Finding the perfect live TV streaming service can feel overwhelming, especially when every platform offers something slightly different. Whether you're passionate about live sports, dedicated to catching the latest episodes of your favorite shows, or just want a little bit of everything, there’s a streaming solution tailored to your viewing habits. With so many options available in 2025, knowing which service is right for you can be tricky. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top live TV streaming platforms that offer free trials—so you can test them risk-free before making a commitment.
Hulu + Live TV (3-Day Free Trial)
3-Day Free Trial
See it at Hulu
Hulu + Live TV stands out by blending a comprehensive live TV lineup with the popular Disney Bundle. For one monthly price, you get access to over 95 live channels, plus full subscriptions to Hulu (with ads), Disney+, and ESPN+ (both with ads). This means you can dive into premium content from Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and National Geographic—all without needing separate subscriptions.
The service also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and rewatch your favorite shows anytime. By default, you can stream on two devices simultaneously, with an optional upgrade to unlimited screens for households with multiple viewers.
Best of all, Hulu + Live TV offers a 3-day free trial, giving you a quick but solid preview of everything the platform has to offer.
DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)
5-Day Free Trial
See it at DirecTV
If you're looking to replace traditional cable without sacrificing content, DirecTV Stream is one of the most reliable options. It offers flexible viewing with customizable Genre Packs, letting you build a personalized channel lineup based on your interests. Alternatively, choose from three Signature Packages—Entertainment, Choice, and Ultimate—each offering more channels and features. The top-tier Ultimate plan delivers over 160 channels, including major sports, news, and entertainment networks.
You’ll also enjoy unlimited DVR storage, the ability to record multiple shows at once, and unrestricted streaming on any device within your home. One standout feature is the 72-hour replay window, which lets you watch recently aired shows even if you forgot to record them.
DirecTV Stream currently provides a 5-day free trial, making it easy to explore its features before subscribing.
YouTube TV (Trial Length Varies)
Free Trial Available
See it at YouTube
YouTube TV remains a top contender in the live streaming space, offering more than 100 channels that span live sports, news, entertainment, and family programming. It’s an excellent choice for households, supporting up to six user profiles under one subscription—each with personalized recommendations and unlimited DVR storage.
You can stream on up to three devices at once, with an optional upgrade for unlimited simultaneous streams. Sports fans will appreciate its status as the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, giving access to every out-of-market NFL game. Enhanced features like multiview (watch up to four games at once), real-time stats, key plays summaries, and fantasy sports integration make it a powerhouse for live sports viewing.
While YouTube TV does offer a free trial, the duration varies by Google account—anywhere from 2 to 21 days—so availability depends on your account history.
Fubo (7-Day Free Trial)
7-Day Free Trial
See it at Fubo
Tailored for sports enthusiasts, Fubo delivers over 55,000 live sporting events annually, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA, NASCAR, international soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, and MMA. Its base plan includes more than 200 channels, with over 35 regional sports networks—ensuring you never miss a local game.
Although Fubo is priced higher than many competitors, it compensates with deep sports coverage and strong streaming capabilities. Most plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices at home and three on the go.
New users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial, giving ample time to experience the platform’s robust live sports lineup and intuitive interface.
Philo (7-Day Free Trial)
7-Day Free Trial
See it at Philo
Philo may not be as widely known, but it’s a hidden gem for budget-conscious viewers. Priced under $30 per month, it offers over 70 channels focused on entertainment, lifestyle, and reality programming—including AMC, Comedy Central, MTV, and Paramount Network. While it doesn’t include live sports or news, it’s ideal for fans of shows from networks like Discovery, HGTV, and A&E.
Beyond live TV, Philo gives you access to more than 75,000 on-demand titles. You also get unlimited DVR storage, though recordings expire after 12 months.
Philo currently offers a generous 7-day free trial, perfect for testing its value-driven model.
Can You Watch Live TV for Free Without a Subscription?
Yes—while free options won’t match the breadth of paid services, there are several ways to enjoy live TV without a subscription. Platforms like Sling Freestream offer dozens of free live channels with no login required, featuring content from news, sports, and entertainment networks.
Another effective method is using an HDTV antenna, which pulls in local broadcast channels (like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX) over the air for free. With a one-time investment in a quality antenna, you can access high-definition local programming, including live sports and primetime shows—no monthly fees involved.
These free alternatives are great for supplementing a streaming setup or cutting costs while still enjoying select live content.
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