Home Cut the Cord YouTube YouTube TV The Best Youtube TV Alternatives in 2022
TechJunkie Expert Recommendations
Back in 2006, YouTube was one of the fastest-growing sites worldwide. In 2017, it maintained its position as the world’s largest video platform.
In the same year, it rolled out YouTube TV, a separate live TV streaming service. However, in 2021, issues rose due to fee disputes and the streaming service had to drop ESPN, ABC, as well as Disney Channels. Because of this, many have switched from YouTube TV to other streaming platforms so they can get access to such channels.
YouTube TV’s pricing is also one of the things that turn off subscribers. Hence, another reason for viewers to look for alternatives to the video platform giant
Luckily, there are far better platforms that you can enjoy other than YouTube TV. If you’re looking for the best substitutes or if you’re just curious, here are the top streaming services that streaming connoisseurs highly recommend.
Compatible With
FuboTV was founded before YouTube TV, and since day one, it has been offering a great viewing experience. Even if YouTube TV has topped it, it’s still an amazing platform. FuboTV focuses more on live-streaming sports, so if you’re a huge sports fan, this is the best YouTube TV alternative for you.
Here you can access a few significant local broadcast networks, as well as popular sports networks. This includes NBA TV, NFL Network, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and more. FuboTV also streams numerous popular shows, films, and news that your entire household will enjoy. But then, again, it’s more sports-focused.
What makes it a cut above the rest is its DVR. It offers unlimited access, unlike other platforms. With this, you can enjoy impressive 250 hours of cloud DVR if you subscribe. Plus, you can upgrade it with an added fee. The best part of it is that your access to the videos doesn’t expire unless you run out of space.
In terms of pricing, a subscription to FuboTV would cost you as low as $64.99 a month, but the rates may vary as the streaming service sometimes offer discounts and other limited-time offers.
Compatible With
Local TV options on Sling TV are obviously limited compared to those on YouTube TV. Here, you’ll get FOX in most markets, but other local channels are scarce. Depending on the plan, you’ll get a different selection of channels. ESPN and Disney are featured on Sling Orange, while FOX-branded networks such as FXX, FX, and Fox Sports are featured on Sling Blue.
But it’s still a pretty decent Youtube TV alternative, especially if you’re into sports. This is because this streaming service can provide you with a lot of sports add-ons. What makes it better than Youtube TV is its price. Sling’s plan rates are its main selling point. Yes, you may have fewer channels to stream, but you won’t see any other streaming service that can offer you a low price with good channels.
Speaking of prices, Sling offers different plans at different rates and features. For Sling Orange, you’ll only have to pay $35 a month. With this, you can enjoy more than 30 channels on a single device. Sling Blue has the same rate. But it allows you to view more than 45 channels and connect three devices.
If you want more channels, you should go for Sling Orange + Blue package. This lets you stream over 50 channels and connect four devices. However, this costs $50 a month. In spite of that, it still makes a great alternative, especially for those who are on a budget.
Compatible With
DirecTV Stream is also a well-known name when it comes to live-streaming, but it can also offer you on-demand programming and DVR storage. What makes it a good alternative to YouTube TV is that it has more total channel count. Local programs and cable channels are available on DIRECTV Stream. All of the main networks are available, as well as cable programming from A&E, BBC, CMT, Discovery Channel ESPN, HGTV, and Lifetime.
Additionally, it performs a better job of simulating a cable or satellite connection. In terms of price, however, DirecTV Stream costs more. For starters, this streaming service offers four subscription plans: Entertainment ($69.99 a month), Choice ($84.99 per month), Ultimate ($94.99 a month), and Premier ($139.99 a month). This is what might turn you off. Nevertheless, it’s actually worth it as it supports more channels.
Yes, DirecTV Stream subscription is quite expensive, but you can be sure that you make the most of every penny you spend as it has a wide selection of channels and is compatible with various devices.
Compatible With
Philo is the cheapest paid streaming platform out there. Needless to say, this is perfect for those who are on a budget, but just because Philo is cheap doesn’t mean you won’t get the quality that you need and deserve. It turns out this streaming service doesn’t skimp on its channel package of options.
What makes Philo great is that it takes the approach of “no sports, no locals.” Thanks to this, it can provide you with a large selection of channels that you won’t see on YouTube TV, which, of course, is a huge gain. This is one of the main reasons why viewers opt for this provider as a sub.
Because of its cheap price, it’s easier to subscribe to both services all at once, so you get the best of both worlds without breaking the bank. Speaking of rates, you can enjoy Philo for as low as $25 a month. This is less than half of the streaming giant’s price tag, which is $64.99 per month.
You can already enjoy more than 60 channels, including lifestyle channels, such as CMT, AMC, A&E, Paramount Network, Discovery Channel, History Channel, Science Channel, and Comedy Central, to name a few. In addition to that, you can enjoy a 30-day DVR experience, Starz and Epic add-ons, plus three simultaneous streams. If you think it’s too good to be true, you may see it for yourself and enjoy its seven-day trial for free.
Just by looking at its price, you’re already a winner with Philo. But, if you’ll look closer, you’ll find more channels that YouTube TV can’t give you, which is definitely a huge plus. You can use it as a Youtube TV substitute, or you can use both for a better viewing experience.
Compatible With
Hulu is one of the most popular streaming platforms today. Of course, it also makes a great substitute for YouTube TV. Both Hulu and YouTube TV can give you access to local channels. They also offer a huge variety of some of the best cable channels, such as NBC, ABC, FOX, and CBS. So, why switch to Hulu, you say?
Hulu’s biggest advantage is that it can give you more than 85,000 TV show episodes and films on-demand. What’s more, you can get on-demand content from the available channels. When it comes to pricing, though, Hulu’s plans are a little higher than YouTube TV’s basic plan. Hulu comes in at $69.99 a month. The good news is that you have more and better channels and libraries to enjoy.
When it comes to DVR, YouTube TV wins. It has a 9-month expiration date on videos and offers unlimited DVR storage. But don’t feel too discouraged. Hulu offers a 50-hour storage limit, which is still pretty generous. What’s more, you can expand it up to 200 hours with an add-on.
The downside is that Hulu has become stricter with its content in several locations, so some of its streaming content may not be available depending on your location. You might need to use a VPN to access its geo-restricted content, which requires more money. But, overall, it’s a great alternative to YouTube TV, considering you have more content to enjoy.
Compatible With
LocalBTV is yet another promising alternative to Youtube TV. With this, you can watch live and DVR-recorded over-the-air television streams on any Internet-connected device. LocalBTV has a similar concept to Locast and Aereo, where you can get access to local channels via streaming.
Subchannels like Antenna TV, Cozi TV, Buzzr, getTV, and bilingual channels are currently carried by LocalBTV. In some places, local PBS stations are available. A program guide and cloud DVR service are also included with the service’s app. For its price, it’s actually pretty cheap as its package starts at $5.99. But, local news and entertainment in certain languages, such as English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Spanish, to name a few, can be enjoyed for free. That is probably its biggest advantage over YouTube TV. It’s a pretty decent alternative to the latter.
If you don’t see an app that should be here, let us know what it is