The Best Streaming Services for Watching Live TV Online in 2025

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 best part? You can enjoy your content at home or on the go, using your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, these services are often more budget-friendly, with no hidden fees or extra hardware required.

With a plethora of options available, choosing the right live TV streaming service can be overwhelming. But don't worry—we've done the research for you and compiled a list of the top 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 best cable alternatives, offering unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. The service provides three Signature Packages, each designed to cater to different viewing preferences. The **Entertainment** pack features over 90 channels focused on entertainment and family-friendly content. The **Choice** pack expands your options with an additional 35 channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. For those seeking the ultimate viewing experience, the **Ultimate** pack boasts over 160 channels, covering everything from movies to sports and news.

For viewers with specific interests, 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 affordable and ideal for those who know exactly what they want to watch.

With your subscription, you'll benefit from 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 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

0Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).
$82.99 at Hulu

Hulu + Live TV seamlessly integrates the popular Hulu streaming service with a comprehensive live TV package, offering over 95 channels. This service is perfect for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle in its monthly cost, which typically costs $16.99 per month. This means you get access to over 95 live TV channels, along with Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).

Hulu + Live TV also provides unlimited DVR space to record your favorite movies and shows. You can stream on two supported devices simultaneously, or upgrade to unlimited screens to ensure everyone in the family can watch without interruption. Plus, there's a three-day free trial available, allowing you to test the service 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 a live TV subscription service with a strong emphasis on sports, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Known for its extensive catalog, Fubo caters to sports enthusiasts with 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. The base plan includes over 35 regional sports networks, ensuring you never miss a game. Fubo allows streaming on up to 10 devices simultaneously and up to three devices on the go.

New subscribers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial to experience the service 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 TV 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 at no cost. While you won't find the latest releases, the vast selection ensures you'll discover something interesting to watch.

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 win prizes just 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 other free streaming services, Sling Freestream stands out as our top pick.

Live TV Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live TV For Free?

Yes, you can watch certain TV shows and channels for free, though major networks are typically not included. One of the simplest ways to access live TV is by using a TV antenna to pick up local channels and a few extras. Alternatively, you can explore free streaming sites or apps like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and others.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Each of the live TV streaming services mentioned above offers a free trial, with varying durations. 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 landscape of TV viewing has evolved significantly, with many now reconsidering the shift back to cable due to the proliferation of streaming services, content removal, and price increases. Basic cable can often be found for $50–$100 per month, though these are usually promotional rates. Signing a contract may lock you in for a year or two, after which prices can increase dramatically, forcing you to either accept the higher cost or switch providers.

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 the growing number of streaming services and their rising costs are becoming too much, cable might be worth reconsidering.