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 several worthy YouTube TV alternatives to explore. Keep reading to learn more about what fuboTV, Philo, Sling TV and Hulu With Live TV bring to the table.
Before we start, we want to highlight a fan favorite streaming service (source). Philo is one of the best options for streaming 61 live lifestyle and entertainment channels like AMC, Discovery, and Food Network as well as 50,000+ on-demand titles for only $20 a month.
Sign up below to try Philo risk free for 7 days.
fuboTV: Best YouTube TV Alternative for Sports Fans
YouTube TV has a fairly 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 $55 per month:
| 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 |
That introductory price is slightly higher than you’ll get through YouTube TV, but the subscriptions come with a larger package of channels. fuboTV has also reported that Disney channels and ESPN will be on the platform by the end of summer. All this makes it an attractive offering.
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.
To compensate for the fact that fuboTV hasn’t been able to sign a deal with Disney to carry ESPN, fuboTV has developed its own sports news channel: fubo Sports Network. Like ESPN, fubo Sports Network broadcasts a range of different sports events as well as sports news and talk shows. You can check out a free stream of the channel at fubosportsnetwork.com. You don’t have to be a fuboTV subscriber to tune in.
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 (the 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 because it’s unlimited. fuboTV provides a noticeably stingier 30-day cloud DVR for the price, but you can at least upgrade this 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: the Cheapest Paid Streaming Service
Many cord-cutters love Philo’s low-cost, large-channel package of options. Because Philo uses a “no sports, no locals” approach, it can afford to 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 $50/month price tag.
| 61 Channels 7-day free trial $20.00/ month | 61 channels Starz and Epix add-ons 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’s lack of sports channels, like ESPN, and lack of locals, like FOX, CBS, and NBC, means that it can charge less. Instead of offering those TV channel genres, it focuses on entertainment and lifestyle channels like CMT, A&E, AMC, Paramount Network, Comedy Central, Discovery, History Channel, Science Channel, and others.
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 the same when it comes to simultaneous streaming. Philo offers 3 streams per account, just like YouTube TV. Neither service offers any paid simultaneous stream upgrades.
To learn more about Philo’s simultaneous streams, click here.
Philo DVR
Philo’s unlimited DVR uses a similar, time-limited approach to recording retention as 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.
Sling TV: Best All-Around Sports and Entertainment Alternative to YouTube TV
At a minimum price of $30 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 $30, making it one of the least expensive streaming services of its kind and nearly half the price of YouTube TV.
| Sling Orange Limited time offer $30.00/ month | 30+ channels ESPN $20 for your first month 1 simultaneous stream. | SIGN UP |
| Sling Blue Limited time offer$30.00/ month | 45+ channels Fox, NBC, CNN, MSNBC $20 for your first month 3 simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
| Sling Orange + Blue Limited time offer $45.00/ month | 50+ channels ESPN $35 for your first month 4* simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
You can combine Sling TV’s two streaming packages for a discount to get 50+ channels.
Sling TV Channels
Sling TV’s local TV options are noticeably weaker than what 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’s newly upgraded DVR is still not as good as YouTube TV’s. Instead of paying to unlock the Sling TV DVR, all customers now get 10 hours of recording time. There’s also an upgrade that expands the limit to 50 hours.
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: Same Price, Better On-demand Library
If you love YouTube TV’s channel line-up, but not its somewhat limited on-demand offerings, Hulu With Live TV may be the best alternative for you. You can get the service for the same price of 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 $55 per month and you get more than 60 channels.
| Hulu + Live TV 7-Day Free Trial $54.99/ 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 the same excellent level of app support that YouTube TV offers.
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 its 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 wide range of TV Everywhere-supported channels.
You can learn more about Hulu’s on-demand library here.
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 a low monthly fee, 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 want more on-demand content. It’s the closest match to YouTube TV on the market.
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 a competitive mix of 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.
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.
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.
There’s a good website that compare all the TV service options — http://www.suppose.tv. It matches the TV service choices to the channels you watch. It also compares DVRs, devices, streams, etc. of each service. It saved me many hours of building my own spreadsheet!