Best 8 Live TV Streaming Apps in 2026: Compare the Options

Introduction

Choosing a live TV streaming app depends on what you want to watch and whether you’re willing to pay for a subscription. This roundup compares eight paid and free options, including general-purpose TV services, sports-focused programming, and apps with free live channels.

Quick comparison table

The paid services offer live TV through subscriptions. Pluto TV and Tubi include free live channels, while Sling combines subscription and free options. Use the table as a starting point, since channel lineups and availability can vary by service and location.

1. YouTube TV

Best for: Viewers looking for a straightforward, general-purpose paid live TV service.

YouTube TV is a subscription service with live TV channels. Google lists it as a provider for watching live TV on Google TV, which may matter if you use that platform. It offers a general-purpose lineup, but the channels and terms can change. Check the current details before subscribing.

2. Sling TV: Live TV+Freestream

Best for: Viewers who want to consider paid and free channels in one app.

Sling TV combines live TV subscriptions with free streaming channels, so you can explore both in one app. Google also lists Sling TV as a live TV provider on Google TV. Its mix of paid and free options sets it apart from services focused on just one type of access. Channel availability and terms can differ, so review the current choices before deciding which option suits you.

3. Hulu: Stream TV shows & movies

Best for: Android users considering Hulu’s live TV offering alongside its broader streaming app.

The Hulu app supports Hulu + Live TV on Android devices. That may suit viewers who want live channels through Hulu’s existing streaming app, rather than using it only for on-demand content. Check the current plan details and availability to see whether the live TV offering fits your needs.

4. Fubo: Sports & Live TV

Best for: Viewers whose search for live TV is driven by sports.

Fubo is a live TV streaming service with sports-focused programming. It’s one to compare if watching sports is the main reason you want live channels on a mobile app. If you follow a particular league, event, or channel, check Fubo’s current lineup rather than assuming it carries every broadcast you want.

5. DIRECTV

Best for: Viewers who want a live TV app available on Apple and Android devices.

The DIRECTV app supports live TV streaming on Apple and Android devices. That cross-platform support may be useful if you switch between mobile devices or share a household with people who use different phones. DIRECTV is a subscription-oriented option in this roundup. Its current channel offering and terms may vary, so compare the details before signing up.

6. Philo: Live & On-Demand TV

Best for: Viewers comparing subscription-based live TV services.

Philo is a subscription service that provides live TV. Google lists it as a live TV provider on Google TV, a point to note if you use that platform to access live programming. Check Philo’s current channel lineup and terms before choosing it over another paid option.

7. PlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TV

Best for: Viewers who want live channels without choosing a subscription service.

Pluto TV is a free streaming app with live channels. Google identifies it as a source of live TV channels, and its free access distinguishes it from the subscription services in this roundup. It’s an option if you want to watch live programming without signing up for a paid plan. Free access doesn’t mean every channel or service is included, so check what’s currently available.

8. Tubi: Movies & Live TV

Best for: Viewers looking for a free app that combines movies and live TV.

Tubi is a free streaming app with live TV channels, and Google lists it among services with live channels. It combines live channels and movies in one app, without requiring a subscription to get started. Channel availability can vary, so review the current selection before relying on it for a particular program.

How we picked these apps

This roundup focuses on mobile apps with a stated live TV offering, rather than general video apps that provide only on-demand content. It includes subscription services and free options because people searching for a live TV streaming app may be looking for either paid channel packages or free live channels.

The apps also serve different needs. Fubo has sports-focused programming, while DIRECTV supports Apple and Android devices. Google identifies YouTube TV, Sling TV, Philo, Pluto TV, and Tubi as live TV providers or sources of live channels on Google TV. We include that recognition as a compatibility detail where stated, not as a measure of overall quality. Check each service’s current lineup, device support, and terms before choosing.

Frequently asked questions

What is a live TV streaming app?

A live TV streaming app provides access to television channels as they broadcast over a streaming connection. Some services require a subscription, while others offer free live channels. Check each service’s current availability and terms before relying on it.

Are there free live TV streaming apps?

Yes. Pluto TV and Tubi are free apps with live channels, and Sling TV offers free streaming channels alongside a subscription option. Free access doesn’t mean every channel or service is free.

Which apps offer live TV subscriptions?

YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DIRECTV, and Philo are subscription-oriented options. Fubo has sports-focused programming, and Hulu supports Hulu + Live TV. Compare each service’s current offering before subscribing.

Which app should I choose for sports?

Fubo is the most directly sports-focused option in this roundup. If a particular sport, event, or channel matters to you, compare the services’ current channel offerings. No one service should be assumed to carry every broadcast.

The verdict

The apps in this roundup suit different needs. YouTube TV is a general-purpose subscription option and is listed as a Google TV provider. Sling TV combines subscription channels with free streaming channels, while Fubo has a sports focus. Pluto TV and Tubi offer free ways to watch live channels. Check current lineups and terms to see which fits what you want to watch.