The best live TV streaming services of 2025: Expert tested

Thinking about cutting the cord, but still want to watch live news, sports, and shows? We're here to help. Platforms like YouTube TV and Hulu+ Live TV allow you to watch live channels -- plus their own exclusive content -- for a fraction of the cost of traditional cable. With live TV streaming services, you don't need to deal with additional equipment and lengthy setup phone calls. You can also watch live programs from your TV, phone, laptop, or tablet. 

What is the best live TV streaming service right now?

I've been testing streaming services for years, for both our sister site CNET and ZDNET. My pick for the best overall live TV streaming service is YouTube TV due to its wide channel selection, unlimited DVR, and add-on options for even more channels and networks. (A tip: To see the full list of live channels that each service offers, click through to their website and enter your zip code.)

Read on to find the rest of my picks for the best live TV streaming services.   

Best live TV streaming services of 2025

YouTube TV is my pick for the overall best live TV streaming service due to its unlimited DVR and more than 100 channels including AMC, Bravo, CBS, FX, NBA TV, Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon. 

My family subscribes to YouTube TV largely because it's the only streaming service that offers NFL Sunday Ticket -- a package for watching out-of-market Sunday afternoon football games for an additional cost. This add-on is the one to consider for every football fan gearing up for next season. With the multiview feature, you can watch up to four channels on the same screen, so you'll never miss a game, even if two are scheduled simultaneously.

You can tack on Max, Starz, Showtime, and more sports networks for an extra fee. For an additional $10 a month, you can add 4K viewing to certain content, enjoy unlimited simultaneous streams at home, and watch recorded content offline. 

The biggest downside is the price, which recently jumped from $73 to $83 a month. In comparison, Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV costs the same, and also includes access to Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+.

If you're looking for the widest selection of channels -- and/or NFL Sunday ticket -- and don't mind the price tag, YouTube TV is an excellent live TV streaming service. 

YouTube TV features: Channels: 100+ | Plan options: 1 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $83 per month

• 100+ channels
• Unlimited DVR
• Exclusive home to NFL Sunday Ticket

• Expensive
• Many sports and 4K content costs extra

YouTube TV is my pick for the overall best live TV streaming service due to its unlimited DVR and more than 100 channels including AMC, Bravo, CBS, FX, NBA TV, Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon. 

My family subscribes to YouTube TV largely because it's the only streaming service that offers NFL Sunday Ticket -- a package for watching out-of-market Sunday afternoon football games for an additional cost. This add-on is the one to consider for every football fan gearing up for next season. With the multiview feature, you can watch up to four channels on the same screen, so you'll never miss a game, even if two are scheduled simultaneously.

You can tack on Max, Starz, Showtime, and more sports networks for an extra fee. For an additional $10 a month, you can add 4K viewing to certain content, enjoy unlimited simultaneous streams at home, and watch recorded content offline. 

The biggest downside is the price, which recently jumped from $73 to $83 a month. In comparison, Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV costs the same, and also includes access to Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+.

If you're looking for the widest selection of channels -- and/or NFL Sunday ticket -- and don't mind the price tag, YouTube TV is an excellent live TV streaming service. 

YouTube TV features: Channels: 100+ | Plan options: 1 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $83 per month

• Affordable price
• Customizable package options
• Great language options

• Only 50 hours of DVR storage included
• Few local channels

For those looking to take advantage of live TV streaming and premium video on demand (VoD) streaming, Hulu Plus Live TV is a solid option. For $83 a month, you get more than 90 live channels, Hulu's VoD catalog with original shows like Only Murders in the Building and The Bear, and access to Disney+ and ESPN+. 

Hulu Plus Live TV's channels include your local ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox stations in most areas, as well as the ESPN and Fox sports networks. You'll also get popular channels like HGTV, Comedy Central, TNT, TLC, USA, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Disney Channel. You can add extra networks like Max, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax, and NFL RedZone for an extra fee.

Hulu Plus Live TV offers unlimited DVR storage and two simultaneous streams -- you can also add on more. The only downside of this plan is that Hulu, Disney, and ESPN content have ads. You can upgrade to the $96 a month plan to get ad-free content and downloads.

Hulu Plus Live TV features: Channels: 90+ | Plan options: 2 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $83 per month

• Includes live TV, Hulu VoD, Disney+, and ESPN+ (with ads) for one price
• Local channel access
• Unlimited DVR

• Expensive
• VoD streaming platforms include ads

For those looking to take advantage of live TV streaming and premium video on demand (VoD) streaming, Hulu Plus Live TV is a solid option. For $83 a month, you get more than 90 live channels, Hulu's VoD catalog with original shows like Only Murders in the Building and The Bear, and access to Disney+ and ESPN+. 

Hulu Plus Live TV's channels include your local ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox stations in most areas, as well as the ESPN and Fox sports networks. You'll also get popular channels like HGTV, Comedy Central, TNT, TLC, USA, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Disney Channel. You can add extra networks like Max, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax, and NFL RedZone for an extra fee.

Hulu Plus Live TV offers unlimited DVR storage and two simultaneous streams -- you can also add on more. The only downside of this plan is that Hulu, Disney, and ESPN content have ads. You can upgrade to the $96 a month plan to get ad-free content and downloads.

Hulu Plus Live TV features: Channels: 90+ | Plan options: 2 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $83 per month

DirecTV Stream is the live TV streaming service that most resembles cable, both in terms of the user experience and the price tag. The Entertainment plan costs $87 a month for more than 90 channels, the Choice plan costs $115 a month for more than 125 channels, and the Ultimate plan is $130 a month for more than 160 channels. 

At the time of publication, DirecTV's Choice and Ultimate plans were on sale for $90 per month and $105 per month, respectively. You can also add on a sports pack to each of these plans for an extra $15 a month, which includes ESPN, NFL Network, MLB Network, and more regional sports networks than many others on this list. 

DirecTV Stream also offers unlimited in-home streams -- three maximum out-of-home streams -- and unlimited DVR storage. 

DirecTV Stream lets you keep the nostalgic channel-flipping experience with the ability to swipe left and right on your phone to change channels -- worrying about changing your remote's batteries is a thing of the past. 

DirecTV Stream features: Channels: 75+ | Plan options: 3 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $87 per month

• Mimics channel flipping experience with swiping
• Strong sports offerings
• Unlimited DVR storage

• Very expensive

DirecTV Stream is the live TV streaming service that most resembles cable, both in terms of the user experience and the price tag. The Entertainment plan costs $87 a month for more than 90 channels, the Choice plan costs $115 a month for more than 125 channels, and the Ultimate plan is $130 a month for more than 160 channels. 

At the time of publication, DirecTV's Choice and Ultimate plans were on sale for $90 per month and $105 per month, respectively. You can also add on a sports pack to each of these plans for an extra $15 a month, which includes ESPN, NFL Network, MLB Network, and more regional sports networks than many others on this list. 

DirecTV Stream also offers unlimited in-home streams -- three maximum out-of-home streams -- and unlimited DVR storage. 

DirecTV Stream lets you keep the nostalgic channel-flipping experience with the ability to swipe left and right on your phone to change channels -- worrying about changing your remote's batteries is a thing of the past. 

DirecTV Stream features: Channels: 75+ | Plan options: 3 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $87 per month

If watching live sports is your main draw for a live TV streaming service, FuboTV is the best choice for you. 

Watch ESPN, BeIN Sports, the Big 10, FS1, FS2, and the Golf Channel in addition to most local networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. With this package, you can access everything from NFL, NBA, and MLB games to English Premier League soccer games, NASCAR races, boxing, and more. Check FuboTV's website below to see what specific local channels are available for your zip code.

Beyond sports, FuboTV also includes live channels like FX, Bravo, E!, HGTV, Food Network, Disney Channel, Hallmark, Fox, and MSNBC. Add on Starz, Showtime, or MGM+ for additional monthly fees. With 1,000 hours of DVR storage, you're not likely to run out of space for a while, and you can stream on up to three devices simultaneously.

Choose from three different plan tiers ranging from $75 to $95 per month. All plans offer local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels in many regions. However, FuboTV doesn't include TNT and TBS, both of which show a lot of sports. It also doesn't include the Fox regional sports networks, and if you want to watch league-specific channels -- like MLB TV or NHL Network -- you'll have to upgrade or expand your plan. 

FuboTV features: Channels: 175+ | Plan options: 3 | Video storage: 1,000 hours | Price: Starts at $75 per month

• Large network of sports available, including NFL, NBA, and MLB
• 175+ channels
• 1,000 hours of DVR storage

• No access to local sports broadcasts
• Expensive

If watching live sports is your main draw for a live TV streaming service, FuboTV is the best choice for you. 

Watch ESPN, BeIN Sports, the Big 10, FS1, FS2, and the Golf Channel in addition to most local networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. With this package, you can access everything from NFL, NBA, and MLB games to English Premier League soccer games, NASCAR races, boxing, and more. Check FuboTV's website below to see what specific local channels are available for your zip code.

Beyond sports, FuboTV also includes live channels like FX, Bravo, E!, HGTV, Food Network, Disney Channel, Hallmark, Fox, and MSNBC. Add on Starz, Showtime, or MGM+ for additional monthly fees. With 1,000 hours of DVR storage, you're not likely to run out of space for a while, and you can stream on up to three devices simultaneously.

Choose from three different plan tiers ranging from $75 to $95 per month. All plans offer local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels in many regions. However, FuboTV doesn't include TNT and TBS, both of which show a lot of sports. It also doesn't include the Fox regional sports networks, and if you want to watch league-specific channels -- like MLB TV or NHL Network -- you'll have to upgrade or expand your plan. 

FuboTV features: Channels: 175+ | Plan options: 3 | Video storage: 1,000 hours | Price: Starts at $75 per month

Philo is a great option if you're looking for a cheaper live TV streaming option and aren't super interested in sports or local programming. At just $28 a month, you can stream more than 70 live channels and 100 free channels and access an on-demand library of over 70,000 titles.

Philo's live TV channels include Comedy Central, HGTV, AMC, Discovery, TLC, Discovery, BET, Nickelodeon, Lifetime, and Food Network. You can also add on MGM+ for $6 a month and Starz for $10 a month. AMC+ is now built into Philo's core package, giving access to that platform's premium shows and movies.

A major plus -- Philo offers unlimited DVR, so you can rewind and fast forward through commercials on your recorded programming. Even without the DVR, most of the platform's shows and movies remain available on demand for a few days after their first live airing.

Stream on up to three devices at once and create up to 10 user profiles. If you do want to try to access some local channels and sports, you can supplement Philo with a TV antenna. 

Philo features: Channels: 170+ | Plan options: 1 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $28 per month

• 70+ live TV channels
• Unlimited DVR storage
• Affordable price

• Limited sports programming
• No local channels

Philo is a great option if you're looking for a cheaper live TV streaming option and aren't super interested in sports or local programming. At just $28 a month, you can stream more than 70 live channels and 100 free channels and access an on-demand library of over 70,000 titles.

Philo's live TV channels include Comedy Central, HGTV, AMC, Discovery, TLC, Discovery, BET, Nickelodeon, Lifetime, and Food Network. You can also add on MGM+ for $6 a month and Starz for $10 a month. AMC+ is now built into Philo's core package, giving access to that platform's premium shows and movies.

A major plus -- Philo offers unlimited DVR, so you can rewind and fast forward through commercials on your recorded programming. Even without the DVR, most of the platform's shows and movies remain available on demand for a few days after their first live airing.

Stream on up to three devices at once and create up to 10 user profiles. If you do want to try to access some local channels and sports, you can supplement Philo with a TV antenna. 

Philo features: Channels: 170+ | Plan options: 1 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $28 per month

Which live TV streaming service is right for you?

It's important to note that each of these services could change their pricing, channel lineup, DVR capabilities, and number of available streams at any time, so make sure you check their websites before you subscribe.

Factors to consider when choosing a live TV streaming service

Before you cut the cord and subscribe to a live TV streaming service, you should consider the following factors: 

• Availability: Some of these services are only available in certain locations, or offer different channels depending on your location. Enter your zip code on their websites to find out more about what's available for you.
• Price: Since many people looking to cut the cord are aiming to save money, you'll want to consider how much you'll be spending each month on a live TV streaming service -- especially if you're already subscribed to other VoD streaming services like Netflix. 
• Channel options: While most of the live TV streaming services on this list include similar cable channels, some don't include local channels, others don't include sports channels, and all require additional fees to access premium cable channels like Max, Starz, and Showtime. You'll want to consider what shows you want access to when choosing a service.
  
• DVR storage: All of the live TV streaming services on this list include some form of digital video recording (DVR) storage, so you can record live shows to watch at your convenience (and fast forward through commercials). However, they range widely, from just 50 hours of storage to unlimited storage. 
  
• User experience: If you're making the switch from cable, you'll want to have a user-friendly live TV streaming service that's easy to navigate. Many of these services offer free trials, so if you're interested in testing them out, you can.

How we test live TV streaming services

I've spent hours testing and researching the live TV streaming services on this list, as well as other VoD streaming services over the years. When testing a streaming service, I typically subscribe to a free trial, and spend time using it over several days. When choosing my top streaming services picks, I consider the channel options (including whether the services include local, sports, or premium channels), features (like DVR storage and multiple stream options), the design and user experience of the service (including how easy it is to navigate), and finally the value (the price compared to the rest of these factors). 

FAQs on live TV streaming services

What is the best live TV streaming service for sports?

The best live TV streaming service is FuboTV, which features both mainstream sports like football and hockey and non-mainstream sports like F1 racing and cricket. There are also several sports channel add-ons to choose from, including an NBA League Pass channel and International Sports Plus, so you'll find something for every sports fan.

Which is the best streaming service for NFL?

There are a number of different streaming services that you can use to watch NFL games, but they can vary considerably in their coverage types. For example, YouTube TV is where you'll find NFL Sunday Ticket, which lets you watch all out-of-market games. The NFL Plus streaming service also includes RedZone and the NFL network, though you'll only be able to watch local and primetime games on your phone, not your TV or computer. For more, check out our guide for how to watch NFL games live.

What live TV streaming service has the best picture quality?

YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV support 1080p/60fps live streams on select platforms, so if picture quality is something that's important to you, these are both good options. 

Is streaming cheaper than cable?

Short answer: It depends. When people first started cutting the cord over a decade ago, it was possible to save over $100 per month and still get to watch the shows you wanted. But today, internet streaming service bills have crept up closer to cable TV levels. However, if you're savvy about which services you subscribe to -- and if you can share subscriptions at times -- it's still possible to save.

What live stream service is the best substitute for cable?

The live TV streaming services on this list all have something to offer. While YouTube TV is my top pick generally, if you're looking for the closest thing to cable in terms of number of channels and user experience, I'd say go for DirecTV Stream.