The Top 10 TV Streaming Services of 2025: Reviews & Comparison

We’ve rounded up 10 of the best streaming services on the market to help you find the right fit. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, a movie buff, or looking for family-friendly entertainment, this guide will provide a clearer idea of what’s on offer.

Our Top 10 Best TV Streaming Services:

Here’s a quick look at our top picks and why they stand out:

• Sling TV: Best overall for its customizable entertainment plans.
• DIRECTV: Best for comprehensive live TV offerings.
• Philo: Best budget-friendly TV choice.
• Hulu + Live TV: Best mix of network TV and original content.
• ESPN+: Best for live sports enthusiasts.
• Disney+: Best for exclusive Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
• fuboTV: Best for sports and Latino-focused content.
• Starz: Best for content focusing on women and minority voices.
• Paramount+: Best for access to Paramount+ supported channels.
• DAZN: Best for boxing and MMA fans.

A Closer Look at the Top 10 TV Streaming Services

Let’s dive into the details of each service, including their pros, cons, and what makes them unique.

1. Sling TV: Best Overall for Customizable Entertainment

Sling TV is an excellent choice for those who want to tailor their streaming experience. With three base plans (Sling Orange, Sling Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue) and a wide array of customization options, you can build a package around your specific viewing tastes. You can upgrade your subscription with thematic packages like sports, news, or comedy, or add premium channels such as Showtime, Epix, and Starz.

When you sign up, you’ll get 50 hours of free DVR storage, which can be upgraded to 200 hours for a $5 monthly fee. While some competitors offer unlimited DVR, 200 hours is usually more than enough for most viewers. Sling TV is also one of the more affordable options, with base plans ranging from $40 to $60 per month.

A standout feature is Sling Free, which provides access to thousands of hours of free content without needing a subscription. This allows you to test the waters before committing. You can also try a 3-day free trial on paid plans.

• Pros: Highly customizable plans, 200+ channels and 85,000+ on-demand titles, affordable base plans, thousands of hours of free content, 3-day free trial on paid plans.
• Cons: Limited availability of local channels, some users report poor reviews on Trustpilot.
• Base Price: $40-$60/month
• Stream on Multiple Devices: Up to 4 screens simultaneously.

2. DIRECTV: Best for Comprehensive Live TV Offerings

DIRECTV offers a robust and comprehensive package for dedicated TV, sports, and movie fans. With four plans available, you can access 140+ live channels and over 65,000 on-demand shows. While its plans range from $79.99 to $149.99 per month, which might be on the higher end for some budgets, it offers premium features like unlimited streams at home, a voice-enabled remote control, and the ability to record on the go with unlimited cloud DVR storage.

DIRECTV also offers a 5-day free trial on its streaming plans, allowing you to experience the service before committing. It’s worth noting that like Sling TV, DIRECTV has received some poor reviews on Trustpilot.

• Pros: Extensive selection of live TV channels and on-demand titles, unlimited cloud DVR storage, unlimited streams at home, 5-day free trial available.
• Cons: Relatively high monthly fees, some users report poor reviews on Trustpilot.
• Base Price: From $79.99/month
• Stream on Multiple Devices: Unlimited screens at home.

3. Philo: Best Budget TV Choice

For those seeking an affordable streaming service, Philo is an excellent option with a monthly fee of just $28. While it offers only one base plan, it provides access to popular entertainment channels like AMC, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Lifetime. You can also enhance your subscription with premium add-ons for movies, Starz, and Epix.

Philo is particularly suitable for larger households as it allows users to watch on up to 3 streams simultaneously and make unlimited DVR recordings, which can be stored for 12 months. Philo also boasts 24/7 customer service via phone and online chat.

However, it’s important to note that Philo has a relatively limited offering in news and sports programming, making it less ideal for fans of those genres. You can try out Philo with a 7-day free trial.

• Pros: Very affordable monthly fee, unlimited DVR recordings, 24/7 customer service, 7-day free trial.
• Cons: Only one plan available, limited selection of news and sports programming.
• Base Price: $28/month
• Stream on Multiple Devices: Up to 3 streams simultaneously.

4. Hulu + Live TV: Best Mix of Network TV and Original Content

Hulu is a powerhouse in the streaming world, offering a fantastic blend of quality original programming and frequently updated network TV shows. With plans starting at $6.99 per month (for the ad-supported basic plan), it’s a great affordable option.

Hulu provides extensive bundle and add-on options, allowing you to stream content from other platforms and channels like BET, Bravo, TBS, MTV, ESPN, Fox News, and CNN without needing multiple apps. For larger households, you can add unlimited screens for an additional $9.99 per month. Bundling can also lead to savings.

While the frequency of commercials can be a drawback for some, a “no-ads” plan is available. Hulu also offers excellent 24/7 live chat and phone support, and its iOS and Android apps allow for streaming on the go.

• Pros: Affordable basic plan, high-quality original programming, wide variety of bundles and add-ons, 24/7 customer support.
• Cons: Frequent commercials (unless you opt for a “no ads” plan), limited download availability.
• Base Price: From $6.99/month
• Stream on Multiple Devices: 2 screens (unlimited for $9.99/month).

5. ESPN+: Best for Live Sports

For dedicated sports fans, ESPN+ is a must-have. It offers access to thousands of live-streamed sports events, original sports TV content and talk shows, and premium sports journalism. Since it’s a separate service from ESPN’s traditional networks, you don’t need an expensive TV plan to access its content. Plus, with simultaneous streaming across 3 devices, the whole family can enjoy.

ESPN+ is particularly appealing to UFC fans, as it offers exclusive pay-per-view events. While there’s no free trial, the lack of a contract means you can try it out without a long-term commitment.

• Pros: Exclusive live events (especially UFC), original sports documentaries, stream on 3 devices simultaneously, no contract required.
• Cons: No free trial, ESPN standard networks are not included.
• Base Price: From $11.99/month
• Stream on Multiple Devices: Up to 3 devices.

6. Disney+: Best for Exclusive Disney Content

Despite being a relatively new entrant, Disney+ has quickly become one of the most popular streaming platforms, especially for families. Its base subscription price of $9.99 per month offers incredible value, providing access to an extensive library of titles from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars.

Disney+ boasts great mobile apps and generally responsive customer support. As expected, its library is heavily skewed towards family-friendly content, making it the go-to for all your favorite Disney movies and related franchises. You can also enjoy offline downloads on up to 10 devices.

• Pros: Access to a massive library of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content, quite affordable, offline downloads on up to 10 devices.
• Cons: Limited original content beyond established franchises, Premier Access for new releases can be costly.
• Base Price: From $9.99/month
• Stream on Multiple Devices: Offline downloads on up to 10 devices (simultaneous streaming details vary by plan).

7. fuboTV: Best for Sports and Latino-Focused Content

fuboTV offers an enormous range of content without needing a cable subscription, making it particularly strong for sports fans. It provides a variety of premium and international sports channels, ensuring you won’t miss a game. It even offers a quarterly plan specifically focused on content for the Latino community.

Depending on your plan, you can stream on 3 to 10 devices, which helps avoid remote control conflicts. You can also record content onto cloud storage to watch later. fuboTV allows for extensive customization with a wide range of paid add-ons if its existing plans don’t fully cover your needs. While its monthly fee is relatively high (starting at $64.99/month), it’s generally still cheaper than a traditional cable service.

• Pros: Wide variety of premium and international sports channels, excellent for Latino-focused content, lots of optional add-ons, 24/7 email support.
• Cons: Higher prices compared to some competitors, not all events are available in 4K/HDR.
• Base Price: $64.99/month
• Stream on Multiple Devices: 3-10 devices depending on the plan.

8. Starz: Best Content with a Focus on Minority Voices

STARZ is a premium subscription service owned by Lionsgate, providing a refreshing alternative to mainstream streaming giants. For $8.99 per month, you get access to 20 channels and over 1,400 movies, with the ability to stream on up to 5 devices at once.

STARZ is notable for its commitment to content that prioritizes women and minority voices, offering unique programming you might not find elsewhere. While its TV library might be smaller than some competitors, it has plans to produce more original content. A 7-day free trial is available to help you decide if it’s the right fit.

• Pros: Affordable monthly and yearly subscriptions, strong focus on diverse voices and content, good streaming options for children, plans for more original content, stream on up to 5 devices.
• Cons: User interface could be improved, relatively small TV library.
• Base Price: $8.99/month
• Stream on Multiple Devices: Up to 5 devices.

9. Paramount+: Best for Access to Paramount+ Supported Channels

Paramount+ offers a compelling package with competitive prices, a great selection of unique titles, and user-friendly desktop and mobile apps. Starting at just $4.99 per month for an ad-supported subscription, it’s a relatively cheap option.

The service provides access to a large media library and features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface. A 7-day free trial allows you to test the service without committing. While customer service is often described as average and some users report performance issues, Paramount+ offers a distinct collection of media that might pique your interest if you’re looking for content from Paramount’s vast catalog.

• Pros: Large media library, user-friendly desktop and mobile apps, competitive pricing, 7-day free trial.
• Cons: Customer service is often average, performance issues can occur.
• Base Price: $4.99/month
• Stream on Multiple Devices: Varies by plan (details on simultaneous streams not explicitly stated for all plans, but typically 2-3).

10. DAZN: Best for Boxing and MMA Fans

DAZN fills a crucial niche in the streaming market, providing exclusive access to boxing and MMA fights. Before DAZN, it was often difficult to legally stream these events from outside the US. DAZN promises to showcase 100 or more fight cards per year, a significant offering for combat sports enthusiasts.

Beyond boxing and MMA, DAZN also features other niche sports like Japanese soccer and darts. Subscribers gain access to boxing news, interviews, an archive of classic fights, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes footage.

DAZN’s pricing model is straightforward: $19.99 per month or $149.99 per year, with the yearly option offering a significant saving. While the price point is higher than general entertainment streaming services, the exclusive content makes it worthwhile for dedicated fans.

• Pros: Exclusive MMA and boxing broadcasts, all fights available for replay, solid streaming performance, access to niche sports.
• Cons: Higher price point than general entertainment competitors, limited coverage of other mainstream sports.
• Base Price: $19.99/month; $149.99/year
• Stream on Multiple Devices: Yes, on multiple devices (typically 2-3).

How to Compare the Best TV Streaming Services

Choosing the right TV streaming service requires considering several factors tailored to your preferences. Here’s a guide to help you compare:

• Service Diversity and Content Quality: Evaluate the variety of live and on-demand content, including movies, TV shows, sports, and news. Also, consider the quality of original programming and the availability of high-definition and 4K content.
• Cost and Subscription Plans: Compare monthly fees, annual plans, and any extra costs for premium content or add-ons. Look for the best value for your money.
• User Interface and Accessibility: Assess how easy the service is to navigate, its search functionality, and its compatibility across various devices and operating systems (smart TVs, laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles).
• Performance and Reliability: Check for buffering issues, load times, and overall performance across different internet speeds and during peak usage.
• Additional Features and Benefits: Look into features that enhance the user experience, such as cloud DVR capabilities, the number of simultaneous streams allowed, parental controls, and integration with smart home devices.
• Customer Support and Service Reliability: Evaluate the availability and responsiveness of customer service and user feedback on reliability.
• Geographic Availability and Restrictions: Be aware of any regional limitations that might affect access to certain content.
• Security and Privacy Protections: Consider the measures each service takes to protect user data and privacy.

What is TV Streaming?

Streaming is a process that allows you to watch TV over an internet connection on devices like smart TVs, laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles. You can watch both pre-recorded (on-demand) content like movies and TV shows, and live events such as sports matches and awards shows.

Unlike traditional scheduled programming, on-demand streaming offers the flexibility to watch content at any time, making it a more convenient option for many. Additionally, much of the live and on-demand content available through streaming services is ad-free, or offers ad-free tiers.

What Are the 10 Most Popular TV Streaming Services?

While our list focuses on the “best” based on a variety of criteria, here are the most popular streaming services with the highest subscriber counts as of 2025:

1. Netflix: 269.6 million subscribers
2. Amazon Prime Video: 200 million+ subscribers
3. Disney+: 150.2 million subscribers
4. Max: 97.7 million subscribers
5. Paramount+: 67.5 million subscribers
6. Hulu: 48.5 million subscribers
7. Peacock: 31 million subscribers
8. ESPN+: 26 million subscribers
9. Apple TV+: 25 million subscribers
10. Starz: 15.79 million subscribers

(Source: Digital Trends)

A recent survey of over 1,000 people also revealed Netflix (60%), Amazon Prime (57%), and Hulu (45%) as the most commonly used streaming platforms among respondents, aligning closely with the subscriber numbers.

How Does TV Streaming Work?

Streaming works by transmitting video and audio data through an internet connection to your device, which then plays it back in real-time. The audio and video files are broken down into small data packets. As your device receives these packets, it renders the data as images and sounds on your screen. Because streaming happens continuously, you can start watching content while the rest of the file is still being transmitted, ensuring a smooth viewing experience without interruptions.

It’s important to distinguish streaming from downloading. Unlike downloading, which requires the entire file to be received before playback can begin, streaming allows for immediate viewing. Also, streamed content isn’t saved locally on your device, unlike downloaded files.

What Do I Need to Use TV Streaming?

To start streaming TV, you’ll generally need three main things:

1. A Stable Internet Connection: This is crucial. For standard definition videos, you’ll need speeds of at least 3 Mbps. For high-definition (HD) content, at least 5 Mbps is recommended. For ultra-high-definition (4K Ultra HD) content, you may need up to 25 Mbps.
2. Access to a Streaming Service: This usually means signing up for a subscription service that provides access to its content for a monthly fee.
3. A Device with Online Capability:
   • Smart TV: Most TVs sold today are smart TVs, capable of connecting to the internet and often having pre-installed streaming apps.
   • Streaming Device: If you don’t have a smart TV, devices like Amazon Fire TV Sticks and Roku Streaming Sticks connect to your TV and enable streaming.
   • Other Devices: Laptops, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles are also common devices for streaming.

It’s also wise to check your data allowance if you have a data cap, as streaming can consume a significant amount of data. For example, streaming one hour of standard definition video uses approximately 1 GB of data, while high definition can use up to 3 GB, and Ultra HD can consume up to 7 GB.

How to Choose The Right TV Streaming Service for Your Needs?

Choosing the best streaming service is a personal decision, but here are key factors to consider:

• Content and Genres: Your main priority should be finding a provider that offers the shows, movies, or genres that interest you most. If live TV is important, check for your preferred networks and channels.
• Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is essential. You don’t want to spend time searching for content. While established services often have polished interfaces, newer ones might vary. Some smaller platforms excel at tailoring content recommendations to user needs.
• Mobile App Reliability: If you plan to watch on the go, a reliable mobile app that allows for easy streaming on your phone or tablet is a must.
• Concurrent Streaming: This feature allows multiple members of your household to watch different content simultaneously through a single account. If your family has diverse tastes, concurrent streaming (some providers allow up to 4 streams) can be crucial for harmony.
• Cost and Budget: Look for a service with a reasonable monthly fee. Check for free trials or budget plans that might offer lower monthly fees for standard-definition videos or fewer simultaneous streams.

Is TV Streaming Cheaper Than Cable?

Generally, streaming TV is usually cheaper than cable, though this can vary based on your location and content preferences.

• If you choose streaming without live TV (e.g., just Netflix, Disney+, etc.), it will almost certainly be cheaper than cable, even if you subscribe to multiple services.
• Live TV streaming services tend to be cheaper than cable, even when you factor in the cost of your internet service.
• The main exception where cable might be more cost-effective is if you want to stream a large amount of live sports from specific regional sports networks, which can sometimes be bundled more affordably with cable.

Which Streaming Service Is Best for Live Sports?

ESPN+ is a top choice for sports fans, offering thousands of live-streamed events, original sports content, and premium journalism. It’s particularly strong for UFC, providing exclusive pay-per-view access.

fuboTV is another excellent option, especially for its extensive range of premium and international sports channels. Its “Sports Plus with NFL RedZone” and “International Sports Plus” add-ons cater to specific sports interests.

Can I Watch Local Channels Without Cable?

Yes, many streaming services now offer local TV channels, allowing you to cut the cord without losing access to your local news and programming. DIRECTV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV are some of the services that include local channels.

Other services like Sling TV and Vidgo offer some of the larger local broadcast networks, but availability can vary by geographic location. It’s always a good idea to check which specific local channels are available in your area before subscribing.

The Bottom Line

The TV streaming market is highly competitive, offering an abundance of excellent choices for both on-demand and live TV. The best streaming service for you will ultimately depend on your preferred channels, genres, features, and budget. By carefully considering the options reviewed above, you can confidently choose the service that best fits your entertainment needs and join the growing number of cord-cutters.