The best streaming services for news and live events in 2025 are dominated by YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, both offering comprehensive channel lineups at $83/month, while budget-conscious users may prefer Sling TV ($46/month) or Philo ($28/month). For sports and breaking news, Fubo ($85/month) and DirecTV ($87-$102/month) provide specialized coverage, though at higher price points. Key differentiators include channel variety, DVR capabilities, and bundled services like Disney+ or ESPN+.

• YouTube TV leads as the top overall choice with 100+ channels, unlimited DVR, and a user-friendly interface ^[1][7][8]
• Hulu + Live TV excels for on-demand content and bundles Disney+, ESPN+, and local news, but limits simultaneous streams to two devices ^[1][5][6]
• Fubo is the best for sports fans with 215+ channels but lacks Turner networks like CNN ^[2][6][9]
• Free options like Local Now, Pluto TV, and NewsON provide local news without subscriptions, though with limited coverage ^[3][6]

Streaming Services for News and Live Events in 2025

Premium Tier: Comprehensive Coverage and Features

For viewers prioritizing breadth of news channels, sports, and live events, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV emerge as the strongest contenders, though Fubo and DirecTV cater to niche audiences. These services justify their higher costs with extensive channel lineups, robust DVR functionality, and additional perks like bundled streaming libraries.

YouTube TV stands out for its unlimited DVR storage and 100+ channels, including major news networks (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC) and local affiliates in most markets ^[1][7]. Its interface is consistently praised as the most intuitive, with features like personalized recommendations and seamless cloud DVR access ^[8]. The $83/month price point matches Hulu + Live TV, but YouTube TV offers three simultaneous streams compared to Hulu’s two ^[1][7]. However, YouTube TV lacks Warner Bros. Discovery channels (e.g., HBO Max, TNT) unless purchased as add-ons ^[6].

Hulu + Live TV differentiates itself by bundling Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu’s on-demand library—a $20+ value—at the same $83/month price ^[1][4][5]. This makes it ideal for households that want both live news (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC) and on-demand entertainment ^[5]. The service includes local ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox affiliates in most regions, though availability varies by ZIP code ^[5]. Criticisms include its less intuitive interface compared to YouTube TV and the two-stream limit, which may frustrate larger households ^[2][6]. Hulu also offers unlimited DVR, but recordings expire after 9 months (vs. YouTube TV’s indefinite storage) ^[1].

For sports-centric viewers, Fubo ($85/month) provides 215+ channels, including NFL Network, NBA TV, and regional sports networks (RSNs) ^[2][6]. It covers major news outlets like Fox News and MSNBC but excludes CNN and other Turner properties due to contractual disputes ^[6]. Fubo’s 1,000-hour DVR and 4K streaming for select events appeal to hardcore fans, though its interface is less polished than YouTube TV’s ^[9]. DirecTV Stream ($87–$102/month) is another premium option, mimicking a traditional cable experience with 136+ channels and no contracts ^[1][9]. It’s particularly strong for regional sports but offers fewer non-sports channels than competitors ^[1].

• YouTube TV: 100+ channels, unlimited DVR, 3 streams, $83/month ^[7]
• Hulu + Live TV: 105 channels + Disney/ESPN+, 2 streams, $83/month ^[5]
• Fubo: 215+ channels (sports-heavy), 1,000-hour DVR, $85/month ^[6]
• DirecTV Stream: 136+ channels, cable-like experience, $87+/month ^[9]

Budget and Niche Options: Balancing Cost and Content

Viewers seeking affordable alternatives or specialized content can turn to Sling TV, Philo, or free ad-supported services, though these options require trade-offs in channel selection or features. Sling TV and Philo start at $28–$46/month, while free platforms like Pluto TV and Local Now offer localized news without subscriptions.

• Sling Blue ($46/month): 46 channels including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and NBC/Fox locals (where available) ^[1][6]
• Sling Orange ($46/month): 32 channels with ESPN and Disney but fewer news options ^[1]

Users can combine both for $61/month, but the 50-hour DVR (upgradable to 200 hours) pales next to YouTube TV or Hulu ^[1]. Sling’s News Extra bundle ($6/month) adds channels like BBC World News and NewsNation, making it a flexible choice for news-focused viewers ^[6]. However, it lacks ABC and CBS locals in most markets, and its interface feels outdated ^[1].

For free local news, services like Local Now, Pluto TV, NewsON, and Haystack News aggregate streams from ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox affiliates, though availability depends on the station’s ownership ^[3][6]. These platforms are ad-supported and lack DVR functionality, but they’re useful for:

• Local weather and breaking news (e.g., NewsON partners with 275+ local stations) ^[3]
• Niche news channels (e.g., Pluto TV offers BBC News, Bloomberg, Cheddar) ^[6]
• No subscription required, though content may be delayed or limited ^[3]

• Sling TV Blue: 46 channels, $46/month, 50-hour DVR ^[6]
• Philo: 70+ channels, $28/month, no locals/sports ^[4]
• Free options: Local Now, Pluto TV, NewsON (ad-supported, no DVR) ^[3][6]