Top Live TV Streaming Services to Watch Online in 2025

Ready to move on from cable? Live TV streaming services offer a fantastic alternative, letting you enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and sports without long-term commitments. Stream from home or on the go using your phone or tablet, all at a lower cost with no hidden fees or equipment hassles.

With so many choices available, picking the right service can feel overwhelming. We’ve simplified the process by highlighting the top live TV streaming platforms for 2025.

What’s your monthly budget for a streaming service?

$5$10$15$20$30$50+

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DirecTV Stream

Top Cable Replacement

Limited-Time Offer

DirecTV Stream (Choice)

0Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.$79.99 at DirecTV

DirecTV Stream stands out as a leading cable alternative, offering customizable packages to suit your viewing needs. Choose from three Signature Packages tailored to different preferences. The Entertainment package delivers over 90 channels of family-friendly and entertainment-focused content. The Choice package includes 35 extra channels, such as regional sports and specialty networks. For maximum variety, the Ultimate package provides over 160 channels, spanning movies, sports, and news.

For viewers with niche interests, DirecTV Stream’s Genre Packs focus on specific content types like sports, news, or entertainment, offering a budget-friendly option. Subscriptions come with unlimited DVR storage, simultaneous recording, and streaming on multiple devices at home. You can even catch shows up to 72 hours after airing, even if you didn’t record them.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming and TV Bundle

Disney Bundle Included

Hulu + Live TV

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

Hulu + Live TV blends its popular streaming platform with a robust live TV package featuring over 95 channels. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar, it includes the Disney Bundle—worth $16.99 monthly—at no extra cost. This adds Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) to your live TV experience.

Enjoy unlimited DVR storage for recording shows and movies, plus streaming on two devices simultaneously, with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens for family viewing. A three-day free trial lets you explore the service before committing to a subscription.

Fubo

Best for Sports Fans

$30 Off First Month

Fubo (Pro)

0Save $30 off first month after free trial period.$84.99 save 35%$54.99 at Fubo

Fubo excels for sports lovers, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. While pricier, it boasts one of the largest channel lineups among streaming services. Stream on up to 10 devices at home or three on the go. Sports fans get access to over 55,000 live events yearly, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA sports, NASCAR, soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, and MMA, with 35+ regional sports networks in the base plan. New users can try Fubo with a seven-day free trial.

Sling Freestream

Best Free TV Option

Watch and Earn Prizes

Sling Freestream

0Over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows.See it at Sling

For casual viewers, Sling Freestream offers over 600 channels and 40,000 on-demand movies and shows at no cost. Expect older content and reruns, but the vast selection ensures something for everyone. A free Sling TV account unlocks 10 hours of DVR for pausing, fast-forwarding, or rewinding. You can also earn rewards and prizes just by watching. Upgrade to Sling TV plans for more features anytime.

While other free streaming services exist, Sling Freestream is our top pick for its variety and ease of use.

Live TV Streaming FAQs

Is Free Live TV Streaming Possible?

Some shows and channels are available for free, but major networks are typically not included. A TV antenna can pick up local channels, or you can try free streaming platforms like Sling Freestream, Roku Channel, or Tubi for more options.

Would you pay for a streaming service with ads?

Yes!No!Only if it’s very affordable.

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Which Services Offer Free Trials?

All the mentioned live TV streaming services provide free trials. Hulu + Live TV offers three days, DirecTV Stream gives five days, and Fubo provides a generous seven-day trial.

Is Cable a Better Option?

With streaming services multiplying, content disappearing, and prices rising, some are reconsidering cable. Basic cable typically costs $50–$100 monthly, but these are often promotional rates that increase after a contract term. Long-term commitments can lock you in, with prices spiking post-promotion.

Streaming services shine with their flexibility, offering month-to-month billing and easy cancellation. You can subscribe, enjoy, and switch as needed. If the growing number of streaming platforms feels overwhelming, cable might be worth revisiting, but weigh the costs and constraints carefully.