Whether you’re unhappy with YouTube TV’s price hikes or features, or it simply doesn’t offer some of the key channels you want, there are several noteworthy YouTube TV alternatives to explore. Keep reading to learn more about what Sling TV, Philo, fuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV bring to the table.
Before we start, we want to highlight a particularly relevant streaming service provider for news, sports, and entertainment. Sling TV is one of the best options for streaming in 2022, as it has a rich catalog of 47 channels and over 10,000 hours of video on demand.
Before we continue, we want to highlight a particularly relevant stream for news, sports, and entertainment. Sling TV is one of the best options for streaming in 2022 with a rich catalogue of 50+ live channels and 50k+ on-demand movies and episodes.
Get 50% off if you sign up now. Try Sling TV today.
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 up to 166 channels. Its Pro package has around 40 sports channels, while its Elite package offers around 50 sports channels.
| Pro 7-day free trial $69.99/ month | 100+ channels 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
| Elite 7-day free trial $79.99/ month | 159 channels 40+ more channels with fubo Extra 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
| Latino Quarterly Pre-paid quarterly $33/ month | CONMEBOL qualifiers 33 channels 3 simultaneous streams 250 hours of DVR space | SIGN UP |
While the price of fuboTV’s cheapest package (the Pro) is similar to YouTube TV’s Base plan, the Pro comes with a larger selection of channels. fuboTV also offers the Disney channel and ESPN, making it a truly viable alternative to YouTube TV.
You can use this link to learn more about fuboTV’s pricing and packages.
For a more in-depth comparison of YouTube TV versus fuboTV, check out our article.
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.
With ESPN now on the menu, fuboTV is the best option for sports fans with over 45+ sports channels, including the impressive fubo Sports Network. Like ESPN, fubo Sports Network airs sports broadcasts as well as lots of different sports-related talk and news 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.
You can use this link to learn more about fuboTV’s channel packages.
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.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of fuboTV’s supported devices:
- 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), LG TV, Samsung Smart TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Game Consoles: Xbox One
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
You can use this link to learn more about fuboTV’s supported devices.
FuboTV Simultaneous Streams
You can stream fuboTV on up to 3 devices at once without paying extra. That’s the same as what YouTube TV offers, but you can get unlimited streams if you pay an additional amount.
You can use this link to learn more about fuboTV’s simultaneous streaming policy.
FuboTV DVR
YouTube TV’s DVR is hard to beat because it’s unlimited. fuboTV provides a still-impressive 250 hours of cloud DVR for the price, and you can upgrade this with an extra fee. Videos don’t expire until you start running out of space.
You can use this link to learn more about fuboTV’s cloud DVR.
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.
You can use this link to learn more about fuboTV’s on-demand library.
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 less than half of YouTube TV’s price tag.
| 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’s package comes with 60+ channels, and the service regularly adds channels to its line-up, as well.
You can use this link for more information on Philo plans.
For a more in-depth comparison of YouTube TV versus Philo, check out our article.
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.
You can use this link for more information on Philo channels.
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), Fire (OS 5.0 and up)
- Game consoles: None
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
You can use this link 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.
You can use this link for more information on Philo’s simultaneous streams.
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.
You can use this link for more information on Philo’s DVR.
Philo On-Demand Library
You’ll get 60,000 hours 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 highly affordable price, Sling TV offers between 30-45+ channels, with a mixture of sports, local content, and entertainment. This makes Sling TV a decent alternative to YouTube TV for those who want a little bit of everything but want to avoid YouTube TV’s higher monthly rates.
Sling TV Pricing and Packages
Sling TV is one of the least expensive streaming services available, with the most basic packages (Sling Orange and Sling Blue) being nearly half the price of YouTube TV.
| Sling Orange Limited time offer $35.00/ month | 30+ channels ESPN New subscriber special 1 simultaneous stream. | 50% OFF |
| Sling Blue Limited time offer$35.00/ month | 45+ channels Fox, NBC, CNN, MSNBC New subscriber special 3 simultaneous streams | 50% OFF |
| Sling Orange + Blue Limited time offer $50.00/ month | 50+ channels ESPN New subscriber special 4* simultaneous streams | 50% OFF |
You can also combine Sling TV’s two streaming packages for a discount to get 50+ channels.
For a more in-depth comparison of YouTube TV versus Sling TV, check out our article.
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.
Learn more about Sling TV’s channels with our article.
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
Learn more about Sling TV’s streaming policy with our article.
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.
Learn more about Sling TV’s simultaneous streaming policy with our article.
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 50 hours of recording time. There’s also an upgrade that expands the limit to 200 hours.
Learn more about Sling TV’s DVR with our article.
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.
Learn more about Sling TV’s on-demand library with our article.
Hulu + 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 + Live TV may be the best alternative for you. You can get the service for a slightly higher price of YouTube TV, while also getting a few benefits that make it a better service overall.
Hulu + Live TV Pricing and Packages
Hulu + Live TV subscribers get more than 75 channels, including Disney+ and ESPN+.
| Hulu + Live TV No Hassle TV $69.99/ month | 65+ Channels 2 simultaneous streams Disney+ and ESPN+ Included | SIGN UP |
There are also a few add-on channels you can attach to your service for an additional fee.
Use this link to learn more about Hulu’s packages.
Or, for a more in-depth comparison of YouTube TV versus Hulu + Live TV, check out our article.
Hulu + Live TV Channels
Your channel options with Hulu + Live TV 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.
Use this link to learn more about Hulu’s live TV channels.
Hulu + Live TV Supported Devices
You’ll find Hulu + Live TV has the same excellent level of app support that YouTube TV offers.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of supported devices:
- 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: PlayStation 4, 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)
Use this link to learn more about Hulu’s supported devices.
Hulu + Live TV Simultaneous Streams
With Hulu + Live TV, you’ll get 2 simultaneous streams for the subscription price, which is one less than what 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.
Use this link to learn more about Hulu’s Live TV streaming policy.
Hulu + Live TV DVR
YouTube TV has a comparatively better DVR thanks to the 9-month expiration date on videos and unlimited DVR storage. However, Hulu + Live TV’s 50-hour storage limit is still fairly generous, and you can expand that to 200 hours with an add-on.
Use this link to learn more about Hulu Live TV’s DVR.
Hulu + Live TV On-Demand Library
This is one of the single best reasons to switch to Hulu + Live TV. You’ll get over 85,000 TV show episodes and movies on-demand, thanks to Hulu + 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.
Use this link to learn more about Hulu’s on-demand library.
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 + 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 + 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 + Live TV instead. Hulu + 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.
No History Channel
If you’re a history fan, you may be disappointed by the fact that YouTube TV does not offer the History Channel. But we should point out that YouTube TV has been stepping their game up every year in terms of channel selection. While they didn’t carry CNN or the Food Network a year ago, they now carry both.
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.
Alex Munkachy is a freelance writer, game developer and hobby robotics enthusiast. You can find his blog about robotics news and reviews at robotfanatics.com.
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!
Another major detriment to YOUTUBE TV is the inability to record only new episodes you end up having to sit through dozens of unwanted reruns to find your network shows from Last night if the show is in reruns that can be a nuisance. Also, navigating in their barebones app is painful and not intuitive. For what they charge, YouTube tv is really short changing its users with an antiquated and generally feature-poor app!