Are you ready to cut the cord and dive into the world of live TV streaming? These services are the perfect cable alternative, offering you the freedom to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports without the hassle of long-term contracts. The beauty of streaming is the flexibility it offers—you can enjoy your content at home or on the go via your mobile phone or tablet. Plus, streaming services are typically more budget-friendly, with no hidden fees or hardware costs to worry about.
With the plethora of options available, choosing the right service can feel overwhelming. But don't fret—we've done the legwork and handpicked the top live TV streaming services for you 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, providing unparalleled flexibility to tailor your TV viewing experience. With three Signature Packages—Entertainment, Choice, and Ultimate—you can select the perfect channel lineup to suit your preferences. The Entertainment pack offers over 90 channels focused on family-friendly and entertainment programming. The Choice pack expands your options with 35 more channels, including specialty and regional sports networks. And for those who want it all, the Ultimate pack boasts over 160 channels covering movies, sports, and news.
For those with niche interests, DirecTV Stream's new Genre Packs are a game-changer. These packs are curated around specific content types like live sports, entertainment, or news, and are priced to fit tighter budgets.
Your subscription also comes with unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, and streaming on an unlimited number of devices at home. Plus, 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 is a fantastic choice for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle at no extra cost—a value of $16.99 per month. This means alongside over 95 live TV channels, you'll also get Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).
With unlimited DVR storage, you can record all your favorite movies and shows. The service allows streaming on two devices at once, but you can upgrade to unlimited screens to keep everyone in the family happy. There's also a three-day free trial available, giving you a chance to 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 the go-to service for sports lovers, offering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. While it comes with a higher price tag, the comprehensive catalog and sports-focused content make it worth it. Most Fubo plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three on the go.
With access to over 55,000 live events annually, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, and more, Fubo ensures you never miss a game. The base plan includes over 35 regional sports networks. New subscribers can try Fubo for free with a seven-day 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 open to watching a variety of content without specific preferences, Sling Freestream is a great option. It offers over 600 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows—all for free. While you won't find the latest releases, the extensive library includes plenty of reruns and older content to keep you entertained.
Creating a free Sling TV account grants you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind. Plus, you can earn rewards and even win prizes just by watching. If you decide you want more, you can easily upgrade with various add-ons from Sling TV plans within your profile.
Among the many free streaming services, Sling Freestream is our top pick for its breadth and variety of content.
Live TV Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live TV For Free?
While major networks typically require a subscription, you can watch certain TV shows and channels for free. Using a TV antenna is a simple way to access local channels and some extras. Alternatively, free streaming platforms like Sling Freestream, the Roku Channel, and Tubi offer a range of live TV content.
Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Each of the services mentioned above offers a free trial. Hulu + Live TV gives you three days, DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo provides a generous seven-day trial.
Should You Get Cable Instead?
The streaming landscape has evolved significantly, and some are reconsidering cable due to the proliferation of services, content removals, and price increases. Basic cable can be found for $50–$100 per month, often as a promotional offer, but these deals usually require a contract that locks you in for a year or two. Once that period ends, prices can soar, leaving you to decide whether to pay more or switch providers.
Streaming services, on the other hand, offer the advantage of month-to-month billing, allowing you to cancel or resubscribe as needed. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of streaming options and rising costs, cable might be worth reconsidering. Ultimately, the choice depends on your viewing habits and budget.
