As the cost of live programming continues to climb, many cord-cutters are looking for more affordable ways to watch their favorite shows. Following Disney’s recent announcement of a price increase for its streaming platforms, including Hulu + Live TV, many households are reconsidering their subscriptions. This guide explores the best alternatives to help you find a service that meets your viewing needs and budget
Starting October 21, the price for Disney’s live TV streaming package will rise to $89.99 per month, pushing many Hulu + Live TV subscribers to explore other options. When making a switch, key factors to consider are cost savings, sports coverage, local channel availability, DVR features, and multi-view capabilities. If you’re ready to find a new streaming home before the price increase takes effect, here are several strong alternatives.
The ideal replacement for Hulu + Live TV will depend on your specific needs and viewing habits, as each service offers unique advantages. To simplify your decision, here is a brief overview of what makes each streaming service stand out:
Most Budget-Friendly: Philo or Frndly TV.
Best DVR and Family Sharing: YouTube TV.
Top Sports Coverage: Fubo.
Cable-Style Packages with Local/RSN Support: DIRECTV.
Most Customizable: Sling TV.
Free Over-the-Air Television
Before committing to a paid service, don’t forget that you can access many live TV channels for free with a digital antenna. Tools like Antenna Direct can show you which local stations are available in your area and help you choose the right antenna for the best reception. You can also pair an antenna with a media server like Plex or a device such as Tablo to record live programming with a DVR, giving you modern features without a monthly fee.
DIRECTV:
DIRECTV provides a more traditional television experience, making it an excellent choice for those who want a complete channel lineup with local feeds and regional sports networks (RSNs). It successfully merges a classic cable feel with the benefits of modern streaming.
What You Get: DIRECTV offers large channel lineups with over 90 channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and flexible streaming rules. New subscribers can take advantage of a five-day free trial to test the service. While packages often start with promotional pricing, the service also provides affordable genre-specific packs.
Why It’s a Good Alternative: As a true cable replacement, DIRECTV offers many of the same popular channels as Hulu + Live TV. Some of its plans even include the Disney streaming bundle (Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN Unlimited), ensuring a smooth transition. With a larger channel count and customizable plans, you can avoid paying for channels you don’t watch. The service also features a wide selection of add-ons, premium channels, and RSNs. While some plans can be more expensive than Hulu + Live TV, the ability to choose a genre-focused pack can help manage costs.
Fubo:
If your primary reason for subscribing to live TV is for ESPN and sports, Fubo is a superior alternative. It delivers a greater number of sports channels, exclusive feeds, and more extensive international sports options.
What You Get: Fubo offers tiered plans with a promotional rate for the first month, discounted quarterly options, and various add-ons. It includes an expansive sports channel lineup, a strong overall channel selection, unlimited DVR, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once. A five-day free trial is also available.
Why It’s a Good Alternative: Fubo is a sports-centric service, which means it boasts a wider selection of RSNs for watching local NBA, NHL, and MLB games. Access to the ESPN Unlimited app is included at no extra cost. With three different plans and numerous add-ons, you can tailor your viewing experience. Fubo also provides a large array of international channels for global sports fans. One downside is that Fubo does not include Warner Bros. Discovery channels (like TNT, TBS, and CNN), but this content is available through Max.
Sling TV:
Sling TV stands out as the most affordable and flexible substitute for Hulu + Live TV. It is the perfect solution for viewers who want to customize their channel package and control their spending.
What You Get: Sling offers incredible flexibility with its plans. The two main packages, Sling Orange (30+ channels for family and sports) and Sling Blue (40+ channels for news and entertainment), can be purchased separately or bundled. For maximum savings, the Sling Select plan offers over 10 essential channels for a very low monthly price. Unique to Sling are its low-cost passes for daily, weekend, or weekly access.
Why It’s a Good Alternative: While Hulu + Live TV offers a convenient bundle, Sling TV excels at customization. You can choose a base plan and then add only the extra channel packs you want. This à la carte approach prevents you from overpaying for content you don’t watch. If you only need to watch a specific event or series,
Sling’s short-term passes offer access without a long-term commitment. Although Sling’s local channel coverage can be limited in some areas, this is easily remedied with an antenna. Furthermore, Sling Freestream offers access to over 600 free, ad-supported channels.