Best YouTube TV Alternatives: So, you’re thinking about ditching YouTube TV? I get it. Over the past year, YouTube TV’s been on a bit of a rollercoaster with channels disappearing left and right. It’s like they’re playing a never-ending game of “How low can we go?” with the lineup. One day you’re all set for the big game on NBC or Disney, and the next — poof — those channels are gone, leaving you hanging. And sure, they offer a little discount here and there, but honestly, that doesn’t make up for losing the channels you signed up for in the first place.
If you’re tired of the drama and want a more reliable setup, I’ve got you covered. Let’s talk about the best alternatives to YouTube TV for streaming live sports, news, kids’ shows, movies — you name it. I’ll even toss in some free options because, hey, who doesn’t love a good bargain?
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Why Even Bother with YouTube TV Alternatives?
Here’s the scoop: YouTube TV has been stuck in a messy tug-of-war with big players like NBC and Disney. Back in September, NBC nearly pulled all their channels, and Disney briefly yanked theirs too — all over money, of course. Networks want YouTube TV to pay more, YouTube wants to keep costs steady. Meanwhile, we’re just sitting here, hoping our favorite shows don’t disappear right before kickoff or a must-see live event.
And it’s not like YouTube TV is cheap either — $72.99 a month is nothing to sneeze at. So when channels vanish overnight, it feels like a raw deal. If you ask me, it’s time to explore other options.
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Alright, What Are the Best Alternatives?
Let’s kick this off with YouTube TV’s biggest rival:
1. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu is like the reliable friend who always shows up. Owned by Disney, it offers 75+ live channels, plus you can add ESPN+ if you’re a sports junkie. They’ve got on-demand movies and shows too, thanks to the Disney+ add-on.
- Channels: 75+ on the highest plan
- Price: $72.99/month (same as YouTube TV, ouch!)
- Free Trial: 7 days
- DVR: 50 hours standard, unlimited for extra cash
- Streams: 2 simultaneous, unlimited if you pay extra
Honestly, if you want something stable and don’t mind the price, Hulu’s the way to go.
2. fuboTV
Okay, here’s where things get interesting. fuboTV is like the sports nerd’s dream — they offer over 220 live channels depending on where you live. It’s got apps for everything from FireStick to Apple TV, so no worries about device support.
- Channels: 220+ (region-dependent)
- Price: Starts at $64.99/month
- Free Trial: 7 days
- DVR: 250 hours with starter, 1000 hours if you’re a storage hoarder
- Streams: 3 to 10 simultaneous streams, depending on plan
If you want a heavy hitter for sports and lots of channels, fuboTV might be your new best friend.
3. Sling TV
Not keen on shelling out $70 a month? Sling TV offers a cheaper alternative — starting at just $35 a month. It’s not perfect; you get fewer channels and no on-demand content, but for the price, it’s tough to beat.
- Channels: 35 to 51 depending on plan
- Price: Starting at $35/month
- DVR: 50 hours
- Streams: 1 to 3 simultaneous streams
If you’re on a budget and want live TV without frills, Sling is worth checking out.
4. DIRECTV Stream
AT&T’s streaming service is another option, especially if you’re already an AT&T customer. It’s pricey but offers plenty of channels, including HBO as an add-on.
- Channels: 65+ on basic, 140+ on Premier plan
- Price: Starts at $69.99/month
- DVR: 20 hours (kind of low compared to others)
- Streams: 3 simultaneous
Good if you want a mix of channels and are cool with AT&T’s pricing.
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What About Free or Cheaper Alternatives?
Look, I won’t pretend all cord-cutters want to throw down $70 a month. There are plenty of third-party apps, Kodi add-ons, and IPTV services that let you stream live channels — sometimes for free or a fraction of the cost.
But here’s the thing: a lot of these unofficial apps can be shady. Some carry unlicensed content, and using them might land you in legal hot water. So if you’re curious, tread carefully. I’ve got guides on the best and safest third-party apps and Kodi add-ons, if you want to dive down that rabbit hole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best YouTube TV alternative?
Hulu, hands down. But Sling’s better if you want to save some cash.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
$62.99 for the first three months, then $72.99 monthly.
Does YouTube TV have NBC?
Yep, when deals hold up.
Does YouTube TV have ESPN?
Yes, all the ESPN channels.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, YouTube TV used to be my go-to, but the recent channel shake-ups got me reevaluating. If you want reliability and don’t mind paying the price, Hulu and fuboTV are solid picks. If you’re a bit of a cheapskate like me, Sling’s a decent budget option. And if you’re feeling adventurous and a bit tech-savvy, the third-party apps and IPTV services could save you some serious cash — just know what you’re getting into. At the end of the day, you deserve a streaming service that doesn’t ghost your favorite channels every other week. Happy streaming, and may your buffering be minimal!