YouTube TV alternatives 2026: licensed services to switch to and free options
Google · tv.youtube.com
If YouTube TV is missing a channel, costs too much or caps your streams, these are the licensed alternatives in the same market: Fubo, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV Stream, Philo. Each entry says when switching makes sense, and the free public-broadcaster apps cover the basics at no cost. No unlicensed service is listed here.
Alternatives compared
| Plan | Monthly price | Simultaneous streams | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $82.99/month | 3 | 10 days |
| Fubo | from $84.99/month | 10 | 7 days (varies by promotion) |
| Sling TV | from $45.99/month | 3 | None; first-month discounts instead |
| Hulu + Live TV | from $82.99/month | 2 | 3 days (varies) |
| DIRECTV Stream | $89.99/month | Unlimited at home | 5 days |
| Philo | $25/month | 3 | 7 days |
When to switch
Fubo
Switch to Fubo if: Best for fans of regional teams and international soccer; check the regional sports fee for your ZIP code before you decide.
Sling TV
Switch to Sling TV if: Best for cord-cutters who know the handful of cable channels they need and already get locals from an antenna.
Hulu + Live TV
Switch to Hulu + Live TV if: Best for families who want Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu originals alongside live TV in one bill.
DIRECTV Stream
Switch to DIRECTV Stream if: Best for sports fans who need both TNT and their regional sports network; shop the genre packs before the full tiers.
Philo
Switch to Philo if: Best for entertainment-only viewers who get local channels from an antenna and never watch live sports.
Free legal alternatives
- Pluto TV: Paramount-owned, 350+ live channels including CBS News, news, sport replays and themed movie channels. No account needed.
- Tubi: Fox-owned, 200+ live channels and the largest free on-demand film library.
- The Roku Channel: 400+ live channels; works in a browser and on every Roku device.
- Sling Freestream: Sling’s free tier: 500+ channels, no card required.
- Xumo Play: Comcast and Charter’s FAST service with NBC News Now and local news.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to YouTube TV?
Fubo for most people; the right one depends on the channel or sport you are switching for, which the table shows per service.
Is there a cheaper alternative to YouTube TV?
The table lists the entry price of every licensed rival in United States; the public-broadcaster apps are free.
Can I run two services at once?
Yes; monthly plans without a contract make it easy to keep one all year and add another for a season.
Are cheap IPTV subscriptions an alternative?
No. Services offering thousands of channels for a few units of currency are unlicensed; the legality page for United States explains the risks.
Will I lose recordings if I switch?
Yes, cloud recordings stay with the old service. Watch or note anything you need before cancelling.