As the cost of live programming continues to rise, cord cutters continue to find ways to watch the shows they love for free or without breaking the bank. Recently, Disney announced it was increasing subscriptions to its streaming platforms, including Hulu + Live TV.
With Disney’s live TV streaming package rising to $89.99 per month on October 21, many Hulu + Live TV households are re-evaluating their choices. Saving money, better sports coverage, local channels, DVR features, and multi-view are just some of the things to keep in mind when making the switch.
We’ve looked at alternatives to Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, but for those who need live TV, don’t worry, you don’t have to return to cable packages. If you’re upset at Hulu + Live TV and are shopping for a new live-TV home, here are six realistic alternatives to try before next month’s price hike goes into effect.
Which One Should You Consider?
Short Guide: What Matters Most to You?
The right alternative to Hulu + Live TV will depend on your needs and viewing habits, as each service has something that separates itself from the competition. To help decide which streaming service is best for you, here’s a quick glance at how each stands out:
- Budget-Friendly: Frndly TV or Philo.
- Best DVR, Family Sharing & Simple U/I: YouTube TV
- Top Sports Coverage: Fubo
- Cable Style Packages with local/RSN support: DIRECTV
- Trim Channels & Customizable: Sling TV
Additionally, you can watch many live TV channels for free with an antenna. Using a tool like Antennas Direct can help you determine which local stations are in your area and what antenna to use for an optimal signal. Plus, if you combined an antenna with a media server like Plex or a device like Tablo, you can record live programming with DVR.
DIRECTV
Compared to Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV brings the traditional TV experience and is best if you want full channel lineups, including local feeds and Regional Sports Networks, or skinnier genre bundles.
- Price & plans: Streaming packages often start with promotional prices (ex: now $49.99 for the first month) and regular plan pricing is higher, but also offers affordable Genre Pack skinny-bundles and other promos.
- What you get: Large channel lineups (90+ in many tiers), unlimited cloud DVR, and multi-stream rules (commonly 3 streams off-site; unlimited streams on home network, and five-day free trial.
DIRECTV offers many popular channels that can be found on Hulu + Live TV, but it stands out as a true alternative. Built like a true cable replacement, DIRECTV also offers modern streaming perks. Some plans include Disney streaming services, Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited, so Hulu + Live TV subscribers won’t miss out on that.
Additionally, it comes with a larger channel count, and you can decide which plan fits your viewing habits, so you’re not paying for channels you don’t watch. Plus, the streamer offers customizable add-ons that are integrated within the app, premium channels, and a wide selection of Regional Sports Networks.
Though some plans are pricier than Hulu + Live TV, you can choose a Genre Pack, which is a skinny bundle focusing on a particular genre of content. Standard features include unlimited DVR, multi-streams, and multiview for no additional charge.
Thinking about leaving Hulu + Live TV? New and eligible subscribers can give DIRECTV a test drive with a 5-day free trial.
Fubo
If ESPN and live sports were the main reason you paid for Hulu + Live TV, Fubo delivers more sports channels, specialized feeds, and better international sports options.
- Price & plans: Fubo offers tiered plans, starting at $84.99 (first month for $54.99), discounted Quarterly Options, and customizable add-ons
- What you get: Broad sports channel lineups (national and international sports), robust channel selection, Unlimited DVR, optional Sports Plus/4K extras, watch on up to 10 screens simultaneously, and a five-day free trial.
If you want to save money, now is a great time to make the switch from Hulu + Live TV to Fubo. After your 5-day free trial, you can save $30 on the first month of your monthly plan. What sets Fubo apart from Hulu + Live TV is that Fubo is a sports-oriented streaming service, which means it has a wider selection of Regional Sports Networks. With RSNs, you can watch local NBA, NHL, and MLB games, and it features access to the ESPN Unlimited app for no additional charge.
Fubo offers three different plans to choose from and various add-ons to customize your viewing experience with the channels you want to watch. Plus, Fubo has a large lineup of international channels, so diehard sports fans can find the games they love domestically and across the world. Fubo doesn’t include any Warner Bros. Discovery channels (TNT, TBS, CNN, HGTV, Discovery Channel, etc.), but you can always find that content on HBO Max.
Notably, next year, the merger of Hulu + Live TV and Fubo is expected to be finalized. Details are still being ironed out between Disney and Fubo. For now, Fubo has quarterly payment options available; you can lock up the first three months with one payment of $224.97, which averages around $74.99 per month. Begin your five-day free trial at the link below.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a cheaper alternative to Hulu + Live TV and is ideal for those who only want a handful of channels and value flexibility. It stands heads and shoulders above the competition with its à la carte savings and broad customization options.
- Price & plans: Sling offers three traditional plans (from $46-$62 per month) and a skinny-bundle option ($20 per month), depending on promos and market. Sling also offers non-traditional low-cost passes: Daily, Weekly, Weekend, and a 5-month prepay.
- What you get: Ultimate pick-and-choose flexibility for payment, 50 hours of DVR included (unlimited upgrade available, Extras add-ons for customized content and features.
Where Hulu + Live TV brings the one-stop bundle experience of Disney+, and ESPN, Sling TV excels with flexibility and customization. Sling has traditional packages that capture content for everyone: Sling Orange has 30+ channels aimed at family entertainment and sports and Sling Blue includes 40+ networks that are great for news and general entertainment. Both of these packages start at $45.99 per month, but you can combine the best of both with Sling Orange & Blue with 50+ channels for $60.99 per month.
Leaving Hulu + Live TV and want to drastically reduce your expenses? The Sling Select plan has 10+ channels, including FS1, NFL Network, FOX News, and others, for as low as $19.99 per month.
If you just want to watch an event or binge a series and do not need a monthly plan, Sling offers Passes for a low price. Choose from 24-hour access with a Day Pass ($4.99), Friday-Sunday access with a Weekend Pass ($9.99), or 7-day access with a Week Pass ($14.99). Conversely, for season watchers, Sling has a 5-month Season Pass option starting at $199, which comes out to around $45.99 per month.
Sling’s local channel coverage can be thinner, as select plans include FOX, ABC, and NBC in select markets. But with an antenna or the customizable Extra add-ons, you can add additional networks to your base plan for a comprehensive and low-cost viewing experience. Plus, Sling Freestream gives you 600+ free, ad-supported channels.
YouTube TV
With next month’s price hike, YouTube TV often outshines many Hulu + Live TV alternatives due to its competitive pricing, premium features, and easy-to-use interface.
- Price & plans: Base plan starts at $82.99 per month after free trial, (massive discounts and promos). Add-ons like 4K Plus, channel packages and enable unlimited at-home streams and downloads.
- What you get: Large channel lineup (100+), Unlimited Cloud DVR storage with long retention, 6 account logins, and robust device support, plus 4K add-on for higher-quality streams and unlimited household streaming.
When compare to other Hulu + Live TV alternatives, YouTube TV has the top overall live TV tech and is one of the best options for those who value simplicity. With 100+ channels, the platform offers something for everyone, including news, family-friendly content, live sports and general entertainment.
Unlimited DVR storage for up to 9 months to store your favorites, and you can watch up to four shows on one screen with Multiview for no additional charge. Though it doesn’t have as many RSNs as other services on this list, it does offer many local channels and a comprehensive lineup of national networks.
There isn’t a better time to switch to YouTube TV if you want to save on your monthly bills. After your free trial, new subscribers can save $100, with a $20 monthly discount for the first 5 months. Don’t miss out before this deal ends on September 30.
Frndly TV
Frndly is a great cut-price choice if your viewing skews toward feel-good and lifestyle content or Hallmark classics. It won’t replace sports or local offerings on Hulu + Live TV, but it will drastically slash your monthly cost and fill niche tastes.
- Price & plans: Entry plans start very low ($6.99 per month after a 7-day trial), with monthly or annual billing available.
- What you get: 50+ family-friendly channels (Hallmark suite, A&E, History, Lifetime), 72-hour lookback and DVR features, and modest simultaneous-stream allowances depending on plan.
Say goodbye to the high costs of Hulu + Live TV, but don’t get mad, get Frndly. The live TV platform highlights an ultra-cheap family and lifestyle lineup of content, making it a top pick for those who need Hallmark and Lifetime. Though it doesn’t boast the same lineup as Hulu + Live TV, sports fans can enjoy live games, including WNBA and NWSL, on ION. Combined with an antenna, you can replace Hulu + Live TV with a streaming lineup of under $10 and still enjoy your favorite shows, sports, local news, and events on broadcast TV.
Outside of 50+ live TV channels, you can find on-demand content, unlimited DVR, 72-hour Lookback, and HD video quality for cheap. Plus, Frndly TV lets new subscribers enjoy the service for 7 days free, so you can get a feel for it and decide f it is right for you before subscribing monthly or annually.
Philo
Philo is a Hulu + Live TV alternative at a fraction of the cost, and is made for those whose viewing habits lean heavily toward entertainment, lifestyle, and cable TV dramas rather than live sports or local broadcasts.
- Price & plans: Extremely budget-friendly, commonly around $28 per month after a free seven-day trial
- What you get: 70+ entertainment channels (AMC classic catalogs, lifestyle, cable staples), unlimited cloud DVR options, multiple profiles and streams.
The Philo Core plan offers huge monthly savings versus Hulu + Live TV, making it ideal for households that watch cable shows and movie/series binges. Philo doesn’t have major sports networks, local news, or local broadcast stations, but it brings value with more than 70 channels and AMC+ included. BET, A&E, AMC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, Lifetime, TLC and Discovery are just a few of the notable top networks included. Pair it with an antenna for locals and it’s a lean, low-cost Hulu + Live TV replacement.
Rewatch and enjoy your recordings for up to 12 months with Unlimited DVR, which is 3 months longer than Hulu + Live TV and others. Philo allows you to create up to 10 profiles, maximizing a personalized experience and you can stream on up to three devices. Unlock more shows and movies with available add-ons, or stream more than 100 free channels with Philo Free.
New subscribers who make the jump from Hulu + Live TV can watch Philo for free for 7 days.
What to Remember
When switching from Hulu + Live TV to another service, the most important thing to remember is that no single platform covers everything. Each of the alternatives (DIRECTV, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Frndly TV, and Philo) has its own strengths and limitations depending on what your household enjoys.
Always consider what channels and events are non-negotiable, or if the financials and features match your needs. Price, DVR storage, simultaneous streams, and available add-ons can make one service a better fit for your specific needs than another.
You might find success when combining a live TV service with an antenna, or utilizing a number of free ad-supported television platforms, such as Plex, Tubi, Pluto, MyFree DIRECTV, Prime Video, and Sling Freestream. Or if a live TV service is missing your favorite show or sporting event, you have other options like Prime Video, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Peacock, Starz, and Max to choose from.
Before committing, take advantage of free trials and promotional discounts by testing a service for a week or two. This is the best way to see if it really replaces Hulu + Live TV for your household and determine if you want to subscribe.