Best Live Tv Streaming Services For 2025 Which One Should You Choose

Leo Migdal

-Dec 9, 2025, 12:34 PM

best live tv streaming services for 2025 which one should you choose

Ditching an expensive cable contract doesn't mean giving up live TV. Video streaming services, such as Editors' Choice winners Hulu and YouTube TV, deliver live channels over the internet, catering to different viewers. For example, some platforms are better for general audiences, others offer top sports channels, and a few focus on entertainment and lifestyle content. Our tested options are available across many platforms, including phones, tablets, web browsers, gaming consoles, and media streaming devices. Although these services are on the pricier end of the streaming video spectrum, you may still spend less money per month than you did with cable. If you're ready to explore the many live TV options, check out our recommended services below.

You may know Hulu as an on-demand destination for current and classic TV shows, but its Live TV plan is just as impressive. Hulu features all the major news, sports, and entertainment channels and networks, plus excellent DVR capabilities. Even as its price continues to rise, YouTube TV remains a top option for cord-cutters thanks to excellent DVR tools, expansive channel variety, and terrific sports features. Fubo is an excellent streaming service for sports fans that also features many appealing news and entertainment channels for mainstream audiences. DirecTV delivers a reliable live streaming experience with regional sports networks and DVR options, but its plans are much pricier than the competition. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.

Pricing and availability are subject to change. I'll admit it: I miss channel-surfing. While on-demand streaming (Netflix, HBO Max, etc.) lets me watch what I want, when I want, there's still something special about hopping around the "dial" to see what's on right now. (Second act of Moneyball? I'm in. Bob's Burgers reruns?

Perfect.) Yes, live TV still means sitting through commercials, but I consider those opportunities for bathroom breaks, snack runs and, if I'm being good, a few sets of squats. The best live TV streaming services do a great job of recreating the cable/satellite viewing experience, serving up as many as 100 hundred (or more!) channels for my surfing pleasure.Indeed, you'll get not only... In many cases these services add extras like DVR and on-demand movies and TV shows.But, wow, there are a lot of different choices, with different channels, features and pricing models. Lucky for you, I watch a lot of TV — Alone, Animal Control, Bob's Burgers, Shark Tank, you name it — and I've put all the top services to the test: DirecTV, Hulu +... (Note: A growing number of "traditional" streaming services, including Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock and Netflix, are dipping toes into the live-TV waters — usually with sports or special events — but given... Find out below in "How we tested." What are some important factors to consider when shopping for a streaming live-TV service?

They're below as well, along with answers to frequently asked questions. Other live TV streaming services we like Other live TV streaming services we tested How we tested live TV streaming services SAVE ON TV STREAMING Find the Cheapest Way to Stream Your Favorite TV Channels Tired of paying too much for TV?

Use our streaming channel tool to discover the cheapest way to stream your favorite TV channel. Many cable or satellite TV subscribers are looking to streaming as a way to cut their monthly bills in 2025. And it’s a great idea! Services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV offer many of the channels that you watch on cable at a lower price. But how do you choose which live TV streaming service is best for you? By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Cut the cord in 2025 with the best live TV streaming services — no cable needed Disclaimer: When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. With more people cutting the cord and ditching traditional cable, the best live TV streaming services are stepping in to fill the gap. These platforms don't just mimic cable — they often do it better, with tons of original content and features that actually make sense. Of course, not all live TV services are the same. Some are cheaper, some are built for sports junkies, and some strike a nice balance.

Not sure which one fits your setup? We break it all down so you can find the right pick for how you watch. When you’re finally ready to cut the cord, shopping for a live TV streaming service is an obvious starting point. They offer many of the same channels you had with cable or satellite TV, but deliver them over the internet to your smart TV or streaming device. All that said, live TV streaming services have been getting more and more expensive, and in some ways they won’t be exactly like what you had with cable or satellite. Our top picks will help you avoid overpaying and get the TV channels you care about the most.

If you want to cut the cable cord without overthinking it, YouTube TV is the easiest starting point to recommend. It’s the best drop-in replacement for cable or satellite TV. It’s not exactly cheap at $83 per month, but it offers a broad mix of the local stations, live news, national sports, and entertainment channels you’d get with a typical pay TV package, almost... Its interface is easy to comprehend, its cloud DVR lets you record an unlimited number of programs for up to nine months, and you can even bundle NFL Sunday Ticket at a discount. Cutting the cord has never been more appealing. With cable prices continuing to rise and streaming services offering comprehensive alternatives, millions of households are ditching traditional cable for internet-based live TV.

But with so many options available, determining which streaming service is best for live TV can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the top services for 2025, helping you find the perfect fit for your viewing habits and budget. Live TV streaming services have matured significantly, now offering channel lineups that rival traditional cable packages at a fraction of the cost. These platforms deliver local channels, sports networks, news, and entertainment through your internet connection, eliminating equipment rental fees and long-term contracts. The best streaming service for live TV depends on your priorities, whether that’s comprehensive sports coverage, budget-friendly pricing, or extensive on-demand libraries. Let’s explore what makes each service unique.

YouTube TV remains the gold standard for live TV streaming, offering over 100 channels at $82.99 monthly. The service provides unlimited cloud DVR storage with nine-month retention, making it easy to record and save content. YouTube TV includes all major local networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS), plus comprehensive sports coverage including ESPN, NFL Network, and NBA TV. The interface is remarkably intuitive, with easy navigation and excellent search functionality. YouTube TV supports three simultaneous streams and works seamlessly across all major devices. The platform’s exclusive access to NFL Sunday Ticket makes it particularly attractive for football fans, though this add-on costs extra.

Pros: Unlimited DVR, comprehensive channel lineup, user-friendly interface, NFL Sunday Ticket availability Cons: Higher price point, streams most cable channels at 720p resolution, missing some networks like A&E and Lifetime Thinking about alternatives to cable? Live TV streaming services provide an easy way to watch cable channels without needing a contract. These cable replacements are streamed over the internet, but unlike on-demand services such as Netflix, they let you channel surf among the most popular live channels. For a flat monthly fee, subscribers can watch sports, news broadcasts and primetime TV shows. We've compared all of the apps on mobile devices, streaming sticks and smart TVs.

While the live TV streaming is more sophisticated than ever, some services cost the same as the cable services they are designed to replace. Indeed, pricing and channel availability are in a constant state of flux. After recent increases, Hulu's live platform is now $90 a month, YouTube TV is $83, and DirecTV, Fubo and Philo have also gone up. Meanwhile, Fubo and Hulu have announced they will merge, pending regulatory approval. But change is all part of the brave new world of live TV streaming. Here's what you need to know.

Want to save even more money? See the our list of the best free TV streaming services, including Plex, Pluto TV and more. We've tested all of the popular paid live TV streaming services including Sling TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV, Philo and Fubo. Among this competition, our top choices in this category areYouTube TV and the budget-friendly Sling TV. At the affordable end of the spectrum, Sling's Blue package carries many basic channels for $46 a month, while YouTube's channel lineup is worth the $83. Each service provides a user-friendly layout and a blend of live channels with unlimited DVRs and on-demand content.

Beyond those two, all of the cancel-anytime live TV packages we've evaluated on this list allow you to watch local and national news and live sports and events. You can stream live channels such as CNN, NBC, ESPN and Fox on a host of different devices. You can compare the services' channel lineups here. YouTube TV has more top channels than any competitor at this price, and it was the first service to include local PBS stations -- Hulu and DirecTV followed suit later. Despite a $10 price hike in January, YouTube TV service has an excellent cloud DVR, including both unlimited storage and a generous nine months to watch recordings (most rivals offer 30 days). Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004.

Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products. Sports fans who want to catch every last game and news junkies who want to watch network news as it unfolds have two main options: cable or a live TV streaming service. Cable or satellite service often requires extra equipment and convoluted contracts. Live TV streaming services only need an internet connection and a smart TV. These plans also used to be cheaper than cable, but rate hikes have put many of them at $85 and above, so the price gap has narrowed.

We tested out all the major players to compare what you get and help you make sense of your options. Here are the best live TV streaming services, according to our testing.Editor’s note: The dispute between YouTube TV and Disney, which carried on long enough to cause ABC, ESPN and other Disney properties to... Fans looking to watch Thanksgiving weekend games will need access to FOX, CBS and NBC as well as Prime Video. We’ve detailed the schedule in the NFL streaming section below. Best live TV streaming services for 2025 Best free live TV streaming services for 2025

Best Live Tv Streaming Services For 2025 Which One Should You Choose

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