TV services like Apple TV have become the go-to choice for home entertainment and on-demand streaming. They're budget-friendly, super convenient, and give you access to a wealth of great content—and it'll only get bigger from here.
If you're looking for more than your Apple TV subscription offers, I've gathered top Apple TV alternatives to find the perfect match for your streaming needs.
Our 5 Best Apple TV Alternatives in 2024:
- Sling TV - Best Apple TV alternative overall
- DirecTV - Best for regional sports fans
- Hulu + Live TV - Best for a wide array of titles
- Disney+ - Best for families
- Prime Video - Best for those on a budget
A Closer Look at Our 5 Best Alternatives to Apple TV - Reviews:
1. Sling TV
A live TV streaming service with 200+ channels and 85,000+ on-demand shows
- Best for - Those who want a more affordable alternative to cable
- Starting price - From $40/month
- Free trial period - No trial; free plan available
Sling TV is my go-to for streaming on-demand movies, live TV, and sports. I particularly like that I can take my pick from many channels and customize my package.
If you want to watch news and entertainment content, go for the "Blue" plan. Or, if you want a sports and family-friendly package, choose the "Orange" plan. I prefer comprehensive options, so I got the combined package for just $55/month.
What Makes Sling TV a Good Alternative to Apple TV?
Sling TV has three plans that give you access to 85,000 on-demand movies and shows, plus over 200 channels. Even if you're not a member, you can still dive into thousands of hours of free content on its "Freestream" services. These features make Sling TV an ideal alternative since Apple only has a smaller content catalog without live TV or sports.
Pros
- Competitively priced plans
- Free live-stream package
- Frequent promotional deals
Cons
- Channel packages can be confusing to interpret
- Only partial access to local channels
2. DirecTV Stream
A home entertainment package that lets you stream sports in 4K
- Best for - Watching multiple streams simultaneously
- Starting price - From $64.99/month
- Free trial period - Five days
DirecTV Stream has many channels, including over 40 regional and specialty sports networks. If you want to watch your local team play, you must ensure your regional sports network is on the inclusion list.
Like Sling TV, you can access a fantastic selection of over 140 live channels and 65,000 on-demand titles. Plus, it comes with unlimited cloud DVR storage—perfect for me to record and watch my sports teams whenever I want—and a voice-activated remote control.
What Makes DirecTV Stream a Good Alternative to Apple TV?
DirecTV Stream is a good alternative to Apple TV because it offers a more comprehensive live TV streaming experience emphasizing local sports. DirecTV Stream offers a variety of channel packages, including all of the major sports networks and local channels.
Pros
- Great regional sports coverage
- Includes local channels
- Can stream content in 4K Ultra HD
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Only allows one user profile
» Just want to watch some blockbusters? Check out our top picks for the best movie streaming services.
3. Hulu + Live TV
Access more than 90 live TV channels without any hidden cable fees
- Best for - A vast selection of original titles
- Starting price - From $69.99/month
- Free trial period - None
Hulu + Live TV has a comprehensive collection of original content. The platform lets me add channels, such as ABC, CBS, and Food Network, using their live TV feature. For an extra fee, I can even add extra premium channels, like Max and SHOWTIME.
Hulu's Streaming Video on Demand service has an extensive collection of shows and movies.
What Makes Hulu + Live TV a Good Alternative to Apple TV?
I love that I can simultaneously watch shows on two devices and bundle in Disney+, ESPN+, Max, and other services for a small additional cost. This extreme content variety alone makes Hulu + Live TV an excellent alternative to Apple TV.
» You have multiple options: Check out why you should bundle streaming services.
Pros
- Unlimited DVR
- Bundle options for families
- Extensive original content
Cons
- Ad-supported plans can be disruptive when watching movies
- Limited streaming on multiple devices
4. Disney+
For streaming animated and live-action Disney classics in HD
Best for - Family-friendly content
Starting price - From $7.99/month
Free trial period - None
Disney+ boasts an extensive library of original shows and movies from the film industry's most famous franchises, including Marvel and Star Wars.
77% of users—including myself—share their account with a family member outside of their household—and Disney+ lets you stream on four devices simultaneously and create up to seven active profiles. Disney+ also has an attractive desktop interface, and the mobile app is streamlined and easy to use.
What Makes Disney+ a Good Alternative to Apple TV?
Disney+ offers a more comprehensive library of content, especially for families and fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Disney+ also has a more affordable subscription price.
Pros
- Extensive content library and exclusive programming
- Affordable pricing structure
- Can stream on multiple devices
Cons
- No free trial available to new users
- Doesn't have a "Popular Now" recommendation category
5. Prime Video
Full of hidden gems that break the Hollywood mold
- Best for - Offline downloads
- Starting price - From $8.99/month
- Free trial period - 30 days
Prime Video has many exclusive shows and movies from franchises like "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Wheel of Time." You can also add streaming services like Paramount and SHOWTIME and download content for offline viewing.
Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which also offers several other benefits, such as free two-day shipping on eligible items, access to Amazon Music, and exclusive deals and discounts.
What Makes Prime Video a Good Alternative to Apple TV?
Amazon Prime Video is ideal if you want perks included with Amazon Prime membership, which Apple TV doesn't offer. It also has a wider content range, including new and classic titles.
Pros
- Offers discounts for students
- Offline streaming
- Option to rent and buy additional content
Cons
- A small selection of live channels
- Optional channels can add up quickly
Apple TV Alternatives: Find the Best Service for You
If you want to avoid endless scrolling and prefer a more focused content selection, you should opt for Apple TV. However, if you're looking for a wider variety of content, why not give one of the alternatives a shot via free trial?
These alternatives may help you find an option that keeps everyone in the family happy. Once you've done your brainstorming, make some popcorn, find a comfy spot on the couch, and have a great time watching your shows.
» Try our tips for choosing a TV streaming service for the entire family.
