Live TV streaming keeps getting better—and pricier. The good news? You can still sample legit live TV services for free (or nearly free) before committing. This no-nonsense guide rounds up the current free trials for live TV streamers, shows you exactly how to unlock them, and shares smart tactics to stack deals without surprise charges. We’ll also cover FAST (free, ad-supported TV) apps that deliver live channels at zero cost, and finish with a comprehensive “If You Prefer to Buy” section listing paid options and discounts.
Dates and offers change—sometimes weekly. I’ve linked official pages or reputable, up-to-date sources so you can double-check what’s live today.
Quick Answer: The Live TV Trials Most People Want
- YouTube TV — Ongoing free trial for new users (length varies by promo/account; commonly 5–21+ days). “Try it free” language is on the official site and show pages. YouTube TV+3YouTube TV+3YouTube TV+3
- Hulu + Live TV — Hulu confirms a free trial exists for eligible users; current plan page shows a 3-day trial messaging for Live TV (varies by offer). Hulu Help+1
- Fubo — Free trial still available in 2025 in supported markets/plans; the homepage has “Start your free trial.” fubo+1
- DIRECTV STREAM — Widely advertises a 5-day free trial on its site and support docs. DIRECTV+2DIRECTV+2
- Philo — 7-day free trial for its reality/lifestyle-heavy live TV lineup; plus “Try Free Channels” without a card. Philo
- Frndly TV — 7-day free trial for 50+ family channels (Hallmark, etc.). Frndly TV+1
- Sling TV — No consistent free trial for base plans; try Sling Freestream (hundreds of live channels) and occasional intro discounts or premium add-on trials. Sling TV+1
- NOW (UK) — Runs limited free trials for specific memberships (e.g., Hayu, Boost/Ultra Boost); check the Introductory Offers page. @NOW+1
What Counts as “Live TV” Here?
We’re focusing on services that include linear live channels (news, sports, entertainment) and live feeds of networks—think YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, Philo, Frndly TV, Sling. We also highlight FAST apps (Pluto TV, Tubi Live) that deliver live channels free with ads (not a trial, but invaluable between trials). Pluto TV+2Pluto TV+2
The Big Services: How to Get Their Trials (Step-by-Step)
1) YouTube TV — Broadest Channel Mix + Unlimited DVR
Why it’s great: 100+ channels, local networks in most areas, stellar DVR (no storage limits), solid sports and entertainment.
Trial reality in 2025: Yes—“Try it free.” The trial length varies (often 5–21+ days and sometimes extended promos); always check the offer terms at signup. Many show pages also display a “Free Trial” banner. YouTube TV+3YouTube TV+3YouTube TV+3
How to unlock it quickly:
- Visit YouTube TV’s welcome page and click Try It Free. YouTube TV
- Check the trial length shown before confirming (it’s account/region/promo dependent). Google Help
- Optional: Some promos extend trials when you add 4K Plus or via partner deals (varies). TechRadar
Cancel tip: You’ll see a clear first bill date in checkout—set a reminder the day before.
2) Hulu + Live TV — Live Channels + Hulu/Disney/ESPN Select Bundle
Why it’s great: Combines live networks with the Hulu on-demand library; bundles often include Disney+/ESPN Select.
Trial reality in 2025: Hulu’s help center confirms free trials are available for eligible users; the live-TV plan page currently shows a 3-day trial language (this can change). Hulu Help+1
How to unlock it:
- Go to Hulu Live TV and click Start Your Free Trial (or equivalent). Hulu
- Verify your trial length at checkout—Hulu runs multiple promos throughout the year. Hulu Help
Cancel tip: If you subscribed through Apple/Google/Amazon, cancel through the same channel.
3) Fubo — Sports-Forward Live TV (but not just sports)
Why it’s great: Deep sports coverage, entertainment/news, and robust cloud DVR; strong 4K where available.
Trial reality in 2025: The homepage still promotes a free trial (plan/region dependent). TechRadar keeps a running explainer on current routes. fubo+1
How to unlock it:
- Hit Start Free Trial on Fubo’s site; pick a plan that shows trial eligible. fubo
- Confirm price after trial and any RSN/surcharges.
Cancel tip: Cancel from Account → Subscription before your bill date; recordings may remain accessible until the end of the period.
4) DIRECTV STREAM — Big-Cable-Style Lineups Without the Box
Why it’s great: Traditional channel bundles, regional sports in some tiers, solid cloud DVR.
Trial reality in 2025: DIRECTV advertises a 5-day free trial across its site and support pages. DIRECTV+2DIRECTV+2
How to unlock it:
- Compare packages (Entertainment, Choice, etc.), then click Start 5-Day Free Trial. DIRECTV
- Watch for intro pricing that changes after month one. DIRECTV
Cancel tip: Cancellation is online; note billing changes after promotional months 1–3. DIRECTV
5) Philo — Budget Live TV Heavy on Lifestyle/Reality
Why it’s great: 70+ channels (AMC, A&E, Hallmark, HGTV, etc.), unlimited DVR, very affordable after trial.
Trial reality in 2025: 7-day free trial and an unusual perk: a “Try Free Channels” area with no card required. Philo
How to unlock it:
- Click Start Philo free trial and follow the flow. Philo
- Poke around Free Channels first to see if you like the interface. Philo
Cancel tip: Instant online cancellation; keep your DVR/watchlist for when you return.
6) Frndly TV — Family-Friendly Live TV for Cheap
Why it’s great: 50+ channels including Hallmark trio, The Weather Channel, family/lifestyle shows; low cost after trial.
Trial reality in 2025: 7-day free trial is available; help docs outline the trial. Frndly TV+1
How to unlock it:
- Click Watch 7 Days Free on Frndly TV’s landing page. Frndly TV
- Select plan; enjoy full channel access during trial per the help doc. HELP CENTER
7) Sling TV — Use Freestream + Discounts Instead of a Base Trial
Why it’s great: Modular, low-cost plans; à-la-carte vibe; tons of supported devices.
Trial reality in 2025: Sling doesn’t consistently offer a free trial for Orange/Blue, but Sling Freestream gives 600+ free live channels with no card, and Sling often runs first-month discounts or premium add-on trials. Sling TV+1
How to unlock value:
- Use Sling Freestream now, then jump on a half-off first month or premium add-on trial if offered. Sling TV
8) NOW (UK) — Rotating Trials for Select Memberships
Why it’s great: Flexible, no-contract passes for Entertainment, Cinema, Sports, and Hayu (reality).
Trial reality in 2025: NOW’s help pages list 7-day trials and seasonal introductory offers for Hayu and Boost (device/performance add-on). Availability varies—check the Introductory Offers page. @NOW+1
Live TV Alternatives You Should Know (Free, Not Trials)
Between paid trials, use FAST apps—free, ad-supported TV services with hundreds of live channels:
- Pluto TV — “Live TV, Always On,” 100s of channels, on most devices. Pluto TV+1
- Tubi Live TV — Free live news/sports/entertainment; FOX’s free platform; curated Live tab. Tubi+1
These aren’t trials—you can keep using them indefinitely, with ads. Pluto and Tubi routinely add channels and have even streamed marquee events (e.g., Tubi carried Super Bowl LIX free in 2025). The Sun+1
Region-by-Region Snapshot
- United States: Your best “true live TV” trials are YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, Philo, and Frndly TV. If Sling’s main plans aren’t running a trial, tap Sling Freestream until a discount pops up. Sling TV+6YouTube TV+6Hulu+6
- United Kingdom & Ireland: NOW sometimes runs trials on Hayu/Boost and occasional introductory offers—check its offers page. Pair with Pluto TV for free live channels. @NOW+2@NOW+2
- Canada/Europe/Asia-Pac: U.S.-style vMVPDs (YouTube TV/Hulu Live) often aren’t available. Use local live TV streamers and FAST apps (Pluto, regional Tubi equivalents) and watch for Fubo availability/offer pages per country. fubo+1
Power Tactics: Max Out the Free Time (Without Paying)
- Map your must-watch channels/events first. If it’s sports-heavy, start with Fubo or YouTube TV; for news/entertainment bundles, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. YouTube TV+1
- Stack sequentially:
- Week 1: YouTube TV (longest/most flexible trials when available). YouTube TV
- Week 2: Hulu + Live TV for its bundle perks (verify current trial). Hulu Help
- Week 3: Fubo (sports/entertainment). fubo
- Week 4: DIRECTV STREAM (5 days). DIRECTV
- Add Philo or Frndly TV for inexpensive, reality/family-heavy lineups. Philo+1
- Bridge gaps with FAST (Pluto/Tubi Live) to keep watching for free while your billing clocks cool down. Pluto TV+1
- Check partner deals: Phones/ISPs sometimes bundle trial extensions; YouTube TV promos have been tied to device/partner offers in the past—always peek at the offer terms page. YouTube TV+1
- Set a calendar reminder the day before each trial ends.
- Cancel where you signed up. If you subscribed via Apple/Google/Amazon Channels, cancel there—not on the provider’s website—so it actually sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the trials, really?
- YouTube TV: varies (you’ll see the exact length during signup; 5–21+ days is common, with occasional extended promos). Google Help+1
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu’s help center confirms free trials; current plan page shows 3-day for Live TV (subject to change). Hulu Help+1
- Fubo: active free trial messaging persists on the homepage. fubo
- DIRECTV STREAM: 5-day free trial appears on the site/support pages. DIRECTV+1
- Philo: 7-day trial. Philo
- Frndly TV: 7-day trial. Frndly TV
Do FAST apps have “trials”?
No—they’re permanently free (ad-supported). Use Pluto TV and Tubi Live to keep watching live channels at zero cost between trials. Pluto TV+1
Any tricks for sports?
Fubo and YouTube TV are sports standouts. Tubi and Pluto occasionally carry sports-focused live channels/events (Tubi even streamed Super Bowl LIX free in 2025). Always confirm your specific league/network needs. fubo+2YouTube TV+2
Sample 30-Day “No-Bill” Roadmap
- Days 1–10: YouTube TV — record everything with unlimited DVR. YouTube TV
- Days 11–17: Philo — binge lifestyle/entertainment; keep using your YouTube TV DVR during the overlap. Philo
- Days 18–24: Fubo — finish sports/events. fubo
- Days 25–29: DIRECTV STREAM — 5-day sprint for anything still missing. DIRECTV
- Any gaps: Pluto/Tubi Live for free channels. Pluto TV+1
Troubleshooting: “I Don’t See the Trial Button”
- Check another browser/device or open the provider’s offer terms or help pages; trial links sometimes live there. (See YouTube TV’s terms page and Hulu’s free-trial help.) YouTube TV+1
- Try partner portals (Apple/Google/Amazon Channels, Roku). Some trials appear there even when the main site doesn’t.
- Look for short trials (e.g., 3–5 days) if the typical 7-day option isn’t shown—live TV trials have tightened in 2025. Hulu+1
- Use FAST apps while you hunt; you’ll still have live channels without spending. Pluto TV+1
If You Prefer to Buy
If you prefer to buy or upgrade rather than join a free trial, here are all the options worth considering (with current signals on pricing/trial posture):
- YouTube TV (U.S.) — Month-to-month live TV, 100+ channels, unlimited DVR. New-customer free trial periods vary by promo; sometimes there are multi-month intro discounts. YouTube TV+1
- Hulu + Live TV (U.S.) — Live networks + Hulu library; bundles often include Disney+/ESPN Select; Live TV page shows 3-day trial language (offer-dependent). Hulu
- Fubo (multi-region) — Sports-centric live TV with entertainment/news; free trial promoted; pricing varies by plan and region. fubo
- DIRECTV STREAM (U.S.) — Big channel bundles, RSNs on higher tiers; 5-day free trial advertised; watch for first-month promos and subsequent price steps. DIRECTV+1
- Philo (U.S.) — Low-cost live TV with lifestyle/entertainment focus; 7-day trial; includes “Free Channels” browsing. Philo
- Frndly TV (U.S.) — Affordable family-friendly lineup; 7-day trial; simple plans. Frndly TV
- Sling TV (U.S.) — Orange/Blue plans; no consistent free trial in 2025, but Sling Freestream is permanently free and Sling often runs first-month discounts; some premium-addon trials appear periodically. Sling TV+1
- NOW (UK/IE) — Contract-free Entertainment/Cinema/Sports passes; limited trials and intro offers surface on the official Introductory Offers page; Hayu/Boost trials noted. @NOW+1
- FAST (Always Free) to supplement paid plans:
Tip: If you plan to buy a month, rotate services: keep just one vMVPD active at a time, use FAST apps in between, and switch when a must-see live event or league moves.
Advanced Budget Tips (Post-Trial)
- Rotate monthly: Keep only one “big” live TV plan active at a time—especially outside peak sports seasons.
- Leverage intro discounts: Sling’s frequent half-off first month can replace a traditional trial. TechRadar
- Check device/ISP perks: Occasionally, phone carriers, ISPs, or device makers bundle trial extensions or intro pricing (always read offer terms). TechRadar
- Use FAST for live events: Pluto/Tubi regularly add channels and occasionally carry special live events (e.g., Tubi’s free Super Bowl LIX stream in 2025). The Sun+1
The Bottom Line
You can still watch weeks of live TV for free in 2025—if you plan it. Start with the services that clearly display trial buttons today (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM), then add Philo/Frndly TV for inexpensive specialty lineups. When a base plan trial isn’t available (hello, Sling), lean on Sling Freestream, Pluto TV, and Tubi Live to keep live channels flowing for free until a discount appears. Tubi+8YouTube TV+8Hulu+8
Set calendar reminders, cancel where you signed up, and rotate like a pro. Your shows—and your budget—will thank you.