YouTube TV is one of the most popular live TV streaming services for a reason, as it offers a cable-like experience without the cable box or long-term commitment. With over 100 channels, unlimited DVR, and a clean interface, it’s easy to love and is the largest subscription-based live TV streaming service in the United States. But YouTube TV is not the only game in town, as there are many choices for live TV streaming, including DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Frndly TV, and Philo.
You can follow our guide if you want to know how to cancel YouTube TV and save a few bucks, or try something a little different. Here are six live TV streaming services to try and how they stack against YouTube TV in 2025
Frndly TV: The Feel-Good Streamer
- Starting Price: $7.99 per month
- Channels: 50+
- DVR: Unlimited (with Classic or Premium plans)
- Discounts & Trials: Try for free for 7 Days
Frndly TV focuses on family-friendly and feel-good networks like Hallmark, UPtv, ION, The Weather Channel, Lifetime, Game Show Network, and A&E. No frills, just good vibes. It’s the perfect pick for cord cutters who don’t need sports or breaking news and just want easygoing entertainment. Recently, Frndly TV was acquired by Roku, giving it the potential to scale and grow within Roku’s ecosystem and continue to provide affordable streaming options.
How Frndly TV compares to YouTube TV
Frndly TV is more than a niche product at a niche price, as it features wholesome content from over 50 top-rated live networks. Perfect for those who are budget-conscious, Frndly has 72-hour lookback, up to four simultaneous streams, and similar features to YouTube TV, including unlimited DVR, live and on-demand content.
New subscribers can try Frndly TV for free for seven days.
Philo: Entertainment-Heavy, News-Light
- Starting Price: $28 per month
- Channels: 70+
- DVR: Unlimited (1-year storage)
- Discounts & Trials: Try Philo for 7 Days Free
Philo is the best bang-for-your-buck for entertainment channels, featuring heavyhitters like AMC, Paramount Network, A&E, HGTV, Comedy Central, BET, and Food Network—but it skips locals and sports. Philo gives you everything else for half the price, so if you want to watch the nightly news or Sunday football, you can watch live with an antenna. Plus, the subscription includes thousands of hours of shows, movies, classics and originals on AMC+.
How Philo compares to YouTube TV
Philo is a slimmed-down version of YouTube TV without the big-ticket channels. Great for background live TV, on-demand classics and binge-worthy reality marathons, but not for live sports or local news. Philo has limited add-ons and is perfect for those who love to watch lifestyle and reality TV. In addition to the over 70 live channels and AMC+ sub included in the Core plan, Philo offers over 100 free channels, the ability to create up to 10 profiles, and stream on up to 3 devices at the same time. Record and relive your favorites with unlimited DVR and save them for up to one year.
Try Philo risk-free with a 7-day free trial.
DIRECTV: The Traditionalist Streaming Option
- Starting Price: $34.99 for Genre Packs | $84.99 for Signature Package
- Channels: up to 60+ (Genre Packs) | up to 150+ (Signature Package)
- DVR: Unlimited (with 9-month storage)
- Discount & Trials: Try DIRECTV for Free 5 Days
DIRECTV, formerly known as DIRECTV STREAM, is the closest thing to traditional cable in the streaming world and a solid alternative to YouTube TV. If you’re looking for regional sports networks (RSNs), this is your best bet, as it offers many in a robust channel lineup. Unlike cable, DIRECTV offers streaming with no contracts, no hidden fees, and a subscription includes unlimited cloud DVR storage.
DIRECTV offers Genre Packs, which are a lineup of genre-specific networks. MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol make up the four different Genre packs. Additionally, DIRECTV’s Signature Packages are your more traditional tiers that give you access to a wide range of programming. With multiple tiers, regional sports options, and more channels at higher tiers, that means you will be paying more.
How DIRECTV compares to YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers RSNs in limited markets, while DIRECTV STREAM has broader access, especially for NBA, NHL, and MLB fans. Both offer unlimited DVR, and DIRECTV has genre-specific options for half the price, although YouTube TV has a more intuitive user interface and better mobile experience.
New subscribers can try DIRECTV for 5 days free.
Sling TV: The Customizable Budget Option
- Starting Price: $46 per month for Orange or Blue (or $60 per month for both)
- Channels: 30–45, depending on plan
- DVR: 50 hours included, upgrade to unlimited hours available
- Discounts & Trials: Save 50% on the First Month of Sling TV
Sling TV is like a build-your-own-cable service. You choose which lineup works from you with the Sling Orange plan (ESPN, Disney) or Sling Blue plan (Fox, NBC, Discovery), or combine (Sling Orange & Blue) them for more channels. It’s cheaper and has a lot of customizations with a la carte extras for news, sports, and more.
How Sling TV compares to YouTube TV
If you’re trying to cut costs and don’t mind fewer locals, Sling TV can save you $30+ per month. For sports fans, Sling has you covered with ESPN, FS1, TNT, NFL Network, and the ability to add-on NBA TV, MLB Network, and NHL Network; however, there is no local CBS access. YouTube TV offers a more complete package out of the box, including all major broadcast networks and unlimited DVR, but Sling puts the power in your hands and allows you to add what you want and pay for what you want to. And Sling also offers Sling Freestream, which has over 600 channels you can watch for no additional charge.
New subscribers can get half off their first month.
Fubo: The Sports-First Streaming Giant
- Starting Price: $84.99/month
- Channels: 220+
- DVR: Unlimited hours of cloud DVR
- Discounts & Trials: Try Fubo for Free & Save $30 on the First Month
Fubo originally launched as a soccer-centric platform over a decade ago, and has since evolved into a full-service streaming provider, but sports is still its beating heart. With tons of regional sports and international channels, it’s ideal for the fan who never misses a game. Although Fubo doesn’t carry Warner Bros. Discovery network, including CNN and TNT, you can find live games and more WBD content streaming on Max. With unlimited DVR, simultaneous streams on up to 10 screens, and skinny options of standalone subscriptions to Hallmark+, NBA League Pass, Paramount+ with Showtime, FanDuel Sports Networks, and more, Fubo sets itself apart from the rest.
How Fubo compares to YouTube TV
Fubo beats YouTube TV in sports variety, especially when it comes to local fans, international, and niche leagues. However, it lacks some mainstream channels (like TNT), which can be a dealbreaker for NBA fans. Although with a Max subscription, sports fans can work around, and you can get nearly 200 more channels for no additional charge with Fubo Free included.
New subscribers can try Fubo for free and get $30 off their first month.
Hulu + Live TV: The All-in-One Bundle
- Starting Price: $82.99/month (includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+)
- Channels: 95+
- DVR: Unlimited with 9-month storage
- Discounts & Trials: Try Hulu + Live TV for 3 Days Free
Hulu + Live TV is perfect for those who love live TV and streaming bundles. The platform offers over 90 live TV channels, Hulu’s full on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+ in one package. It’s perfect for households with different viewing needs, from Marvel fans, reality TV addicts, sports fans, and everything in between. It includes unlimited DVR with storage up to 9 months, up to two simultaneous streams, with the ability to upgrade to more, and a strong on-demand catalog of channels. Some RSNs are included as well. For those who need customization, Hulu + Live TV also has limited channel add-ons.
How Hulu + Live TV compares to YouTube TV
Hulu + Live TV gives you more bang for your buck if you care about on-demand shows and family-friendly content. With ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu included, it unlocks a treasure trove and sports and content for the whole family that you can’t find on YouTube TV. The live TV lineups are nearly identical, with some differences, but Hulu + Live TV is a great alternative for those with families.
New and eligible subscribers can try Hulu for free for three days.
Which Live TV Streamer Is Right for You
If you’re exploring alternatives to YouTube TV, these six options have their pros and cons. If you’re looking for lower costs and do need news or sports channels, Frndly TV and Philo are perfect budget-friendly options. If you want live sports, genre-specific networks, or the full comprehensive experience, then DIRECTV will have something for you. Fubo is another great option for sports fans who love entertainment and news. Meanwhile, Hulu + Live TV is a must-have for on-demand content mixed with live TV and family-friendly programming. Lastly, cord cutters who are searching for live TV and affordability, Sling TV should meet your needs.
Outside of live TV services, you can find thousands of hours of content on numerous free services, including Plex, Tubi, Pluto, MyFree DIRECTV, Prime Video, and Sling Freestream. These free services are great because you can find movies, shows, originals, and more that can supplement some of the programming that’s not found on live TV networks. Additionally, if you want to save money and still watch movies, shows, originals, and live sports, numerous paid platforms could fill the void left by YouTube TV in your lineup, including Hulu, ESPN+, Prime Video, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Peacock, Starz, Disney+, and Max.
Since many platforms offer free trials, use them to decide if they are the perfect fit for you and your viewing habits. When you’re ready to switch from YouTube TV, and try something new, click the video below to find out how to cancel or pause your YouTube TV subscription.