Beyond DirecTV: Top Alternatives for Live TV Streaming in 2025

Thinking about ditching cable but still want to catch your favorite shows live? You’re not alone. Lots of people are looking for alternatives to traditional TV. Live TV streaming services are a great way to get those channels you love, streamed right over the internet. Unlike services like Netflix, these let you flip through channels like you’re used to. You pay a monthly fee and get access to sports, news, and all sorts of programs. Plus, many even let you record shows so you don’t miss a thing. We’ve checked out the main players to help you find the best fit.

Key Takeaways

• YouTube TV is a top choice for its wide channel selection, unlimited DVR, and user-friendly setup.
• DirecTV Stream is a good option if you want a familiar cable-like experience and strong sports coverage, though it’s pricier.
• Hulu + Live TV offers a solid channel lineup and includes access to Hulu’s on-demand library.
• Sling TV is a budget-friendly pick with customizable packages, but local channel availability can be spotty.
• Fubo is known for its extensive sports channel offerings, making it a go-to for sports enthusiasts.

1. YouTube TV

If you’re looking to ditch cable but still want a lot of the same channels and features, YouTube TV is a solid choice. It really feels like a direct replacement for traditional TV packages. You get a ton of channels, including local ones in most areas, plus sports and entertainment networks. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the sheer number of channels and the features you get make it a strong contender.

One of the best things about YouTube TV is its cloud DVR. You can record pretty much anything you want, and you don’t have to worry about running out of space. Plus, your recordings stick around for a good while, nine months to be exact, which is way longer than some other services offer. The interface is pretty straightforward, too. It’s easy to find what you’re looking for, and they’ve even made some updates to make it even simpler to use.

For sports fans, YouTube TV is a big deal because it’s the only place to get NFL Sunday Ticket. This means you can watch all those out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. They also have a "multiview" feature that lets you watch up to four games at once on the same screen. Pretty neat if you can’t decide which game to follow.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

• Price: Around $83 per month (though prices can change).
• Channels: Over 100 channels are usually included.
• DVR: Unlimited cloud DVR storage for up to 9 months.
• Simultaneous Streams: Typically 3 streams at once, but you can pay extra for more.

There’s also an option to pay extra for 4K viewing on some content, offline DVR downloads, and more simultaneous streams. While it might cost a bit more than some competitors, especially when you consider that services like Hulu + Live TV might bundle in other streaming platforms for a similar price, YouTube TV’s channel selection and the NFL Sunday Ticket exclusivity make it a compelling option for many.

2. DirecTV Stream

If you’re looking for a live TV streaming service that feels a lot like traditional cable, DirecTV Stream might be your jam. It really tries to replicate that familiar channel-surfing experience, right down to the grid-style guide that includes channel numbers. Honestly, it’s one of the closest you’ll get to the old days of flipping through channels on your TV.

What sets DirecTV Stream apart, especially for sports fans, is its extensive lineup of regional sports networks (RSNs). If you’re tired of missing your local baseball, basketball, or hockey games because your streaming service doesn’t carry the right channels, DirecTV Stream often has you covered. This is a big deal because many other services just don’t offer that kind of local sports coverage.

However, all this comes at a price. DirecTV Stream is generally one of the more expensive options out there. Their plans can add up quickly, especially if you want the most comprehensive channel packages or the sports add-on. For example, the Choice package, which is popular for its sports content, regularly costs quite a bit more than comparable plans from competitors.

Here’s a general idea of their plan structure:

• Entertainment: Over 90 channels, starting around $87/month.
• Choice: Over 125 channels, including more sports, starting around $115/month.
• Ultimate: Over 160 channels, starting around $130/month.

Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate, and they often have promotional deals. You can also add a Sports Pack for an extra $15 a month to get even more sports channels like ESPN, NFL Network, and MLB Network.

On the plus side, you get unlimited DVR storage, which is pretty sweet for recording all those games or shows. They also allow for a good number of simultaneous streams, so everyone in the house can watch something different. If you’re someone who really misses the cable TV feel and prioritizes broad sports access, DirecTV Stream is definitely worth a look, even with its higher cost. It’s a solid cable TV alternative for those who need it.

3. Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is a solid contender if you’re looking for a blend of live channels and a huge on-demand library. It’s often seen as a direct competitor to YouTube TV, and honestly, the choice between them can come down to personal preference. What really sets Hulu + Live TV apart is its bundled access to the Disney Bundle, which includes Hulu’s own extensive on-demand catalog, Disney+, and ESPN+. This makes it a really attractive option if you’re already invested in those services or want them all in one place.

When it comes to channels, Hulu + Live TV offers a good selection, usually over 95 channels, including local networks and many popular cable channels. For sports fans, you’ll find ESPN, FS1, FS2, and the NFL Network, among others. You can also add premium channels like Max and Showtime if you want even more.

Like many of its competitors, Hulu + Live TV provides unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing you to save shows for up to nine months. The interface is generally user-friendly, making it pretty easy to find what you’re looking for, though some users find it a bit busy. One minor quirk is that if you’re watching something live and want to record it, you might have to exit the current view to access the guide and hit record.

Here’s a quick look at the pricing and what you get:

It’s worth noting that Hulu + Live TV has a history of price increases, so keep an eye on that. Despite that, customer satisfaction ratings are generally high, often neck-and-neck with YouTube TV. If you’re someone who enjoys binge-watching on-demand content just as much as catching live events, Hulu + Live TV is definitely worth a close look. It’s a service that really tries to give you a lot for your money, especially with that bundled Disney content, which is a big draw for many families. You can even get more channels than advertised depending on your location, which is a nice bonus. For those interested in how technology is changing how we watch TV, understanding these integrated services is part of the bigger picture of how computing and artificial intelligence are shaping our daily lives, even down to controlling your smart home devices through connected services.

Keep in mind that there have been discussions about potential mergers and integrations with other services like Fubo and Disney+, so the landscape could change. For now, though, it remains a strong option for live TV streaming.

4. Sling TV

Sling TV tries to hit a sweet spot between the really basic streaming services and the big players. It’s got a few different plans, and you can mix and match add-ons to get closer to what you actually want to watch.

It’s often seen as a budget-friendly option, especially if you catch one of their deals. For example, you can usually get your first month for a pretty good discount. They have two main plans:

• Sling Orange: This one focuses more on sports and family channels, including ESPN. It costs around $40 a month.
• Sling Blue: This plan leans into entertainment and news channels, and in some major cities, it includes local channels like ABC, Fox, and NBC. This one is about $45 a month.

You can also combine both Orange and Blue for about $60 a month, which gives you a wider selection of channels. If you’re looking for specific channels, Sling has a lot of add-on packages, which can be good if you only need a few extra things. They also have a really impressive selection of international channels, more than most other services out there.

However, Sling TV isn’t perfect. The biggest drawback for many is the DVR. You only get 50 hours included, which isn’t a lot compared to some competitors. You can pay extra for more storage, but that adds to the cost. Also, local channels are only available in about 20 major markets. If you’re not in one of those areas, you might need to get an antenna to pick up local stations. Some users have also reported the app freezing up occasionally, which can be annoying. Despite these issues, if you’re trying to keep costs down and can live with the limitations, Sling TV might still be worth a look, especially if you can snag a good introductory offer. It’s a service that has been around for a while, even offering some of the early advancements in streaming technology like HD television.

5. Fubo

Fubo started out as a really strong contender, especially for sports fans. It used to pack a lot of sports channels and offered a good amount of DVR space. However, things have gotten a bit complicated.

Fubo’s channel lineup has seen some significant changes, notably losing channels like TBS and TNT, which are pretty important for watching certain sports. This, combined with price increases and added fees for regional sports networks, has made it a less attractive option for some. Customers have expressed frustration with the cost versus the content provided, with some feeling it’s becoming too similar to traditional cable.

Here’s a quick look at what Fubo offers:

• Plans: Typically starts with a Pro plan and an Elite plan, with varying channel counts.
• DVR: Offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, which is a big plus.
• Streams: You can usually stream on up to 10 devices at once.
• Sports Focus: Still boasts a wide array of sports channels, including ESPN, FS1, and the Golf Channel, covering everything from NFL and NBA to soccer and NASCAR.

While Fubo was one of the first to offer 4K broadcasts for certain events, it’s worth comparing its current channel selection and pricing carefully against other services. They’ve also been working on features like multiview, allowing you to watch multiple games or shows at once, which is a nice touch if you like to keep an eye on several things simultaneously. Still, the missing channels and rising costs are definite points to consider before signing up for FuboTV.

6. Philo

If you’re looking for a live TV streaming service that won’t break the bank, Philo is definitely worth a look. It’s one of the most affordable options out there, coming in at just $28 a month. For that price, you get access to over 70 live channels, plus more than 100 free channels and a huge on-demand library with over 70,000 titles. Think channels like AMC, HGTV, Comedy Central, TLC, and Nickelodeon. They even include AMC+ in the main package now, which is a nice bonus for fans of shows like The Walking Dead.

Philo’s unlimited DVR is a major selling point, letting you record shows and then fast-forward through commercials. Most on-demand content is also available for a few days after it airs live. You can stream on up to three devices at once, and create up to 10 different user profiles, which is pretty handy for families. It’s a pretty straightforward service, with a clean interface that makes finding what you want easy. The guide itself is pretty unique, using squares to show program durations, and you can even see a live preview when you hover over a show. It’s a good option if you don’t need a lot of sports or local channels, but if you do, you might want to consider an antenna to supplement your viewing. It’s a solid choice for entertainment without the high cost of some other services, and it’s great for anyone who wants to record a lot of content without worrying about storage limits. You can even add on premium channels like Starz for an extra fee. It’s a service that really focuses on delivering a lot of content for a low price, making it a standout in the live TV streaming market. If you’re curious about how services like this are changing the entertainment landscape, you might find technologies like 3D Live interesting, which are starting to change how we experience live events.

7. Best Budget-Friendly Options

If you’re trying to cut the cord but don’t want to spend a fortune, there are definitely some good choices out there. You don’t have to break the bank to get live TV.

Sling TV is a standout for affordability, letting you pick and choose channels to build a package that fits your needs and your wallet. They have a couple of main plans, Orange and Blue, that you can even combine. Orange is pretty basic with channels like ESPN and Disney, while Blue gives you more local channels like ABC and Fox, plus some other cable favorites. You can mix and match, which is pretty neat.

Here’s a quick look at Sling TV’s plans:

• Sling Orange: Around $40/month, includes about 30+ channels like ESPN, CNN, and HGTV.
• Sling Blue: Around $45/month, includes about 40+ channels like Fox News, NFL Network, and FX.
• Sling Orange + Blue: Combine them for about $60/month, giving you access to over 50 channels.

They often have deals, like half off your first month, which is a nice way to try it out. Keep in mind, the DVR storage is only 50 hours unless you pay extra, and you might need an antenna for some local channels. But for the price, it’s hard to beat if you’re just looking for the essentials. You can find out more about their current pricing.

Another option to consider is Philo. It’s even cheaper, usually around $28 a month, but it focuses more on entertainment and lifestyle channels. You won’t find sports or major news channels here, and the channel guide can be a bit confusing at first. However, it does have some cool features like DVR with ad-skipping and it works well with devices like Fire TV and Apple TV. It’s a good pick if your viewing habits lean towards reality shows and documentaries rather than live sports.

8. Services for Sports Fans

If catching live games is your main reason for cutting the cord, then Fubo is probably your best bet. Seriously, this service packs in a ton of sports channels. You get the big ones like ESPN, Fox Sports, and the Golf Channel, plus most of your local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates. That means you can follow everything from NFL and NBA action to English Premier League soccer and NASCAR races. They even have add-ons for things like NBA TV, NHL Network, and NFL Red Zone, so you can really tailor it to your favorite leagues. Fubo also has its own sports channels, which is pretty neat.

One of the really cool things Fubo does is ask which teams you follow when you sign up. If those teams are playing and it’s on a channel Fubo carries, it’ll automatically record it for you. It’s a nice touch that makes keeping up with your favorite teams a little easier. They also have a pretty good selection of other channels too, like FX, HGTV, and the Disney Channel, so it’s not just sports all the time.

However, it’s not perfect. Fubo doesn’t carry channels like TNT or TBS, which broadcast a lot of NBA, MLB, and NHL games. Also, if you’re looking for local sports broadcasts, Fubo might not have them, and some of the league-specific channels require an extra upgrade. It’s also on the pricier side, starting around $75 a month, but for the sheer volume of sports content, many fans find it worth the cost. For a more detailed look at what Fubo offers, you can check out Fubo’s website.

9. Services with Unlimited DVR

When you’re trying to keep up with all your favorite shows, having a DVR that can record everything is a big deal. Luckily, a few live TV streaming services really shine when it comes to DVR space. YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream both offer unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means you don’t have to worry about running out of room for your recordings.

It’s important to know that "unlimited" usually comes with a time limit. Most services will let you keep your recordings for about 9 to 12 months before they get automatically deleted. So, while you can record as much as you want, you’ll want to watch your shows within that timeframe.

Here’s a quick look at how some popular services handle DVR:

• YouTube TV: Offers unlimited DVR storage. You can record as many shows as you like, and they’ll be kept for nine months. It’s a great option if you tend to record a lot of content.
• DirecTV Stream: Also provides unlimited DVR storage, with recordings typically kept for nine months. This service is known for its cable-like experience and extensive channel lineup.
• Hulu + Live TV: While not strictly unlimited, Hulu + Live TV offers a generous 50 hours of cloud DVR storage. This is often enough for many users, but if you need more, you might need to consider other options or manage your recordings more carefully.

Having a good DVR setup means you can watch what you want, when you want, and even skip those pesky commercials on recorded content. It really makes watching TV on your own schedule much easier. If you’re someone who likes to record entire seasons or catch up on shows later, unlimited DVR is definitely a feature to look for. You can even record live events like sports, ensuring you don’t miss a moment. For those who want to record a lot of content, services like YouTube TV make it simple to keep up with everything, similar to how you might use apps for creating videos when you want to capture moments.

10. Top Picks for Channel Selection

When you’re ditching cable, figuring out which streaming service has the channels you actually want to watch can feel like a puzzle. It’s not just about having a lot of channels, but having the right ones for your household.

DirecTV Stream really shines if you’re looking for a lineup that closely mirrors traditional cable, especially if sports are a big deal for you. Their higher-tier plans pack in over 125 channels, and they even offer a sports pack add-on that includes a ton of regional sports networks, which is something many other services just don’t do. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but you get a lot of content for that cost.

Here’s a quick look at how some of the major players stack up in terms of channel variety:

• YouTube TV: Known for its massive channel count, often exceeding 100, covering a wide range of interests from news and entertainment to sports and kids’ programming.
• Hulu + Live TV: Offers a solid mix of popular cable channels, plus the added bonus of Hulu’s extensive on-demand library. It’s a good all-around choice.
• Sling TV: This service lets you build your own package, which is great if you only need specific channels. You can start with a base package and add on others, making it quite customizable. However, it might not have as many local channels or niche sports networks as some competitors without extra add-ons. You can check out Sling TV’s channel options to see if it fits your needs.
• Fubo: If sports are your main focus, Fubo is hard to beat. It boasts a huge number of sports channels, including many international ones, making it a go-to for serious fans.

Ultimately, the best service for channel selection depends on what you watch. Take a moment to list out your must-have channels before you sign up. Many services offer free trials, so you can test them out to see which interface and channel lineup feels best for you.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Cutting the cord doesn’t mean you have to miss out on live TV. We’ve looked at a bunch of services that let you watch your favorite shows, news, and sports without a traditional cable box. Whether you’re all about sports, need a wide variety of channels, or are just trying to save some cash, there’s definitely an option out there for you. Prices and channel lineups can change, so it’s always a good idea to check out what each service offers and maybe even try a free trial before committing. You might be surprised at how much you can get without that old cable bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are live TV streaming services?

These are online services that let you watch TV channels as they are broadcast live, similar to traditional cable TV. You stream them over the internet on devices like your smart TV, phone, or computer. They’re a good way to get channels like sports, news, and popular shows without a long-term contract.

Are these services cheaper than cable TV?

Many live TV streaming services aim to be more affordable than cable, especially when you consider there are no long-term contracts or extra equipment rental fees. However, prices can add up if you choose premium packages or add-ons, so it’s good to compare what you get for the price.

Can I watch local channels like ABC, CBS, or NBC with these services?

Most of the top live TV streaming services offer local channels, but it can depend on your location. It’s a good idea to check the service’s website and enter your zip code to see exactly which local channels you’ll be able to watch.

What does ‘unlimited DVR’ mean for streaming services?

An unlimited DVR means you can record as many shows as you want without worrying about running out of space. You can then watch your recorded shows whenever it’s convenient for you, much like a traditional DVR.

Do these services offer sports channels?

Yes, most live TV streaming services offer a variety of sports channels, including ESPN and regional sports networks. Some services are known for having better sports coverage than others, especially if you’re looking for specific leagues or teams.

Can I watch on multiple devices at the same time?

Many services allow you to stream on several devices simultaneously, either at home or on the go. The exact number of streams you can have at once usually varies by the plan you choose.