At $35 per month, there’s not many streaming services cheaper than Sling TV. Its channel lineup makes it one of the best ways to watch ESPN without cable.
But, it doesn’t have local channels and its streaming quality can be poor at times. If you have tried Sling and are looking for other cable alternatives, here are five alternatives to consider.
All have good channel selection, reliable streaming performance, are easy to use, and are cheaper than cable.
Table of Contents
Best Alternatives
| Service | Cost | Streams | Locals | DVR | On Demand | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philo | $20 | 3 | No | Unlimited | Yes | Try Free |
| FuboTV | $64.99 | 2 | Yes | 250 hrs. | Yes | Try Free |
| Vidgo | $55 | 3 | No | No | Unlimited | Try Free |
| Hulu Live | $64.99 | 2 | Yes | 50 hrs. | Yes | Try Free |
| YouTube TV | $65 | 3 | Yes | Unlimited | Yes | Try Free |
1. Philo TV
At only $20 per month, Philo TV is one of the best alternatives to Sling TV and the Philo TV channels list offers many of the same networks, including the Hallmark channels.
- All Philo channels can be rewound without saving for up to 72 hours
- You can login to network sites with your Philo subscription and access gated content there
- Popular channels on Philo TV include: AMC, A&E, Animal Planet, Comedy Central, CMT, Discovery Channel, Hallmark, HGTV, and Lifetime
The drawback is that there are no sports. You won’t find ESPN, Fox Sports, or any other sports channels on Philo.
2. fuboTV
Fubo is more expensive, but is a complete cable replacement with live sports and local channels. It also has more Spanish-language options than other streaming services.
In addition to Fox Sports and other mainline sports channels, fuboTV carries NBA TV and NFL Network.
3. Vidgo TV
Vidgo is a newer way to stream your favorite shows. The platform provides a social viewing experience through social sharing features and chat rooms you can join while watching a show or game.
Its channel lineup offers sports along with a full suite of lifestyle and entertainment networks. Vidgo has two key drawbacks though – it’s light on news networks and does not currently offer a cloud DVR.
Read our Vidgo review to learn more about the service.
4. Hulu With Live TV
Hulu Live offers live TV, includes DVR, lets you stream on two devices at once, and comes with original content like The Handmaid’s Tale. However, it’s twice the price.
If that price is more than you want to pay, consider the Hulu + Disney+ ESPN+ bundle. You get all three services for just $13.99 per month, While you won’t get live TV, you will get programming your entire household will enjoy.
Read more about Disney+ in our Disney Plus review.
Read more about ESPN+ in our ESPN Plus review.
5. YouTube TV
Like Hulu Live, YouTube TV is one of the most expensive streaming services. Like others mentioned here, you can watch YouTube TV on Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, and Android / iOS devices.
It offers local channels, the ability to create up to six accounts, unlimited DVR and the option to fast forward through ads in recorded programs.
Read our review of YouTube TV to learn more.
Top Devices to Stream Shows Online
If you’ve only ever streamed Sling TV, you might be wondering what you need to start watching shows on the streaming platforms mentioned.
Like Sling TV, these services work on all the major devices, including:
- Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets
- Roku (boxes, TVs, and sticks)
- Apple TV
- Macbooks, iPads, iPhones
- Any computer with an Internet browser
- Google Chromecast
- Xbox One
- Samsung and LG Smart TVs
The bottom line is that it’s really easy to stream content today.
If you’re used to using the Sling TV app, you’ll have no issue with any of the Sling TV competitors.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on apps like Sling is that you have lots of awesome choices. There’s no reason not to try several of the available platforms to find one you like best.
All of the services mentioned here offer free trial periods.
If you’re looking to pay less, try Philo TV. At only $20 per month, you will save loads of money.
What service do you use to stream content? How much do you pay per month for cable? What do you look for in a content provider?
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