The Best Streaming Services for Watching Live TV Online in 2025 %v

Ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of streaming? Live TV streaming services are the perfect cable alternative, offering you the freedom to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without being locked into a long-term contract. The best part? You can stream from the comfort of your home or while on the move using your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, these services are generally more budget-friendly, with no hidden fees or hardware costs to worry about.

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

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Limited-Time Offer

DirecTV Stream (Choice)

Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.

$79.99 at DirecTV

DirecTV Stream stands out as one of the premier cable alternatives, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. With three Signature Packages to choose from, you can select the one that best matches your preferences. The **Entertainment** package boasts over 90 channels, focusing on family-friendly programming and entertainment. The **Choice** package enhances your viewing with an additional 35 channels, including specialty and regional sports. If you crave the ultimate TV experience, the **Ultimate** package delivers over 160 channels, covering movies, sports, and news.

For viewers with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces **Genre Packs**—specialized packages that cater to your favorite types of content, such as live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are budget-friendly and perfect for those 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 your home. Additionally, you can watch your favorite shows up to 72 hours after they've aired, even if you forgot to record them!

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle With TV

Disney Bundle Included

Hulu + Live TV

Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).

$82.99 at Hulu

Hulu + Live TV offers a comprehensive package that combines the beloved Hulu streaming service with a robust live TV offering of over 95 channels. It's an ideal choice for fans eager to dive into the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, thanks to the included Disney Bundle, which typically costs $16.99 per month. This bundle encompasses Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) on top of the 95+ live TV channels.

Subscribers benefit from unlimited DVR storage to capture their favorite movies and shows. The service supports streaming on two devices simultaneously, with the option to upgrade to unlimited screens, ensuring everyone in the family can watch without interruption. Hulu + Live TV also offers a three-day free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing to a monthly subscription.

Fubo

Best For Sports Variety

$30 Off First Month

Fubo (Pro)

Save $30 off first month after free trial period.

$84.99 save 35% $54.99 at Fubo

Fubo is a top choice for sports enthusiasts, offering a vast array of over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage to record your favorite content. While it comes with a higher price tag, Fubo's comprehensive catalog is unmatched. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go.

Fubo provides access to over 55,000 live events annually, covering 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. New subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial to test out the service.

Sling Freestream

Best For Free TV

Watch and Earn Prizes

Sling Freestream

Over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows.

See it at Sling

If you're looking for free viewing options without a specific preference, 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 you won't find the latest releases, the extensive variety ensures there's always something interesting to watch.

Creating a free Sling TV account isn't mandatory, but it does provide 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, enabling you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Plus, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching TV or movies through Sling Freestream. For those interested in additional content, Sling Freestream allows you to upgrade with various add-ons from the Sling TV plans within your profile.

While numerous free streaming services exist, Sling Freestream stands out as our top recommendation.

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. One of the simplest ways to catch live TV is by using a TV antenna to receive local channels and a few extras. Alternatively, explore free streaming sites or apps like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and more.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Each of the live TV streaming services mentioned offers a free trial, though the duration varies. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo is the most generous, with a seven-day trial.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

The streaming landscape has evolved significantly, prompting some to reconsider traditional cable. With numerous streaming services, content removals, and frequent price increases, cable might seem appealing again. Basic cable often starts at $50–$100 per month, though these rates are typically promotional and subject to change after the initial contract period.

Streaming services offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe easily. If the growing number of streaming services and escalating costs become overwhelming, cable could be a viable option to explore once more.