YouTube TV is undoubtedly one of the best live TV streaming services in the space. Its channel lineup and offerings make it a top consideration if you want to replace cable.
Unfortunately, at a cost of $72.99 per month, it’s one of the most expensive platforms on the market.
Thankfully, there are several YouTube TV alternatives that provide comparable service. This post shares a few of the top choices for your cable replacement needs.
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Top Alternatives to YouTube TV
If you’re considering canceling YouTube TV but are concerned you will miss many of its features, don’t fear. Other live TV streaming services can meet your needs.
Here are five of the best alternatives to YouTube TV that let you watch your favorite shows for less.
1. Sling TV
Sling TV offers close to an a la carte pricing model that you will not find with other live TV options.
Thanks to this model, Sling can offer a significantly lower price, with its base packages costing $40 per month. Sling TV has two base packages – Orange and Blue.
Orange has roughly 30 channels, and Blue has nearly 50 channels. The main difference is the channels offered. Orange carries ESPN, while Blue carries Fox Sports 1 (FS1).
You can combine Sling Orange and Blue for $55 a month to get the combined channel offerings. Additionally, Sling TV offers about ten add-on packages to further personalize your viewing experience.
These start at $6 a month.
One way Sling keeps its prices low is that it only offers local networks, ABC, FOX, and NBC, in select markets.
*Related: Read our analysis on how to watch ABC without cable to learn the best services to get your favorite network shows.
Read our review of Sling TV to learn more about this affordable alternative to YouTube TV. Don’t forget to take advantage of the free three-day trial to test the service.
Read our Sling vs. YouTube TV analysis to see how the two services compare.
2. Philo
At only $25 a month, Philo is the cheapest option among YouTube TV competitors. This over-the-top live TV streaming service offers over 70 channels of popular lifestyle and entertainment networks.
Philo can offer this low-cost package for two main reasons:
- It does not offer local networks
- It does not provide sports
Since local networks and sports are more expensive for live TV providers to offer, they have to pass the cost onto customers. Philo is more affordable because it doesn’t incur this expense.
An over-the-air antenna is a fantastic way to get local channels for an affordable, one-time cost. The Mohu Leaf line is our favorite antenna.
Use the code FRUGALRULES10 to receive ten percent off the purchase of one for your home.
The service isn’t for everyone. However, if your viewing habits don’t include sports and you have an antenna, you can save significant money each month.
If you want to switch from YouTube TV, Philo is a terrific consideration.
Read our Philo TV review to learn more and try it with a free seven-day trial.
3. DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM is one of the top streaming apps like YouTube TV. The service has four packages, which start at $79.99 a month and max out at $164.99
The top tier package include premium channels and is close to a cable or satellite-like experience. Entertainment, the base plan, has over 70 sought-after networks, including local broadcast affiliates.
Getting access to regional sports networks (RSNs) is the big draw of DIRECTV STREAM. Like Fubo, listed below you get the Bally Sports RSNs. You also get other RSNs with DIRECTV STREAM.
If local sports is important to you, DIRECTV STREAM is worth considering. You must subscribe to the Choice plan ($108.99 a month) to receive access.
One other differentiator between DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo is the former has the Turner networks, the latter doesn’t. However, you don’t get the NFL Network on DIRECTV STREAM.
DIRECTV STREAM includes an unlimited cloud DVR and you can stream simultaneously on 20 screens.
Read our DIRECTV STREAM review to learn more.
4. fuboTV
FuboTV is one of the best replacements for YouTube TV. It is slightly more expensive, at $79.99 a month, plus RSN fees, but it offers more channels and lots of live sports.
The Pro Plan is the base package and offers over 180 channels here in Omaha compared to 90 for YouTube TV. You can upgrade to the Elite Plan for $89.99 per month to receive over 250 channels in Omaha.
FuboTV began as a sports-centric service but is now one of the top full-fledged cable alternatives.
It carries nearly three dozen sports networks in the base channel package, plus dozens of popular lifestyle, entertainment, and news networks. The platform also carries SNY, which YouTube TV recently cut.
Read our fuboTV channels list post to learn what networks you receive.
However, it lacks the Turner networks which is a detractor for college basketball fans. If you’re a college basketball fan, read our guide on how to watch March Madness if you don’t want to pay for cable.
Furthermore, read our analysis of the top FuboTV alternatives to learn more about suitable replacements to get Turner networks.
*Related: Read our analysis of YouTube TV vs. fuboTV to learn how the two services compare.
Unlike other streaming providers, you can also get local channels in most markets.
FuboTV offers many of the same features that YouTube TV offers. Unfortunately, it falls behind in DVR space with 1,000 hours standard vs. the unlimited DVR capacity with YouTube TV.
However, fuboTV makes up for that with some programming streamed in 4K. No other alternatives to cable offer this feature.
Read our fuboTV review to learn more and try it with a free seven-day trial.
5. Hulu Live
Hulu Live is the most competitive to YouTube live. It has over 80 networks and costs $76.99 a month. It’s a true replacement for cable.
The channel lineup is similar between both streaming services, but Hulu Live shines with on-demand and original content.
Not only does Hulu offer dozens of channels, but you also receive locals in most markets.
*Related: Not certain of what streaming platform to choose? Read our guide on the best streaming TV services to compare them side-by-side.
Hulu Live offers an unlimited cloud DVR, with the ability to fast-forward through commercials. This matches what you will find with YouTube TV.
Additionally, a Hulu Live subscription also adds the Disney bundle which includes Disney+ and ESPN+. Read our ESPN+ review to learn more about that platform.
*Related: Trying to decide between the two services and not sure which is best? Read our Hulu TV vs. YouTube TV review to see how they compare.
Hulu Live is one of the best YouTube TV alternatives for people wanting to ditch cable or satellite TV.
Furthermore, if you don’t need live TV, Hulu on-demand may be a better fit for your needs. Read our Hulu on-demand vs. Hulu Live analysis to learn how they compare.
Read our detailed Hulu Live TV review to learn more.
Common Questions About the Live Streaming Service
Do you want to cut the cord on cable or satellite but don’t know if YouTube TV is the solution or if an alternative would be better? Here are a few common questions people have before taking the plunge.
Is there a cheaper version of YouTube TV?
No, there is no cheaper version of the streaming provider. YouTube TV offers just one package to subscribers.
The base package compares well versus other providers, but there is no other package.
What are the downsides of YouTube TV?
Cost is the biggest detractor, at $72.99 a month. YouTube TV is at the top of the streaming service market, and it’s reasonable to expect it to reach $75 or $80 in the near future.
Other downsides include limited sports content vs. fuboTV and no offline viewing unless you pay for the 4K Plus add-on. The service also lacks the ability to upgrade packages or add more accounts.
While you can add unlimited streams with YouTube TV, it comes at a cost. The 4K Plus add-on is $9.99 per month, reduced from its initial $19.99 a month.
Why is YouTube TV so expensive?
Sports and local networks are expensive to offer. Cable replacements have to pass that onto customers.
The service offers locals in most markets and has plenty of sports content, which increases the cost.
Is YouTube TV Worth it?
The answer to this question depends on your unique situation. If you’re spending $250+ a month on cable, there is value to be found in YouTube TV.
However, with many other alternatives on the market, you can likely find a more affordable option if you want to cut the cord.
What streaming service is better than YouTube TV?
Sling TV is best for people wanting a lower price without sacrificing channel options. FuboTV is best for people who want a near replacement, but more live sports and networks.
Determine your needs first, then choose the streaming service that best fits those needs.
Is YouTube TV or Hulu Live better?
After the YouTube TV price increase, it became natural to compare the service to Hulu Live. The better service is a matter of preference as they offer similar perks for the same price.
However, if you want more channels and an unlimited DVR, YouTube TV is the better choice.
Bottom Line
The cable-cutting space is becoming more competitive. Fortunately, this competition gives you plenty of opportunities to save money.
When looking at YouTube TV alternatives, consider what’s important to you. It’s possible to watch your favorite shows for less, but you may need to do some work to identify the best option for your needs.
How much do you pay for cable each month?
I’m John Schmoll, a former stockbroker, MBA-grad, published finance writer, and founder of Frugal Rules.
As a veteran of the financial services industry, I’ve worked as a mutual fund administrator, banker, and stockbroker and was Series 7 and 63-licensed, but I left all that behind in 2012 to help people learn how to manage their money.
My goal is to help you gain the knowledge you need to become financially independent with personally-tested financial tools and money-saving solutions.
I use you tube. I had Hulu. When Hulu raised price I read Clark Howard and switched to You tube. But now it is raising price. I cut the cord to save money but now streaming is getting as expensive. You tube says because of sports well we do not watch sports. Streaming you have to do several to get movie channels. It is becoming as expensive as cable. Ridiculous. At a time when inflation is strapping everyone financially and we are retired and have set incomes and my husband and I a d e both disabled. I think it is a crime. They should let those who want the Xtra sports channels pay more and leave us who do not pay reg I large price. Do not be greedy Jenks like cable. Otherwise what is the point. We will look for alternative cause between doctor and regular expenses
it is greedy to do this. Very disappointed.
Sorry to hear about your situation, and understand it can be frustrating. However, streaming pricing is not as bad as cable yet. Cable/satellite still have contracts and hidden fees, streaming services do not. Additionally, there are more choices beyond these premium, cable-like services. What shows do you watch? If you don’t need a lot of channels, or live TV there are plenty of options out there available for significantly less.