The Best Live Tv Streaming Services In 2025 Business Insider

Leo Migdal

-Dec 8, 2025, 11:32 AM

the best live tv streaming services in 2025 business insider

If you want to cut the cord or just want to keep your regular TV plan, you've got a lot of choices, but live TV streaming services don't require you to lock in to... They offer an assortment of channels, include DVR capabilities and offer the ability to stream sports and more. Most services also allow you to watch on your laptop or phone. Picking the right platform can be tricky due to pricing and regional sports networks, but there are six main platforms to think about (we're not including smaller ones): Fubo, Philo, Sling TV, DirecTV, YouTube... YouTube TV and Disney worked things out, but Fubo lost a suite of channels from NBCUniversal, including USA, Bravo, MS NOW and NBC. You should also be aware that Philo's monthly price went up, and Hulu's live TV platform now costs more.

But it really boils down to the channels, right? We've examined which platforms feature the most top 100 channels in their main lineups to help you determine which one is best for your household. The main difference between the services lies in their channel selection. All of them offer different lineups of channels for various prices. Below, you'll find a chart that shows the top 100 channels across all six services. Note that not every service has a worthy 100.

There are actually seven listed because Sling TV has two "base" tiers, Orange and Blue. And if you're wondering, I chose which "top" channels made the cut. Sorry, AXS TV, Discovery Life, GSN and Universal HD. Many people find it easy to use online services to stream live television. Many are leaving cable behind in favor of online alternatives. The best live TV streaming services provide a wide range of channels, popular packages, and no long-term contracts.

Opportunities for profit in this sector are expected to emerge by 2025. YouTube TV has not escaped the top list and is one of the best options. It has over a hundred channels, including news, sports, and entertainment. Users receive a cloud DVR with no storage limits, which simplifies recording shows. All major devices support the platform. Channels Available: ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, etc.

Highlight: No restrictions on DVR storage. Negative Impact: Does not permit offline downloads. Streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV allow you to watch live sports, news, and primetime shows without a cable subscription. These platforms are designed as cable replacements, letting you browse popular live channels over the internet—unlike on-demand services such as Netflix. For a fixed monthly fee, you get access to live TV, including sports and news, and most of these services also offer unlimited DVR, so you can record shows and watch them later. It depends.

While they offer the flexibility of no contracts and streaming on various devices (like phones, smart TVs, and streaming sticks), some services are now nearly as expensive as traditional cable. Prices are climbing: YouTube TV now costs $83, DirecTV is at $87, Fubo starts at $80, and Hulu + Live TV is also $83. Adding to the evolving landscape, Fubo and Hulu recently announced a merger, pending approval. This ever-changing world of live streaming continues to evolve—both in features and in pricing. Still, if you’re ready to ditch the cable cord, it’s worth exploring these internet-based alternatives. Check out the Best Free TV Streaming Services like Plex, Pluto TV, and more for cost-free entertainment.

We’ve tested all the major live TV streaming platforms—including Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, Philo, and Fubo. Our top picks? Hulu + Live TV for its comprehensive features and the budget-friendly Sling TV. Cord-cutters have a wealth of options in the streaming age. Following the launch of ESPN Unlimited, live TV subscribers (including sports fans) are comparing online cable alternatives to find out where to get the most bang for their streaming buck. And streamers are more than happy to appeal to potential customers’ pocketbooks: Sling TV just launched short-term Day, Week, Weekend and Season Passes (from $4.99 to $200) geared towards sports fans, while DirecTV earlier...

More of the Best Streaming Subscription Deals Subscription prices have been on the rise, even as streamers offer new bundles and ad-supported tiers amid tariffs. After offering a rare discount to attract new subscribers, Apple TV+ raised its rate by $3 per month following its Emmy nominations. YouTube raised its subscription price last year to $82.99 per month, rivaling Hulu + Live TV which includes Disney+ and ESPN Select for the same price. And Peacock, Netflix and Discovery+ also raised their prices within the last year. Ahead, The Hollywood Reporter has put together a primer on everything you need to know about the best TV streaming services for every type of cord-cutter.

Keep reading to find out each live TV streamer’s best subscription deals, the channel lineup, how many profiles or simultaneous streams are allowed for each platform, what to watch where and more. Note that channels and promotions vary by market; check with each service directly for final offerings and pricing. The 7 Best Live TV Streaming Services in 2025 The landscape of television consumption has undergone a dramatic transformation, phasing out traditional cable in favor of versatile live TV streaming platforms. These services cater to a diverse audience by offering a plethora of content accessible from any location and on myriad devices. Advancements in technology and network infrastructure have also enabled these platforms to provide high-definition video quality, a user-friendly experience, and enhanced customizability options.

In 2025, consumers seek platforms that not only deliver a wide range of channels and programs but also include additional features such as cloud-based DVR, tailored recommendations, and flexible pricing plans with no contractual... Streaming services have transformed the television landscape, allowing audiences to watch live TV without the confines of traditional cable subscriptions. To navigate this evolving medium, a thorough evaluation is essential. This section unveils the methodology employed to unearth the leading live TV streaming services, offering a clear view of the benchmarks that set the standard for excellence in 2025. Determining the elite few among countless options relies on specific, weighted criteria. Content diversity holds considerable weight, examining whether a service offers a rich tapestry of genres, catering to myriad tastes.

User experience steps into the spotlight, acknowledging the degree of ease and satisfaction during viewer interactions. Pricing completes the critical triad, assessing value for money and the transparency of subscription plans. To ensure a comprehensive analysis, various research methods interplay. Surveys offer insightful data regarding viewer satisfaction, capturing the voice of the consumer. Reviews, whether expert-driven or audience-sourced, provide comparative insights into service performance and reliability. Feature checks are meticulous examinations, delving into the nitty-gritty of each service to ensure they deliver on their promises.

For all the gripes you might have about the state of streaming, this year still had some bright spots. Looking back on 2025, we saw the debut of several new streaming services that deliver more choice and flexibility to cord cutters, along with some compelling new bundles for folks who can’t resist subscribing... This year also brought us some great new affordable streaming players and one excellent innovation in over-the-air TV. As is custom around here, let’s rewind to 2025’s best developments in cord cutting, plus a handful that we’d rather forget. Somehow, the company delivering the best cheap streaming devices is still Walmart. Following up on last year’s excellent Onn 4K Pro, the $30 Onn 4K Plus is a surprisingly speedy streaming box with Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos audio, a feature-packed remote, and a generous 16...

In side-by-side testing, it outperformed not just Roku’s Streaming Sticks, but the $50 Onn 4K Pro as well, and the Google TV software still excels at helping you keep up with your shows. With the rise of cord-cutting, live TV streaming services have become the go-to choice for watching sports, news, and entertainment without a cable subscription. However, with so many options, choosing the right service can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for affordability, sports coverage, or premium content, there’s a perfect streaming service for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the best live TV streaming services of 2025, comparing their pricing, channel lineup, features, and pros & cons to help you find the best fit. 📺 Price: $72.99/month📡 Channels: 100+ (ESPN, CNN, Fox, ABC, NBC, Comedy Central, etc.)🎥 DVR Storage: Unlimited (record & keep for 9 months)📱 Streams: 3 simultaneous

✅ Best balance of price & channel selection✅ Unlimited DVR storage – record all your favorite shows✅ User-friendly interface – smooth experience across devices 🚫 Downsides: Price increase over the years, fewer regional sports networks

The Best Live Tv Streaming Services In 2025 Business Insider

People Also Search

If You Want To Cut The Cord Or Just Want

But It Really Boils Down To The Channels, Right? We've

There Are Actually Seven Listed Because Sling TV Has Two

Opportunities For Profit In This Sector Are Expected To Emerge

Highlight: No Restrictions On DVR Storage. Negative Impact: Does Not