How to get a Live TV Free Trial in 2024

DirecTV Stream offers more local channels than any other streaming service out there, likely because the AT&T owned service doubles as a satellite television provider. Because of this, as well as its solid list of features, it’s our top choice for watching local channels. Although it’s one of the pricier options on this list when it comes to streaming services, DirecTV Stream also has the most local channels available, and the least location restrictions. Regardless of which plan you subscribe to, you’ll get access to all the affiliate stations available in your region—however, if you want access to watch Regional Sports Networks, you’ll need to subscribe to at least the Choice plan. (DirecTV Stream also has the highest number of RSNs, too!) DirecTV Stream also has a stellar support team offering quick help and sometimes even remuneration in response to issues that come up for their viewers.

Starz has a long history since it began as a pay television network in 1994. Today, the platform has an on-demand streaming service with a limited selection of original content. It includes titles like The White Queen, Hightown, and Run the World. The total number of titles in the Starz library is around 1,400. That covers different genres, and if you prefer live TV, there are 17 channels available. The selection includes Starz Comedy, MoviePlex, and more. Starz is available monthly, but you can save a few bucks with a 3-month subscription. The platform offers offline viewing for selected titles and supports a wide range of devices. You can watch up to four simultaneous streams, ensuring a single account can be enough for the entire household.

Hulu + Live TV offers a pretty good base package of channels for sports fans, including local networks, ESPN, Fox Sports, Golf Channel, TBS, SEC Network, BTN, and more. It also has a great sports add-on and comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+ for no extra fee – which makes it a great option for big sports fans who need to please the whole family. You can watch Hulu + Live TV on every popular streaming device, and stream on up to two screens at once, upgradeable to unlimited screens for an extra fee. It also has a free unlimited DVR, with your oldest recordings only being deleted after nine months.

Frndly TV, launched in 2019, specializes in live TV channels focused on family-friendly content, offering entertainment, lifestyle, and kids' channels akin to traditional cable packages (very much like Philo). With selections like Hallmark Channel, Game Show Network, and The Weather Channel, it has something for everyone. It continues to expand its channel lineup, aiming to provide affordable and diverse content for families seeking wholesome programming without mature themes. Frndly TV is also one of the cheapest live TV streaming services. Not to be outdone, Frndly TV also offers two plans under $10: Basic and Classic. Both give you the same 40+ channel package and access to both the on-demand library and live TV. Frndly TV’s Basic plan comes with standard video quality, one simultaneous stream, and no DVR capabilities, while the Classic Plan comes with HD video quality, four simultaneous streams, and three months of unlimited DVR recording.

The sports-centric streaming service Fubo offers 3 different plans, each with over 100+ channels to choose from. You’ll find more sports channels than almost any other streaming service out there, with its local affiliates for most major networks around the globe. With any Fubo plan, you’ll get channels like beIN Sports, Big Ten Network, ESPN, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NFL Network, Pac12 Networks, and much more. You can stream on up to 10 devices at a time connected to your home network, and 2 devices outside of your home network, making it easy to share your account with your family and friends. Fubo offers 1,000 hours of DVR included in its cheapest subscription package. While this isn’t unlimited like the other options on this list, it should be more than enough for you to record the live sports matches and other programming that you need.

One of the best online streamers for live channels would be YouTube TV. YouTube TV only offers one base plan, which removes all the confusion of complicated subscriptions models. The service has broadcasting rights to many local networks, including: ABC, CBS, FOX, The CW, MyNetworkTV, NBC, PBS (select regions), Telemundo, Univision, and Unimas, though availability varies by region. You can stream on up to 3 devices at a time, and create up to 6 different user profiles. You get over 100+ channels with your base subscription, and have the option to add individual channel packages like Showtime, MGM+, or HBO. The features don’t disappoint, either. YouTube TV’s 4K Plus add-on lets you watch certain live and on-demand content in ultra 4K HD. Unlimited DVR is included in your plan, with recordings saved for up to 9 months.

Paramount+ originally launched in 2014 as CBS All Access and relaunched as Paramount+ in 2021. It offers a vast collection of content from channels including CBS, BET, and Paramount Pictures, as well as a wide range of hit original programming. It also has become the new home of Showtime after the two streamers merged in June 2023. Paramount+ has two plans, but only one of them is available for under $10: Paramount+ Essential. This will give you ad-supported access to the entire Paramount+ content library in addition to 24/7 live feed from CBS News. However, if you’re willing to pay a couple of bucks more, you can get Paramount+ w/ Showtime to remove (most) ads, get access to the entire Showtime content library, and watch live TV from your local CBS station. And if you’re a sports fan, you also get access to exclusive college basketball games airing on CBS. Not a bad deal.

Although it's a bit on the pricey side if you go month-to-month and imposes far too many game blackouts, MLB.TV is the go-to option for baseball fans who want to catch as many games as possible.

A small, live TV streaming service, KlowdTV provides 81 channels for $9.99 per month. However, the service is now offering a selection of channels to watch, completely for free. You'll need their separate equipment purchase to watch, however.

Another anime streaming site available in the US, HIDIVE promises an edgier selection of content, including uncensored anime.