Whether you don’t want to pay extra for DVR, or you’re unhappy with Sling TV’s approach, there are alternatives you can explore. At present, there are several Sling TV alternatives you may want to consider, including Philo, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, Vidgo, and YouTube TV.
Additionally, our free TV streaming guide gives you the run-down on what’s currently playing on live TV channels. Channel schedules are available for Sling TV and Sling TV alternatives.
Before we start, we want to highlight a particularly relevant stream for news, sports, and entertainment. Sling TV is one of the best options for streaming in 2021 with a rich catalogue of 50+ live channels and 50k+ on-demand movies and episodes.
Get $25 off your first month. Try Sling TV today.
Philo: Best Sling TV Alternative for Entertainment TV
If you’re not interested in sports, news, or local event coverage, Philo may be a good alternative to Sling TV. Philo has two packages available for subscribers: a 43-channel, $16 package, and a $20 package with 56+ total channels. Philo’s price and channel approach may also make it a good complement to a Sling TV package, instead of a full replacement. You could combine both a base Sling TV subscription with Philo to access to over 70+ quality channels for just $45 month.
Philo Pricing and Packages
Philo offers a single, $20 streaming channel package for subscribers.
| 64 Channels 7-day free trial $25.00/ month | 64 channels Starz and Epix add-ons 3 simultaneous streams 30-Day DVR | Try Free |
Philo Channels
For your money, you’ll mostly get lifestyle and entertainment channels. The reason that Philo is so cheap is that it does not carry pricey news and sports channels, or partner with local NBC/ABC/CBS/Fox affiliates (which are also expensive to offer). The service also now offers movie channels like Epix and Starz through add-on packages. For more information on Philo channels, check here.
Philo Supported Devices
Device support is still a bit weak on Philo compared to our other picks. There are apps for both iOS and Android, but there are no gaming console apps available yet or any apps for smart TVs. Other supported devices include Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV (all models), Chromecast, and Roku (all current models)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (5.0 and up)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS
- Game consoles: None
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
Check here for more information on Philo’s supported devices.
Philo Simultaneous Streams
You can watch on up to 3 devices at once, and most TV Everywhere services support Philo, so you can log into each channel’s website for additional content. To learn more about Philo’s simultaneous streams, click here.
Philo DVR
Philo also has great features, including an unlimited DVR with videos that don’t expire for 12 months. Subscribers who have been with Philo for a while can contact customer service to upgrade to the newer DVR. Check here to learn more about Philo’s DVR.
Philo On-Demand Library
Philo’s on-demand library easily beats what you’ll get through Sling TV. Philo provides 20,000+ hours of on-demand content, as well as a 72-hour rewind feature that provides the freshest content from most channels for 3 days.
FuboTV: Best Sling TV Alternative for Sports Channels
Sports-focused streaming service fuboTV is a reasonable alternative to Sling TV, especially if you find Sling TV’s sports channel options to be lacking.
FuboTV Pricing and Packages
If you subscribe to fuboTV, you’ll be able to choose between four streaming service packages, starting at $64.99 for 90+ channels.
| Family 7-day free trial $64.99/ month | 114 channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space ESPN SHOWTIME Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
| Family Plan with Showtime 7-day free trial $74.99/ month | 114 channels 2 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space ESPN SHOWTIME included Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
| Ultra 7-day free trial $84.99/ month | 196 channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space ESPN SHOWTIME included Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
FuboTV Channels
No matter which package you choose, you’ll get a huge number of sports channels, as well as top entertainment, lifestyle, and news channels like USA, TNT, TBS, IFC, CNBC, HLN, and more. You’ll also get local broadcast affiliate networks, in most areas. Importantly, though, fuboTV has one big hole in its sports channel line-up: ESPN. The service has not managed to get ESPN added to its channel line-up, meaning if you absolutely need ESPN, you may be better off sticking to Sling TV or other options. Learn more about fuboTV’s channel packages here.
FuboTV Supported Devices
Although it’s app library is not as large as Sling TV’s, fuboTV still has great device support. You can watch on your iOS or Android devices, as well as modern web browsers, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV. The full list of fuboTV’s supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick, Chromecast, and Roku
- Smart TVs: Android TV, Hisense, LG, Samsung Smart TV, Vizio
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Gaming Consoles: Xbox
To learn more about fuboTV’s supported devices, check here.
FuboTV Simultaneous Streams
Through fuboTV, you can stream on up to 2 devices at once with the Latino Plus subscription. If you opt for the English-language Starter subscription, the service gives you 3 screens per account. The two higher-tier subscription levels (Pro and Elite) each allow up to 10 simultaneous streams per account. You can learn more about fuboTV’s simultaneous streaming policy here.
FuboTV DVR
The minimum cloud DVR storage you get with fuboTV is 250 hours, available through the Latino Plus or Starter packages. The Pro and Elite packages each provide up to 1,000 hours of DVR storage, shared across all users. You’ll get a cloud DVR included in the cost of your subscription, which comes with 30 hours of storage (compared to Sling TV’s 50-hour cloud DVR that costs $5 per month extra). You can upgrade this to 500 hours for a $10/month fee. You can also stream to 2 devices simultaneously, and add a third stream for a $6/month fee. You can learn more about fuboTV’s cloud DVR here.
FuboTV On-Demand Library
Sling TV promotes an on-demand library of 10,000 hours of content. However, based on the number of channels available through its service, fuboTV’s on-demand library is considerably larger. Most channels provide multiple TV show series, movies, and sporting events on-demand through fuboTV. As well, the service offers a 72-hour rewind feature that makes it possible to get fresh content from most channels on offer for at least 3 days after the content airs. Learn more about fuboTV’s on-demand library here.
Hulu + Live TV: Best Sling TV Alternative for On-Demand TV
Hulu + Live TV is one of the best Sling TV alternatives available. It costs more than a Sling Orange + Blue + DVR, but carries more channels and has better features overall.
Hulu + Live TV Pricing and Packages
There’s just one, simple streaming package available through Hulu + Live TV, which comes in at $64.99 per month.
| Hulu + Live TV 7-Day Free Trial $64.99/ month | 67 Channels 2 simultaneous streams ESPN and Disney | SIGN UP |
Hulu + Live TV Channels
Depending on your location, your channel lineup may vary. However, every subscription package will come with a key line-up of sports, entertainment, news, and local networks, including ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, AMC, A&E, HGTV, and more. To learn more about Hulu’s live TV channels, check here.
Hulu + Live TV Supported Devices
Hulu’s device support is among the strongest you’ll get. There are apps for most popular streaming TV devices, iOS and Android, some smart TVs, and even the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch gaming consoles. The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick, Chromecast and Roku
- Smart TVs: LG TV, Samsung TV, Android TV, and Roku TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 and 5
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Smart home devices: Amazon Echo Show (video and voice controls)
- Desktop operating systems: Windows 10 (dedicated app)
To learn more about Hulu’s supported devices, click here.
Hulu + Live TV Simultaneous Streams
Through Hulu Live TV, you’ll get 2 simultaneous streams per account. This is better than Sling Orange but less than Sling Blue. However, you can also upgrade to 3 streams per account out-of-network, and an unlimited number of streams through your home WiFi network if you sign-up for the Unlimited Screens add-on. To learn more about Hulu’s Live TV streaming policy, check here.
Hulu + Live TV DVR
Hulu + Live TV also includes a great, intuitive DVR. Offering 50 hours of storage, it’s comparable to the Sling TV DVR, but you can upgrade to 200 hours of storage for an added monthly fee with the Enhanced DVR Package. You can learn more about Hulu Live TV’s DVR here.
Hulu + Live TV On-Demand Library
The biggest reason you may want to opt for Hulu + Live TV over Sling Orange + Blue is the on-demand library. Hulu + Live TV provides over 85,000 titles in its on-demand library, which is a combination of the regular Hulu on-demand library, and the on-demand options available through the live TV channels you get through the service. You can learn more about Hulu’s on-demand library here.
DirecTV Stream: Best Sling TV Alternative for HBO Fans
DirecTV Stream has its own issues, which we’ve discussed in the past. However, it’s still a viable alternative to Sling TV, especially if you need a larger selection of channels.
DirecTV Stream Pricing and Packages
If you’re bargain shopping, DirecTV Stream is not the best option for you. The service starts at $69.99 per month for 65+ channels, which is $19 pricier than Sling Orange + Blue.
| Plus 7-day free trial $55/ month | 45+ channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space Add-ons like HBO and Showtime | SIGN UP |
| Max 7-day free trial $80/ month | 60+ channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space HBO Max Included | SIGN UP |
DirecTV Stream Channels
Thanks to its large offering, you can get pretty much any popular cable TV channel you want through DirecTV Stream. All major networks are available, including ABC, NBC, FOX, popular cable channels like ESPN and HGTV, Regional Sports Networks you’ll have a hard time finding on other services. You can learn more about DirecTV Stream’s channels here.
DirecTV Stream Supported Devices
There are a large number of supported devices available through DirecTV Stream. You can stream on every popular TV-connected device, every major mobile operating system, and a large number of smart TV brands. The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, AirTV
- Smart TVs: LG TV, Samsung TV, Android TV, Roku TV, Mi TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Xbox One
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
You can learn more about DirecTV Stream’s streaming policy here.
DirecTV Stream Simultaneous Streams
DirecTV Stream now gives users up to 10 simultaneous streams per account. That’s a unique advantage that far exceeds other cord-cutting services in the live TV market. To learn more about DirecTV Stream’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
DirecTV Stream TV DVR
The service provides a notably small 20-hour cloud DVR standard. That DVR option also has a 90-day expiration date on videos. You can upgrade to an unlimited storage DVR for an added cost. To learn more about DirecTV Stream’s DVR, check here.
DirecTV Stream On-Demand Library
AT&T’s live TV streaming service provides a much more extensive on-demand library than you’ll get with Sling TV. Not only is there more content thanks to the number of live TV channels providing on-demand content, DirecTV Stream offers a good selection of its own content thanks to its ownership of different content providers. You can learn more about DirecTV Stream’s on-demand library here.
Vidgo: Best Sling TV Alternative for Social TV Watchers
Although Vidgo takes more of a fuboTV approach to its packages, the pricing places it far closer to the Sling Orange + Blue package. The selling point? Vidgo offers far more channels for the price than what Sling TV is currently offering.
Vidgo Pricing and Packages
Vidgo has been reshuffling its package options recently. As of late 2021, the service now has three packages available:
- English Plus: $55/month for 95+ channels
- English Premium: $79.95/month for 112+ channels
- Spanish Mas: $30/month for 30+ channels
1st-month discounts may also be offered, depending on when you check. Learn more here.
Vidgo Channels
Vidgo is sports-heavy, even with the lower-cost Core Package. ESPN, Fox Sports, ACC Network, Pac-12 Networks, and more come included. The service also features a plethora of entertainment and news networks in both English-language channel packages. The Core Package offers 65+ channels, while the Plus Package boosts that to 90+ channels. Learn more here.
Vidgo Supported Devices
Device support is still fairly limited with Vidgo, although it has available apps for the most popular devices on the market. Stream on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, on TV-connected devices (including the Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku), or on your desktop or laptop computer. As of this time of writing, the service has no apps for gaming consoles.
Vidgo Simultaneous Streams
This service hits the market trend with 3 simultaneous streams available per account.
Vidgo DVR
The biggest drawback to Vidgo is the lack of a DVR. At present, there is no cloud DVR available for free, nor can you purchase one as a paid add-on.
Vidgo On-Demand Library
To help make up for its lack of DVR, Vidgo provides extensive on-demand content. Almost every channel available through the service includes a wide selection of current and older content. That includes TV shows, movies, and sporting events.
YouTube TV: Best Sling TV Alternative for Local Channels
If you like Sling TV’s Orange + Blue package, you may be better off with YouTube TV. You’ll get a larger selection of channels for just a few dollars more, including more local broadcast networks, more sports, an included and better DVR option, and the better account sharing features.
YouTube TV Pricing and Packages
Where Sling TV is complex and hard-to-understand, YouTube TV is incredibly simple. You pay $64.99 per month – no contract – for access to 80+ cable and OTA networks, including most local affiliate stations. You can learn more about YouTube TV’s pricing here.
YouTube TV Channels
Whereas Sling TV provides a mixture of channels within different streaming packages, YouTube TV offers 70+ networks in one package. Almost all the channels you’d get through Sling TV’s two primary packages, and many of its add-on packages, are available in one package through YouTube TV. You’ll also get a much better selection of local broadcast networks, which helps make YouTube TV a better option for those without an over-the-air antenna. To learn more about YouTube TV’s channels, check here.
YouTube TV Supported Devices
YouTube TV’s supported device library is a bit limited compared to Sling TV. There’s no app for Amazon Fire TV devices at this time, for example, but YouTube TV’s library of apps is still growing. The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Chromecast, and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (select models), Samsung TV, LG TV, Vizio, Hisense, and Sharp
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS
- Game consoles: Xbox One (all versions), PlayStation 4 and 5
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s supported devices here.
YouTube TV Simultaneous Streams
YouTube TV also offers simultaneous streaming on 3 devices. This is the same amount you’ll get through Sling Blue and more than what you’d get through Sling Orange. Even better, you’ll get mostly the same channels as you get through Sling Orange, but without the 1-stream-per-account limitation. You can learn more about YouTube TV’s streaming policy here.
YouTube TV DVR
Finally, YouTube TV has the best DVR service available anywhere. You get completely unlimited cloud DVR storage, and your recording will remain for up to 9 months. Compared to Sling TV’s paltry 50 hours, YouTube comes out on top. Even better, you can create 6 separate user profiles using YouTube TV, and each profile user gets their own 9-month cloud DVR. To learn more about YouTube TV’s DVR storage, check here.
YouTube TV On-Demand Library
You’ll find YouTube TV’s on-demand library is vastly superior to what you’ll get through Sling TV. YouTube TV offers a wider selection of channels for the cost, but also has some interesting YouTube Originals, as well as access to more TV Everywhere apps. You can learn more about YouTube TV’s on-demand library here.
The Biggest Problems of Sling TV – Explained
Sling TV functions well, it offers a reasonable selection of channels and it has very reliable streaming performance overall. Our problem with Sling TV is that it tries to bill itself as a budget alternative to cable, especially with its much-touted $35/month subscription fee for both Sling Orange and Sling Blue. This is simply not true. The truth is that Sling TV is going to cost you much more than $35 a month.
When compared to other competing streaming services, it just doesn’t give you enough for your money. Here are the biggest problems we have with Sling TV. Let’s take a look at them now, and then discuss how other, alternative streaming services address them.
Adding more channels is confusing, expensive
Adding extra channels to your Sling TV subscription is about as intuitive as brain surgery. This is especially frustrating given the fact that Sling TV constantly touts its a-la-carte approach to channel selection. The truth? Adding more channels is confusing – and it can get expensive.
Sling TV operates on a 2-plan model. For $35 a month, you can get the “Orange” plan, which gives you access to a total of 30+ channels. Alternatively, for $35 a month, you can get the “Blue” plan, which includes a different set of 40+ channels. You may see where this is going. If you choose only the Orange plan, you will get access to ESPN – but not NFL Red Zone, or a number of other sports channels. To get access to all of the channels Sling TV has to offer, you must purchase the Orange+Blue plan, which costs $50/month.
If you want to add channels beyond these, you’ll have to pay extra fees. If you choose to buy a Blue + Orange subscription, subscribe to HBO, and add a single sports package, you could end up paying in excess of $70/month for Sling TV – which is nearly the cost of a cable subscription. Available additional channels are broken into 3 categories:
Premium networks
You can subscribe to premium channels such as Showtime and HBO for an additional fee. HBO will cost you $15/month, Showtime channels $10/month, and Starz channels $9/month.
Extras
“Extras” are channel packages that are built around a certain lifestyle, such as Sports, Comedy, or News. Most Extra packages cost $5/month, but some (like the Blue Service’s Sports Extra) will cost you $10/month.
1-device limit with basic Orange streaming plan
That $35/month Orange plan? Yeah, you’re only going to be able to use it on a single device. This is incredibly restrictive. Even DirecTV Stream allows simultaneous streaming on up to 20 devices. You can choose the $35/month Blue plan and get streaming for Blue channels on 3 devices – but you’ll miss out on the channels that are available with the Orange plan.
Even if you choose to get both services, you can still only stream Orange channels on a single device. Yet again, this shows that SlingTV has been purposefully designed to make people subscribe to their $50/month Blue+Orange plan. A single streaming device is absolutely ridiculous – especially for families who are interested in replacing cable with a lower-cost alternative.
Additional charge for DVR functionality
Given that a Blue+Orange subscription will cost you $45/month, you might expect a free built-in cloud DVR, which services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer. While Sling TV does offer a small 50-hour cloud DVR, it will cost you an extra monthly fee to get better storage.
As you record new episodes, old episodes will be deleted if your storage is full, though you can “lock” recordings to keep them from being deleted. Not only does the DVR cost you extra, it doesn’t even work with every channel offered by Sling TV. You cannot record live broadcasts from Disney-owned networks like ABC, Freeform, and ESPN, or even use fast-forward/rewind/pause functionality on these networks.
Again, this is just another sign that Sling TV is more interested in squeezing more money out of their customers than they are in providing a good alternative to cable.
Re: this article. About the time it was written, maybe a little before or after, Sling and HBO had a parting of ways. You can’t get HBO on Sling now. I’ve been a Sling user about a year and a half now and I’m not happy with it. Thanks for the article.
I’m with you. I was a steady user of Sling TV. It’s aweful. They keep raising the price slowly. I have been with them for 5-6 years and the ESPN and Disney channels which are mainly watched are always buffering. It is ridiculous. I have called about it and it’s always stop and restart the app. Also, clear the cache. It makes no sense to do it for 2 channels though. The other channels don’t buffer. I’ll find an alternative soon…
Sony announced they were shutting down Vue back in 2019.