Hulu + Live TV offers the best of multiple worlds, combining a robust live TV package with more than 95 channels and the Disney Bundle, which includes full access to Hulu, Disney+, and the all-new ESPN Unlimited service, all for one monthly price. That means you can enjoy the very best of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, live sports, and more as part of your subscription.

On top of that, you get unlimited DVR space so you can record your favorite shows and movies and watch them whenever you want. By default, you can stream on two supported devices at once, or upgrade to unlimited screens so the whole family can watch without interruptions.

Most importantly, Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial, giving you a chance to test out the service and everything it includes before committing to a subscription. This is also the best way to test out Disney+ or ESPN Unlimited, which don't offer their own free trials.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

If you're looking to cut the cord with minimal interruption, DirecTV Stream is one of the best cable alternatives. Its new Genre Packs let you build a custom channel lineup based on your specific tastes and give you more control over what you pay for. If you prefer a broader selection, DirecTV Stream also offers three Signature Packages, each with an increasing number of channels to suit your needs. If you're looking for it all, the Ultimate pack includes more than 160 channels, covering live sports, news, and more.

DirecTV Stream includes unlimited DVR storage, simultaneous recording, and streaming on as many devices as you want within your home. Even better, you can watch your favorite shows up to 72 hours after they air—even if you forgot to record them—so you'll never miss a moment.

DirecTV Stream currently offers a five-day free trial, giving you a chance to try the service before committing.

YouTube TV (Trial Length Varies)

YouTube TV is the live TV companion to standard YouTube, offering over 100 channels that cover everything from major live sports to family-friendly entertainment. It’s a great option for families, as a single subscription can be shared with up to five additional users, each with their own personalized recommendations and unlimited DVR storage. You can stream on up to three devices at once, or pay a little extra to enable streaming on unlimited devices.

If you're an NFL fan, YouTube TV is a must as it’s the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket. With this upgrade, you'll gain access to every NFL game throughout the season and can watch up to four games at once with multiview. The platform also offers unique features for live sports, including real-time scores and stats on your TV, a “key plays” view to quickly catch up on the biggest moments, and even fantasy sports integration to help you track your players and teams.

YouTube TV does offer a free trial, but the length varies depending on your Google account. Trial periods currently range from 2 to 21 days, so your mileage may vary.

Fubo (7-Day Free Trial)

Fubo is an excellent choice for live sports fans, offering access to over 55,000 live events each year, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, international soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and more. Its base plan includes over 200 channels, with more than 35 regional sports networks, so there’s almost always a game on.

Because Fubo includes such a wide range of channels and sports coverage in its base plan, it does come with a higher price tag than many other live TV streaming services. Most plans support streaming on up to 10 devices at home, and up to three devices while on the go.

There's a seven-day free trial of Fubo available for new subscribers that lets you test out the service for yourself.

Philo (7-Day Free Trial)

Philo may not be a household name, but it’s one of the best-kept secrets in TV streaming. Similar to Sling TV, it’s a budget-friendly live TV service that covers most of your entertainment needs at a reasonable monthly price. For under $30 a month, Philo offers more than 70 channels, including AMC, Comedy Central, MTV, Paramount Network, and more. If you’re not interested in live sports or news, there’s a good chance Philo has you covered.

In addition to live TV, a Philo subscription includes access to over 75,000 on-demand movies and shows, so there's always something to watch. You also get unlimited DVR storage, although recordings expire after 12 months.

Philo currently offers a generous 7-day free trial, so you can give the service a test run before subscribing.

Are There Ways to Watch Free Live TV Without a Subscription?

Although you won't be able to get access to the same number of channels or live events, there are actually a few different ways to watch live TV without a subscription service. There are a number of free TV streaming services out there that you can easily access online. Some options, like Sling Freestream, don't even require a login to access free channels.

Alternatively, the easiest way to gain access to live channels is via a TV antenna. You can get free local channels out of the air as long as you have the right equipment to access it. A good HDTV antenna can be a pretty cheap investment and is one of the best ways to watch at least some live sports without a subscription.

Matthew Adler has written for IGN since 2019 covering all things gaming, tech, tabletop games, and more. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.

As of right now, DirecTV Stream is the most comprehensive option for NBA fans who want to cut the cord. While each of their signature packages features the trio of channels needed to watch all major NBA games (ABC, ESPN, and NBC), the best value is the DirecTV Choice package as it also includes access to NBA TV. With this package, you'll have access to over 125 channels including every major nationwide game and a great selection of regional sporting events based on your location.

If you're a diehard sports fan, DirecTV now offers standalone Genre Packs, including the MySports pack, which is priced at $69.99 per month—cheaper than each of the standard bundles. This pack includes over 20 sports-focused channels, such as ESPN, TNT, FS1, NBA TV, and NFL Network, plus an ESPN Unlimited subscription for even more sports content.

ESPN Unlimited

Best for ESPN and ABC Games

Earlier this year, ESPN launched a new service called ESPN Unlimited. The main difference between this service and its predecessor, ESPN+, is that it actually grants you access to all of the ESPN channels without the need for a live TV service. Since it is owned by Disney, that means you'll also get access to any of the games that play on ABC as well. That means you'll get access to all of the games except the ones on NBC.

You can currently get a standalone subscription to ESPN Unlimited for $29.99 or bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price (for a limited time). With the most recent Disney+ price hike now in effect, this is the only bundle that didn't get a price increase for 2025. You can also choose to add NFL+ premium to that bundle, making this one of the best new services for NFL games as well.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle With NBA Games

Hulu + Live TV is a great option for sports fans who also want to indulge in great TV series and movies as it features over 95 channels plus the Disney Bundle as part of its monthly subscription price. It checks all the boxes for NBA fans with ABC and ESPN included (they are Disney-owned, of course), plus the remaining games on NBC.

In addition to having access to everything in the Disney+ and Hulu libraries, Hulu + Live TV also grants you access to ESPN Unlimited which unlocks additional exclusive sporting events (like UFC and college sports), original programming, and more. There is also a three-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV available for new subscribers if you want to test out the service at no cost.

Sling TV

Best Value

If being able to catch every major NBA game for the lowest possible price is your only priority, then Sling TV is your answer. Sling TV's Orange plan will get you access to most nationally televised NBA games as it features ESPN and TNT as part of its 35-channel lineup. However, the primary reason Sling TV is a less expensive option is that it excludes local channels, such as ABC. Instead, Sling recommends you pair your subscription with a TV antenna (sold separately) to receive your local channels.

If you'd rather not worry about an external antenna, Sling TV's Blue plan does include local channels like ABC, NBC, and FOX in select markets. You'll need to enter your zip code on Sling's website to verify which (if any) local channels are available to you with this plan. If you do happen get ABC in your area, you can bundle Sling TV's Orange and Blue plans together for $60.99 per month to enjoy every NBA game. There's also the company's free service, Sling Freestream, which lets you watch some older games at no cost.

NBA League Pass

Best For Out of Market Games

NBA League Pass is a fantastic option for NBA fans...of out of market teams. The NBA's flagship service features live coverage of every game (excluding nationally broadcast and your local market games) through the NBA app or NBA.com. Nationally broadcast games (like those on ABC, ESPN, or TNT) are available to stream on-demand three hours after they air, while locally televised games are available three days later.

Additionally, NBA League Pass features condensed recaps of every game, access to NBA TV's 24/7 live stream, full game archives dating back to the 2012-13 NBA season, and much more. NBA League Pass is available as a monthly subscription or you can choose to prepay for the entire season.

NBA Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live NBA Games For Free?

Sort of. If you have a TV antenna installed, you can watch games airing on ABC over the air. All other NBA games require either a cable subscription or a mix of select streaming services.

Which NBA Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Currently, you can score a five-day free trial of DirecTV Stream and a three-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV if you want to catch some upcoming NBA games. As of this writing, Sling TV and ESPN Unlimited don't offer free trials, but both have limited time offers to save on monthly subscriptions. NBA League Pass doesn't have a direct free trial, but if you add it through an existing Prime Video subscription, you'll get seven days free.

If you're looking to stream more than just sports, check out our list of the Best Streaming Services With Free Trials in 2026.

Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.

Hulu + Live TV features a comprehensive offering of the most popular sports across its more than 95 channels, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and more. In addition to games airing on local channels, there are several sporting events to watch regularly on ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1, just to name a few.

Since Hulu + Live TV also includes the Disney Bundle as part of its monthly subscription price, you'll also gain access to ESPN Unlimited which unlocks all ESPN chanels, additional exclusive sporting events (like UFC and college sports), original programming, and more.

Hulu + Live TV also includes a three-day free trial, so you can test out the service before you use it.

ESPN Unlimited With NFL+ Premium

Best for Streaming Live NFL Games

ESPN Unlimited is still a new service, but as of September 3 you can now choose to bundle it with NFL+ Premium. This new streaming option comes after ESPN announced it was acquiring NFL Network back in August. The service will include everything available on ESPN Unlimited as well as the full suite of coverage from NFL+ Premium for $39.99. You can also choose to bundle this with Disney+ and Hulu for a limited time.

This new streaming service won't have all of the NFL games available, but it will have most of them. Access to ESPN channels will get you Monday Night Football while the NFL+ Premium subscription will get you access to local and primetime games as well as NFL RedZone on Sundays. The main downside is that NFL+ only allows you to watch these games live on your phone or tablet. This new bundle is one of the best options for streaming NFL games live this year.

Fubo

Best Variety

Fubo may not be a household name, but it's our pick for the best variety of sporting events to stream and now even includes access to ESPN Unlimited. It features more than 55,000 sporting events per year including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA events, and much more. Additionally, international soccer fans can enjoy popular options such as Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, and Serie A.

If you're itching for even more sports programming, Fubo also has various sports add-on packages that include extra channels such as NFL Redzone, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, a number of international sports channels, and many NCAA conference-specific channels. If you want to try out the service before you commit, there is a fubo seven-day free trial available for new subscribers.

While Fubo is still a standalone streaming service, it's worth noting that the company is in the process of selling to Disney. According to recent reports, that sale is expected to happen sometime in early 2026. This sale would see Hulu + Live TV combining with Fubo eventually.

Peacock

Best For Premier League Soccer and WWE

Since Peacock is owned by parent company NBC Universal, you'll have plenty of sports at your fingertips to stream with this subscription. Premier League soccer, arguably one of the most popular sports worldwide, is widely available to stream on Peacock. With season-long live coverage and exclusive matches available, you'll be able to catch the biggest matches from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and more.

For fans of WWE, Peacock is a no-brainer as it's the exclusive live streaming home for every WWE premium event including Wrestlemania. But that's not all Peacock has to offer as you'll also be able to catch every NFL Sunday Night Football game as well as Big Ten college basketball.

Although Peacock doesn't currently offer a free trial, there are occasionaly subscription deals for the service that drop the price pretty significantly.

ESPN Unlimited

Best for ESPN Networks

ESPN has officially launched a new streaming service that includes the full suite of ESPN Networks in one package. ESPN Unlmited has expanded what the previous service, ESPN+, had offered prior. In addtion to original content, the new service includes the following channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX.

ESPN also recently reached a deal with the NFL that will eventually bring the NFL Network over to the service. There was also a new agreement reached with WWE that will bring WrestleMania to ESPN Unlimited sometime in 2026. So while this service is still fairly new, there's more expected to arrive on it next year.

An ESPN Unlimited subscription is $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually. New subscribers also have the option to sign up a Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle at no extra cost for the first 12 months. If you're looking for just the content offered on ESPN+ previously, you can choose to sign up for the cheaper ESPN Select plan.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

DirecTV Stream is the satellite-free offering from DirecTV that anyone can sign up for. This streaming-only option includes everything you'd expect from a cable alternative including local networks and popular sports channels such as ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, NBC Golf, FS1, NBA TV, MLB Network, and the Tennis Channel.

For sports fans specifically, the DirecTV Choice package is the best bang for your buck, providing access over 125 channels, including major nationwide games and a strong selection of regional sporting events based on your location.

For new subscribers, DirecTV Stream has a five-day free trial that lets you test out the service. DirecTV Stream is also our top pick for streaming NBA games live.

Paramount Plus

Best for PGA Golf

Paramount+ offers all the sports content you'd expect from CBS Sports, including NFL on CBS games and every UEFA Champions League soccer match. Along with a library of sports movies and TV shows, Paramount+ provides daily programming from CBS Sports HQ, documentaries, and more.

For golf fans, upgrading to the Paramount+ with Showtime plan is a great option, as it includes everything in the Essential tier and adds access to major PGA Tour events like the Farmers Insurance Open and the Wyndham Championship.

Paramount+ actually does offer a free trial for new subscribers and is a great way to get sports and other streaming favorites. Paramount is the home of franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog, SpongeBob, and new South Park episodes, so it's a good one to try for free if you haven't already.

Paramount also recently reached a deal with UFC that will bring the sport to Paramount+. This is a seven year deal that is expected to begin this year.

MLB.TV

Best for out-of-market MLB games

Major League Baseball games are available with almost all of the streaming services on this list, but no service has everything. Due to various licensing agreements, it's impossible to find all MLB games on a single service, but an MLB.TV subscription will get you the most. For $94.99 a year or $29.99 a month you'll get access to every out-of-market game. This includes both the the regular season and offseason games.

If you want to test out the service to see what kind of coverage you'll get, there is a 7-day free trial currently available.

Prime Video

Best All-Around Subscription Service

Anyone with an Amazon Prime subscription will get access to Prime Video. Amazon Prime is still primarily a shopping service, but the streaming benefit has grown quite a bit in recent years and now includes a variety of sports. Thanks to a contract with the NFL, Prime Video is now the home of Thursday Night Football. And as of this year, there are even NBA games available.

It certainly doesn't have every game or match available, but Prime Video has become a major powerhouse in the world of sports streaming and is definitely worth considering if you're looking for an affordable option. An Amazon Prime memberhsip costs $14.99 per month and there are free trials available for new subscribers as well as students.

Sports Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live Sports For Free?

Yes, you can watch select live sports for free. Although, the type of sport and frequency varies significantly. You can access local channels with a TV antenna and watch many popular sporting events including NFL, MLB, and NBA games, just to name a few, over the air. Streaming services like Sling Freestream also offer ad-supported access to certain live sports.

Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Just about every sports streaming service mentioned above has a free trial you can take advantage of. Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Amazon Prime, and Paramount+ all have trials that range from three days to a week. And, if you time it well, you may even be able to watch multiple live sporting events that you're interested in during the free trial period. The only outliers currently without a free trial are Peacock and ESPN+, although the latter is available as part of the Hulu + Live TV free trial.

If you're looking to stream more than just sports, check out our list of the best streaming services with free trials in 2026 or more specifically dive into the live TV services with free trials list we've curated.

Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.

DirecTV Stream is one of the best cable alternatives, offering endless flexibility to customize your ideal TV experience. The service features three Signature Packages, each with a different selection of channels to fit your preferences. The Entertainment pack includes over 90 popular channels focused on entertainment and family-friendly programming. The Choice pack adds 35 additional channels, including specialty channels and regional sports. For those who want it all, the Ultimate pack offers more than 160 channels covering everything from movies to sports to news.

For those with more specific tastes, DirecTV Stream also offers new Genre Packs—each focused on a particular type of content, like live sports, entertainment, or news. These packs are more affordable and perfect for viewers who know exactly what they want to watch.

With your subscription, you'll enjoy unlimited DVR storage, simultaneous recording, and streaming on an unlimited number of devices in your home. Plus, you can watch your favorite shows up to 72 hours after they’ve aired—even if you forgot to record them!

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle With TV

Hulu + Live TV combines the popular Hulu streaming service with a live TV package that features over 95 channels. It's an excellent choice for fans who want to experience the best of Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and more, as it includes the Disney Bundle in its monthly cost, a service that would typically set you back $19.99 per month. This means, in addition to more than 95 live TV channels, you'll also get the base Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads) and ESPN (with ads).

With Hulu + Live TV, you'll also enjoy unlimited DVR space to record your favorite movies and shows. Plus, the service allows you to stream on two supported devices at the same time, or you can upgrade to unlimited screens so the whole family can watch without anyone getting kicked off.

Fubo

Best For Sports Variety

Fubo is a live TV subscription service with a strong focus on sports, offering more than 200 channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage to record your favorite content. Known for having one of the most comprehensive catalogs among live TV streaming services, Fubo does come with a higher price tag. Most Fubo plans allow streaming on up to 10 devices simultaneously, and you can watch on up to three devices while on the go.

For sports enthusiasts, Fubo is the ultimate choice, providing access to over 55,000 live events each year, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, international soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and much more. With over 35 regional sports networks included in the base plan, you'll always have a game to catch. There's a seven-day free trial of Fubo available for new subscribers that lets you test out the service for yourself.

YouTube TV

Best Alternative for Sports

YouTube TV is, as you can imagine, a live TV service provided specifically through YouTube. The base plan comes with over 100 live channels, including Fox, ESPN, Nickelodeon, TLC, and NBC, and is generally a particularly good deal for live sports. The service lets you make up to six individual accounts, stream on up to three screens, and gives you unlimited DVR space. Right now, YouTube is offering $30 off the base plan, normally priced at $82.99/month, for your first three months.

If what you're interested in is ad-free YouTube videos and unlimited downloads, you're probably looking for YouTube Premium, a separate subscription starting at $7.99/month.

Sling Freestream

Best For Free TV

If you're just looking for something to watch without a particular preference, Sling Freestream might be a solid option. It features over 600 channels with more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows— completely free of charge. Of course, don't expect any recent movies or TV shows. You'll mostly find reruns and older content, but with such a wide variety, you're bound to find something interesting to watch.

While not required, creating a free Sling TV account gives you 10 hours of complimentary DVR recordings, allowing you to pause, fast-forward, and rewind content. Plus, you'll earn rewards and even have a chance to win prizes just by watching TV or movies through Sling Freestream. Sling Freestream also gives you the option to upgrade with various add-ons from the Sling TV plans later on from within your profile.

There are plenty of other free streaming services out there, but this version from Sling TV is our overall top pick.

Live TV Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live TV For Free?

Certain TV shows and channels can be viewed for free, but don't expect any major networks. One of the easiest ways to catch live TV is by utilizing a TV antenna to pick up your local channels and a handful of extras. Aside from that, your best bet is to check out a free streaming site or app like Sling Freestream (mentioned above), the Roku Channel, Tubi, and more.

Which Live TV Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Most of the live TV streaming services mentioned above offers a free trial, though the duration varies slightly. DirecTV Stream offers five days, and Fubo is the most generous with a seven-day trial.

Should You Get Cable Instead?

Well, we've really come full circle now, haven't we? After years of cutting the cord and moving exclusively to streaming, many people are starting to feel the burn. With so many streaming services available, content being removed, and constant price hikes, it almost feels like going back to cable could make more sense.

While you can often find basic cable for around $50–$100 per month in most areas, these prices are usually limited-time promotional offers. Signing a contract often locks you in for a year or two, and once that time is up, the price can skyrocket. Then, you're faced with the decision of either sticking with the higher price or hunting for a new provider.

One of the main advantages of streaming services is the flexibility they offer with month-to-month billing. Once you’ve had your fill of a particular service, you can cancel with no hassle—and if something new catches your eye, you can easily resubscribe.

Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. If you’re fed up with the ever-expanding number of streaming services and rising costs, cable might be a good option to consider again.

Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.