Live TV Streaming
In 2025, there are 6 main live TV streaming services: DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, and Philo. Those services can take the place of a cable subscription. The big difference is that streaming services don’t require contracts or cable boxes. You can watch them on smart TVs, streaming devices, tablets, mobile phones, or computers. As long as you have access to the internet, you can watch TV.
Which Live TV Streaming Service is Right for You?
To choose a live TV streamer, you’ll need to balance channels and price. Each service provides something different.
Best for Live TV fans
Whether you’re coming over from cable or if you just want the most TV possible, DIRECTV STREAM is the best choice. It has five different tiers of channels, allowing you to find a package that works for your budget. It has the best user interface of any live TV service, an unlimited cloud DVR, and unlimited streams at home. When testing DIRECTV STREAM, I found it stood far ahead of the other live streamers. Give it a try with a 5-day free trial.
$34.99/mo.+
Best for Families
Finding one service to satisfy families is tough, but Hulu + Live TV is my choice here. Not only will you get a great channel lineup with most important channels, you also get free Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu on-demand. That means you’ll always have something to watch, whether you’re choosing a live event or something from the deep libraries of those on-demand streamers.
I love Disney+ for its great family library with the Muppets, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney animated classics. Hulu has compelling originals and a huge sitcom library. ESPN+ has a great lineup of live sports, especially for college and NHL fans. Check out all of these services with a 3-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV.
$82.99/mo.
Best on a Budget
If you want to watch a good variety of channels without spending a fortune, I recommend Sling TV. It’s usually the least expensive way to get a good variety of live sports, news, and entertainment. While I usually drop live TV services during the NFL offseason, Sling is my choice to watch NFL RedZone, along with games on ESPN, NBC, ABC, and FOX.
Sling saves money because you’re not locked into one giant channel package to start. Its flexible packages make it unique among all other live TV streamers. You won’t find a free trial, but you’ll usually get 50% off your first month. Give it a shot and I think you’ll like what you see.
$45.99/mo. $23/mo.
Best for Sports Fans
DIRECTV STREAM offers the best overall sports lineup, including all local channels, important sports cable channels, college channels, and the best lineup of regional sports networks. If your favorite team plays on a FanDuel Sports Network affiliate, DIRECTV STREAM is your best choice.
$34.99/mo.+
Best if you Don’t need Sports or News
You won’t find a live TV streaming price lower than Philo ($28). That rock-bottom price means you won’t get local channels or news or sports, but there is a nice lineup of general entertainment channels. Philo also includes free AMC+ to provide even more entertainment.
$28/mo.
