Whether you’re unhappy with YouTube TV’s price hikes, features, or it simply doesn’t offer some of the key channels you want, there are alternatives. A few key YouTube TV alternatives include: fuboTV, Philo, PlayStation Vue, Sling TV, Hulu With Live TV, or DirecTV Now. If price is all you care about, AT&T WatchTV is an option, but you may find it to be extremely limiting in both channels and features. Let’s get started!
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FuboTV: Best YouTube TV Alternative for Sports Fans
YouTube TV has a sports-heavy streaming TV package. But if its sports options aren’t quite enough for you, fuboTV may be just the cable TV alternative you need.
FuboTV Pricing and Packages
FuboTV offers 100+ channels, including 30+ sports networks, starting at $54.99 per month:
| Standard 7-day free trial $54.99/ month | 92 channels 2 simultaneous streams 30 hours of DVR space SHOWTIME Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
| Family 7-day free trial $59.99+/ month | 92 channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space SHOWTIME Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
| Entertainment 7-day free trial $69.99/ month | 92 channels 2 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space SHOWTIME Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
| Ultra 7-day free trial $79.99/ month | 113 channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space SHOWTIME included Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
That introductory price is slightly higher than you’ll get through YouTube TV, but the price comes with a larger package of channels.
Learn more about fuboTV’s pricing and packages here.
FuboTV Channels
You can get a few key local broadcast networks through fuboTV necessary for sports fans, as well as major sports networks like Fox Sports, NBA TV, NFL Network, CBS Sports, and more. You’ll also get several dozen entertainment and news networks, including FX, TBS, HGTV, Fox Business, and more. The only thing you’ll find missing (which may be a deal breaker for some users) is ESPN.
Learn more about fuboTV’s channel packages here.
FuboTV Supported Devices
You’ll find a large library of supported apps and devices for fuboTV, including Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Android, iOS and more.
The full list of fuboTV’s supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick (1st gen and up), Chromecast and Roku (2, 3 and 4)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (4.4 and up)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
To learn more about fuboTV’s supported devices, check here.
FuboTV Simultaneous Streams
You can stream fuboTV on up to 2 devices at once without paying extra. That’s fewer than YouTube TV offers, but you can get 3 simultaneous streams (same as YouTube TV) if you pay extra for an add-on, or for a higher-tier subscription package.
You can learn more about fuboTV’s simultaneous streaming policy here.
FuboTV DVR
YouTube TV’s DVR is hard to beat. FuboTV provides a noticeably limited 30-day cloud DVR for the price, but you can at least upgrade this to 200 hours with an upgrade. Videos don’t expire until you start running out of space.
You can learn more about fuboTV’s cloud DVR here.
FuboTV On-Demand Library
Neither YouTube TV nor fuboTV advertises their on-demand library sizes. However, you’ll find that fuboTV’s much larger line-up of channels, as well as its 72-hour rewind feature, means you’ll likely get a larger selection of on-demand content.
Learn more about fuboTV’s on-demand library here.
Philo: Best Option to Pair with YouTube TV
Many cord-cutters love Philo’s low-cost, large-channel package of options. Because Philo uses a “no sports, no locals” approach, it can offer a large selection of channels you won’t find on YouTube TV for less than half the price. As a result, many YouTube TV subscribers either opt for Philo as an alternative or even subscribe to both services at once.
Philo Pricing and Packages
You can get Philo for just $20 per month, which is less than half of YouTube TV’s $49.99 price tag.
| 58 Channels 7-day free trial $20.00/ month | 58 channels 3 simultaneous streams 30-Day DVR | SIGN UP |
Philo’s package comes with 55+ channels, and the service regularly adds channels to its line-up, as well.
For more information on Philo plans, check here.
Philo Channels
Philo lacks sports channels, like ESPN, and lack of locals, like FOX, CBS, and NBC, mean it can charge less. Instead, it focuses on entertainment and lifestyle channels like CMT, A&E, AMC, Paramount Network, Comedy Central, Discovery, History Channel, Science Channel, and others.
This selection of channels widely differs from YouTube TV’s package, which leads to many subscribers opting for a YouTube TV + Philo combo instead using Philo as a complete alternative.
For more information on Philo channels, check here.
Philo Supported Devices
Through Philo, you’ll be able to use a small but growing number of streaming devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, major mobile device operating systems, and web browsers.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all models), Chromecast and Roku (all current models)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (5.0 and up)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (7.0 and up), iOS (10.3 and up)
- Game consoles: None
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
Check here for more information on Philo’s supported devices.
Philo Simultaneous Streams
Philo and YouTube TV are equivalent for simultaneous streaming. Philo offers 3 streams per account, just like YouTube TV.
To learn more about Philo’s simultaneous streams, click here.
Philo DVR
Philo’s DVR uses a similar, time-limited approach to YouTube TV, but offers less time for your video recordings. You can record an unlimited number of videos, but can only keep them for 30 days.
Check here to learn more about Philo’s DVR.
Philo On-Demand Library
You’ll get 20,000 hours worth of TV show episodes and movies through Philo. While YouTube TV doesn’t advertise its library size, its larger number of channels likely means it offers more on-demand content. However, Philo’s TV Everywhere partnerships are more extensive, making it a better option for on-demand content through the individual channels and websites on offer.
PlayStation Vue: Best YouTube TV Alternative for Account Sharing
PlayStation Vue and YouTube TV are now similarly priced on the low end, but PlayStation Vue is a superior service for those who want to share accounts, and want more channel package options.
PlayStation Vue Pricing and Packages
There are four different channel packages available through PlayStation Vue, starting at $49.99 per month for 45+ channels.
| Access 5-Day Free Trial $44.99/ month | 50 channels 5 simultaneous streams* ESPN and Disney Premium sports EPIX and FXM HBO and SHOWTIME | SIGN UP |
| Core 5-Day Free Trial $49.99/ month | 75 channels 5 simultaneous streams* ESPN and Disney Premium sports EPIX and FXM HBO and SHOWTIME | SIGN UP |
| Elite 5-Day Free Trial $59.99/ month | 96 channels 5 simultaneous streams* ESPN and Disney Premium sports EPIX and FXM HBO and SHOWTIME | SIGN UP |
| Ultra 5-Day Free Trial $79.99/ month | 98 channels 5 simultaneous streams* ESPN and Disney Premium sports EPIX and FXM HBO and SHOWTIME | SIGN UP |
PlayStation Vue’s price is similar to YouTube TV, although the number of channels on the low end is half of what you’ll get from YouTube TV. However, at that price, PlayStation Vue has more to offer in terms of features.
You can learn more about PlayStation Vue’s pricing and packages here.
PlayStation Vue Channels
PlayStation Vue offers up to 90+ channels through its channel packages. You can get almost all of the same sports channels through PlayStation Vue that you’d get through YouTube TV, but you’ll also get more entertainment and lifestyle channels. This makes PlayStation Vue a good alternative option if you’re considering a YouTube TV + Philo combo.
To learn more about PlayStation Vue’s channels, check here.
PlayStation Vue Supported Devices
A common misconception is that PlayStation Vue requires a PlayStation console to work. However, you can use PlayStation Vue without a console. In fact, PS Vue has a very large selection of supported devices and more supported devices than you’ll get through YouTube TV.
A full list of PlayStation Vue supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Android TV (all gens), Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick (all gens), Chromecast (1st gen and up) and Roku (firmware 8.0 and up)
- Smart TVs: Amazon Fire TV (all gens), Android TV (all gens) and Roku (firmware 8.0 and up).
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android OS 5.0 and up, iOS 9 and up, and Amazon Fire HD6 tablets and up
- Game consoles: PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4
- Desktop browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge are recommended (most recent versions will work)
You can learn more about PlayStation Vue supported devices here.
PlayStation Vue Simultaneous Streams
PlayStation Vue offers the most simultaneous streams of any service on the market. You can stream on up to 5 different devices at once, almost twice as many as YouTube TV offers.
To learn more about PlayStation Vue’s streaming policy, check here.
PlayStation Vue DVR
You’ll get unlimited video recording through PlayStation Vue, but you have a 28-day time limit on your videos. This is noticeably small compared to YouTube TV’s 9-month expiration date.
Learn more here.
PlayStation Vue On-Demand Library
As with YouTube TV, PlayStation Vue does not advertise its on-demand library size. However, if you opt for the highest-tier subscription package PlayStation Vue offers, you’ll have access to a larger number of channels (including movie channels) and therefore more on-demand TV show episodes and movies. Still, PlayStation Vue’s lowest-cost package still offers 45+ channels and thousands of hours of on-demand content.
Get a more detailed breakdown of PlayStation Vue’s on-demand library here.
Sling TV: Best All-Around Sports and Entertainment Alternative to YouTube TV
At a minimum of $25 per month, Sling TV offers between 30-45+ channels, with a mixture of sports, locals, and entertainment. This makes Sling TV a decent alternative to YouTube TV for those who want a little bit of everything, but don’t want to pay $50 for live TV.
Sling TV Pricing and Packages
Sling TV’s plans start at $25, making it one of the least expensive streaming services of its kind and half the price of YouTube TV
| Sling Orange Free Roku Deal $25.00/ month | 34 channels ESPN Free Roku Express 1 simultaneous stream. | SIGN UP |
| Sling Blue Free Roku Deal$25.00/ month | 49 channels ESPN Free Roku Express 3 simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
| Sling Orange + Blue Free Roku Deal $40.00/ month | 56 channels ESPN Free Roku Express 4* simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
You can combine Sling TV’s two streaming packages for $40 per month, as well, to get 50+ channels.
Sling TV Channels
Sling TV’s local TV options are noticeably weaker than you’ll get with YouTube TV. You’ll get FOX in most markets, but other local channels are a bit more sparse. You’ll a different selection of channels, depending on the package. Sling Orange focuses on ESPN and Disney, while Sling Blue features FOX-branded networks like FXX, FX, and Fox Sports.
You can learn more about Sling TV’s channels here.
Sling TV Supported Devices
Unlike YouTube TV, Sling TV has apps for nearly every device under the sun except PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all versions), Chromecast, Roku (LT and up), AirTV,
- Smart TVs: LG TV (Web OS 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, as well as select 2016-2018 models), Samsung TV (2016 through 2018 models), Android TV (4.4 and up), Roku TV, Mi TV,
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (4.4 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Xbox One
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
You can learn more about Sling TV’s streaming policy here.
Sling TV Simultaneous Streams
Sling TV’s streaming policy is both similar to and worse than what you’ll get through YouTube TV, depending on which package you choose. Sling Blue provides three device streams per account, but Sling Orange (with ESPN and Disney) provides just one.
To learn more about Sling TV’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
Sling TV DVR
Sling TV provides no DVR for the price, which makes it worse than YouTube TV. You can get a 50-hour cloud DVR for $5 per month extra, which is a decent size and comes with no time limits.
To learn more about Sling TV’s DVR, check here.
Sling TV On-Demand Library
All told, Sling TV’s on-demand library is not going to be anywhere near what you’d get with YouTube TV. Sling TV notes that it has over 10,000 hours of available content, but the smaller number of channels means it won’t provide as many TV show episodes and movies on-demand as YouTube TV.
You can learn more about Sling TV’s on-demand library here.
Hulu With Live TV: A YouTube TV Alternative with a Similar Line-Up but a Lower Price
If you love YouTube TV’s channel line-up, but not its price increases, Hulu With Live TV may be the best alternative for you. You can get the service for several bucks cheaper than YouTube TV, while also getting a few benefits that make it a better service overall.
Hulu With Live TV Pricing and Packages
Hulu With Live TV comes in at $44.99 per month with 60+ channels on offer.
| Hulu + Live TV 7-Day Free Trial $44.99/ month | 67 Channels 2 simultaneous streams ESPN and Disney | SIGN UP |
There are also a few add-on channels you can attach to your service for an additional fee.
You can learn more about Hulu’s packages here.
Hulu With Live TV Channels
Your channel options with Hulu are similar to what you’ll get with YouTube TV. That includes locals like FOX, NBC, and CBS, as well as sports channels like Fox Sports and ESPN. You’ll also get a similar selection of entertainment and news channels, such as TNT, AMC, HGTV, A&E, FX and more.
To learn more about Hulu’s live TV channels, check here.
Hulu With Live TV Supported Devices
You’ll find Hulu With Live TV has among the best library of supported apps, and far more than what YouTube TV currently has available.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick, Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: LG TV (select models), Samsung TV (select models), Android TV and Roku TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox 360
- 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 With Live TV Simultaneous Streams
YouTube TV wins on the streaming policy angle, but not if you’re willing to pay extra. You’ll get 2 simultaneous streams for the subscription price, which is one less than YouTube TV offers. However, if you pay for the Unlimited Screens add-on, you can watch on 3 devices not connected to your home network, and an unlimited number of devices connected to your home internet connection.
To learn more about Hulu’s Live TV streaming policy, check here.
Hulu With Live TV DVR
YouTube TV has a comparatively better DVR thanks to the 9-month expiration date on videos and unlimited DVR storage. However, YouTube TV’s 50-hour storage limit is still fairly generous, and you can expand that to 200 hours with an add-on.
You can learn more about Hulu Live TV’s DVR here.
Hulu With Live TV On-Demand Library
This is one of the single best reasons to switch to Hulu With Live TV. You’ll get over 85,000 Tv show episodes and movies on-demand, thanks to Hulu With Live TV offering it’s on-demand service as part of the Live TV subscription. You’ll also get on-demand content from the available channels, and the ability to use your login information with over a dozen TV Everywhere-supported channels.
You can learn more about Hulu’s on-demand library here.
DirecTV Now: Best YouTube TV Alternative for a Maximum Number of Channels
DirecTV Now is quite a bit more expensive than Philo, at $50/month to start. However, you can get as many as 120+ channels through DirecTV Now, which is more than most other services. That said, you’ll be paying through the nose to get that many.
DirecTV Now Pricing and Packages
Through DirecTV Now, you can choose between half a dozen different channel packages. Prices range from $50 per month for 45+ channels, up to $135 per month for 120+ channels. That makes DirecTV Now more similar to PlayStation Vue on the low end, but incomparably pricey on the high end.
Still, it’s two introductory packages come with HBO, making it the best option for those who want a lot of premium channels and are willing to pay the cost to get them.
You can learn more about DirecTV Now’s pricing here.
DirecTV Now Channels
Through DirecTV Now, you can get as many as 120+ channels. Every possible channel you’d want through traditional cable is available through DirecTV Now. The only problem is the price. DirecTV Now can cost over $135 per month on the high end, making it far too similar to traditional cable in price.
You can learn more about DirecTV Now’s channels here.
DirecTV Now Supported Devices
This service works with select Rokus, all Amazon Fire TV devices and 4th gen Apple TVs, among a large number of other devices. Its total app library is far larger than you’ll get through YouTube TV.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all versions), Chromecast, Roku (LT and up), AirTV
- Smart TVs: LG TV (Web OS 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, as well as select 2016-2018 models), Samsung TV (2016 through 2018 models), Android TV (4.4 and up), Roku TV, Mi TV,
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (4.4 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Xbox One
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
You can learn more about DirecTV Now’s streaming policy here.
DirecTV Now Simultaneous Streams
DirecTV Now lets you stream on just 2 devices at once. You can add a third for an extra $5 per month, which brings it up to par with YouTube TV.
To learn more about DirecTV Now’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
DirecTV Now TV DVR
DirecTV Now’s DVR is arguably the worst of its kind. You’ll get just 20 hours of DVR storage, but your videos also have a 30-day time limit.
To learn more about DirecTV Now’s DVR, check here.
DirecTV Now On-Demand Library
Every aspect of DirecTV Now’s on-demand library is better than what you’ll get through YouTube TV. Not only can you skip ads on many videos, you’ll get a 72-hour rewind feature for most channels that ensures you’ll always have fresh content that doesn’t add to your DVR. The service provides 40,000+ titles on-demand, making it much larger than what YouTube TV provides.
You can learn more about DirecTV Now’s on-demand library here.
AT&T WatchTV: Cheapest YouTube TV Alternative, but Very Limited
You may also want to consider AT&T WatchTV. This service offers 35+ channels for $15 per month, and you can get it for free if you use AT&T unlimited data plans. It’s a potential alternative to YouTube TV, or even one you may want to consider picking up alongside YouTube TV.
This service follows the same structure as Philo: no sports and no locals.
However, AT&T WatchTV has terrible features, making it only an option to consider based on price alone. There’s no DVR, and you can’t share your account with anyone else (only one simultaneous stream). The supported app library is also limited — you can’t even use it on Roku devices.
Which Service Is the Overall Best Alternative to YouTube TV?
Still can’t decide which streaming service to choose? Here’s some advice that’ll help you decide which YouTube TV alternative to get.
If you think YouTube TV is too expensive…
Sling TV offers one of the cheapest ways to get both sports and entertainment. For just $25 a month, you can enjoy a fairly decent selection of cable TV channels.
If you want a similar experience for less money…
Hulu With Live TV is the way to go if you like YouTube TV’s channel package, but not its package price. At $44.99 for 60+ channels, it’s the closest thing to YouTube TV for a lower cost.
If you don’t like YouTube TV’s interface…
Hulu With Live TV’s interface is the slickest looking cable replacement service we’ve seen thus far. We especially like the way Hulu seamlessly blends its on-demand content into its live TV menu. YouTube TV’s interface is also quite handsome, but its stripped-down program guide may be too basic for some.
If you hate watching ads…
If you dislike commercials as much as you hate expensive cable plans, skip YouTube TV and try out Hulu With Live TV instead. Hulu With Live TV has a good DVR, which allows you to zoom through broadcast network ads. Additionally, it’s one of the only streaming services that give you an upgrade that lets you cut out embedded on-demand ads.
Here’s Why You May Not Like YouTube TV
YouTube TV is designed with casual TV watchers in mind. But if you’re a hardcore couch potato, you may want to go with a different cable replacement service. Here’s why.
Limited channels, limited customization
With YouTube TV, you get about 40 channels and — with the exception of a few limited add-ons — that’s it. (You’ll get more or less local channels, depending on whether or not your local TV affiliates have made deals with YouTube.) You can’t add HBO or Cinemax, or upgrade to different plans.
No CNN, no Food Network, no History Channel
If you relate more to the Fox News or MSNBC versions of how the world works, you may not mind that CNN isn’t available on YouTube TV. But if you’re a CNN fan, you may want to go with a different cable replacement service after you cut the cord. Additionally, if you’re a foodie a history fan, you may be disappointed by the fact that YouTube TV does not offer the Food Network or the History Channel.
That unlimited DVR feature is not as sweet a deal as it seems
Here’s the problem with YouTube’s “unlimited” DVR: YouTube won’t let you record a show if an on-demand version of the episode you want to watch is available. It seems that YouTube wants as many people as possible to sit through repetitive “special messages” from its sponsors, which are embedded into all of its on-demand videos. You can’t even pay to turn off the embedded ads because YouTube only offers one universal TV plan.
Bottom line: if you hate commercials as much as you hate your cable provider, you might not love YouTube TV.
Bare bones program guide design
YouTube TV’s program guide is very easy to use and its live thumbnails are easy on the eyes. However, if you’re used to all the options you get with a classic cable TV program guide, you may find YouTube’s TV guide to be a bit too basic. The guide only gives you a short-term view of what’s on next.
Still no Amazon Fire TV support
If you own an Amazon Fire TV or any Amazon Fire devices, YouTube TV likely isn’t for you. YouTube has yet to come out with apps for any of those devices. Amazon and Google did end their recent feud in early 2019, but it hasn’t translated to an app for Amazon Fire devices as of yet.
Only 3 simultaneous streams
YouTube TV limits you to 3 simultaneous streams, which is probably enough access for most casual TV watchers. However, YouTube’s 3 stream limitation could be a potential downside if everyone in your clan is a TV head.
YouTube Red originals are intentionally lame
Streaming services typically put out edgy, groundbreaking originals to attract buzz and critical acclaim — but not YouTube.
YouTube Red regularly churns out corny shows and one-offs featuring over-the-hill celebs like Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Hart and Ryan Seacrest. Other awful YouTube Red “comedies” feature Paul Logan and other YouTube knuckleheads with large fan bases.
After a rough, controversy-filled year for YouTube in 2017, the world’s largest video sharing platform may be deeply in need of content that won’t make waves or offend anyone.
“YouTube doesn’t really need these shows to take off. These ad-supported shows are designed to make worried advertisers feel good.” – Business Insider
The YouTube TV app doesn’t have much YouTube content
It’s easy to switch between YouTube and YouTube TV on a computer, but YouTube TV and YouTube exist in two entirely different worlds on mobile devices. As a result, you won’t find many YouTube clips in your search results when using the YouTube TV app.
