YouTube TV is one of the most popular live TV streaming services in the U.S., boasting over 10 million subscribers. This is over twice as many as Hulu + Live TV and significantly more than Sling TV. However, there may come a time when you want to explore other options, especially as prices get too high.
While there is considerable overlap among these services, not all offer the same channels or features as YouTube TV. If you’re looking to reduce expenses, consider alternatives. YouTube TV currently costs $83 a month. Some of its closest competitors also reach this price point, while others are more affordable.
Moreover, YouTube TV’s numerous features, such as unlimited DVR, six profiles per account, and seamless account management within the Google ecosystem, make it a strong contender. While you might have to pay more for equivalent channels elsewhere, it’s still worth exploring your options.
So, what are the best alternatives to YouTube TV that suit your needs and budget? Let’s examine them.
Hulu + Live TV
- The Good: Comparable (though smaller) channel listing, access to the Hulu on-demand library. Part of the Disney Bundle. Unlimited recording (ala DVR) is now thrown in for free.
- The Less-Good: No 4K option for live content.
- The Plans: Currently $90 per month for Hulu + Live TV, if you don’t mind ads.
- The Comparison: Our full take on YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV actually is the most popular live TV streaming service in the United States, with 4.6 million paid subscribers as of December 28, 2024. It has a number of channels comparable to YouTube TV (almost 100) with multiple add-ons available, too.
Hulu + Live TV also has a couple of advantages over the competition. First is the Hulu on-demand catalog. You’ll have access to thousands of shows and movies as part of your subscription You can get Hulu + Live TV without access to the on-demand library, but you only save $1 per month.
The big leg up for Hulu + Live TV is that it’s under the Disney umbrella. And that means it’s always in the same conversation as the Disney Bundle. On its own, the Disney Bundle gets you Disney+, ESPN Select, and the basic Hulu on-demand service for $20 a month.
Bringing Hulu + Live TV into the fold brings the price to $90 a month — or just a dollar more than Hulu + Live TV on its own. You’re basically getting a third streaming service for free at that point.
Fubo
- The Good: Comparable channel listing, occasional games in 4K resolution. Multiple optional add-ons that aren’t not available elsewhere. Burgeoning integration with sports betting.
- The Tough: FuboTV is the smallest of the big players in this space, and it’s an uphill battle. Lacks the amount of 4K content as YouTube TV.
- The Plans: The entry-level Pro plan costs $74 a month for 216 channels. The Fubo Elite plan costs $84 for 280 channels. The Deluxe plan costs $104 for 305 channels.
Fubo is probably the biggest streaming service you’ve never heard of. It has over a third of the number of subscribers as Hulu + Live TV. But it also has a comparable slate of channels, including your local broadcast affiliates.
The “Pro” plan is now the entry-level package, which includes 216 channels, unlimited cloud-based recording, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once.
Fubo’s Elite plan hits $84 a month for 280 channels, unlimited cloud-based recording, the ability to watch on up to 10 screens, and 4K resolution.
The Deluxe package charges $104 for all that, but with a total of 305 channels, as well as Sports Plus with NFL RedZone, International Sports Plus, and MGM+.
Speaking of 4K, FuboTV is also one of the only services that gets you live content in UHD resolution. We’re talking Fox-produced sports, which remains decidedly less than what you’ll find on YouTube TV.
And if you’re into international sports, you’ll find more options on FuboTV than anywhere else.
Sling TV
- The Good: Still as close to à la carte TV as you can get.
- The Less-Good: It’s super easy to spend more than you thought with all the “Extras.”
- The Plans (as of December 2025) are as follows: Sling Orange: $46 per month; Sling Blue: $46 per month; and Sling Orange + Blue: $61 per month.
Sling TV is one of the most popular livestreaming services in the U.S, with around 2 million subscribers as of November 2025. It remains as close as you can get to picking your channels. That’s not to say that Sling is à la carte — it’s decidedly not — but its scheme lets you choose from either the Orange or Blue track, or both. Together, you still pay less than any of the services above. But you also get fewer channels.
You’ll bolster your basic package with Sling “Extras,” additional channel cohorts that cost $6 to $11 per month. You can pick and choose what you want, but you still have to subscribe to a bunch of Extras if you want a full slate of channels. That makes it easy to spend more than the initial $46, $46, or $61 a month. And that’s before you get into premium movie channels or international options. Just keep an eye on your bill.
Otherwise, Sling remains an excellent option. Like the other services, it’s available on pretty much any modern device.
DirecTV Stream
- The Good: Lots of channels. All the channels. AT&T customers may get great deals. Regional sports options.
- The Less-Good: The price per channel isn’t great. Limited 4K options.
- The Plans: Start at $90 for 90 channels. Things get more expensive from there.
If you haven’t been able to keep up with all the names DirecTV Stream has gone by in the past few years, you’re not alone (and we get paid to do this). Now that it’s been spun out from AT&T proper (but remains under the AT&T umbrella), it’s now known as DirecTV Stream. It’s also been hemorrhaging customers the past couple of years, and we don’t really have a clear idea how many are left — likely fewer than Fubo TV.
AT&T customers should take a long, hard look at DirecTV Stream, however, as there are some serious deals to be had, particularly if you’re able to bundle it with an AT&T internet plan. That’s not available everywhere, though, and then we have to start talking about hardware fees, and none of that is anywhere near as simple as a standard streaming service that lets you come and go as you please.
Philo
- The Good: Can’t beat the price. Plus, it has over 120 free channels.
- The Less-Good: Fewer channels than any other service, and it doesn’t have your local broadcast channels.
- The Plan: $33 per month for 70-plus channels.
Philo has established itself as a popular low-cost streaming service, attracting over 1.3 million subscribers as of February 2025. This service particularly appeals to viewers looking for affordable entertainment without the frills of traditional cable packages.
However, it does have some limitations. Philo lacks access to specific premium channels that other streaming services might offer, such as major sports networks and popular entertainment channels. Additionally, it does not provide the local broadcast channels needed for accessing live news and events in your area.
Fortunately, investing in a reasonably priced over-the-air antenna can easily bridge this gap. This setup allows you to pick up local broadcasts and access major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. If the remaining channel lineup on Philo aligns with your viewing preferences, it can be an excellent choice for those aiming to cut costs while still enjoying quality programming.
Pluto TV
- The Good: It’s completely free.
- The Less-Bad: Sure, you won’t pay anything, but you will get more ads.
- The Plan: For absolutely nothing, you gain access to almost 300 ad-supported channels, similar to linear TV.
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming television service operated by Paramount Streaming. It offers a wide range of live, linear channels and on-demand content, replicating the traditional cable TV experience in a digital format. This service is compatible with various devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers, making it highly accessible.
Pluto TV generates revenue through advertising incorporated into the programming through commercial breaks. This allows users to enjoy a wide variety of content without paying a subscription fee. This extensive selection and free access have contributed to Pluto TV’s popularity among viewers looking for a cost-effective entertainment option.
