Best 7 Sites and Apps Like YouTube TV

You may have heard about YouTube TV, the awesome live TV streaming service with unlimited DVR storage coming to you from Google. However, it’s only available in a few select cities, and though it has a decent selection of channels, it doesn’t offer as many choices as some other services. If YouTube TV doesn’t sound like it’s right for you, there are other options out there.

Nothing exactly like YouTube TV exists, but there are a few services with similar features that you may want to consider. We’ll teach you about each of them, and how they work, including:

Read on to learn about YouTube TV’s best competitors.

1. Netflix

Netflix is one of the most popular video streaming services out there, because for only $7.99/month, you can watch as many TV shows and movies as you want. Netflix is constantly adding new shows and movies, so there’s always something new to check out. They’re also well-known for their recommendations – which helps you find shows you’d love based on what you’ve already watched. Check out our Netflix tutorials to learn more about exactly how it works.

2. Hulu

Hulu is a video streaming service that allows you to use all your devices, and watch your favorite shows. Hulu is great because it gives you access to many popular shows that are on TV right now – and releases them to you as they air. You can also start out with their free service, and get to watch the first 5 shows in a series for no charge. This is a great way to see what’s available on Hulu, and what you might be interested in before you begin paying for it. For more information, check out our Hulu course to learn all about how it works.

3. Sling TV

Sling TV is very similar to YouTube TV in that for one monthly rate, you get access to over 30 channels, including ESPN, AMC, Disney, HVTC, and more. For only $20/month, Sling is one of the cheapest options out there, and comes with access to the channels you love. You can also watch your shows live and on demand, though you won’t get access to a DVR like you do with YouTube TV. Sling TV also comes with a 7-day free trial, so you can test it our for a week before you commit to it, however, it’s only available within the United States.

4. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is a bit of a blend between these Internet-based live TV streaming services, and the movie and TV show streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. Amazon video allows you to stream video and TV shows at your leisure, over the Internet, while also subscribing to premium channels such as HBO, Showtime, PBS Kids, and more. You can also rent or buy popular shows and movies that were just released, if you can’t wait for them to come out later; you can even buy a TV Season Pass to get access to every episode of your favorite shows on TV – as they are released.

Amazon Prime Video becomes available as a member of Amazon Prime. We can teach you all about it in our Amazon Prime course, including how to watch Instant Video on your computer or TV.

5. Playstation Vue

Playstation Vue is another Internet-based TV streaming service that has more of the channels you’re interested in watching, and offers a selection much closer to that of your cable provider (over 100 channels). It also offers you a cloud DVR, and the ability to fast-forward through commercials. However, to get access to more channels, you’re going to pay more money. Playstation Vue costs anywhere from $39.99/month to $74.99/month; it might still be a better deal than what you’re getting with your cable provider though!

6. DirecTV Now

DirecTV Now streams live television over the Internet as well, and has most of the great channels you get with cable television, and allows you a 7-day free trial. The base price varies quite a bit for DirecTV Now however; you’ll pay:

One of the great bonuses of DirecTV Now is that you can add the HBO or Cinemax channels for only $5/month each – which is the cheapest way you can gain access to these awesome channels – with any form of TV subscription.

7. HBO Now

HBO Now won’t give you access to many cable network channels, but focuses on the one you love – HBO. If you’re into HBO, you know how expensive it can be to add it to your TV package. A great alternative is HBO Now – an app that gives you access to all of HBOs exclusive content. You can watch TV shows that are currently on the air (like Game of Thrones), shows from the past that you love (like The Sopranos, The Wire, or Band of Brothers), and hundreds of great movies.

With the app, you can watch your shows whenever you want, and have completely unlimited content. It is all on-demand, for the monthly price of $15. If you want to learn more, be sure to check out our free course on HBO Now.

Those are our best recommendations for streaming services that are like YouTube TV, both to stream and record live TV, and to watch unlimited shows and movies that are available in a vast library. Hopefully one of these suits you and what you want, but luckily, most of them don’t require a solid commitment – so you can sign up and cancel anytime. If you’re not sure, give them all a try for a month and see which one you like best!

We also have other great articles about online TV, movies, and video. If you’re into online entertainment, explore the rest of our site for more great best of the web articles, as well as tips and tricks for getting the most out of your favorite sites and apps.