Ready to join the “cutting the cord” club? Makes sense, given the benefits of modern streaming services over traditional cable TV. The switch offers convenience and saves you money, but does it mean giving up on live content? Absolutely not! That’s where Live TV streaming services enter the chat…
Live TV streaming services allow you to watch all your favorite cable TV channels, including live programs, so you won’t miss out on anything. The only difference is that the content will be delivered over the internet to a streaming device or smart TV. It’s cable TV without the cable.
Here’s an overview of the best live TV streaming services out there:
| Streaming Service | Starting Price | Best For | How to Subscribe |
|---|---|---|---|
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$89.99/mo1 | Online and offline entertainment | Learn More |
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$64.99/mo.2 | On-demand content | Learn More |
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$72.99/mo.3 | Channel variety + add-ons | Learn More |
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$19.99/mo. | Low budget; selective entertainment | Learn More |
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$45.99/mo.4 | Sports content | Learn More |
1. For 24 mos. + taxes and fees ($99.99/mo. w/$10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime. Offer details
2. Offer for Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV plan only: $64.99/month for 3 months, then auto-renews at then-current regular monthly price (currently $82.99/month, increasing to $89.99/month as of 10/21). Ends 3:00 PM PT on 10/23/25. Terms & conditions subject to change. Cancel anytime, effective at the end of your billing period. No refunds or credits for partial months. New and eligible returning subscribers (who have not been Hulu subscribers in the past 1 month) only, 18+ only; select third party billed subscribers and current Disney+ and/or ESPN+ subscribers are not eligible. Includes access to Disney+ content and additional ESPN Unlimited content in their separate apps. Regional restrictions, blackouts and additional terms apply. © 2025 Disney and its related entities. Additional terms apply.
3. For your first 3 months, $82.99/mo thereafter for YouTube TV Base Plan.
New users only. Cancel anytime. Terms apply. Offer ends December 31, 2025.
4. For 1 month after trial
$45.99 for the first month, then $55.99 per month.
While DIRECTV appears to be the pricier option on the list, it’s definitely worth the extra bucks. This platform is the closest to cable TV and offers all the benefits of a streaming service. You can get satellite TV and online streaming options, which is ideal for rural/remote households that lack a reliable internet connection.
Hulu + Live TV is mostly favored for its diverse collection of on-demand content and live TV options. Disney+ and ESPN are included with Hulu plans, which adds great value to your home entertainment package. Furthermore, unlimited cloud DVR lets you record tons of content and store it for up to nine months.
Most people love YouTube TV for its clean and user-friendly interface. Not to mention, it probably has every channel and feature you could ask for. A free trial, unlimited DVR, and compatibility with a wide range of devices are a few more reasons to give it a try.
Sling TV is the best live TV streaming option on a tight budget. If you’re someone who cut the cord to reduce monthly expenses, and a limited assortment of channels sounds nice, this one is for you. Even the highest-tier plan is cheaper than starter plans from the majority of competitors, which means great value for your money.
Fubo is the number one live TV streaming service for sports fans nationwide. Whether you’re into local soccer and baseball teams or interested in international sports tournaments, this platform has it all. Apart from live coverage of sports events, the library of on-demand movies and shows is pretty good too.
Now that you’ve explored the popular live TV streaming options on the market, it’s time to choose the one that best suits your requirements and preferences. Here are a few things to consider during the decision-making process:
The cheapest services are usually the most appealing because who doesn’t want to save money? However, the plan that costs the least seldom offers the best value. Compare plan prices and included features to determine which one is giving more for less. For example, $30 for 100 channels is better than $10 for 10 channels.
Ease of use is a fundamental factor when choosing your TV streaming service. A self-explanatory user interface offers a quick setup and smooth streaming experience. Highly sophisticated designs that require instructions to navigate are not everyone’s cup of tea. Likewise, some users appreciate tons of customization options, whereas others like a no-frills arrangement.
When it comes to the variety of content, the priorities of different TV streaming services can vary. For instance, one may focus on sports content while the other targets on-demand TV series. Similarly, one may offer extensive content for HD streaming at best, whereas the other allows 4K streaming but with limited content. At the end of the day, it comes down to your preference.
Even though every live TV streaming service on our list is top-notch, there can only be one winner. We recommend DIRECTV, as it’s an all-rounder, i.e., the complete entertainment package.
You can enjoy simultaneous streaming on a large number of devices, 4K resolution, DVR service, and the biggest variety of channels in one place. Therefore, if you’re looking for quality and quantity, choose DIRECTV!
DIRECTV is the best live TV streaming service, as it offers an excellent variety of channels and features. It seamlessly combines the benefits of traditional cable TV and modern streaming services.
YouTube TV includes a high channel count with its base plan, and offers a ton of add-ons as well.
Sling TV is an increasingly budget-friendly live TV streaming option with plans starting at roughly $20 per month.