The Best Live Tv Streaming Services To Tune Into In 2025 Tested And

Leo Migdal

-Dec 9, 2025, 12:34 PM

the best live tv streaming services to tune into in 2025 tested and

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 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. Cable TV died only to return as live TV streaming services. Some familiar names are still around, like DirecTV, but even more have popped up as wholly unique entities.

TV looks a lot different than it did a decade ago, with cord-cutting going mainstream, and TV giants ditching the proprietary boxes and hardware leases in favor of streaming over the internet. Although the best live TV streaming services make it easier to watch live TV (often for cheaper), the internet has introduced its own problems. A large roster of brands has fragmented channel lineups, and ongoing negotiations with streaming platforms have meant channels disappear from some networks overnight. So what's the best? I went on a deep dive into channels, DVR, sports, on-demand videos, and increasingly confusing add-ons and pricing to understand where the live TV streaming market is at, and which service you should spend... Be sure to check out our Best Indoor TV Antennas and Best TVs guides for more.

Most live TV streaming services will cost you money, and they aren't cheap, with the going price sitting above $80 per month. However, a new model for streaming live TV has been growing in popularity over the last several years known as FAST, or free ad-supported television. There are several FAST services available, with some of the more popular options being Tubi, Roku TV, Pluto, and Peacock. The channels you find on FAST services don't mirror those of a traditional live TV provider, so you shouldn't expect to see major networks like Discovery, at least in the same form you find... There are thousands of FAST channels, and most of them focus on a specific genre or even a specific series. 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

What to look for in a live TV streaming service 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 I won’t mince words: Sling TV is confusing. It has, by far, the most confusing lineup of plans and add-ons out of any of the live TV streaming services I tested.

There are a handful of core plans, none of which encompass the scale of Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, or DirecTV, as well as about half a dozen add-ons to bring the channel roster... This modular approach is annoying while shopping, though it also means you can save quite a bit of money by only picking up what you need. The core of Sling is Blue and Orange. The Blue plan focuses on news and entertainment, while the Orange plan cuts news like MSNBC and CNN in favor of an array of ESPN channels. It’s clear Sling wants folks to pick up the Orange & Blue plan that combines these channel lineups. It’s about 30 percent cheaper getting them together than it is purchasing them separately (and about $30 cheaper than most other providers).

The Orange & Blue plan, which I recommend for most people, covers the major bases, but it loses out on some of the secondary channels available elsewhere. For instance, you get ESPN channels and Fox Sports 1, but not Fox Sports 2 or the Big Ten Network. You’ll need an add-on for those. Most of Sling’s add-ons are $6 extra per month, minus the sports add-on, which is $15. The add-ons fill in the gaps depending on what you’re most interested in. The entertainment add-on includes Cartoon Network and MTV, for instance, while the movies add-on comes with Grit, TCM, and FXX.

You can pick up all of the extras for $27 per month with Blue & Orange or $21 per month with other plans. Even with the full package, however, Sling comes in a few dollars below YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV, and there are opportunities to get your monthly price even lower by cutting some packages. For apps, Sling has just about everything you could want. Roku, Samsung, LG, Apple, and Google TV are all supported, as are boxes from Cox, Xfinity, and even TiVo Stream. Mobile apps are available, and there’s an app for the Xbox (though not the PlayStation 5). 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.

The Best Live Tv Streaming Services To Tune Into In 2025 Tested And

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Hulu Features All The Major News, Sports, And Entertainment Channels