In the fast-paced digital era, how we watch sports has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when fans relied solely on cable TV or expensive satellite packages. Thanks to streaming technology, it’s now easier than ever to watch live sports from anywhere — on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or laptop.
Whether you’re cheering for your favorite football club, catching the NBA playoffs, or following global events like the Olympics, dozens of apps offer both free and paid streaming options. This guide will explore the best apps to watch live sports in 2025, including platforms that let you watch live sports streaming online free. We’ll also share tips to improve your streaming quality and introduce a powerful tool to record and enjoy live games offline.
If you’re not ready to commit to a paid plan, several apps allow you to watch live sports free — legally and safely. Below are some of the best options offering various sports coverage and regional availability.
While ESPN+ offers premium subscriptions, it also includes free sports highlights, news clips, and select live events through its mobile app and website. It covers a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, UFC, hockey, and college sports.
Supported Sports: NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, Soccer (La Liga, Bundesliga), UFC, college sports.
Availability: U.S. and select international regions.
For viewers in the U.S., ESPN+ is one of the most reliable sources to watch live sports legally with high-quality streams. The app is available on Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and smart TVs.
If you’re looking for a more flexible way to watch live sports streaming online free, Live NetTV is a solid choice. This third-party app offers access to hundreds of live TV channels from around the world, including sports networks.
Supported Sports: Cricket, Football (Premier League, Champions League), Basketball, Tennis, Boxing, and more.
Availability: Global (some channels may require a VPN).
The app aggregates sports streams from multiple global broadcasters, giving users a chance to follow local and international sports events. However, since it’s not available on official app stores, always download from trusted sources to avoid malware risks.
The CBS Sports App is another great free option to watch live sports online — particularly for fans of U.S. sports leagues. It offers free access to live scores, highlights, and occasional live games depending on broadcast rights.
Supported Sports: NFL, NCAA basketball, PGA Tour, and soccer events.
Availability: Primarily U.S.-based, but accessible globally via VPN.
The CBS Sports App also provides personalized news feeds, real-time stats, and notifications, making it a one-stop shop for casual fans and diehard enthusiasts alike.
If you want higher-quality streams, ad-free experiences, and reliable coverage of major sports leagues, paid streaming services are the way to go. These platforms offer live broadcasts, replays, and multi-device access.
YouTube TV remains one of the best apps to watch live sports in 2025, thanks to its wide range of channels and easy user interface.
Supported Sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, and major soccer leagues.
Availability: United States.
It includes ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, and regional networks, ensuring comprehensive coverage of every major sporting event. Plus, with unlimited DVR storage, you can record your favorite games and watch them anytime.
Hulu + Live TV combines entertainment and sports in one convenient platform. Subscribers can enjoy ESPN, FS1, CBS Sports, and local networks.
Supported Sports: NFL, NCAA, NBA, MLB, NHL, and international soccer.
Availability: U.S. only.
Beyond sports, Hulu’s extensive on-demand content makes it ideal for families who want more than just live games.
Fubo TV started as a soccer-focused platform but has evolved into one of the most comprehensive sports streaming services worldwide.
Supported Sports: Soccer (UEFA, Premier League, Serie A), NFL, NBA, MLB, and more.
Availability: North America, Europe, and parts of Latin America.
Fubo TV offers over 100 channels and includes 4K streaming, making it perfect for sports fans who value crystal-clear visuals.
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative, Sling TV is one of the best budget-friendly options.
Supported Sports: NFL, NBA, college sports, MLB, and soccer.
Availability: U.S. only.
Its customizable channel packages (Sling Orange and Sling Blue) allow you to choose which sports networks you want, helping you save money while still enjoying live events.
For global sports fans, DAZN is an international favorite. It’s particularly known for combat sports and exclusive broadcasting rights in various regions.
Supported Sports: Boxing, MMA, Soccer (La Liga, Serie A), NFL (in select regions).
Availability: Over 200 countries.
DAZN’s monthly subscription gives you ad-free, high-quality streaming and the ability to rewatch fights and matches anytime. It’s the go-to app for boxing and mixed martial arts enthusiasts.
Watching live sports online is convenient, but buffering or geo-restrictions can quickly ruin the fun. Here are a few practical tips to ensure the best streaming performance:
Sometimes you can’t catch a game live — maybe due to time zones, work, or travel. That’s where the CleverGet Recorder comes in.
This powerful tool allows you to record live streams from virtually any website, including sports streaming platforms. With CleverGet Recorder, you can save games in HD or 4K quality, and rewatch them anytime — even offline.
It’s ideal for fans who travel frequently or live in regions with limited access to live sports coverage. With CleverGet Recorder, you’ll never miss a critical moment — even without an internet connection.
In 2025, streaming is the ultimate way to watch live sports from anywhere in the world. Free apps like Live NetTV, CBS Sports, and ESPN+ are perfect for casual viewers, while paid platforms such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, Sling TV, and DAZN offer premium coverage with better reliability and video quality.
For the best all-around experience, ensure you have a strong internet connection, use a VPN for region-restricted content, and rely on official sources for safe and legal viewing.
Downloading live streams or screen recording the matches really matter. You can also have a good viewing experience even if the live sports is over. To take your sports passion offline, CleverGet Recorder is your best companion. It allows you to save live streams, record highlights, and enjoy your favorite matches without worrying about buffering or internet outages.
Whether you prefer free or paid options, these apps — combined with the right tools — guarantee that you’ll never miss a game again.