It is September 2025, and the world of cord-cutting has changed a lot over the last few months. This year, multiple streaming services raised their prices as did multiple cable TV companies. DIRECTV also just announced a massive price hike with some customers seeing their price go up $15 a month.

With all of these changes in cable TV companies and streaming, you may be looking for a new TV provider. So we are breaking down some of the biggest streaming players to watch live TV with.

The biggest players in the Live TV game right now are DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu, Philo, Sling TV, YouTube TV and Zemu.

DirecTV starts at $84.99 per month. Thier Entertainment plan offers a wide range of sports, news, entertainment, and lifestyle channels. DirecTV also offers genre-based packages starting at $34.99 per month. DirecTV’s streaming service offers a robust alternative to traditional cable. Pros: It provides access to a vast channel lineup, including live sports, movies, and on-demand content, with packages like Entertainment and Ultimate catering to diverse tastes. The service supports multiple devices, offering flexibility to stream anywhere. Cloud DVR functionality allows recording without hardware. Cons: Subscription costs can be steep, especially for premium packages, and may not suit budget-conscious viewers. Internet dependency means buffering or outages can disrupt viewing. Overall, DirecTV streaming suits entertainment enthusiasts but requires reliable internet and a bigger budget.  https://www.directv.com/

Fubo starts at $84.99 per month. The Pro plan offers several popular networks and live local sports, but there is an RSN fee as high as $15.99 a month if you have Regional Sports Networks. Fubo TV is a compelling choice for cord-cutters, especially sports enthusiasts. Pros: It offers an extensive channel lineup, including ABC, ESPN, and regional sports networks, with over 200 channels on higher tiers. Unlimited cloud DVR and up to 10 simultaneous streams make it family friendly. A 7-day free trial lets you test it risk-free. Cons: Pricing starts at $84.99/month, which is steep compared to competitors like Sling TV. It lacks Warner Bros. Discovery channels (TNT, TBS), and regional sports fees can inflate costs. Buffering issues may occur with weaker internet. Fubo suits sports fans but demands a premium budget. https://fubo.tv/

Hulu + Live TV starts at $82.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV gives you access to ESPN+, Hulu’s library, and Disney+, paired with many popular live TV channels. It blends live television with on-demand streaming, appealing to diverse viewers. Pros: For $76.99/month, subscribers get 90+ channels, including ABC, ESPN, and local networks, plus Hulu’s vast on-demand library. Unlimited cloud DVR and multi-device streaming enhance flexibility. No cable box is needed, simplifying setup. Cons: The price is higher than basic Hulu plans, and additional fees for premium channels or ad-free streaming can add up. Some users experience occasional buffering with weaker internet. Local channel availability varies by region. Hulu + Live TV suits those wanting live and on-demand content but requires a solid budget. https://hulu.com/Live-tv

Philo starts at $28 per month. Philo offers several popular news, entertainment, and lifestyle networks. It is a great budget-friendly streamer with numerous available add-ons for a customizable experience. Philo TV is a budget-friendly streaming service tailored for entertainment lovers. Pros: At $28/month, it offers over 70 channels, including AMC, HGTV, and MTV, with unlimited cloud DVR (recordings saved for a year). It supports three simultaneous streams and multiple devices, with no contract. Cons: Philo lacks local channels, sports networks, and major news outlets like CNN, which may disappoint some viewers. Ads are frequent, and streaming quality depends on internet stability. Philo is ideal for cost-conscious viewers prioritizing entertainment but not comprehensive channel coverage. https://www.philo.com/

Sling TV starts at $45.99 per month. Sling offers an affordable lineup of channels in its Orange/Blue lineup. Combine the two for the Orange & Blue plan for $59.99 per month and get the most out of Sling. Sling TV is a budget-friendly streaming service ideal for cord-cutters. Pros: Starting at $45.99/month, Sling Orange and Blue plans offer flexibility with customizable channel packages, including ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. It supports multiple devices, and the cloud DVR (50 hours) enhances on-demand viewing. No contracts mean easy cancellation. Cons: Limited local channel availability may disappoint some users. The base plans have fewer channels than competitors like Fubo TV, and add-ons can increase costs. Streaming quality depends heavily on internet stability, with potential buffering issues. Sling TV suits cost-conscious viewers seeking flexibility but may lack comprehensive channel options. https://www.sling.com/

YouTube TV starts at $82.99 per month. YouTube TV offers a comprehensive streaming experience with a friendly interface and a strong lineup of networks and features. YouTube TV is a popular streaming service for cord-cutters seeking live television. Pros: For $72.99/month, it offers over 100 channels, including ABC, ESPN, and local networks, with unlimited cloud DVR storage (recordings kept for nine months). It supports six simultaneous streams and multiple devices, ideal for families. The interface is user-friendly, and no equipment is needed. Cons: The price is higher than some competitors like Philo, and add-ons like premium channels increase costs. Regional channel availability varies. YouTube TV suits those wanting robust channel options but requires a solid budget. https://tv.youtube.com/

Zemu starts at $39.99 a month. Zemu is a popular off-shore OTT service offering affordable streaming. Pros: For around $39.99/month, it provides access to thousands and thousands of streams; including popular sports, trending movies, and both domestic & international live content.  Its push button search & connect service has tens of thousands of titles. It supports Android, Fire TV, Google TV, Apple, Roku, Samsung, LG devices, plus browser based streaming. Has 24/7 customer support. Easy setup and anti-freeze technology ensure smooth streaming. Cons: As an unverified off-shore service, it carries stability risks and potential for intermittent inaccessibility. Buffering may occur with unstable internet, and sideloading is required for some devices. Zemu suits budget-conscious viewers seeking variety but demands more tech saavy users and more tolerance for rudimentary interface. https://zemu.tv