel anytime without hassle and easily resubscribe if a new service catches your interest.

Ultimately, the choice between streaming and cable depends on your preferences and budget. If you're tired of juggling multiple streaming subscriptions and rising costs, revisiting cable might be worth considering.