6 best live TV streaming services in 2025 – expert-tested & compared
Live TV was usually associated with Public broadcasting services or cable providers. Meanwhile, video streaming services have evolved from offering on-demand movies and shows to providing diverse packages with numerous channels and a wide range of programming. The best live TV streaming services can often replace cable and satellite subscriptions, primarily due to their flexible and frequently more affordable options.
Each live TV streaming provider has unique strengths and offers. Some focus on sports, others on the PBS lineup or entertainment channels. News channels, unlimited DVR, and simultaneous streams are also things you should consider when choosing the best cable alternatives.
I compiled a list of the best live TV streaming services in collaboration with the Cybernews team to help you choose the best live TV streaming services.
Best live TV streaming services – shortlist
- Hulu – best overall streaming and live TV combo
- Sling – best for customizing channels
- YouTube TV – best for streaming quality and features
- Fubo – best for live sports
- Philo- best affordable service
- DirectTV Stream - best for robust live TV packages
The best live TV streaming service compared
Before exploring each internet streaming service, consider a comprehensive table that compares the prices, features, and suitability of service providers for your needs.
| Service name | Price | Rating | Simultaneous streams | Channels | Cloud DVR | 4K | Best for |
| Hulu | $9.99 (basic plan), $82.99 (Live TV channels) | 4.7 | 2 | 110+ | Unlimited | No | On-demand and Live TV combo |
| Sling | $46, $66 | 4.4 | 1 or 3 | 30+ or 50+ | 50 hours | No | Add-on variety and customization |
| YouTube TV | $82.99 | 4.6 | 3 or unlimited | 100+ | Unlimited | Yes | Stream quality and interactive features |
| Fubo | $84.99 / $94.99 | 4.3 | 3 or unlimited | 200+ | Unlimited | Yes | Sport enthusiasts |
| Philo | $28 | 3.8 | 3 | 70+ | Unlimited | No | Affordable live TV |
| Direct TV Stream | $84.99, $89.99, $119.99 | 3.7 | 20 | 90+ | 20 hours or unlimited | No | Channel selection and features |
6 best live TV streaming services – our detailed list
Each one of the top live TV streaming services has advantages and perks. At the same time, each one has drawbacks in other areas. Find your best fit in our detailed list according to your preferences and budget:
1. Hulu – best for combining live TV and on-demand streaming
| Price | $9.99 (basic plan), $82.99 (Live TV channels) |
| Simultaneous streams | 2 (unlimited package), 3 (mobile devices) |
| Channels | 110+ |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited (saves up to 9 months) |
| 4K content | No |
| Best for | Robust on-demand and Live TV entertainment |
Choosing a streaming TV package from Hulu can be challenging, with numerous options available. The basic plan costs $9.99, and you can upgrade to Disney+ for $1. Alternatively, you can add Disney+ and ESPN+ for $7. If you also add Max, it will still be affordable, but you won’t have live TV. To add more than 110 channels, you’ll have to pay at least $82.99. Hulu offers different PBS channels, numerous news channels, and – depending on your location – various sports channels, including ESPN, FS1, MLB, and NFL networks.
Pricing tiers require fees for adding unlimited screens or removing ads, but all subscribers can access unlimited Cloud DVR. The starting package already offers good options if you're looking for a robust and affordable streaming service. Building all the features might be costly, so limit your choices to the most critical options. If you want to watch Hulu outside the US, check our guide to the best Hulu VPNs.
2. Sling – best add-on and channel customization variety
| Price | $46, $66 |
| Simultaneous streams | 1 (Orange package), 3 (Blue package) |
| Channels | 30+ / 50+ |
| Cloud DVR | 50 hours/200 hours |
| 4K content | No |
| Best for | Customizing channel selection and add-ons |
You can choose between three basic Sling options. The cheapest option is $46, and it gives you two choices. The Orange plan focuses more on sports with all ESPN channels. It also offers family content, and you can add on services like Max, Paramount+, and others. The Blue version focuses on news channels, and you can combine both options to access over 50 channels at a slightly higher price.
I liked the ability to cancel at any time, the no-contract option, and the flexibility of long-term commitment. Sling has 40 hours of free cloud DVR, but you can upgrade to Unlimited. The service also allows you to shop channels. For example, you can add the Sports Extra package for $11 per month or focus on movies with the STARZ package.
3. YouTube TV – best streaming quality and unique features
| Price | $82.99 |
| Simultaneous streams | 3 / unlimited |
| Channels | 100+ |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited (saves up to 9 months) |
| 4K content | Yes |
| Best for | Overall channel selection and features |
YouTube TV is battling Fubo for sports fans. In addition to the broadest selection of live TV sports channels, you will get interactive features such as Key Plays View, Stats View, and Fantasy Football View. More than 110 channels are available, including news, entertainment, and family channels.
You will get unlimited DVR space, six individual accounts, and three simultaneous streams. The starting price is on the high end, and adding more live sports, including NFL RedZone and 13 other networks, will cost an additional $9.99. The same goes for 4K Plus. Additional entertainment options include Max, Paramount+, Showtime, and STARZ for $29.99. Robust YouTube TV offering attracts viewers worldwide, and here is a guide to the best VPNs for accessing this service.
4. Fubo – best for the number of channels and sports fans
| Price | $84.99 / $94.99 |
| Simultaneous streams | 3 / unlimited |
| Channels | 200+ |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited |
| 4K content | Yes (elite tier) |
| Best for | Sport fans |
If you’re a sports fan, the numerous available channels and access to the NFL, NHL, NBA, and international soccer are among the most impressive features. The premium price for a basic subscription includes over 200 channels, and a $10 elite add-on provides 4K and access to 70+ additional channels.
You can watch Fubo on up to 10 screens. All tiers offer unlimited Cloud DVR, and the Elite subscription includes 4K content. While sports fans might be the first to sign up, Fubo offers other great programming, including many entertainment and movie channels. Like other cord-cutting options, you can watch on-demand shows and movies.
5. Philo – best cheap live TV streaming
| Price | $28 |
| Simultaneous streams | 3 |
| Channels | 70+ |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited (saves up to 30 days) |
| 4K content | No |
| Best for | Affordable live TV |
It doesn't get cheaper than Philo if you’re into live TV streaming services. While you may miss news and sports coverage, you gain a robust channel lineup. Philo primarily targets entertainment and lifestyle viewership, with highlights on channels such as AMC, Animal Planet, BBC America, Discovery, Food Network, and many others.
You will get three simultaneous streams and unlimited DVR functionalities at an affordable price. However, there is no 4K content, and most add-ons focus on movies with channels like MGM+, STARZ, and Sony Movies.
6. DirectTV Stream – best for regional sports networks
| Price | $84.99, $89.99, $119.99 |
| Simultaneous streams | 20 / 3 (not at home) |
| Channels | 90+, 125+, 160+ |
| Cloud DVR | 20 hours/ unlimited |
| 4K content | No |
| Best for | Overall channel selection and features |
DirectTV Stream offers some confusing packages, but the three basic ones range from $84.99 to $119.99, with each tier adding more channels and premium sports options. The service shines in regional sports and local channels, and you can also add Max, Paramount+, STARZ, and other premium streaming services.
If you're looking for features like 20 simultaneous streams, advanced parental controls, and unlimited DVR, consider DirecTV Stream. You won’t get any 4K streams, but that aligns with competitors.
How did we select the best live TV streaming services
It’s all about choice when you search for the best live TV streaming service. Trying to match pieces of a channel and an on-demand puzzle is challenging and different for each consumer. However, I had a firm set of criteria, including channel selection, streaming quality, user interface, and pricing. Real-world user feedback also played a crucial role in identifying long-term use issues and benefits. Here is how we selected the top live TV streaming providers.
- Channel selection (35%). The content is the essential feature, and the primary reason you should choose these alternatives to cable and conventional broadcast providers.
- Streaming quality (25%). Not even the media library of a top streaming service can make up for poor quality, so uninterrupted and seamless streaming is critical.
- Device compatibility and interface (15%). The number of simultaneous streams available and the devices that support the service are key considerations for multi-user households. The user interface is pivotal for everyday experience.
- Pricing and value (15%). Cord-cutting options make sense if they are cheaper than cable providers. However, even the most expensive ones can offer high value, and we adjusted our opinion based on the value you get for your money from streaming providers.
- Bonus features (10%). Cloud DVR storage, add-ons, and unique sports, entertainment, or news packages were among the factors I considered when creating the list.
How to choose the best live TV streaming service for your needs
Neither live TV streaming option fits all molds. If you live in a household with multiple users, your preferences may differ significantly from those of your family or friends. Finding what works best for most people can be challenging, and here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a TV streaming solution.
Network shows, news, and more
Examining all available channels and genre options, one of the cornerstones of live TV streaming services is the presence of major networks, such as ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. These are mostly available, but finding service with local news programming is challenging. You’ll want daytime shows, late-night programming, and entertainment channels such as AMC, FX, and Bravo.
Stream live sports
The fight for sports rights is fierce, and you can see this in the current fragmentation of the industry, with each sport airing on a different channel. If you're a sports fan, check for big networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, or NFL Network. Regional sports channels follow local teams and are a crucial asset. You can also find unique league-specific packages with NBA League Pass or NFL RedZone.
DVR, simultaneous streams, and apps
Recording content is a basic functionality, and more and more providers offer unlimited Cloud DVR. If you missed your team’s playoff game or superhero movie, you can simply record it and watch it later.
In a multi-user household, having simultaneous streaming is essential so that you can watch the Travel Channel while others cheer for the Lakers in their latest playoff run. You should look for at least three concurrent streams.
Another crucial feature is the app ecosystem. The app's interface should be intuitive and accessible across major platforms, including Android, Roku, Fire TV, Tizen, and webOS Smart TV. It should also support iOS and Android and have decent browser performance.
Final word on the best live TV streaming service
The best live TV streaming combines top channels with competitive pricing and advanced features. If you are one of the 76% of consumers who watch streaming content daily and want the perfect service, look for specific strengths that appeal to you, such as extensive sports coverage, news channels, or movie and entertainment packages. Hulu offers a balanced selection with numerous channels suitable for various users, while YouTube TV and Fubo primarily cater to sports fans.
Simultaneous streams and DVR flexibility are crucial to cater to your viewing habits. If you still can’t decide, evaluate each service through its free trial period to see which works best for your preferences.
FAQ
Which live TV streaming service has the most channels?
Fubo has the most channels in its packages, but Hulu and YouTube TV are in pursuit with more premium content among their channels.
Can I watch local channels with live TV streaming services?
Yes, however, not all streaming live TV services offer those channels. Depending on your location, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo are the best options for finding local channels.
Is there a live TV streaming service with unlimited DVR?
Yes. Among our top picks, Hulu, YouTube TV, Fubo, and Philo all offer unlimited DVR recording. Sling provides 50 hours in its standard package with an option to upgrade, while DirecTV Stream offers 20 hours with an unlimited upgrade option.
Can I stream live TV on multiple devices at once?
Yes, you can stream on multiple devices. The number of devices ranges between 2 and 20, depending on the service. DirecTV offers the most simultaneous streams, with 20.
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