Live TV streaming services like fuboTV are becoming increasingly popular as cord-cutters look for better value and flexibility when it comes to their TV viewing. However, with numerous services now available, finding the right alternative that matches your needs and budget can be tricky.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the best fuboTV alternatives for live streaming in 2022 based on factors like price, channel selection, streaming quality, DVR features and more. Whether you‘re looking to pay less, get better sports coverage or maximize simultaneous streaming, we have you covered.
An Overview of fuboTV
Let‘s start with a quick refresher on fuboTV. The service offers 165+ channels starting at $69.99/month. The lineup focuses on sports but includes entertainment, news and lifestyle channels as well. Some key details on fuboTV:
- 165+ channels across sports, entertainment, news and more
- Local ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox stations available in most markets
- Cloud DVR included with 250 hour storage
- Streams on up to 10 devices simultaneously
- 4K streaming available for select events
While fuboTV works great for many sports enthusiasts, some find the base package lacking in entertainment and local channels. Let‘s look at alternative options that may better suit your needs.
Best Budget-Friendly fuboTV Alternatives
If you find fuboTV‘s $70 monthly price tag too high, there are more affordable alternatives without sacrificing core features.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers huge savings compared to fuboTV. The Sling Orange package provides over 30 channels including ESPN, CNN, TNT, Disney Channel and more for just $35/month.
Sling Blue offers over 40 channels – including Bravo, FX, TBS and NFL Network – for the same $35/month. For the combined Orange + Blue package, your price is only $50/month.
While Sling lacks extensive sports coverage, you still get channels like ESPN at the cheapest price. DVR storage and simultaneous streams are limited but the low prices are hard to beat.
Philo
At only $25/month, Philo is one of the most affordable live TV streamers around. The lineup focuses on entertainment with 60+ channels from Discovery, Viacom, AMC and more. Channels include AMC, BET, Comedy Central, Food Network, HGTV, MTV, Nickelodeon and others.
For less than half the cost of fuboTV, Philo offers a solid channel selection. Unlimited DVR storage makes it easy to record your favorite shows. The main trade-off is limited sports and local channels. But for entertainment lovers, Philo delivers incredible value.
Best for Sports Fans
Avid sports fans will want to consider these fuboTV competitors that go all in on sports content.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is packed with sports content, making it a top fuboTV alternative. The service carries ESPN channels, CBS Sports Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, NBC Sports Network, NFL Network and more. Regional sports networks are also included.
YouTube TV really shines for football fans by offering NFL RedZone along with live local CBS and Fox NFL broadcasts in most markets. An unlimited DVR makes sure you never miss a game. At $64.99/month, it‘s pricier but still less than fuboTV while offering more sports variety.
| Key Sports Channels on YouTube TV |
|---|
| CBS Sports Network |
| ESPN |
| ESPN2 |
| ESPNU |
| FS1 |
| Golf Channel |
| MLB Network |
| NBA TV |
| NBC Sports Network |
| NFL Network |
| NFL RedZone |
DIRECTV STREAM
Owned by DIRECTV, this streaming service delivers a sports-centric experience. Bally Sports regional networks, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, FS1, MLB Network, NBA TV, NBC Sports Network and NFL Network are all included.
NFL Sunday Ticket is also available for the ultimate football package. With unlimited DVR storage and 20 simultaneous streams, it‘s a cord-cutter‘s dream for sports coverage. Pricing starts at $69.99/month for the Entertainment package. For the widest sports selection, DIRECTV STREAM is a true fuboTV rival.
Best Overall Channel Selection
If having the biggest channel lineup is most important, these fuboTV competitors deliver.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers over 75 live channels spanning news, sports, entertainment and more. Top stations include ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, CNN, FX, Bravo, MSNBC, USA Network, Disney Channel and many others.
Unlike fuboTV, you also get full access to Hulu‘s on-demand streaming library with thousands of shows and movies. For the best overall channel variety plus tons of on-demand content, Hulu Live TV is a top choice.
| Hulu Live TV Top Channels |
|---|
| ABC |
| Animal Planet |
| Bravo |
| Cartoon Network |
| CBS |
| CNN |
| Disney Channel |
| ESPN |
| Food Network |
| Fox News |
| FX |
| MSNBC |
| NBC |
| NFL Network |
| Syfy |
| TBS |
| TNT |
| USA Network |
At $69.99/month, Hulu + Live TV rivals fuboTV‘s pricing but provides a more well-rounded channel lineup.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM offers packages with up to 140+ channels. The Entertainment package has 65+ popular channels like A&E, CNN, Discovery, Disney, ESPN, Hallmark, TBS, TNT and more for $69.99/month.
From movies to news to sports, DIRECTV STREAM has something for everyone. The unlimited DVR storage and 20 simultaneous streams make it easy for the whole household to enjoy. For the most expansive channel variety, DIRECTV STREAM delivers.
Best Cloud DVR Features
For those who do a ton of recording, these fuboTV competitors offer superior DVR functionality.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV stands out with unlimited DVR storage included in your base package. Recorded content is stored for 9 months giving you plenty of time to catch up on shows. Sports fans will love being able to record entire seasons without filling up the DVR.
YouTube TV also makes recording simple with one-touch options to record just one episode or entire series. Playback is flexible as well – you can start watching recordings still in progress, pause and rewind live TV, skip commercials and more. For unlimited, hassle-free DVR storage, YouTube TV is a winner.
Hulu + Live TV
While Hulu‘s base package includes 50 hours of DVR storage, you can pay an extra $9.99/month to upgrade to 200 hours of space – ideal for heavy recorders. Playback features allow you to skip ads, watch recordings offline, and fast forward through programming.
Hulu‘s DVR fully integrates with the on-demand streaming library making it easy to find programming when searching by title. If you want robust DVR capabilities plus huge on-demand library, Hulu + Live TV delivers.
Best for Simultaneous Streaming
Large households with many members streaming will benefit from these options with higher simultaneous streams.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM allows up to 20 concurrent streams across supported devices. This makes it easy for every family member to watch their preferred content simultaneously, without limitations. DIRECTV STREAM also lets you watch the same channel on 2 different screens, perfect for sports viewing parties.
YouTube TV
While less than DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV permits 3 simultaneous streams. This is enough for most families to cover a couple TVs, smartphones and tablets. YouTube TV also allows you to set user profiles so each person has their own DVR library and recommendations. For solid multi-streaming capabilities, YouTube TV is a great choice.
Free Options for Replacing fuboTV
If looking to cut subscription costs altogether, here are some surprisingly decent free live TV options.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV likely has the best channel selection of all the free streaming services. Users can access over 250 channels spanning entertainment, movies, news, sports and more. Brands featured include CBS, NBC, MTV, Comedy Central, NFL Channel and many others.
| Pluto TV Channel Highlights |
|---|
| CBS News |
| Comedy Central Pluto TV |
| MTV Pluto TV |
| NBC News Now |
| NFL Channel |
There‘s also a large on-demand library with over 20,000 titles. For a 100% free experience, Pluto TV impresses.
Tubi
Tubi has over 25,000 movies and shows available free on-demand. The library features titles from major studios like Lionsgate, Paramount and MGM. While Tubi lacks live channels, the huge on-demand catalog still provides plenty to watch at no cost.
The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel offers free access to live linear channels and on-demand programming. Live options span entertainment, news, movies, sports and more from brands like ABC, AFV, Hallmark, Real Madrid TV, FailArmy and PeopleTV. Supported on all major streaming devices.
Key Takeaways on the Best fuboTV Alternatives
When it comes to replacing or replicating fuboTV‘s offering, you have excellent options:
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For budget-friendly streaming – Sling TV and Philo provide solid channel lineups starting at just $25/month
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To maximize sports – YouTube TV and DIRECTV STREAM deliver full sports coverage including rare NFL RedZone and NFL Sunday Ticket
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For the most channels – Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV STREAM offer packages with over 75+ channels
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To enhance DVR – YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV allow generous, if not unlimited, DVR storage
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For households with many streamers – DIRECTV STREAM leads with 20 simultaneous streams
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To stream 100% free – Pluto TV, Tubi and The Roku Channel offer quality live and on-demand without a subscription
The great news is fuboTV is just one of many excellent live TV streaming services available today. With more options than ever before, you can find the perfect alternative to match your household‘s needs and preferences.
Try out a few fuboTV competitors using the free trials available. Once you find the right service for you, cancel fuboTV and enjoy your new budget-friendly, sports-centric or channel-loaded streamer. You have amazing choices to replicate the live TV experience while saving money and frustration. Cut the cord on your terms!
