Leaving YouTube TV Because of the Price Hike? Here Are Your Best Options for Live TV Now
As long as there have been live TV streaming services, there have been live TV streaming price hikes. Today, YouTube TV joined the trend with its first price increase in three years, surging $8 to a new total of $72.99 / month.
If that has you in the market for a new service, we’ll break down your options. We’ve included helpful channel charts at the bottom of this article, but if you’d like to manually enter the most important channels for you, consult The Streamable's Service Matchmaker to be sure you’ll get the lineup that’s right for you.
5 Alternatives to YouTube TV to Stream Live TV
1. DIRECTV STREAM ($86.99)
Full comparison: YouTube TV vs. DIRECTV STREAM ►
DIRECTV STREAM has more top cable channels than any other service. In comparison to YouTube TV, you’ll gain A&E, History, and Lifetime.
DIRECTV STREAM is also a better choice for sports fans, since you’ll have access to these channels missing from YouTube TV: Altitude, SportsNet Pittsburgh, Chicago Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, FanDuel Sports Network Florida, FanDuel Sports Network Great Lakes, FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City, FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, FanDuel Sports Network North, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal, FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, FanDuel Sports Network Southwest, FanDuel Sports Network Sun, FanDuel Sports Network West, FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, Marquee Sports Network, MASN, MASN2, MSG, MSG Sportsnet, NESN, Rockies.TV Channel, Root Sports Northwest, Space City Home Network, Spectrum SportsNet, Spectrum SportsNet LA, SportsNet NY, Utah 16 (KUPX), and YES Network.
In order to get your local RSN, you will need to get DIRECTV STREAM’s Choice Plan, which is currently $114.99.
The biggest downside is that they don’t carry NFL Network or NFL RedZone. If you’re a College Sports fan, you’ll also get ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPNU, SEC Network, and truTV.
They also include Unlimited DVR and you can stream it on Unlimited Devices at home at the same time.
Cloud DVR
Includes Unlimited DVR
Max Streams
Includes unlimited simultaneous streams (at home) and three simultaneous streams while traveling.
2. Sling Orange + Blue ($55)
Full comparison: YouTube TV vs. Sling TV ►
For $55 you’ll get 27 channels of the 35 top cable channels. Unlike YouTube TV, Sling TV offers A&E, History, and Lifetime.
In order to get ACC Network, SEC Network, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, MLB Network, and NBA TV, you’ll need to add the Sports Extra pack ($11 per month), which also includes Golf Channel and NHL Network.
One downfall, Sling TV does not offer Disney Junior, FXX, Hallmark Channel, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, VH1, and WE tv, and Sling TV only offers FOX and NBC in select markets.
They also have a Total TV Deal which includes all seven Extra Packs and a 200-Hour DVR for $27. This means that you can get almost every channel available on Sling for $82.
If you wanted to add your local Bally Sports RSN, you could consider combining Sling Orange ($40), with Bally Sports+ ($19.99), which would give you ESPN, TNT, and your local Bally Sports RSN for $59.99 a month.
Cloud DVR
Includes 50 Hour DVR, Can Upgrade to 200 Hours for $5
Max Streams
Includes up to 4 Streams (Depending on Channel)
3. Hulu + Live TV ($82.99)
Full comparison: YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live TV ►
Hulu Live TV is probably the best value of any of the cable alternatives, since it now includes The Disney Bundle (Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+) at no extra charge. Hulu also now includes an Unlimited DVR, with skippable ads.
You’ll get 33 channels of the 35 top cable channels as well. It’s nearly the same lineup, but slightly less expensive, and with a ton of on demand benefits because of the bundle.
In comparison to YouTube TV, you’ll lose AMC and WE tv, but you’ll gain A&E, History, and Lifetime.
Unlike YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV has SportsNet NY.
Cloud DVR
Includes Unlimited DVR
Max Streams
Includes up to two simultaneous streams, but can upgrade to unlimited screens in your home (and three on mobile) for $9.99 per month.
4. FuboTV ($94.99)
Full comparison: YouTube TV vs. FuboTV ►
Sports fans may be inclined to give fuboTV a whirl at $94.99 / month. That price may be slightly lower or higher, depending on where you live - the regional sports fee determines that.
Switching to fuboTV would mean the loss of AMC, Cartoon Network, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, TBS, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, truTV, and WE tv.
But the tradeoff comes in the sports department. Switching to fuboTV provides the ability to see Altitude, Arizona's Family Sports, SportsNet Pittsburgh, Chicago Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, FanDuel Sports Network Florida, FanDuel Sports Network Great Lakes, FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City, FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, FanDuel Sports Network North, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal, FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, FanDuel Sports Network Southwest, FanDuel Sports Network Sun, FanDuel Sports Network West, FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, Marquee Sports Network, MASN, MSG, MSG Sportsnet, NESN, Rockies.TV Channel, Root Sports Northwest, Space City Home Network, Utah 16 (KUPX), and YES Network.
FuboTV also provides access to MLB Network, unlike YouTube TV.
Cloud DVR
Includes a 1,000-hour DVR.
Max Streams
Includes 10 simultaneous streams.
5. Philo ($28)
Full comparison: YouTube TV vs. Philo ►
If you’re willing to sacrifice local and live sports, Philo is a great budget option that will give you 18 channels of the top cable channels from your YouTube TV plan. In addition to channels from A+E like A&E, History and Lifetime, you’ll get channels from AMC, Viacom (MTV, VH1, etc.), and Discovery (Discovery, Food Network, HGTV).
In comparison to fuboTV, you’ll lose Bravo, Cartoon Network, CNN, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, E!, ESPN, Fox News, Freeform, FX, FXX, MSNBC, Syfy, TBS, TNT, truTV, and USA Network, but you’ll gain A&E, History, and Lifetime.
Besides the cost savings, you’ll also get an unlimited DVR and three simultaneous streams.
Cloud DVR
Includes Unlimited DVR.
Max Streams
Includes three simultaneous streams.
Comparison of Channels Across Live TV Streaming Services
Top Cable
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | YouTube | Sling | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Choice” | “fubo” | “Hulu Live TV” | “Philo” | “YouTube TV” | “Combo” | ||
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Free Trial | Sign Up | Get 50% OFF | ||
| $114.99 | $94.99 | $82.99 | $28 | $72.99 | $55 | ||
| A&E | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| AMC | ✓ | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| BET | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Bravo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Cartoon Network | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| CNN | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Comedy Central | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Discovery | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Disney Channel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Disney Junior | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | + $6 | |
| E! | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| ESPN | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Food Network | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Fox News | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Freeform | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| FX | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| FXX | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | + $6 | |
| Hallmark Channel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | + $6 | |
| HGTV | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| History | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| Investigation Discovery | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Lifetime | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| MSNBC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| MTV | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | + $6 | |
| Nickelodeon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | |
| Paramount Network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | + $6 | |
| Syfy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| TBS | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| TLC | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| TNT | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Travel Channel | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| truTV | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| USA Network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| VH1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | + $6 | |
| WE tv | ✓ | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | + $6 |
Locals
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Choice” | “fubo” | “Hulu Live TV” | “Philo” | “Combo” | ||
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Free Trial | Get 50% OFF | ||
| $114.99 | $94.99 | $82.99 | $28 | $55 | ||
| ABC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| CBS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | |
| Fox | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| NBC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| Telemundo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | |
| The CW | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | |
| Univision | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - |
Regional Sports
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | YouTube | Philo | Sling | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Choice” | “fubo” | “Hulu Live TV” | “YouTube TV” | “Philo” | “Combo” | ||
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Sign Up | Free Trial | Get 50% OFF | ||
| $114.99 | $94.99 | $82.99 | $72.99 | $28 | $55 | ||
| Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - |
National Sports
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | YouTube | Philo | Sling | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Choice” | “fubo” | “Hulu Live TV” | “YouTube TV” | “Philo” | “Combo” | ||
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Sign Up | Free Trial | Get 50% OFF | ||
| $114.99 | $94.99 | $82.99 | $72.99 | $28 | $55 | ||
| ESPN | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| ESPN2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| FS1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| Fox Sports 2 | + $15 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | + $15 | |
| TBS | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| TNT | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| USA Network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ |
Pro Sports
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | YouTube | Philo | Sling | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Choice” | “fubo” | “Hulu Live TV” | “YouTube TV” | “Philo” | “Combo” | ||
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Sign Up | Free Trial | Get 50% OFF | ||
| $114.99 | $94.99 | $82.99 | $72.99 | $28 | $55 | ||
| MLB Network | ✓ | + $8 | ✓ | - | - | + $15 | |
| NBA TV | ✓ | + $8 | - | ✓ | - | + $15 | |
| NFL Network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| NFL RedZone | + $15 | + $11 | + $10 | + $11 | - | + $15 | |
| NHL Network | + $15 | + $8 | - | - | - | + $15 |
College Sports
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | YouTube | Philo | Sling | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Choice” | “fubo” | “Hulu Live TV” | “YouTube TV” | “Philo” | “Combo” | ||
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Sign Up | Free Trial | Get 50% OFF | ||
| $114.99 | $94.99 | $82.99 | $72.99 | $28 | $55 | ||
| ACC Network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | + $15 | |
| ACC Network Extra | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | + $15 | |
| Big Ten Network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | + $15 | |
| CBS Sports Network | + $15 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | |
| ESPNU | ✓ | + $8 | ✓ | ✓ | - | + $15 | |
| SEC Network | ✓ | + $8 | ✓ | ✓ | - | + $15 | |
| truTV | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ |
Other Sports
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | YouTube | Philo | Sling | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Choice” | “fubo” | “Hulu Live TV” | “YouTube TV” | “Philo” | “Combo” | ||
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Sign Up | Free Trial | Get 50% OFF | ||
| $114.99 | $94.99 | $82.99 | $72.99 | $28 | $55 | ||
| beIN Sports | - | ✓ | - | + $11 | - | + $15 | |
| Next Level Sports | + $15 | + $7 | - | - | - | - | |
| ESPNEWS | ✓ | + $8 | ✓ | ✓ | - | + $15 | |
| FanDuel TV | ✓ | - | + $10 | + $11 | - | - | |
| Fox Soccer Plus | - | + $7 | - | + $11 | - | - | |
| Golf Channel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | + $15 | |
| Overtime | - | - | - | + $11 | - | - | |
| Tennis Channel | ✓ | + $8 | + $10 | + $11 | - | + $15 | |
| Willow TV | + $15 | + $7 | - | - | - | + $10 |