With a wide range of channels and features like Multiview, YouTube TV has become a popular option for cord-cutters looking for a comprehensive streaming service. However, as the market continues to grow, many are looking for alternative options that better fit their budget and needs. That’s where YouTube TV alternatives come in. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 best YouTube TV alternatives you may not have tried yet.
As YouTube TV’s prices continue to increase, and issues like YouTube TV not working on Apple TV or the Spinning Circle issue, more and more viewers are considering other options. With an abundance of streaming services available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. This article will provide an overview of the best YouTube TV alternatives, comparing their pricing, channels, features, and device compatibility. Whether you’re looking for a cheaper option or a wider range of channels, there’s an alternative out there for you.
The 5 best YouTube TV alternatives we’ll be exploring in this article are Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, Philo, and DirecTV. We’ll dive into the features and benefits of each, as well as their pricing plans, pros, and cons. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the streaming services available and be able to choose the best option for your viewing preferences and budget. Let’s start unearthing YouTube TV alternatives!
In This Article
5 Best YouTube TV Alternatives
Alright, now that I’ve introduced the concept of YouTube TV alternatives, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty details. In the following sections, I will be enlisting YouTube TV alternatives, their features, pricing, and more.
01. Hulu + Live TV
First up on the list of YouTube TV alternatives is Hulu + Live TV. This service combines Hulu’s popular on-demand content with live TV channels, making it a great all-in-one option for cord-cutters. Here’s a breakdown of its features and benefits, pricing plans, pros and cons, device availability, and some of its available channels.
Features and Benefits
One of the biggest draws of Hulu + Live TV is its extensive library of on-demand content. In addition to over 75 live and on-demand channels, you also get access to Hulu’s massive selection of TV shows, movies, and original content. This means you can watch both live and on-demand content all in one place. Hulu + Live TV also offers cloud DVR storage, so you can record your favorite shows and movies to watch later. Another unique feature is the ability to customize your channel lineup with add-ons like HBO, STARZ, ESPN+, and Cinemax.
Pricing Plans
Hulu + Live TV offers three pricing plans: a basic plan for $69.99 per month, another plan with no ads for $82.99 per month, and a Live TV Only plan for $68.99 per month. While this may seem pricey, keep in mind that you’re getting access to both live TV and on-demand content. Plus, with the ability to customize your channel lineup, you can potentially save money by only subscribing to the channels you really want.
Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of Hulu + Live TV is its extensive library of on-demand content. If you’re someone who watches a lot of TV shows and movies, this service may be the perfect fit for you. Additionally, the ability to customize your channel lineup and add premium channels like HBO Max is a nice touch.
On the downside, Hulu + Live TV is one of the more expensive options on the list of YouTube TV alternatives, and some users have reported issues with buffering and lagging during live TV streams, and sometimes Hulu + Live TV does not work as well.
Device Availability
Apple iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, Amazon Fire tablets, Apple TV (4th generation and later), Amazon Fire TV (Fire OS 5.0 and later), Echo Show (8, 10, and 15), Chromecast, Roku, Xbox, Nintendo, Switch (R1 and Lite), Android TV devices, LG WebOS smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Vizio SmartCast TVs and more
Channels
Bravo, The Weather Channel, SEC, ESPN, Lifetime, National Geographic, TNT, VH1, Cartoon Network, Discovery, Freeform, MTV, Fox News, ABC News, CNBC, NASA, Nick Jr., Universal Kids, History, FS1, Nickelodeon, Hallmark Channel, OWN, TBS, ACCN, MSNBC and many.
02. Sling TV
Next up on the list of YouTube TV alternatives is Sling TV. This service has been around for a while and has become a popular choice for cord-cutters. Let’s take a closer look at its features and benefits, pricing plans, pros and cons, device availability, and some of its available channels.
Features and Benefits
One of the biggest draws of Sling TV vs YouTube TV is its affordability. Sling TV offers numerous features and benefits that make it a unique app-based TV service. Firstly, it allows you to stream live television and on-demand content over the internet, making it accessible anywhere and anytime. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can watch your favorite live shows without any limitations.
Additionally, Sling TV gives you the freedom to choose the TV option that suits your needs. With options such as Channel Add-ons, Premiums Add-ons, and DVR Plus, you can customize your viewing experience to fit your preferences
Pricing Plans
Sling TV offers two base plans: Sling Orange and Sling Blue, both priced at $40 per month. And if you are new to the platform, you will get 50% off in your first month’s bill. If you want to combine both plans, the price goes up to $55 per month. This combined plan comes with 50+ channels. It also comes with half off for new users for their first month. Sling TV also offers add-on packages ranging from $5 to $21 per month, depending on the channels you choose.
Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of Sling TV is its affordability. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s a great option for getting access to live TV channels. Additionally, the ability to customize your plan with add-on packages is a nice touch.
On the downside, Sling TV’s interface can be a bit confusing for some users, and it doesn’t offer as many channels as some of the other options on our list.
Device Availability
LG, TiVO Stream, Chromecast, Google Nest, Android TV, Xfinity, Android mobile, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Amazon Fire Tablets, Windows 10, VIZIO, ROKU, iOS 11, AirTV mini, Safari, Xbox Series X|S, Chrome, Samsung, and Google TV
Channels
Bloomberg Television, Discovery Channel, Comedy Central, AXS TV, ESPN2, Fox News, VICELAND, HGTV, Freeform, EPIX Drive-In, NFL Network, HLN, NBC Sports Network, TBS, IFC, TNT, BBC America, USA, Newsy, Cheddar, History, ESPN3, A&E, Bravo, SYFY, MSNBC, TLC, Cartoon Network, Food Network, NBC, AMC, National Geographic, Fox Sports 1, Mi Box, Tribeca Shortlist, Cox, Travel Channel, Nick Jr., TiVo, Disney Channel, E!, FX, CNN, Android, Cheddar Big News, truTV and more.
03. FuboTV
The third option on the list of YouTube TV alternatives is FuboTV. This service is known for its sports offerings, making it a great choice for sports fans. Here’s a closer look at its features and benefits, pricing plans, pros and cons, device availability, and some of its available channels.
Features and Benefits
FuboTV offers over 300 channels and 100+ live channels, with a particular emphasis on sports channels. In addition, to live sports, you’ll also get access to a range of entertainment, news, and lifestyle channels. FuboTV also offers cloud DVR storage of up to 1000 hours, so you can record your favorite games and shows to watch later. One unique feature of FuboTV is the ability to stream in 4K, making it a great choice for those with a high-quality TV setup. It also lets you share the screen with 3 family members at once.
Pricing Plans
FuboTV offers four pricing plans, ranging from $74.99 per month to $84.99 per month. It comes with three plans: Pro, Elite, and Latino. The main difference between the plans is the number of channels and features you get access to. For example, the higher-priced plans include additional sports channels, cloud DVR space, and the ability to stream on multiple devices at once.
Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of FuboTV vs YouTube TV is its sports offerings. If you’re a big sports fan, this service is a great option for getting access to live games and events. Additionally, the ability to stream in 4K is a nice touch for those with a high-quality TV setup.
On the downside, FuboTV is one of the more expensive options on our list, and it doesn’t offer as many non-sports channels as some of the other services.
Device Availability
Android, iOS, Chromecast, MAC, PC, Xbox, Samsung Smart TV, LG TV, Vizio TV, ROKU, Apple TV, Hisense, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
Channels
ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Bally Sports Arizona, Bally Sports Arizona Extra, Marquee Sports Network, FOX Sports 1, NFL Network, beIN SPORTS, TUDN, Bravo, E!, Food Network, FOX News Channel, HGTV, MSNBC, USA Network, beIN SPORTS En Español, CBS Sports Network, Big Ten Network, The Golf Channel, FOX Sports 2, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama, Oxygen True Crime, ESPN, SYFY, Tastemade, FX, FXX, Disney Channel, Freeform, NBC News NOW, Disney XD, Disney Junior, ESPN2, ABC News Live, Gusto, National Geographic, CleoTV, Bloomberg Television, Great American Family, Curiosity Channel, Tastemade Travel, FOX Weather, FOX LiveNOW, FOX Soul, Localish, ION, EarthX TV, Magnolia Network, The Big Dish, ION Mystery, INFAST, Fail Army, Court TV, Comedy Dynamics, Law & Crime, QVC, JTV, Dark Matter, Pac-12 Insider, Scripps News, Tastemade Home, ION Plus, Bounce, Origin Sports Network, Real Madrid TV, Toon Goggles, SPEEDVISION, The Pet Collective, TG Jr, PFL, The Bob Ross Channel, GLORY Kickboxing, GRIT, Perfect Game TV, AXS TV NOW, The Design Network, Women’s Sports Network, Swerve Sports, Dove Channel, CBS News, Comet, CNBC, FOX Business Network, The Weather Channel, NBCLX, Local Now, AccuWeather, Newsmax, Galavisión, NBC Universo, NewsNation, UniMás, getTV, POP, Smithsonian Channel, Universal Kids, beIN SPORTS, TUDNxtra, Big Ten Network Alternate, beIN SPORTS Xtra, beIN SPORTS Xtra En Español, fubo Sports Network, fubo Movie Network, Crackle, and more
04. Philo
The next option on my list of YouTube TV alternatives is Philo. This service is a great option for those who want access to live TV channels without breaking the bank. Here’s a closer look at its features and benefits, pricing plans, pros and cons, device availability, and some of its available channels.
Features and Benefits
Philo vs YouTube TV offers over 70+ live TV channels, including channels like AMC, MTV, and HGTV. The service also offers unlimited DVR storage, allowing you to record your favorite shows and movies to watch later. One unique feature of Philo is that it doesn’t include any sports channels, making it a great choice for those who don’t care about live sports.
Pricing Plans
Philo offers a universal plan for $25 per month plan. The plan includes unlimited DVR storage and saving duration of a year and the ability to stream on up to three devices at once. You can create ten profiles on your subscription. There are 3 different add-on services available on the format starting from $3. It offers a free 7-day trial for new subscribers.
Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of Philo is its affordability. At just $25 per month for the full package, it’s one of the cheapest options on the list of YouTube TV alternatives. Additionally, the lack of sports channels may be a pro for some users who don’t care about live sports.
On the downside, Philo doesn’t offer as many channels as some of the other options on our list, and it doesn’t offer any add-on packages for additional channels.
Device Availability
Roku, Android phones & tablets, Android TV, Fire TV, Samsung TV, Web, iPhone & iPad, Apple TV, and Chromecast via Android.
Channels
A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, aspireTV, AXS TV, BBC America, BBC World News, BET, BET Her, CLEO TV, CMT, Comedy Central, Crime + Investigation, Decades, Deck the Hallmark, Destination America, Discovery Channel, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, FETV, Food Network, FYI, Game Show Network, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, HGTV, History, IFC, INSP, MTV, MTV Classic, MTV Live, MTV2, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Paramount Network, Pop TV, REVOLT, Science Channel, Smithsonian Channel, Start TV, Tastemade, TeenNick, TLC, Travel Channel, TV Land, TV One, VH1, Vice, WE tv.
05. DirecTV
The last option on the list of YouTube TV alternatives is DirecTV. This service is known for its wide range of channels and premium offerings. Here’s a closer look at its features and benefits, pricing plans, pros and cons, device availability, and some of its available channels.
Features and Benefits
DirecTV vs YouTube TV offers over 165 channels, including premium channels like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax. The service also offers a range of on-demand content, including movies and TV shows. One unique feature of DirecTV is the ability to stream on up to 20 devices at once, making it a great option for large households.
Pricing Plans
DirecTV offers multiple pricing plans, two of which are popular: DIRECTV SATELLITE and DIRECTV STREAM. Its plans range from $64.99 per month. The main difference between the plans is the number of channels and premium offerings you get access to. For example, the higher-priced plans include additional premium channels and the ability to stream on more devices at once. As of March 2023, there are many attractive offers available on the platform. You can avail of up to $500 in Visa reward cards.
Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of DirecTV is its wide range of channels and premium offerings. If you’re looking for access to a wide range of TV shows and movies, this service is a great option. Additionally, the ability to stream on up to 20 devices at once is a huge plus for large households. Its plans give you the power to record programs. DirecTV Stream plan has unlimited DVR storage.
On the downside, DirecTV is one of the more expensive options on our list, and some users may find the interface to be a bit clunky.
Device Availability
Amazon Fire TV, Google TV™ devices, Chromecast with Google TV, Android TV™ OS devices, iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touch, Roku, Edge browser, Samsung, and more
Channels
ESPN, Hallmark Channel, BBC World News, CBS Sports Network, Lifetime Movie Network, HBO, CINEMAX, SHOWTIME, NFL Network, NBA TV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, and many.
Quick Comparison of the 5 Best YouTube TV Alternatives
Hey there, if you’re tired of YouTube TV and looking for some alternatives, I have got you covered! I have compiled a quick comparison of the 5 best streaming services to help you find the right one for you. Want to take a look? Check out our handy table!
| YouTube Alternative | Starting Price | No of Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99/mo | 75+ |
| Sling TV | $40/mo | 50+ |
| FuboTV | $74.99/mo | 100+ |
| Philo | $25/mo | 70+ |
| DirecTV | $64.99/mo | 165+ |
Wrapping Up
That wraps up the list of the 5 best YouTube alternatives that you can explore today. Each of these platforms offers unique features and benefits that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a platform that prioritizes privacy, an ad-free viewing experience, or niche content, there is something for everyone.
I hope the article was helpful in providing you with valuable insights and helping you discover new platforms to consume and create content. If you’re interested in exploring more technology-related topics, be sure to check out Path of EX for more informative articles and resources.
