Traditional cable used to be the gold standard, but everything changed when online content providers adopted subscription packages like Netflix and Hulu. Costs skyrocketed for consumers who wanted access to a swath of TV shows and live events.
With so many separate live services available, some of us have been tempted to finally cut the cord and sign up for live news, sports, and shows instead. These can be available for a fraction of the cost of traditional cable. There's another benefit: Live TV streaming services don't require any additional equipment or lengthy setup phone calls. You can also watch live programs from your TV, phone, laptop, or tablet.
Also: The best TV antennas: Expert tested
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What is the best live TV streaming service right now?
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 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.) It's expensive, so another of my top choices is Philo at only $33 per month.
I've been testing streaming services for both our sister site CNET and ZDNET. I've kept a close eye on the market for years and I considered the results of hands-on testing, alongside customer reviews, while creating my recommendations list.
Read on to find the rest of my picks for the best live TV streaming services.
Sort by All Simultaneous streams Channel options DVR storage User experience Price
Best live TV streaming services of 2025
Show less View now at YouTube TV 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, FX, NBA TV, Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon. Why we like it: 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. Who it's for: 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. Ahead of Black Friday, the company is offering this service at $73 per month for the first three months. Who should look elsewhere: The biggest downside is the price, which recently jumped from $73 to $83 a month. Even at its current sales price, it is expensive. In comparison, Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV costs the same and also includes access to Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. YouTube TV features: Channels: 100+ | Plan options: 1 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $83 per month ($73 per month on sale) Simultaneous streams 6 Channel options 10 DVR storage 10 User experience 7 Price 6 Pros 100+ channels
Unlimited DVR
Exclusive home to NFL Sunday Ticket Cons Expensive
Many sports and 4K content costs extra YouTube TV Best live TV streaming service overall 3.9 / 5 Score 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, FX, NBA TV, Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon. Why we like it: 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. Who it's for: 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. Ahead of Black Friday, the company is offering this service at $73 per month for the first three months. Who should look elsewhere: The biggest downside is the price, which recently jumped from $73 to $83 a month. Even at its current sales price, it is expensive. In comparison, Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV costs the same and also includes access to Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. YouTube TV features: Channels: 100+ | Plan options: 1 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $83 per month ($73 per month on sale) Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Sling TV If you're on a budget, Sling TV is my pick for the best TV streaming service with affordable options to tailor the service to the channels you actually watch. Why we like it: Sling TV offers two major plans. Orange is $5 per day and offers channels like Disney Channel and ESPN. Blue costs $46 a month and offers local channels including ABC, Fox, and NBC, as well as other premium cable channels like FX, Bravo, NFL Network, and FS1. Both plans include 25 base channels like AMC, CNN, Comedy Central, TBS, and TNT. You can also combine them for just $61 a month. For further savings, you can get half off your first month of any plan when you sign up, and add on premium channels like Showtime, Starz, AMC+, and MGM+ for additional monthly fees. There is also a slimline package available for $20 per month including channels like the NFL Network. If you're looking for international channels, Sling TV has more options than any other service including numerous Asian, European, Arabic, Brazilian, and Portuguese language options. Who it's for: If you're looking for a basic and affordable live TV streaming service that still gets you a good number of channels and an easy-to-use interface -- and you're not deterred by antennas -- Sling TV is a great choice. Who should look elsewhere: Sling TV falls short when compared to other services' DVR offerings -- it only includes 50 hours of DVR storage unless you pay extra. It also doesn't come with many local channels, though the platform suggests adding on an antenna -- which you'll have to buy if you don't already have one. Sling TV features: Channels: 30+ | Plan options: 3 | Video storage: 50 hours | Price: Starts at $20 per month Simultaneous streams 8 Channel options 6 DVR storage 4 User experience 10 Price 8 Pros Affordable price
Customizable package options
Great language options Cons Only 50 hours of DVR storage included
Few local channels Sling TV Best budget live TV streaming service 3.6 / 5 Score If you're on a budget, Sling TV is my pick for the best TV streaming service with affordable options to tailor the service to the channels you actually watch. Why we like it: Sling TV offers two major plans. Orange is $5 per day and offers channels like Disney Channel and ESPN. Blue costs $46 a month and offers local channels including ABC, Fox, and NBC, as well as other premium cable channels like FX, Bravo, NFL Network, and FS1. Both plans include 25 base channels like AMC, CNN, Comedy Central, TBS, and TNT. You can also combine them for just $61 a month. For further savings, you can get half off your first month of any plan when you sign up, and add on premium channels like Showtime, Starz, AMC+, and MGM+ for additional monthly fees. There is also a slimline package available for $20 per month including channels like the NFL Network. If you're looking for international channels, Sling TV has more options than any other service including numerous Asian, European, Arabic, Brazilian, and Portuguese language options. Who it's for: If you're looking for a basic and affordable live TV streaming service that still gets you a good number of channels and an easy-to-use interface -- and you're not deterred by antennas -- Sling TV is a great choice. Who should look elsewhere: Sling TV falls short when compared to other services' DVR offerings -- it only includes 50 hours of DVR storage unless you pay extra. It also doesn't come with many local channels, though the platform suggests adding on an antenna -- which you'll have to buy if you don't already have one. Sling TV features: Channels: 30+ | Plan options: 3 | Video storage: 50 hours | Price: Starts at $20 per month Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at DirecTV DirecTV Stream is the live TV streaming service that most resembles cable, both in terms of the user experience and the price tag. Why we like it: DirecTV Stream lets you keep the nostalgic channel-flipping experience with the ability to swipe left and right on your phone to change channels. DirecTV Stream also offers unlimited in-home streams, three maximum out-of-home streams, and unlimited DVR storage. Who it's for: Anyone who wants to cut the cord without losing the traditional cable experience. The Entertainment plan costs $90 a month for more than 90 channels, the Choice plan costs $95 a month for more than 125 channels, and the Ultimate plan costs $125 a month for more than 160 channels. At the time of publication, DirecTV's Entertainment, Choice, and Ultimate plans are on sale for $50, $60, and $90 per month, respectively. However, prices jump after the first month. 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. Who should look elsewhere: This service is quite expensive outside of sales events, and so if you want something cheaper, check out my other recommendations. DirecTV Stream features: Channels: 75+ | Plan options: 3 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $87 per month Simultaneous streams 6 Channel options 8 DVR storage 10 User experience 6 Price 4 Pros Mimics channel flipping experience with swiping
Strong sports offerings
Unlimited DVR storage Cons Very expensive DirecTV Stream Best live TV streaming service that feels like cable 3.4 / 5 Score DirecTV Stream is the live TV streaming service that most resembles cable, both in terms of the user experience and the price tag. Why we like it: DirecTV Stream lets you keep the nostalgic channel-flipping experience with the ability to swipe left and right on your phone to change channels. DirecTV Stream also offers unlimited in-home streams, three maximum out-of-home streams, and unlimited DVR storage. Who it's for: Anyone who wants to cut the cord without losing the traditional cable experience. The Entertainment plan costs $90 a month for more than 90 channels, the Choice plan costs $95 a month for more than 125 channels, and the Ultimate plan costs $125 a month for more than 160 channels. At the time of publication, DirecTV's Entertainment, Choice, and Ultimate plans are on sale for $50, $60, and $90 per month, respectively. However, prices jump after the first month. 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. Who should look elsewhere: This service is quite expensive outside of sales events, and so if you want something cheaper, check out my other recommendations. DirecTV Stream features: Channels: 75+ | Plan options: 3 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $87 per month Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at FuboTV If watching live sports is your main draw for a live TV streaming service, FuboTV is the best choice for you. Why we like it: 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. Who it's for: This is an ideal live TV streaming service for sports fans. Choose from three different plan tiers ranging from $56 to $105 per month outside of promotional pricing. However, you can take advantage of a one-month discount, cutting the price to $46 - $75. 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. A free trial is available. Who should look elsewhere: There's plenty of storage and channel options, but if sports aren't your priority, shop around. FuboTV features: Channels: 175+ | Plan options: 3 | Video storage: 1,000 hours | Price: Starts at $56 per month Simultaneous streams 10 Channel options 6 DVR storage 8 User experience 6 Price 6 Pros Large network of sports available, including NFL, NBA, and MLB
175+ channels
1,000 hours of DVR storage Cons No access to local sports broadcasts
Expensive FuboTV Best live TV streaming service for sports 3.6 / 5 Score If watching live sports is your main draw for a live TV streaming service, FuboTV is the best choice for you. Why we like it: 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. Who it's for: This is an ideal live TV streaming service for sports fans. Choose from three different plan tiers ranging from $56 to $105 per month outside of promotional pricing. However, you can take advantage of a one-month discount, cutting the price to $46 - $75. 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. A free trial is available. Who should look elsewhere: There's plenty of storage and channel options, but if sports aren't your priority, shop around. FuboTV features: Channels: 175+ | Plan options: 3 | Video storage: 1,000 hours | Price: Starts at $56 per month Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Philo 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. Why we like it: At just $33 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. 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. Who it's for: Anyone who wants an affordable live TV service. You can also take advantage of a number of free channels before taking the plunge. Who should look elsewhere: It's cheap, has plenty of channels, and generous storage options -- but you might want to explore our other favorites if you are focused on local or sports TV. Philo features: Channels: 170+ | Plan options: 1 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $33 per month Simultaneous streams 6 Channel options 4 DVR storage 10 User experience 6 Price 10 Pros 70+ live TV channels
Unlimited DVR storage
Affordable price Cons Limited sports programming
No local channels Philo Best cheap live TV streaming service 3.6 / 5 Score 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. Why we like it: At just $33 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. 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. Who it's for: Anyone who wants an affordable live TV service. You can also take advantage of a number of free channels before taking the plunge. Who should look elsewhere: It's cheap, has plenty of channels, and generous storage options -- but you might want to explore our other favorites if you are focused on local or sports TV. Philo features: Channels: 170+ | Plan options: 1 | Video storage: Unlimited | Price: Starts at $33 per month Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Which live TV streaming service is right for you? If you want... Then choose... The best live TV streaming service overall YouTube TV, with over 100 channels and unlimited DVR. While it is expensive, the service offers great flexibility and choices. The best budget live TV streaming service Sling TV, for its affordable price and customizable channel options. You can choose between small packages, merge plans, and more. The best all-in-one live TV and VoD streaming service Hulu Plus Live TV, for its bundle of live channels and popular shows across platforms including Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. The best live TV streaming service that mirrors cable DirecTV, to get lots of channels and the channel surfing experience. If you like the idea of live TV streaming but like the feel of traditional cable, this option might be best for you. The best live TV streaming service for sports FuboTV, to watch almost any sport you can imagine. Sport fans will want to explore the sheer range of channels on offer. The best cheap live TV streaming service Philo, for popular channels and unlimited DVR. It's affordable, on sale, and provides generous storage and recording capabilities. 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. Show more
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Show more
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). Show more
Latest news
Fubo shareholders approved a plan to merge with Disney's Hulu + Live TV business.
Roku's acquisition of Frndly TV could mean subscribers lose access to the Hallmark channel and its sister networks.
With the debut of Amazon's new Fire TV Stick 4K Select, its operating system -- Vega OS -- will prevent sideloading, a measure to combat piracy and illegal streaming.
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. Show more 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. Show more 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. Show more 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. Show more 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. Show more What is the cheapest live TV streaming service? The cheapest live TV streaming service is Philo TV which carries more than 115 channels, and includes A&E, Discovery Channel, Comedy Central, and more, for just $25 per month. Show more Which streaming services offer live TV? Of the bigger streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video are the only two that offer any kind of live TV streaming at the moment. Hulu has a partnership with ESPN+, meaning that certain live sports events can be streamed through the basic Hulu plan without any additional cost. Amazon Prime Video has rights to Thursday Night NFL games, which allows Prime members to stream live football games from the Prime Video app. Show more Do you need fast internet to stream live TV? To make use of any of these services, you'll need broadband internet. If you're living on your own, you may be able to get by with as little as 10Mbp. If you're sharing your home with others and/or you want to watch 4K videos, we recommend you have at least a 25Mbps internet connection. Not sure how fast your connection is? Run the Ookla Speedtest. And, by the way, you won't lose anything by switching from a cable box to a Roku or Amazon Fire TV 4K stick. The only real difference between conventional cable and internet TV is that live streaming sports lag 15 seconds to a minute behind live broadcasts. Show more Which streaming device should you use? For the most part, all of these support the most popular streaming devices. For example, no matter which service you subscribe to, an Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Cube, Roku Express, or Google Chromecast will almost certainly support it. But if you're using a more obscure streaming gadget, such as an Nvidia Shield TV Pro, it might not work with your preferred service. Smart TVs also frequently don't support newer streaming offerings. In short, make sure the service will work with your hardware before subscribing. Also: The best streaming devices Show more
Latest updates
October 2025: In ZDNET's October update, we performed substantial editorial changes and updated the pricing and deals for each of our favorite services.
Other live TV streaming services we've tested
Show less View now at Peacock If you're looking for a source for NBC content, Peacock is a great option. This content provider has live TV, with 24/7 broadcasts of popular NBC shows. Its Premium Plus tier includes live TV from all local NBC stations. Plans start at $8 per month. Peacock Best alternative for NBC content If you're looking for a source for NBC content, Peacock is a great option. This content provider has live TV, with 24/7 broadcasts of popular NBC shows. Its Premium Plus tier includes live TV from all local NBC stations. Plans start at $8 per month. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at Pluto TV Paramount Global's Pluto TV has more than 250 channels of free live TV and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows. Paramount movies and TV shows are your best option here, and shows can be watched live, online. Pluto TV Best alternative for Paramount content Paramount Global's Pluto TV has more than 250 channels of free live TV and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows. Paramount movies and TV shows are your best option here, and shows can be watched live, online. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
Show less View now at PBS Just choose your local station to start streaming PBS live for free. You can take a look at the full day's schedule in advance to see the lineup. The layout is clean and easy to understand, and the video quality is reasonable. PBS Livestream Best user-friendly alternative Just choose your local station to start streaming PBS live for free. You can take a look at the full day's schedule in advance to see the lineup. The layout is clean and easy to understand, and the video quality is reasonable. Read More Show Expert Take Show less
We hope that you have found our guide to the best live TV streaming services useful. If you would like to explore more of our favorite services, check out the best free video streaming services or the best smart TVs in the market today.
ZDNET contributors Steven Vaughan-Nichols and Charlie Osborne contributed to this article.