Ready to cut the cord and dive into streaming? Live TV streaming services are an excellent cable alternative, letting you enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and sports without long-term commitments. Stream seamlessly at home or on the go using your phone or tablet, with the added benefit of affordability—no hidden fees or hardware costs.

With countless options available, choosing the right service can feel overwhelming. We've simplified the process by highlighting the top live TV streaming platforms for 2025.

DirecTV Stream

Top Cable Replacement

DirecTV Stream (Choice)

DirecTV Stream stands out as a premier cable alternative, offering customizable packages to suit your viewing preferences. Choose from three Signature Packages: the Entertainment plan with over 90 channels of family-friendly and entertainment content, the Choice plan with an additional 35 channels including regional sports, or the Ultimate plan with over 160 channels spanning movies, sports, and news.

For targeted viewing, DirecTV Stream’s new Genre Packs focus on specific categories like sports, entertainment, or news, offering a budget-friendly option for selective viewers. Enjoy unlimited DVR storage, simultaneous recording, and streaming on multiple devices at home, plus the ability to watch shows up to 72 hours after airing, even without recording.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming and TV Bundle

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV merges Hulu’s on-demand library with a robust live TV package featuring over 95 channels. Ideal for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar, it includes the Disney Bundle—Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads)—worth $16.99 monthly, at no extra cost. Record shows with unlimited DVR storage and stream on two devices simultaneously, or upgrade to unlimited screens for family-wide viewing. A three-day free trial lets you explore the service risk-free.

Fubo

Top Choice for Sports Fans

Fubo (Pro)

Fubo excels for sports lovers, delivering over 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. With a premium price, it offers unmatched sports coverage, including 55,000 live events yearly—NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA sports, NASCAR, soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and more. The base plan includes over 35 regional sports networks, and most plans support streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three on the go. New users can try Fubo with a seven-day free trial.

Sling Freestream

Best Free TV Option

Sling Freestream

Sling Freestream is a fantastic choice for casual viewers, offering over 600 channels and 40,000 on-demand movies and shows at no cost. While focused on older content and reruns, its vast library ensures something for everyone. A free Sling TV account unlocks 10 hours of DVR for pausing and rewinding, plus rewards for watching. Upgrade options are available for premium content within your profile, making it a versatile free streaming solution.

Among free streaming services, Sling Freestream stands out as a top pick for variety and accessibility.

Live TV Streaming FAQs

Is Free Live TV Available?

Some channels and shows are free, but major networks are typically subscription-based. A TV antenna can capture local channels, or you can explore free platforms like Sling Freestream, Roku Channel, or Tubi for additional content.

Which Services Offer Free Trials?

All featured services provide free trials: Hulu + Live TV offers three days, DirecTV Stream provides five days, and Fubo gives seven days, allowing you to test each platform before committing.

Is Cable a Better Choice?

With streaming services multiplying and prices rising, some reconsider cable. Basic cable plans range from $50–$100 monthly, but promotional rates often expire, leading to higher costs and long-term contracts. Streaming services offer flexibility with month-to-month billing, letting you cancel or switch without penalty.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your needs. If streaming’s complexity and costs frustrate you, cable might be worth revisiting.