Despite ongoing frustrations with streaming options, 2025 featured several positive advancements.
Reflecting on the year, numerous fresh streaming platforms emerged, offering greater variety and adaptability for those ditching traditional cable, complemented by innovative package deals for multi-service users. Additionally, budget-friendly streaming hardware saw impressive releases, including a notable advancement in broadcast television reception.
Following tradition, here is a review of the year's standout achievements in streaming independence, alongside a few disappointments.
Walmart continues to lead in providing value-packed, low-cost streaming hardware. Building on the prior year's strong Onn 4K Pro model, the $30 Onn 4K Plus delivers impressive performance with support for Dolby Vision HDR video, Dolby Atmos sound, an advanced remote control, and 16 GB of app storage space.
During comparative evaluations, this device surpassed Roku's Streaming Sticks and even the $50 Onn 4K Pro in speed, while the Google TV interface remains superior for tracking ongoing series.
At $30 monthly, ESPN's dedicated streaming platform feels steep on its own, yet it provides full access to cable content minus the excess of bundled TV packages. Crucially, it paves the way for novel combinations centered on direct streaming offerings rather than outdated cable networks.
Users can include Disney+ and Hulu for an extra $6 monthly (waived for the initial year), or incorporate Fox One or NFL+ at $10 more per month.
DirecTV's firm position against Disney from 2024 led to concrete outcomes in 2025, introducing four specialized 'Genre Packs' priced below typical live TV streaming alternatives.
The $40 monthly MyNews option stands out as the most economical method to access local broadcasts and news networks without using an antenna. For sports enthusiasts, the $70 MySports plan delivers comprehensive athletic events alongside locals and news. A $35 MyEntertainment tier bundles Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max, while the $20 MyKids package features Disney+ content.
Upcoming TV packages are expected to blend streaming platforms with enduring cable elements, enabling subscribers to eliminate unneeded components more easily. Credit goes to DirecTV for pioneering this approach.
The $15 per month Apple TV and Peacock combination represents an uncommon instance where providers are offering a genuine discount. Apple highlights savings exceeding 30% over individual subscriptions ($13 for Apple TV, $11 for Peacock). Put simply, it costs just $2 more than Apple TV by itself, making it a straightforward addition for existing subscribers.
Amid Disney's recent subscription increases, the commercial-free Disney+ and Hulu duo remained unchanged at $20 monthly. This provides strong value for dual ad-free libraries when stacked against Netflix at $18, HBO Max at $18.49, and Peacock at $17 per month. Take advantage before potential adjustments.
YouTube TV receives criticism for its handling of a 15-day outage affecting ESPN and Disney channels, delaying $20 compensation credits until after two football weekends and requiring users to navigate the site manually for claims. This approach drew backlash.
In the end, the dispute's benefits remain vague. Indications suggest upcoming genre-specific channel groups and an ESPN Unlimited integration next year, though escalating costs seem the probable result.
Expensive live TV platforms are no longer essential for viewing several broadcast feeds simultaneously on one screen. Using a Channels DVR unit paired with an HDHomeRun device, cord cutters can achieve split-view for antenna-based local channels, plus integrated streaming if technically inclined. This marks a significant step forward for self-reliant users comfortable with personal media setups.
Honorable mention goes to ZapperBox, facilitating network-wide recording capabilities with protected ATSC 3.0 signals.
In 2023, observers praised Max as the top-evolving streaming platform for integrating the Discovery+ library, a continuous CNN stream, and complimentary live TNT/TBS programming.
By 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery has reversed much of that progress. It discontinued the CNN channel in November to bolster a new independent CNN service and intends to extract sports programming for a dedicated TNT Sports platform in the coming year. The status of Discovery material on HBO Max hangs in balance amid plans to separate Discovery once more. Prices have increased, and ad loads have grown in the supported tier.
After falling short on key commitments, Warner Bros. Discovery appears headed for consolidation efforts that may yield little viewer benefit but could enhance leadership compensation.
For several years, YouTube personalities Seidman and Kleinle have highlighted challenges with digital rights management in the updated ATSC 3.0 transmission protocol. With broadcasters accelerating the phase-out of the older ATSC 1.0, they presented their concerns to the FCC this year, citing elevated prices for compatible tuners, encryption hurdles in approved televisions, and constraints on broadcast recording devices. Though supportive of ATSC 3.0, they advocate maintaining accessible over-the-air television free from costly and intricate barriers.
The FCC continues advocating for ATSC 3.0 adoption, suggesting flexible transition schedules for stations. However, it has begun questioning the need for DRM and exploring alternative applications, influenced by widespread user feedback spearheaded by figures like Seidman and Kleinle.
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Jared has worked as an independent tech reporter for over 15 years, contributing frequently to PCWorld, Fast Company, and TechHive, including a weekly column on streaming independence since 2014. His Cord Cutter Weekly publication reaches more than 30,000 readers, and his Advisorator tech guidance newsletter attracts close to 10,000 weekly viewers. Holding a master’s in journalism from NYU, Jared focuses on simplifying intricate technology subjects, ranging from streaming and cable alternatives to practical applications and clever device features. He resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.