The Best Streaming Services for Watching Live TV Online in 2025

Ready to cut the cord and dive into the future of entertainment? Live TV streaming services are the perfect cable alternative, offering you the freedom to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the burden of long-term contracts. The beauty of streaming lies in its versatility—you can watch from the comfort of your home or on the go, using your mobile phone or tablet. Not only is streaming often more budget-friendly, but it also eliminates those pesky extra fees and the need for additional hardware.

With an overwhelming array of options available, finding the right service can feel daunting. Fear not! We've sifted through the choices to bring you the top live TV streaming services to explore 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. Choose from three Signature Packages, each designed to cater to different viewing preferences:

• The Entertainment pack features over 90 channels, perfect for family-friendly entertainment.
• The Choice pack adds 35 more channels, including specialty options and regional sports.
• The Ultimate pack offers over 160 channels, covering movies, sports, news, and more.

For those with specific interests, DirecTV Stream introduces Genre Packs, focusing on particular content types like live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are budget-friendly and ideal for viewers with targeted viewing habits.

Your subscription includes unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and the freedom to stream on an unlimited number of devices within your home. Plus, catch up on your favorite shows up to 72 hours after they've aired, even if you missed the live broadcast!

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 combines the beloved Hulu streaming platform with a robust live TV package, featuring over 95 channels. It's the go-to choice for fans eager to dive into the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, thanks to the included Disney Bundle—normally priced at $16.99 per month.

With Hulu + Live TV, you'll enjoy unlimited DVR storage to record your favorite movies and shows. The service allows streaming on two devices simultaneously, with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens, ensuring everyone in your household can watch without interruption. Plus, a three-day free trial lets you test the waters 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 powerhouse for sports fans, boasting over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Though it comes with a higher price tag, the comprehensive catalog and focus on sports make it a top choice. Fubo allows streaming on up to 10 devices simultaneously at home, and three devices on the go.

Sports enthusiasts will revel in 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're never short of a game to watch. A seven-day free trial is available for new subscribers to try before they buy.

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 a fantastic option. 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 of reruns and older content ensures there's always something to watch.

Creating a free Sling TV account grants you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, along with the ability to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Additionally, you can earn rewards and have a chance to win prizes simply by watching. If you decide to upgrade, various add-ons from Sling TV plans are available within your profile.

Among the myriad of free streaming services, Sling Freestream stands out as our top recommendation.

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. A simple way to access live TV is through a TV antenna, which can pick up local channels and some additional ones. Alternatively, explore free streaming sites or apps like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and more.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

All the mentioned services offer free trials, though durations differ. Hulu + Live TV provides a three-day trial, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo gives you a generous seven-day trial to test the service.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

The streaming landscape has evolved, and some are rethinking the shift away from cable. With numerous streaming services, content removals, and price increases, cable might seem appealing again. Basic cable often starts at $50–$100 per month, though these are usually promotional rates. Contracts can lock you in for a year or two, and prices may rise afterward.

Streaming services offer the flexibility of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe as your preferences change. If the growing number of streaming services and their costs frustrate you, cable might be worth considering once more. The choice ultimately depends on your viewing habits and budget.