Best live TV streaming services of 2025

Why you should trust us

We considered several factors in deciding which streaming service earned each title, including pricing, channel selection, on-demand libraries, availability of free trials and how many sports channels are available. These are all aspects of streaming services that we know are important to subscribers, so we weighed them carefully in making our selections.

Want to learn more about streaming services? Check out these related articles:

• Best Sports Streaming Service
• Best Streaming Services with 4K
• Best Streaming Services for Local Channels
• Best Streaming Services with Free Trials

Best overall: DIRECTV Streaming App Only

About DIRECTV Streaming App Only

DIRECTV is now under one umbrella for all of it's offerings, moving away from the DIRECTV STREAM offer that everyone knows. DIRECTV Streaming app only still has a wide variety of channels, including sports, news, entertainment, family-friendly and everything in between. 

Pros

• Wide channel selection
• Includes regional sports networks
• Unlimited streams at home

Cons

• More expensive than others
• Recordings expire after 9 months
• Some issues with screen casting

Product Specifications

*Availability depends on your area; included with top three plans

Who is DIRECTV best for?

DIRECTV is a great choice for you if you are seeking a well-rounded streaming service. It also offers potential customers a free trial so you can check it out before you commit, which is always a plus. The various channel offerings, as well as the unlimited streams and DVR recordings, make DIRECTV is a great pick for any household will be able to find something to watch as soon as they turn on the TV. Plus, if you’re a sports fan, you’ll get any regional sports networks available in your area with the Choice plan or above. 

Best for sports: Fubo

About Fubo

Fubo is a sports fan’s paradise. The streamer is packed with channels to view nearly every sport you can imagine. And while Fubo already has a massive number of sports channels baked in, the streamer offers even more as add-ons if it’s not enough. Plus, all the usual premium channels are available as add-ons as well, making this a truly well-rounded streaming service.

Pros

• Expansive sports channel offerings
• Some 4K viewing
• Offers a 7-day free trial

Cons

• RSN fees apply
• Missing Discovery-owned channels

Product Specifications

*Available with add-ons

Who is Fubo best for?

Fubo is the best streaming service for you if you are an avid sports fan. While most live TV streaming services offer channels for watching pro leagues, Fubo takes it a step further and gives users access to lesser known sports channels and access to more national and international leagues and events. For the price, you’re getting all the standard sports networks and local channels, plus niche networks as well so you can really keep up with everything.

Best for budget: Sling TV

About Sling TV

Sling TV is one of the cheapest ways to watch live TV. It offers mix-and-match plans that allow you to build the channel lineup that works best for you.

Pros

• Affordable
• Plenty of add-on options
• Customizable subscriptions

Cons

• Smaller channel lineup
• Some areas don't get local channels
• Small DVR capacity

Product Specifications

*Available with add-ons

Who is Sling TV best for?

Sling TV is your best option if you are looking for an affordable but comprehensive service. You really can’t beat the price of Sling TV compared to competitors. Sure, the channel packages are smaller than the competition, but Sling TV includes many of the major players, including sports, news and local channels in some areas. You never have to miss out on anything, plus you’re saving money.

Best for on-demand streaming: Hulu + Live TV

About Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV has a robust library of on-demand content and a well-rounded selection of live TV channels. The service is jam-packed with award-winning shows and movies that you can stream offline. Plus, the streamer has some of the best bundle deals on the market, allowing you access to other services, including Disney Plus, Max and ESPN Plus, at a discounted price.

Pros

• Huge on-demand library of titles
• Extensive bundle deals
• Well-rounded channel list

Cons

• Base plan has ads
• Not many RSNs
• No ads plan for offline watching

Product Specifications

*Availability depends on your area

Who is Hulu + Live TV best for?

Hulu + Live TV is best if you want to have access to both a wide range of on-demand content and channels. Hulu’s on-demand library is vast — there are thousands of shows and movies at your disposal. The streaming service offers a deeper library of entertainment than any live TV competitors, so when you’re not catching up on the news and sports, you know you’ll have something on demand to keep you occupied, whether it’s “Only Murders in the Building” or “The Kardashians.”

Best channel selection: YouTube TV

About YouTube TV

YouTube TV has just one plan, where you get 100 plus channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and the option to upgrade for 4K viewing and to add on more channel packages for an even more enhanced experience. However, the streamlined base package is more than enough for most sports fans and anyone looking to replace cable. 

Pros

• Unlimited cloud DVR
• Wide variety of channels
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• Limited RSNs
• 4K streaming requires a fee

Product Specifications

*Availability depends on your area

Who is YouTube TV best for?

YouTube TV is your best bet if you want access to a plethora of popular channels. There is just one plan, so you don’t have to worry about trying to sift through a bunch of different packages to try to figure out what channels you want and what works with your budget. The plan has a ton of channels (with news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and more), and unlimited DVR. You’re all set without the stress.

FAQ

Which streaming service has the best live TV?

DIRECTV is the best all-around live TV service because it has a wide range of channels that can suit everyone. It’s also great for sports fans and entertainment lovers alike and offers different plans to suit your needs.

What is the cheapest way to get live TV?

Sling TV has the cheapest subscription plans. Though you don’t get as many channels as some of the competition, you’ll save some money every month. 

Is Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV better?

Hulu + Live TV has a better on-demand selection of shows and movies than YouTube TV. When it comes to channel lineups, YouTube TV has a wider selection. It really depends on what you’re looking for as to how to decide which service is better for you.