Top 5 YouTube TV Alternatives for Sports and Entertainment

It has been two weeks since Disney and YouTube TV failed to reach a new carriage agreement, and major networks, including ESPN and ABC, remain excluded from the YouTube TV channel lineup. This is a signpost for certain viewers’ plans, particularly those related to sports. There are several YouTube TV alternatives available to help those who want to switch live streams.

We’ve reviewed all you should be aware of about the top 5 YouTube TV alternatives, including costs, channels, and any free trial offers. Our recommendations are based upon our extensive testing of the various services, including those we frequently use in our homes. Like YouTube TV, all the services we’ve reviewed offer a month-to-month subscription, allowing you to cancel at any time without being bound to a lengthy contract. This way, you can continue to use YouTube TV in the future.

5 Best YouTube TV Alternatives

1. DirecTV

DirecTV is the most comprehensive Live TV streamer that we’ve evaluated and is our best recommendation for YouTube TV alternatives. It provides robust coverage for local networks and every cable channel imaginable through its many options and additional add-ons. This is the sole live TV streaming service, other than YouTube TV, that doesn’t have any key channels that aren’t available.

The signature plans of DirecTV, which operate as YouTube TV, start at $89.99 per month with the Entertainment package, which includes over 90+ channels. All DirecTV Signature plans (Entertainment and above) come with access to ESPN Unlimited. If you sign up for either of them with a Gemini device (and the lease fee associated with it), you’ll also get the advertising-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle.

DirecTV also released new genre packs this year that are more affordable and specific to genres. If sports are the primary feature you’re missing from YouTube TV’s blackouts, you may want to consider MySports, the DirecTV MySports bundle. MySports costs $69.99 per month and includes more than 20 sports channels. You also get access to ESPN Unlimited. DirecTV plans include a five-day free trial for new customers. Additionally, several subscription tiers offer other promotional offers for new customers. Learn more about them in the DirecTV Review, along with a detailed guide on DirecTV category packs.

Pros

• Extensive on-demand content
• Premium add-ons like HBO Max, STARZ, and Paramount+ with Showtime
• Feels similar to traditional cable

Cons

• The interface isn’t the smoothest
• Signature plans can get pricey

Also read: How to Download YouTube Videos for Free

2. ESPN Unlimited

If you’re worried about not being able to catch the sports coverage on channels owned by Disney, then ESPN Unlimited is the way to go. The sports updated app offers a complete stream of live ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN on ABC, ESPNU, the ACC Network, SEC Network, and other channels. It also provides ESPN+ streaming exclusives, which are particularly useful for tracking college football games that aren’t broadcast nationally.

ESPN+ costs $29.99 a month. There are various bundles available that could help you save money every month.

Pros

• Cheapest direct live-streaming option for ESPN
• Complete lineup of ESPN networks

Cons

• Still on the expensive side for a single-service option

3. Sling TV

Sling TV is the best alternative to YouTube TV for streaming live TV. Its Sling Orange plan costs $45.99 for a month (or less when you only need a weekend or one-day pass) and comes with ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Disney Channel, and thirty additional live TV channels.

If you’re looking for a service similar to YouTube TV, particularly one that includes, go with the Sling Blue + Orange bundle for $60.99 monthly. It offers around 50 channels ranging from news to sports in Orange, blue, and green. Sling Blue also includes well-known entertainment, news, lifestyle, and sports channels, which include Disney-owned FX. Local channels, such as ABC, are also included; availability is dependent on your location.

Are you not focused on ESPN? Sling Select is a good alternative. Sling Select plan begins at $19.99 per month. It comes with FX as well as a few other channels, and some local channels in specific regions. It’s a low-cost, simple choice for anyone considering YouTube TV alternatives.

Pros

• Multiple low-cost starter plans
• Sports and local-network options
• Stream on four devices at once

Cons

• Limited local channel availability and no CBS
• Add-ons can make it expensive

4. Fubo

Fubo is our top sports streaming service for live TV, offering over 200 channels on the Pro plan for $84.99 per month. Fubo Pro offers key networks like ESPN, FX, and local channels. The Pro and Elite plans, which come with Sports Plus plans, are the best YouTube TV alternatives due to their extensive regional sports lineups and exclusive international sports selections. The streamer has also recently announced an affordable Fubo Sports + News plan priced at $55.99 per month, which gives access to 29 of the most popular stations (including ABC and ESPN). Each of the Fubo plan (except those on the Latino plan) provide you with access to ESPN Unlimited.

Keep in mind that Warner Bros. networks (like TNT, CNN, and TBS) aren’t accessible on Fubo. Additionally, AMC isn’t included, and NBC isn’t available in the Sports + News bundle (although it’s continued on Fubo Elite and Elite that include Sports Plus). Fubo plans include a five-day free trial and offer a discount for new users. These vary from $10 to $30 off the first month’s service.

Pros

• Massive channel library
• Great sports coverage
• Tiered plans for every budget

Cons

• Some sports channels are locked behind add-ons
• Costs increase quickly with extras
• Missing several popular networks like AMC, TNT, TBS, and CNN

Also read: 7 Best Project Free TV Alternatives for Safe Free Streaming

5. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is one of the best free YouTube TV alternatives, offering a wide range of premium-quality content. It is home to major TV shows and films you’ll surely recognize. It offers a diverse range of shows, including classics such as The Andy Griffith Show, and staples of contemporary TV like Criminal Minds.

Unlike most other YouTube TV alternatives, which only provide content available on demand, Pluto TV gives you both linear and on-demand content. You can look up specific shows and movies that are available immediately or select one of several channels to stream “whatever’s on.” You can filter live TV choices by categories like K-drama, real crime, or browse through the channels’ selections to find out what’s currently playing and what’s scheduled for the next.

Pros

• Completely free to use
• Offers both live channels and on-demand shows
• Wide variety of popular movies and TV series
• Easy to use on multiple devices

Cons

• No premium channels like ESPN or HBO
• Limited sports and local channel coverage

Final Thoughts

Are you searching for the best YouTube TV alternatives in the wake of the ongoing blackout? A variety of streaming services, including DirecTV, ESPN+, Sling TV, Fubo, and Pluto TV, offer strong alternatives with a range of pricing options that include sports coverage and no long-term contract. They will ensure that you can access your favorite channels while the YouTube TV dispute is being resolved.

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