As cable prices continue to soar, live TV streaming services remain the go-to alternative for cord-cutters. While these services have seen steady price hikes (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo now cost $83–$85/month), they still offer flexibility, no contracts, and better pricing than traditional cable in many markets.
Whether you’re a sports fan, news junkie, or just want access to local channels, we’ve tested the top options to help you pick the best live TV streaming service for your needs.
Best Live TV Streaming Services of 2025
Best Overall: YouTube TV ($83/month)
- 100+ channels, including locals (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox).
- Unlimited DVR (recordings expire after 9 months).
- Multiview (watch up to 4 sports/news streams at once).
- Smooth interface & best search function.
- Easy to overspend on add-ons (Max, Showtime, etc.).
Why we recommend it: Despite its $10 price hike in late 2024, YouTube TV remains the most well-rounded option, offering great sports coverage, unlimited DVR, and a polished user experience.
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Best for Sports: Fubo ($85/month)
- 215+ channels, with 118 sports networks (ESPN, Fox Sports, NFL Network).
- FanView mode (stats + live game in one window).
- 10 simultaneous streams (great for households).
- No TBS/TNT (misses some NBA/MLB games).
Why we recommend it: Fubo is the king of sports streaming, automatically recording games from your favorite teams. The multiview feature (now on Roku & Apple TV) is a game-changer.
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Best for Disney+/Hulu Subscribers: Hulu + Live TV ($83/month)
- Includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu’s on-demand library.
- 95+ channels, including ESPN, TNT, and local affiliates.
- Clunky interface (live TV feels tacked on).
Why we recommend it: If you already pay for Disney+ or Hulu, bundling live TV makes sense—but the navigation isn’t as smooth as YouTube TV.
Best Cable Replacement: DirecTV Stream ($85–$170/month)
- Closest to traditional cable (numbered channels, familiar guide).
- Unlimited DVR & simultaneous streams.
- Slower load times than competitors.
Why we recommend it: DirecTV now focuses on streaming, offering flexible plans (including a sports-only package for $70/month).
Best Budget Option: Sling TV ($46–$51/month)
- Cheapest way to get ESPN (Orange Plan).
- Customizable add-ons (Sports, News, Kids).
- Only 50 hours of DVR (no expiration).
Why we recommend it: Sling’s à la carte approach lets you pay for only the channels you want, but local coverage is limited.
Best Cheap (No Sports): Philo ($28/month)
- 70+ entertainment channels (AMC, Comedy Central, HGTV).
- Unlimited DVR (1-year storage).
- No sports, locals, or major news networks.
Why we recommend it: If you don’t need sports or news, Philo is the most affordable live TV option.
Best Free Live TV Streaming Services
If you’re looking for free alternatives, these ad-supported options deliver:
- Tubi (260+ channels, local Fox/ABC in some areas).
- Pluto TV (250+ channels, strong Paramount content).
- Sling Freestream (400+ channels, best for news).
- Plex (800+ channels, best search function).
Final Verdict
- Best Overall: YouTube TV (best balance of channels, DVR, and usability).
- Best for Sports: Fubo (most comprehensive sports coverage).
- Best Budget: Sling TV (cheapest ESPN access) or Philo (no sports).
Live TV streaming isn’t as cheap as it used to be, but it’s still more flexible than cable. Pick the service that matches your viewing habits—and don’t forget to check for free trials before committing!
