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 a flexible, cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and live sports. The beauty of these services lies in their portability—stream from the comfort of your home or on the go with your mobile device. Plus, they're often more budget-friendly, with no hidden fees or hardware requirements to worry about.

With an abundance of options available, choosing the right service can feel overwhelming. We've done the research for you and identified 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 a top cable alternative, offering unmatched flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. It features three Signature Packages: the **Entertainment** pack, with over 90 channels focused on entertainment and family-friendly programming; the **Choice** pack, adding 35 more channels including specialty and regional sports; and the **Ultimate** pack, boasting over 160 channels covering everything from movies to sports to news. For those with specific interests, DirecTV Stream also offers **Genre Packs** that focus on live sports, entertainment, or news, providing a more affordable and targeted viewing option.

Subscribers benefit from unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and streaming on an unlimited number of devices at home. Plus, you can watch 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 merges the popular Hulu streaming service with a live TV package featuring over 95 channels. It's an ideal choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle, typically valued at $16.99 per month. This bundle offers Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) alongside the live TV channels.

With Hulu + Live TV, you get unlimited DVR space to record your favorite content. The service supports streaming on two devices simultaneously, with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens for family viewing. New subscribers can enjoy a three-day free trial to test the service before committing.

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 tailored for sports fans, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. It's known for its extensive sports coverage, with more than 55,000 live events annually, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, and more. The base plan includes over 35 regional sports networks, ensuring you never miss a game. Fubo supports streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three devices on the go. New users can try Fubo with a seven-day free trial.

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, Sling Freestream is a great choice, offering over 600 channels and 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows at no cost. While the content may be older, the variety is impressive. Creating a free Sling TV account unlocks 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, and you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching. For those interested, Sling Freestream also allows easy upgrades to Sling TV plans through your profile.

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. Using a TV antenna is one of the simplest ways to access local channels. Alternatively, free streaming platforms like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi offer a range of live and on-demand content.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

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

Should You Get Cable Instead?

The decision to return to cable can be tempting given the fragmentation of streaming services, content removal, and price increases. Basic cable can be found for $50–$100 per month, though these are often promotional rates that increase after a contract period. Streaming services offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe without hassle. Ultimately, whether to opt for cable or streaming depends on your preferences and budget.