Looking for an affordable way to watch live TV after DISH Network announced a $5 per month price hike next month? Before the price increase takes effect on September 11, DISH customers have several other options to reduce costs and keep the live programming they love.
If you’re weighing your options, beyond buying an antenna, here are a few notable live TV streaming services worth trying.
Best Live TV Alternatives to DISH Network in 2025
Many customers are ditching TV satellite service like DISH for more user-friendly streaming services such as Sling TV, Frndly TV, Philo, DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. These services do not require bulky equipment, no installation fees or long-term contracts, and you can watch across several devices, including Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, and Apple TV.
Sling TV Offers the Most Flexibility
Whether you’re dipping your toes into the world of streaming or want a comprehensive plan at an affordable price, Sling TV has a plan for you. As a subsidiary of DISH Network, Sling offers a familiar channel lineup but without the need for a satellite dish.
Sling TV Highlights
- Flexible Plans: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Seasonal Passes
- DVR: Includes 50 hours, Unlimited available
- Price: Starts at $4.99
Sling TV offers unmatched flexibility compared to other services in the live TV streaming space. Plans include a 24-hour access Day Pass ($4.99); Friday-Sunday Weekend Pass ($9.99); 7-day access Week Pass ($14.99); the traditional 24/7 access Monthly subscription (starting at $45.99 per month); or the best deal, pay upfront for the 5-month Season Pass (starting at $199).
When it comes to the channel lineup, Sling offers a diverse lineup featuring the most popular sports, entertainment, news, and lifestyle networks. Content varies depending on which programming plan you choose: Sling Select, Sling Blue, Sling Orange, and Sling Orange & Blue. Each plan includes 50 hours of DVR storage, access to Sling’s free on-demand library, and available add-ons for a customizable experience.
Choosing Between Sling Select, Sling Orange, Sling Blue, Sling Orange & Blue
Switching from DISH Network and wanting to downsize your budget and channel offerings, then Sling’s skinny-bundle may be right for you. Sling Select is only available as a $19.99 per month, Monthly option. The plan packs more than 10 channels, including FOX News, FS1, FX, NFL Networks, Vice, Lifetime Movie Network, and, in select markets, local ABC, NBC, and FOX networks.
With more than 32 channels, Sling Orange is great for sports fans and families with a lineup featuring ESPN networks, TNT, CNN, HGTV, and other popular networks. Sling Orange is available in all of the aforementioned Pass options.
Subscribe to Sling Blue to watch more than 40 live channels, including top-rated news and entertainment networks. This plan is available in a $45.99 per month Monthly option or the $199 five-month prepay Season Pass.
Get the most out of Sling by subscribing to the Sling Orange & Blue for the full lineup of the best sports, news, entertainment, lifestyle, and local channels the platform offers. With 50+ channels, the plan is available Monthly for $60.99 per month or get five months for $274 upfront with the Seasonal Pass.
Frndly TV Offers Live TV for Less Than $8 Per Month
Another great DISH Network alternative that won’t break the bank is Frndly TV. For less than $0.27 per day, the budget-friendly streamer packs value that you can’t find anywhere else.
Frndly TV Highlights
- Channels: 50+ channels & on-demand content
- DVR: Unlimited
- Price: Starts at $6.99 per month
A highlight of Frndly is that it offers popular channels and thousands of hours of on demand content. Networks available in the streamer 50+ lineup include Lifetime, History Channel, Vice, Game Show Network, Weather Channel, A&E and Hallmark.
With three plans to choose from, you can upgrade to unlimited DVR storage for 3 months with the Classic plan for $9.99 per month, or get the Premium plan for $11.99 per month and watch on up to 4 screens at once with 9 months of unlimited DVR storage. All plans include a 7-day free trial.
Philo Packs Popular Networks Without The Filler
DISH Network alternatives such as Philo are also great for those who want popular channels at an affordable price. The budget-friendly streamer offers more than 70 channels in its Core plan.
Philo Highlights
- 200+ Channels: 70+ Channels in Core plan, 110+ in Free Channel
- DVR: Unlimited
- Price: Starts at $28 per month
After a 7-day free trial, Philo’s Core plan packs more than 70 popular channels across entertainment and 75,000+ on-demand favorites. The paid plan also includes a subscription to AMC+, and you can watch across multiple devices. Philo offers the ultimate streaming experience with customizable profiles featuring personalized recommendations, and you can record and rewatch your favorites up to a year with unlimited DVR storage. Additionally, Philo includes more than 110 free channels, packing a wide range of content without the hefty fee.
Switch From DISH Network and Stream With DIRECTV
DIRECTV is a strong consideration for those looking for a DISH Network alternative featuring premium alternatives and a comprehensive lineup of channels. DIRECTV and DISH Network have been titans in the satellite space but DIRECTV’s streaming service offers a diverse range of popular and local, and national networks.
DIRECTV Highlights
- Personalization: Offers skinny-bundle Genre Packs and the traditional Signature Packages
- DVR: Unlimited
- Price: Plans Starting at $19.99 per month
The DIRECTV Genre Packs are the perfect option for those who want a DISH Network alternative that doesn’t break the bank but has the channels you need. Additionally, you can mix and match to create the perfect Genre Pack combo: choosing from MyKids ($19.99 per month), MyEntertainment ($29.99 per month), MiEspañol ($29.99 per month), MyNews ($39.99 per month), MySports ($59.99 per month).
Explore DIRECTV Genre Packs HERE
The DIRECTV Signature Packages bring a more traditional lineup of channels that DISH Network customers are familiar with. The Entertainment plan is the base plan featuring more than 90 channels, Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN included for $84.99 per month. Take it up a notch with the Choice plan of 125+ channels, including live sports on RSNs, MLB Network, NBA TV, and more for only $89.99 per month. The next tier is the 160+ channel Ultimate plan for $119.99 per month, and the final tier is the Premier option of more than 185 channels, including premium networks, for $164.99 per month. You can save on each plan with DIRECTV’s current promotions and discounts.
Every plan from DIRECTV includes unlimited DVR storage and a five-day free trial for new subscribers.
Fubo Brings Live Sports & Entertainment
Fubo made its mark as a sports-oriented streaming service and has risen to one of the best DISH Network alternatives streaming today.
Fubo Highlights
- Built for Local Sports: Fubo streams top RSNs and national networks
- DVR: Unlimited
- Price: Starts at $84.99 per month
Fubo offers over 200 channels in its base plan, Pro plan, for only $84.99 per month. The sports-oriented live TV streaming platform has local sports on RSNs, many top-rated national networks, and other local broadcast channels. Upgrade to the Elite with Sports Plus plan for $104.99 per month, featuring more than 319 channels to get the best of Fubo. The plan includes 4K, and if you need to customize your viewing experience, Fubo has a strong selection of add-ons.
With Fubo, you get up to 10 simultaneous screens, and you can record and rewatch with unlimited Cloud DVR storage.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers and big discounts and promotions.
A Network Live on Hulu + Live TV
A stellar DISH Network alternative, especially for Disney lovers and sports fans, is Hulu + Live TV. The live TV streaming service packs exceptional value compared to its contemporaries due to its live and streaming options.
Hulu + Live TV Highlights
- On-Demand & Live Content: 95+ Live Channels, Hulu & Disney+ Libraries and ESPN Unlimited Events
- DVR: Unlimited
- Price: Click here for the latest Hulu + Live TV pricing, trials, and promotions.
Hulu + Live TV has 95+ live channels, access to the growing on-demand libraries of Disney+ and Hulu, as well as live sports streaming on ESPN Unlimited for only $82.99 per month. The platform offers add-ons to customize your plan and watch more of your favorites. Record your favorite shows, movies, and much more for up to 9 months with unlimited DVR storage.
Try Hulu + Live free for 3 days at the link below.
YouTube TV Exceeds At Ease + Overall Value
Transitioning to the right DISH Network alternative doesn’t have to be hard. YouTube TV has been a favorite for many cord cutters due to its easy-to-use interface and lineup of channels.
YouTube TV Highlights
- Channels: 100+
- DVR: Unlimited
- Price: Starts at $82.99 per month
Stream over 100 channels, including the nation’s most-watched news, entertainment, lifestyle, and sports networks. Customizable add-ons include NFL Sunday Ticket, the official home of out-of-market games. The service includes tons of on-demand content featuring popular movies and show, record and rewatch your favorites with unlimited DVR, and share up to six accounts per household for a personalized expereince.
For a limited time, new subscribers can get their first 3 months of YouTube TV for only $49.99 per month after a free trial.
