5 Cheaper Youtube TV Alternatives

Updated on July 10, 2025 • Written & edited by our Staff

It’s hard to imagine now, but when YouTube TV first launched in 2017, it cost only $35/month. Now, it’s a staggering $83/month, similarly priced to competitors Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo. So, if you’re having a hard time keeping up with the costs, it helps to know that there are cheaper alternatives out there.

For instance, Sling TV’s plans remain relatively affordable at under $50/month. Meanwhile, internet providers like Xfinity and Spectrum give users access to live channels for a reasonable price. Then there are skinny bundles like the ones offered by DirecTV Stream. These bundles try to zero in on your interests so you can pay as little as possible for only the channels you want to watch. You can read more about leaner but affordable cordless alternatives in the list below.

$45.99/month | 33 channels

Sling TV Orange
Sling Orange is one of the plans offered by cable alternative Sling TV. It carries ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Disney Channel, MotorTrend, and Freeform, which you won’t find in Sling’s other plan, Sling Blue. With more than 30 channels and 50 hours of DVR, it’s reasonably priced at just $46/month. If you have money to spare, you can also add premium channels like Max and Starz for an extra fee. Pros
  • Carries Disney-owned channels like Disney Channel, ESPN, and MotorTrend
  • Add-ons include premium services like Max and Starz
Cons
  • Limited to one stream
Go to Sling TV Orange
$45.99/month | 46 channels

Sling TV Blue
Sling Blue is another plan offered by Sling TV. While it is missing the Disney properties found in Sling Orange, it has plenty of exclusive channels like NFL Network, FS1, truTV, FX, and Bravo, to name a few. It also offers local affiliates of ABC, FOX, and NBC to select markets, making it a closer alternative to YouTube TV than Sling Orange. If you do get local channels, however, you’re required to pay an extra $5/month in broadcast fees. Pros
  • Carries local channels in select markets
  • Allows three simultaneous streams
Go to Sling TV Blue
$28/month | 95 channels | 7 days free trial

Philo
Philo might be the farthest streaming service from YouTube TV in this list, given that it’s missing local channels and live sports. But if you’re not a big fan of either and prefer entertainment and lifestyle channels, then Philo is right up your alley. At just $28/month, you get over 60 channels, including favorites like AMC, HGTV, Lifetime, and Animal Planet. Pros
  • Can stack add-ons for more premium content
  • Unlimited DVR
Cons
  • Limited channels
  • No local news and live sports
Go to Philo
$8.99/month | 53 channels | 7 days free trial

Frndly TV
Like Philo, Frndly TV offers a limited set of channels, primarily focusing on lifestyle and entertainment. No sports and local channels here. But with plans starting at just $8.99/month, it's not a bad way to add live channels to your streaming lineup. The basic plan doesn't offer simultaneous streams and cloud DVR, but Frndly TV gives you the option to upgrade your plan to get those features. Pros
  • Has popular channels like Hallmark, INSP, and Lifetime
Cons
  • Limited channels and on-demand titles
  • No live sports and local news
Go to Frndly TV
Read also: The cheapest live TV services for cord-cutting in 2025

What are the cheapest YouTube TV alternatives?

The cheapest YouTube TV alternatives are Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Sling Blue is closer to YouTube TV in that it offers local channels in some markets. If you don’t mind losing local channels, Philo is another worthwhile option.

When did YouTube TV raise its price?

YouTube TV raised its price in early 2025 after announcing it would change its base price from $73/month to $83/month. No extra features or channels were introduced. The last time YouTube raised its price was in 2023, when it increased the monthly rate from $65 to $73.