If the rising cost of Hulu + Live TV has you eyeing the exit, you're not alone. With a significant price hike to an eye-watering $89.99 per month starting October 21st, many cord-cutters are actively seeking viable alternatives to Hulu that offer a better blend of channels, features, and affordability. The good news? The live TV streaming landscape is richer and more diverse than ever, providing plenty of excellent options to fit nearly any budget and viewing preference.
This isn't just about saving a few bucks; it's about reclaiming control over your entertainment budget and finding a service that truly aligns with how you watch TV. From sports fanatics to budget-conscious drama lovers, there’s a tailored solution waiting for you.
At a Glance: Your Quick Guide to Ditching Hulu + Live TV
- Hulu's Price Hike: Hulu + Live TV is jumping to $89.99/month on October 21st, making alternatives more attractive than ever.
- Prioritize Your Needs: Before switching, list your must-have channels, sports, local broadcasts, and DVR features.
- Plenty of Fish in the Sea: Top alternatives include Fubo (sports-centric), DIRECTV (traditional feel), Sling TV (budget/flexible), YouTube TV (all-rounder), Philo (entertainment-focused), and Frndly TV (family/lifestyle).
- Free Trials are Your Friend: Test services for 5-7 days before committing; don't pay for something you haven't tried.
- Don't Forget the Antenna: Many local channels are available for free with a one-time antenna purchase.
- Hybrid Approach: Consider combining a cheaper live TV service with on-demand streaming for comprehensive coverage.
Why Ditch Hulu + Live TV? Understanding Your Breaking Point
For years, Hulu + Live TV has been a frontrunner in the live TV streaming space, offering a robust package of channels, including local affiliates, major sports networks, and its impressive on-demand library. It was, for many, the ultimate cord-cutting solution. But even the best relationships can sour, and for countless subscribers, a few key factors are pushing them towards a breakup:
- The Price Tag: This is the big one. At nearly $90 a month before taxes or add-ons, Hulu + Live TV is now one of the most expensive ways to watch live television without a traditional cable contract. For many, that defeats the purpose of "cord-cutting" entirely.
- Channel Lineup Mismatch: Perhaps you're paying for dozens of channels you never watch, or maybe a beloved niche network was dropped. Every service has its own unique channel mix, and what worked for you once might not be the best fit now.
- Expiring Deals and Promotional Rates: Like all good things, introductory offers come to an end, revealing the true, higher cost of the service. Once that discount disappears, the value proposition can quickly diminish.
- Feature Fatigue: Maybe you don't need unlimited DVR, or perhaps you're tired of a clunky interface. Other services might offer the same core features you value at a lower price point or with a more user-friendly experience.
Whatever your personal tipping point, rest assured that you have powerful alternatives available, each with its own compelling reasons to make the switch.
Finding Your Perfect Match: What to Look for in a Hulu Alternative
Before you dive into the options, take a moment to consider what truly matters to your household. This isn't about finding a "Hulu clone"; it's about optimizing for your specific viewing habits.
1. The Cost Factor: Your Budget is Boss
First and foremost, what's your monthly ceiling? Are you looking to shave $10 off your bill, or are you aiming for a drastic reduction? Some services hover near Hulu's new price, while others are significantly cheaper, though often with a more focused channel selection. Don't just look at the base price; consider potential add-ons that might creep up the cost.
2. Channel Lineup: Your Must-Haves & Nice-to-Haves
This is where many people get stuck. Grab a pen and paper (or open a note app) and list the 5-10 channels your family absolutely cannot live without. Think:
- Local Channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC (crucial for local news and prime-time shows).
- Regional Sports Networks (RSNs): Do you follow a local MLB, NBA, or NHL team? These are often the trickiest to get and can vary wildly by service and location.
- Major Sports Networks: ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV.
- News Channels: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Newsmax.
- Entertainment & Lifestyle: HGTV, Food Network, AMC, FX, TBS, TNT, Discovery, History, Lifetime.
Once you have your non-negotiables, compare them against each potential alternative's offerings.
3. Sports Coverage: For the Die-Hards
If sports are your lifeblood, this category deserves extra attention.
- National vs. Regional: Many services have ESPN and FS1, but RSNs are the big differentiator.
- Niche Sports: Do you need international soccer, specific college conference networks, or specialized sports channels?
- 4K Streaming: A few services are starting to offer select sporting events in stunning 4K resolution.
4. DVR Features: Never Miss a Moment
Hulu + Live TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage. How important is that to you?
- Storage Limits: Some services cap you at 50 hours, others are unlimited.
- Retention Period: How long do recordings stay? Days, months, or indefinitely?
- Fast Forward/Skip Ads: Is this feature included, or is it an extra cost?
5. Simultaneous Streams & Profiles: The Family Factor
How many people in your household will be streaming at once, and on how many devices?
- Simultaneous Streams: Can your kids watch cartoons in their room while you watch a game in the living room?
- User Profiles: Do you want personalized recommendations and separate watch histories for each family member?
6. Device Compatibility & User Experience
Most major services work across popular devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, smart TVs, mobile). However, test the interface during a free trial. Is it intuitive? Does it load quickly? Is the guide easy to navigate?
7. Free Trials & Deals: Test Before You Commit
This is perhaps the most crucial step. Every reputable service offers a free trial (usually 5-7 days). Use it! Install the app on your primary devices, browse the channels, record a show, check picture quality. This hands-on experience is invaluable for making the right choice. Also, keep an eye out for new subscriber discounts or promotional pricing that can significantly lower your initial cost.
The Top Contenders: A Deep Dive into Hulu + Live TV Alternatives
Ready to explore your options? Here's a detailed look at the leading live TV streaming services that can replace Hulu + Live TV, each with its own distinct personality.
Fubo: The Sports Fanatic's Dream (and More)
Who It's For: Fubo is purpose-built for sports enthusiasts, particularly those interested in national and international events, soccer, and even some 4K sports streaming. Beyond sports, it also offers a robust overall channel lineup for general entertainment.
Key Selling Points:
- Unrivaled Sports Coverage: Fubo boasts broad national and international sports channel lineups, including a strong presence of RSNs (though always check for your specific local team). They even offer optional Sports Plus add-ons for even more niche content and 4K sports streaming for select events.
- Robust Overall Channel Selection: While sports are central, Fubo also delivers hundreds of channels at its highest tiers, ensuring plenty of news, entertainment, and lifestyle content for the whole family.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record to your heart's content without worrying about storage limits.
- Generous Simultaneous Streams: Watch on up to 10 screens simultaneously, perfect for large households.
Pricing: - Tiered plans start around $84.99/month.
- A quarterly payment option can average $74.99/month for the first three months, offering initial savings.
Limitations: - No Warner Bros. Discovery Channels: A significant gap for some users, as Fubo does not include popular networks like TNT, TBS, CNN, HGTV, and Discovery. This is a common deal-breaker for those who love their basic cable staples.
- Price: While competitive with Hulu + Live TV, it's still on the higher end of the spectrum.
Trial & Deals: - 5-day free trial.
- Heads up: A merger between Fubo and Hulu + Live TV has been discussed and is expected next year, so keep an eye on how that might impact service offerings long-term.
DIRECTV Stream: For That Traditional TV Feel
Who It's For: If you miss the comprehensive channel lineups, local feeds, and reliable RSN access of traditional cable, DIRECTV Stream is designed to bridge that gap. It offers a premium experience, often at a premium price.
Key Selling Points:
- Extensive Channel Lineups: With 90+ channels in many tiers, DIRECTV Stream truly aims to replicate a full cable TV package, including hard-to-find RSNs.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record all your favorite shows and movies without limits.
- Flexible Multi-Stream: Enjoy unlimited streaming on your home network and up to 3 streams off-site, making it great for families on the go.
- Multi-view: Watch several programs simultaneously on one screen, a popular feature for sports or news junkies.
- Premium Add-ons: Easy access to premium channels and customizable genre bundles. Some plans even include Disney streaming services (Hulu, Disney+, ESPN Unlimited), which could be an ironic full circle for some.
Pricing: - Streaming packages often start with attractive promotional prices, but be aware of the full price after the initial offer.
- Pricing structure is tiered, starting around $79.99 for the basic "Entertainment" package and going significantly higher for more channels and RSNs.
Limitations: - Cost: It can quickly become as expensive, or even more expensive, than Hulu + Live TV, especially when promotional pricing ends.
- Complexity: The sheer number of packages and add-ons can be a bit overwhelming for some.
Trial & Deals: - 5-day free trial.
Sling TV: The Budget-Friendly, A La Carte Champion
Who It's For: Sling TV is the ideal choice for budget-conscious cord-cutters who want flexibility and don't need a massive channel lineup. It's perfect if you primarily want a few core channels or specialized genre bundles.
Key Selling Points:
- Unbeatable Value: Often the least expensive way to watch live TV, especially if you know exactly what you want.
- Ultimate Payment Flexibility: Choose between Orange (family/sports) or Blue (news/entertainment) packages, or combine them. Sling also offers unique "Passes" (Day, Weekend, Week, Season) for incredibly short-term access.
- Customization with "Extras": Build your own package with specific channel bundles like Sports Extra, Comedy Extra, or News Extra, letting you pay only for what you truly watch.
- DVR Included: Comes with 50 hours of DVR storage, with an option to upgrade to unlimited.
Pricing: - Sling Orange (30+ family/sports channels): $45.99/month
- Sling Blue (40+ news/entertainment networks): $45.99/month
- Sling Orange & Blue (50+ channels): $60.99/month
- Sling Select Plan (10+ channels like FS1, NFL Network, FOX News): As low as $19.99/month.
- Low-cost passes: Day Pass ($4.99), Weekend Pass ($9.99), Week Pass ($14.99). A 5-month Season Pass is $199 (averaging $45.99/month).
Limitations: - Thinner Local Channel Coverage: Local channel availability for ABC, FOX, and NBC can be limited to select markets, often requiring an antenna for full access.
- Fewer Channels Overall: The base packages have fewer channels than other services, which is great for savings but not for comprehensive coverage.
Trial & Deals: - Free trial available. Look for promotional discounts for new subscribers.
YouTube TV: The Modern All-Rounder
Who It's For: YouTube TV appeals to users who prioritize a competitive price point (relative to premium options), a massive channel lineup, unlimited DVR, and an incredibly user-friendly interface backed by Google.
Key Selling Points:
- Extensive Channel Lineup: Offers 100+ channels, including many local and national networks, ensuring broad coverage.
- Truly Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record as much as you want, with recordings retained for up to 9 months – one of the best DVRs in the business.
- Multi-Device & Multi-User: Supports 6 account logins and robust device support, allowing unlimited household streaming simultaneously.
- Multiview: Watch up to four different shows on one screen, great for tracking multiple sports games or news feeds.
- Reliable Performance: Known for its stable streaming and intuitive user experience.
Pricing: - Base plan starts at $82.99/month after a free trial. (Note: Older pricing was $65/month, reflecting recent increases across the industry).
Limitations: - Fewer RSNs: Compared to services like DIRECTV Stream, YouTube TV might have fewer Regional Sports Networks, so double-check for your local teams.
- Price Increases: Like others, YouTube TV has seen its price rise over time, though it still offers strong value for its features.
Trial & Deals: - Free trial available. New subscribers can sometimes find promotional discounts (e.g., save $100 via $20 monthly discount for the first 5 months, though this specific deal may have expired).
Philo TV: Entertainment & Lifestyle on a Shoestring
Who It's For: Philo is perfect for viewers who want basic entertainment, lifestyle, and classic cable TV dramas without the high cost of sports or local broadcasts. If you only watch HGTV, AMC, Food Network, and the like, this is your champion.
Key Selling Points:
- Extremely Budget-Friendly: At around $28/month, it's one of the cheapest ways to get live, cable-style entertainment channels.
- 70+ Entertainment Channels: Offers AMC classic catalogs, lifestyle channels, and other cable staples that focus on shows, not sports or news.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record everything; content is saved for up to 12 months.
- Multiple Profiles & Streams: Create up to 10 profiles and stream on up to three devices simultaneously.
- Philo Free: Access 100+ free channels even without a subscription.
Pricing: - Around $28/month after a trial (previously $25/month).
Limitations: - No Sports, News, or Local Channels: This is the big trade-off. If you need ESPN, CNN, or your local ABC affiliate, Philo is not for you.
- Limited Niche Content: Focuses on a broad range of popular entertainment, but lacks very specific niche channels.
Trial & Deals: - 7-day free trial.
Frndly TV: The Feel-Good, Family-Focused Saver
Who It's For: Frndly TV is for viewers whose preferences lean heavily towards feel-good, family-friendly, and lifestyle content, especially the Hallmark suite of channels. It's the ultimate low-cost option for specific, wholesome programming.
Key Selling Points:
- Unbelievably Low Price: Entry plans start from $6.99 to $7.99 per month, making it one of the absolute cheapest live TV options.
- 50+ Family-Friendly Channels: Features the entire Hallmark suite, A&E, History, Lifetime, INSP, and more.
- Unlimited DVR: Record all your favorite shows.
- 72-Hour Lookback: Rewind and watch anything from the last 72 hours, even if you forgot to record it.
- HD Quality & Modest Streams: Enjoy HD video quality and a reasonable allowance for simultaneous streams depending on your plan.
Pricing: - From $6.99 to $7.99 per month depending on the package.
Limitations: - No Sports, News, or Local Channels: Like Philo, Frndly TV does not offer major sports, news networks, or local broadcast affiliates.
- Niche Content Focus: The channel lineup is very specific to family, lifestyle, and drama, so it won't satisfy those with broader viewing habits.
Trial & Deals: - 7-day free trial.
Beyond the Apps: Don't Forget the Free Stuff!
While these streaming services are excellent, don't overlook a classic, cost-effective alternative: a good old-fashioned antenna.
An over-the-air (OTA) antenna can provide many free live TV channels, including your local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates, as well as PBS and other sub-channels, all in stunning HD. It's a one-time purchase, typically ranging from $20-$100, with no monthly fees. For many households, combining an antenna for local channels with a more focused (and cheaper) streaming service like Sling TV or Philo TV can provide a surprisingly comprehensive and affordable entertainment solution.
Making the Switch: Your Action Plan for Ditching Hulu + Live TV
Ready to make the leap? Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition and find your ideal live TV streaming home.
Step 1: Audit Your Must-Haves (and Nice-to-Haves)
Before you even look at pricing, make that list of essential channels and features. Be brutally honest. Do you really need every single channel you had with Hulu + Live TV? Often, we pay for dozens of channels we never watch. Prioritize:
- Your top 5-10 channels.
- Any non-negotiable live sports or events.
- Local news and network shows.
- Desired DVR capacity and simultaneous streams.
Step 2: Compare & Contrast Like a Pro
Now, with your list in hand, go through the alternatives we've discussed. Use their websites to check channel lineups for your specific zip code, especially for local affiliates and RSNs.
- Fubo: Best for major sports fans and broad entertainment (but no WBD channels).
- DIRECTV Stream: Closest to a traditional cable experience, strong on RSNs.
- Sling TV: Most flexible and budget-friendly if you want specific bundles.
- YouTube TV: Great all-rounder with unlimited DVR and a wide channel selection.
- Philo TV: Perfect for entertainment and lifestyle channels, no sports/news.
- Frndly TV: Ultra-cheap for family-friendly and Hallmark content.
Step 3: Leverage Free Trials (This Is Crucial!)
Do not, repeat, do not subscribe to a service long-term without trying it first. Every service listed offers a free trial, typically 5 to 7 days.
- Sign up for one service's trial at a time.
- Install it on your primary streaming devices (TV, tablet, phone).
- Test the interface, channel surfing, DVR functions, and picture quality.
- Watch your must-have channels at peak times.
- See how many simultaneous streams work in your household.
This firsthand experience is invaluable. What looks good on paper might not feel right in practice.
Step 4: Consider a Hybrid Approach
Sometimes, no single live TV service is perfect. Think about combining:
- Antenna + Streaming Service: Use an antenna for free local channels, then subscribe to a cheaper, more focused live TV service like Sling TV or Philo TV for your desired cable channels.
- Live TV + On-Demand: Keep a cheaper live TV service for essential live broadcasts, and supplement with on-demand services like Netflix, Max, or Peacock for movies and series. This often works out cheaper than a single, high-priced, all-in-one bundle.
Step 5: Cut the Cord, Not the Content
Remember why you're doing this: to save money, get better value, and customize your viewing. Don't be afraid to experiment. The beauty of cord-cutting is the lack of contracts. If a service doesn't work out, you can cancel and try another. Empower yourself to find the combination that truly works for your household's entertainment needs and budget.
Common Questions About Switching Live TV Services
You've got questions, and we've got crisp, standalone answers to help clarify any lingering doubts.
"Is Hulu going away?"
No, Hulu is not going away. It remains a robust on-demand streaming service, and its Live TV component is simply getting a price adjustment. However, the streaming landscape is always evolving. You can learn more about the future of the platform and any potential changes here: Is Hulu going away?
"Can I keep my local channels if I switch?"
It depends on the alternative. Services like YouTube TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV Stream generally offer strong local channel coverage in most major markets. Sling TV's local channel availability can be thinner, sometimes requiring an antenna. Always check the specific service's website for local channel availability in your zip code before subscribing.
"What's the best option for sports?"
For comprehensive sports, especially national and international, Fubo is often the top choice, with its dedicated sports focus and 4K options. If you need extensive Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), DIRECTV Stream and YouTube TV are strong contenders, but always verify specific RSNs for your area.
"Are these services really cheaper than Hulu + Live TV?"
Many can be, yes! While Fubo and DIRECTV Stream can be similar or even higher in price, services like Sling TV (especially its single-plan options), Philo TV, and Frndly TV offer significant cost savings by focusing on specific channel bundles or genres. The key is matching the service to your actual viewing habits, not paying for channels you don't watch.
"Do I need an antenna if I switch?"
Not necessarily, but it's highly recommended for many cord-cutters. An antenna provides free access to local broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) that some streaming services might not offer in your area or might be missing from cheaper plans. It's a one-time purchase that can fill key content gaps without adding to your monthly bill.
The Bottom Line: Your Personalized Path to Better Live TV
The days of monolithic cable packages are thankfully behind us. Hulu + Live TV, while a powerful service, is no longer the only (or even the most cost-effective) answer for live television. You have the power to tailor your entertainment experience to your precise needs and budget.
By prioritizing your must-have channels, understanding your viewing habits, and leveraging the power of free trials, you can easily find an alternative that delivers excellent live TV without the sticker shock. Don't just settle for what you've always had; explore the vibrant landscape of live TV streaming alternatives and find the perfect fit for your household. The control is back in your hands.