The best YouTube TV alternatives depend on why you want to leave. If the price is the problem, Sling TV, Philo or YouTube TV’s own new genre plans cost much less. If you want more sports, Fubo or DirecTV Stream carry regional sports networks. If you want a similar all-in-one package with extras, Hulu + Live TV is the closest match. And if you mostly watch news and reruns, free apps like Pluto TV and Tubi may be enough.
Below we compare each option on price, local channels, sports, DVR and streams, using figures available at the time of writing. Prices change often, so always confirm on the provider’s own site before you sign up.
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Why people look for a YouTube TV alternative
YouTube TV’s base plan sits at around $82.99 a month at the time of writing, with 100+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR (recordings kept for nine months) and three simultaneous streams. That is a strong product, but the bill has climbed steadily over the years.
The common reasons to switch are:
- Price: paying over $80 a month for channels you rarely open.
- Missing regional sports: YouTube TV does not carry most regional sports networks (RSNs), so local NBA, NHL and MLB games can be missing.
- Carriage disputes: channel groups occasionally go dark during contract fights.
- You only watch a few channels: a smaller bundle or free service covers you.
Before you leave, note that YouTube TV now offers cheaper genre plans too, such as an Entertainment plan from around $54.99 and a Sports plan from around $64.99. If one of those fits, downgrading may beat switching.
YouTube TV alternatives compared
| Service | Starting price (approx.) | Local channels | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99/mo | Yes, most markets | All-in-one with on-demand library and ESPN Unlimited |
| Sling TV (Orange or Blue) | $45.99/mo | Limited, select markets | Budget cable channels |
| Fubo | Check current price | Yes, most markets | Sports, including some RSNs |
| DirecTV Stream | $89.99/mo (Entertainment) | Yes | RSNs from the Choice tier |
| Philo Essential | $25/mo | No | Entertainment and lifestyle on a budget |
| Pluto TV, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus | Free | Some local news | Casual viewing with ads |
Figures come from provider pages and recent coverage at the time of writing. Regional sports fees and taxes can add to the final bill.
The closest like-for-like swaps
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is the most similar package: 95+ channels including locals, unlimited cloud DVR, the Hulu on-demand library and ESPN Unlimited. It costs around $89.99 a month, so it is not a money saver, but the bundled extras can make it better value if you already pay for Hulu or ESPN separately. We break this matchup down in our dedicated Hulu vs YouTube TV comparison.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream feels the most like traditional cable. Its Entertainment tier starts around $89.99 and the Choice tier (around $94.99) adds regional sports networks. It is pricier, but it is one of the few ways to stream your local team’s RSN legally.
Fubo
Fubo is built around sports, with a large cloud DVR, up to 10 home streams on its main plans and some 4K events. A mandatory regional sports fee applies in some areas, so check the checkout total. If you are comparing directly, see how IPTV compares with YouTube TV for a broader look at the trade-offs.
Cheaper YouTube TV alternatives
If saving money is the goal, these cut the bill by half or more:
- Sling TV: Orange or Blue at around $45.99 a month, or both for around $60.99. Orange has ESPN; Blue has more news and entertainment channels and more streams. Locals are limited.
- Philo: around $25 a month for 70+ entertainment and lifestyle channels with a seven-day free trial. No sports networks and no locals, so pair it with an antenna.
- YouTube TV genre plans: stay on the same app but pay less for a narrower lineup.
- An antenna plus free apps: an over-the-air antenna gets ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and PBS for a one-time cost. Our guide to the best TV antenna for local channels helps you pick one.
Free ad-supported apps fill the gaps. Our list of free live TV streaming apps covers Pluto TV, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, Sling Freestream and more.
What about IPTV services?
Some viewers look at IPTV subscriptions as a YouTube TV alternative because they bundle thousands of channels for a flat yearly fee. IPTV is simply a delivery technology and is legal; what matters is whether a provider has the rights to the channels it streams. Unlicensed services exist, so check what you are buying and follow local law.
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If you want to try that route, our own plan, IPTV Journal, is 12 months for $89 and works on Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, phones and smart TVs. Treat it as one option among several, and compare it with the licensed services above on what matters to you: locals, sports rights, DVR and support.
How to choose the right replacement
Run through these questions before you cancel:
- Do you need local channels? If yes, favor Hulu + Live TV, Fubo or DirecTV Stream, or add an antenna to a cheaper service.
- Do you follow a local team? Check which service carries your RSN by zip code. DirecTV Stream Choice and some Fubo plans are the usual answers.
- How many screens? Sling Orange allows one stream; Blue allows three; Fubo allows many more at home.
- How much do you record? Unlimited DVR on Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream; Sling includes 50 hours unless you pay extra.
- Which device do you use? All of these run on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Google TV. See our best streaming device guide if you need new hardware.
Use free trials where they exist (Philo, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream have offered them recently) and test the channels you care about during a live game or newscast before committing.
Which option should you choose?
For a near-identical experience, choose Hulu + Live TV. For local sports, choose DirecTV Stream Choice or Fubo. For the lowest bill with cable channels, choose Sling TV or Philo plus an antenna. For casual viewing, start with free apps and add one paid service only if you miss something.
FAQ
What is the cheapest alternative to YouTube TV?
Philo is one of the cheapest paid live TV services at around $25 a month, but it has no sports or local channels. Sling Orange or Blue is around $45.99 and includes more news and sports. Free apps like Pluto TV and Tubi cost nothing but rely on ads.
Which YouTube TV alternative has local channels?
Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and DirecTV Stream include local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in most markets. Sling carries some locals only in select markets, and Philo has none. An antenna is the cheapest way to add locals to any service.
Is Hulu + Live TV better than YouTube TV?
It depends on what you value. Hulu + Live TV costs a little more but includes the Hulu library and ESPN Unlimited. YouTube TV has a well-regarded DVR and interface, and its new genre plans give cheaper options.
Which alternative is best for regional sports?
DirecTV Stream carries regional sports networks from its Choice tier, and Fubo carries some RSNs on certain plans. Availability depends on your zip code, so check each provider’s lineup tool before subscribing.
Can I keep my recordings if I leave YouTube TV?
No. Cloud DVR recordings stay with the service and are not transferable. Watch anything important before you cancel, and start recording on the new service a few days early.
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