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Philo and Sling are the clearest lower-cost places to start if you want to replace YouTube TV, but neither matches its full mix of channels and features. Philo is aimed at entertainment and lifestyle viewing; Sling offers lower-priced plans with different channel mixes. Both can mean giving up local stations, sports, DVR capacity, or household streams. Check the exact lineup for your ZIP code and the channels you rely on before cancelling.
How much cheaper are the alternatives?
The prices below are regular monthly prices in a comparison updated September 12, 2026. Promotions and discounts are excluded. Channel counts and local-channel availability vary by plan and location, so confirm both the provider’s current checkout price and your household’s ZIP-code lineup before subscribing.
| Service and plan | Monthly price | Published lineup | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV main plan | $82.99 | 100+ channels | Includes local stations, sports, news, and entertainment; YouTube TV lists unlimited cloud DVR and up to six household accounts. YouTube TV; price and channel count: Cord Cutters News (2026). |
| Sling Select | $19.99 | 10+ channels | A pared-down selection focused on sports and news, not a broad substitute for YouTube TV. Cord Cutters News (2026). |
| Sling Orange | $45.99 | 30+ channels | Leans more toward ESPN and Disney programming. Cord Cutters News (2026); DIRECTV Insider (2026). |
| Sling Blue | $45.99 | 40+ channels | Includes more FOX and NBC channels; local stations are available in some locations. Cord Cutters News (2026); DIRECTV Insider (2026). |
| Sling Orange & Blue | $60.99 | 50+ channels | Combines the two Sling lineups; check the plan’s current channel list for your market. Cord Cutters News (2026). |
| Philo | $25 | 70+ channels | Primarily entertainment and lifestyle channels; it does not provide local broadcast stations or major sports in the comparison. Cord Cutters News (2026); DIRECTV Insider (2026). |
| DIRECTV Entertainment streaming plan | $89.99 | 90+ channels | Not cheaper than YouTube TV at the listed regular price. DIRECTV Genre Packs start at $20.99, but are narrower products, not equivalent full lineups. Cord Cutters News (2026); DIRECTV comparison page. |
| Fubo Sports + News | $64.99 | 23 channels | The cited comparison says NBC local stations are excluded from this plan; confirm other local and regional sports availability by market. Cord Cutters News (2026). |
| Fubo Pro | $88.99 | 212 channels | Costs more than YouTube TV at the listed price; the cited comparison says NBC local stations are excluded. Cord Cutters News (2026). |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99 | 95+ channels | Costs more than YouTube TV in the comparison and includes local stations and bundled on-demand services. Cord Cutters News (2026). |
Kiplinger’s 2026 price cross-check also lists YouTube TV at $82.99, Hulu + Live TV at $89.99, and Sling packages ranging from $19.99 to $60.99. Kiplinger (2026).
Which service fits your viewing?
Choose Philo if entertainment channels matter most
Philo’s $25 monthly price can make sense if your household mainly watches entertainment and lifestyle programming and can live without local broadcast stations and major sports. Its channel count may look substantial beside the price, but it is not a one-for-one replacement for YouTube TV: the channels and viewing needs it covers are different.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Choose Sling for a lower-priced, selectable lineup
Sling Select is the lowest-priced listed option, at $19.99 a month, but its 10+ channels make it a focused package rather than a broad live-TV replacement. Orange and Blue each cost $45.99 and emphasize different channels; Orange leans toward ESPN and Disney programming, while Blue carries more FOX and NBC channels and may include local stations in some locations. Orange & Blue combines the two for $60.99. Check the individual channel list for the package and market you would actually use.
Do not assume a sports plan covers your teams or local games
“Sports” can refer to national sports channels, regional sports networks, local affiliates, or particular event rights. These are not interchangeable. DIRECTV says regional sports availability depends on market and package, and the cited Fubo comparison excludes NBC locals from both listed plans. Before choosing a service, verify the specific local affiliates, regional sports networks, league channels, and event rights needed for your teams and competitions. DIRECTV’s comparison page is a provider-authored source, not an independent ranking. DIRECTV plan comparison.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Compare household features, not just channel counts
The September 2026 comparison lists unlimited DVR for YouTube TV, DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and Philo, and 50 hours included with Sling, with an upgrade option. It lists simultaneous streams as three for YouTube TV, ten on Fubo’s home network, two for Hulu + Live TV at the listed base price, and three for Philo; Sling’s stream allowance depends on package. Consider whether everyone in the household can watch at once and whether the included DVR capacity works for how you record. These figures are from the comparison, not hands-on testing, and provider terms can change. Cord Cutters News (2026).
Consider bundles only if you will use them
Hulu + Live TV costs more than the listed YouTube TV plan, but bundled on-demand services may be useful if your household already wants them. Fubo Pro also costs more than YouTube TV in the comparison, while Fubo Sports + News is cheaper but has a much smaller channel selection. A bundle is not a saving if you would not otherwise pay for its included services.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
How to check before you switch
- List what your household watches. Include must-have channels, local broadcast affiliates, regional sports networks, and specific live events for each person.
- Check each plan’s lineup for your ZIP code. Use the provider’s current channel lookup or checkout flow; a national channel chart does not confirm what is available at your address.
- Work out the recurring total. Compare the plan that actually carries your channels, then add any required upgrades or add-ons, including a DVR upgrade if needed.
- Check streams and recording needs. Make sure the service’s simultaneous-stream allowance and DVR capacity suit your household.
- Review the checkout terms. Confirm the current promotional and post-promotion price, trial availability, and cancellation rules on the provider’s own site before changing subscriptions.
Prices, features, promotions, and regional lineups can change. The comparison prices above were updated September 12, 2026; provider pages were accessed October 7, 2026. Use them as a dated comparison, not a guarantee of the price or lineup currently offered.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
