Best Live TV Streaming Services (2025) — Summary & How to Stream NFL Games
Live TV streaming remains a stronger pick than traditional cable for many: no long contracts, simpler pricing, and no special equipment beyond a smart TV and a good internet connection. But prices have climbed, narrowing the gap with cable. After testing major services, YouTube TV stands out as the most well-rounded option for 2025.
Quick takeaways
- YouTube TV is the most balanced live-TV service we tested — broad local channel coverage, many sports channels and useful add-ons.
- NFL rights are spread across networks: CBS/Paramount+, Fox, NBC/Peacock, Prime Video, ABC/ESPN and select games on Netflix and YouTube. YouTube TV offers the NFL Sunday Ticket add-on (monthly options available) for viewing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.
- Price is rising: many base plans now exceed $80/month, and add-ons can push total cost much higher. Consider mixing free FAST apps and an inexpensive HD antenna to lower cost.
How to stream NFL games
The 2025 regular-season game rights are split between multiple broadcasters. To watch most games you’ll need access to local CBS, Fox, NBC and ABC stations plus national sports networks. For out-of-market Sunday daytime games, the NFL Sunday Ticket add-on (available via YouTube TV) is the typical solution.
Official YouTube TV help and NFL Sunday Ticket pages have current pricing and options: YouTube TV Help – NFL Sunday Ticket and YouTube TV — NFL Sunday Ticket.
Cheaper ways to catch local games
- HD/Digital antenna: pick up local CBS/FOX/NBC/ABC over the air for a one-time cost (typical Amazon prices: about $15–$60). Example search: Buy digital antennas on Amazon.
- Free ad-supported TV (FAST) apps like Pluto TV, Tubi, Freevee and device-native channels (Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus) provide live channels at no extra cost.
- Short free trials across paid services can help you catch specific games if you plan ahead.
What to look for when choosing
- Local channel availability in your ZIP code (many services show local affiliates during sign-up).
- Sports network coverage and regional sports networks (RSNs) — check which service carries the RSNs you need.
- DVR limits, simultaneous streams and add-on costs (4K, sports packages, premium VODs).
Sources and further reading
- YouTube TV Help – NFL Sunday Ticket
- YouTube TV — NFL Sunday Ticket
- Amazon search for antennas (affiliate): Digital antennas on Amazon
Notes: This summary is a condensed guide derived from testing and aggregated reporting on live TV streaming options for 2025. It omits any direct RSS links to the original review source. For full hands-on reviews of individual services, consult official provider pages and recent hands-on test reports.