YouTube TV is one of the most popular live TV streaming services in the U.S., boasting over 8 million subscribers . This is approximately twice as many as Hulu + Live TV and significantly more than Sling TV . However, there may come a time when you want to explore other options, especially as its price continues to rise. The good news is that these streaming services are easy to pause or cancel, which is just as simple as signing up for them initially. The question then becomes: what should you try next?
While there is considerable overlap among these services, not all offer the same channels or features as YouTube TV. If you’re looking to reduce expenses, consider alternatives. YouTube TV currently costs $83 a month. Some of its closest competitors also reach this price point, while others are more affordable. It’s important to note that finding a replacement for YouTube TV at a similar price might be challenging. Moreover, YouTube TV’s numerous features , such as unlimited DVR, six profiles per account, and seamless account management within the Google ecosystem, make it a strong contender. While you might have to pay more for equivalent channels elsewhere, it’s still worth exploring your options.
So, what are the best alternatives to YouTube TV that suit your needs and budget? Let’s examine them.
Hulu + Live TV
- The Good: Comparable (though smaller) channel listing, access to the Hulu on-demand library. Part of the Disney Bundle. Unlimited recording (aka DVR) is now thrown in for free.
- The Less-Good: No 4K option for live content.
- The Plans: Currently $82 a month if you don’t mind ads on the on-demand content. (If you want to get rid of ads, it’s now $96 a month.)
- The Comparison: Our full take on YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV actually is the most popular live TV streaming service in the United States, with 4 million paid subscribers as of July 2, 2022. It has a comparable number of channels to YouTube TV — basically bordering on 100 or so, with a number of add-ons available, too.
Hulu + Live TV also has a couple of advantages over every other competitor. First is the Hulu on-demand catalog. You’ll have access to thousands of shows and movies as part of your subscription. (Yes, you technically can get Hulu + Live TV without access to the on-demand library, but the savings is minimal.)
The big leg up for Hulu + Live TV is that it’s under the Disney umbrella. And that means it’s always in the same conversation as the Disney Bundle. On its own, the Disney Bundle gets you Disney+, ESPN+ and the basic Hulu on-demand service for just $17 a month. Bringing Hulu + Live TV into the fold brings the price to $73 a month — or just a few dollars more than Hulu + Live TV on its own. You’re basically getting a third streaming service for free at that point.
Fubo
- The Good: Comparable channel listing, occasional games in 4K resolution. Multiple optional add-ons not available elsewhere. Burgeoning integration with sports betting.
- The Tough: FuboTV is the smallest of the big players in this space, and it’s an uphill battle. Lacks the amount of 4K content as YouTube TV.
- The Plans: The entry-level Essential plan costs $85 a month for 212 channels, and the Fubo Elite plan costs $95 for 293 channels.
Fubo is probably the most significant streaming service you’ve never heard of. It has a quarter of the number of subscribers as Hulu + Live TV. But it also has a comparable slate of channels, including your local broadcast affiliates. The “Essential” plan is now the entry-level package. That includes 212 channels, unlimited cloud-based recording, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once. Fubo’s bigger plan hits $95 a month for 293 channels, unlimited cloud-based recording, the ability to watch on up to 10 screens, and 4K resolution.
Speaking of 4K, FuboTV also is one of the only services that gets you any sort of live content in UHD resolution. We’re talking Fox-produced sports, which remains decidedly less than what you’ll find on YouTube TV.
And if you’re into international sports, you’ll find more options on FuboTV than anywhere else.
Sling TV
- The Good: Still as close to à la carte TV as you can get.
- The Less-Good: It’s super easy to spend more than you thought with all the “Extras.”
- The Plans (as of February 2025) are as follows : Sling Orange: $46 per month; Sling Blue: $46 per month; and Sling Orange + Blue: $61 per month.
Sling TV is the third-most-popular livestreaming service in the U.S, with 2.41 million subscribers as of the end of September 2022. It remains as close as you can get to picking your channels. That’s not to say that Sling is à la carte — it’s decidedly not. But its scheme lets you pick from either the Orange or Blue track, or both. Together, you still pay less than any of the services above. But you also get fewer channels.
You’ll bolster your basic package with Sling “Extras.” Those are additional cohorts of channels, with additional fees of $5 a month or so. That’s great because you can pick and choose what you care about. But it’s also structured so that you have to subscribe to a bunch of Extras if you want a full slate of channels, and that makes it easy to end up spending more than that initial $46, $46, or $61 a month you thought you were shelling out. And that’s before you get into premium movie channels or international options. Just keep an eye on your bill.
Otherwise, Sling remains an excellent option and, like the other services, is available on pretty much any modern device.
DirecTV Stream
- The Good: Lots of channels. All the channels. AT&T customers may get great deals. Regional sports options.
- The Less-Good: The price per channel isn’t great. No live 4K options.
- The Plans: Things start at $87 for just 90 channels and get more expensive from there.
If you haven’t been able to keep up with all of the names DirecTV Stream has gone by in the past few years, you’re not alone. (And we get paid to do this.) Now that it’s been spun out from AT&T proper (but remains under the AT&T umbrella), it’s now known as DirecTV Stream. You also need to know that it’s been hemorrhaging customers the past couple of years, and we don’t really have a great feel for how many are left — likely fewer than Fubo TV, however.
AT&T customers should take a long, hard look at DirecTV Stream, however, as there are some serious deals to be had, particularly if you’re able to bundle it with an AT&T internet plan. That’s not available everywhere, though, and then we have to start talking about hardware fees, and none of that is anywhere near as simple as a standard streaming service that lets you come and go as you please.
Philo
- The Good: Can’t beat the price.
- The Less-Good: Fewer channels than any other service, and it doesn’t have your local broadcast channels.
- The Plan: $28 a month for 70-plus channels.
Philo has established itself as a popular low-cost streaming service, attracting over 1.3 million subscribers as of February 2025. This service particularly appeals to viewers looking for affordable entertainment without the frills of traditional cable packages.
However, it does have some notable limitations. Philo lacks access to specific premium channels that other streaming services might offer, such as sports networks and popular entertainment channels. Additionally, it does not provide local broadcast channels, essential for accessing live news and events in your area.
Fortunately, investing in a reasonably priced over-the-air antenna can easily bridge this gap. This setup allows you to pick up local broadcasts and gives you access to major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. If the remaining channel lineup on Philo aligns with your viewing preferences, it can be an excellent choice for those aiming to cut costs while still enjoying quality programming. By carefully considering your viewing habits and needs, you can save significant money by opting for Philo as your primary streaming service.
Pluto TV
- The Good : It’s completely free.
- The Less-Bad : Sure, you won’t pay anything, but you will get more ads.
- The Plan : For absolutely nothing, you gain access to over 250 ad-supported channels, similar to linear TV.
Pluto TV is a well-known, free, ad-supported streaming television service operated by Paramount Streaming. It offers a wide range of live, linear channels and on-demand content, effectively replicating the traditional cable TV experience in a digital format. This service is compatible with various devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers, making it highly accessible.
Pluto TV generates revenue through advertising, which is incorporated into the programming with commercial breaks. This allows users to enjoy a diverse content selection without paying a subscription fee. The platform features channels that cover various genres, from movies and TV shows to news, sports, and niche interests, drawing content from multiple partnerships with content providers. This extensive selection and free access have contributed to Pluto TV’s popularity among viewers looking for a cost-effective entertainment option.
