Among the top TV services on the market, Sling TV stands out with its expansive library of 85,000+ on-demand movies and shows and selection of 200+ channels.
But what if your interests extend beyond the vast ocean of content Sling TV offers? Then, it may be time to explore additional platforms to quench your entertainment thirst. You're in luck because I've found five outstanding alternative options for you.
Our 5 Best Sling TV Alternatives in {Year}
- DirectTV Stream - Best Sling TV alternative overall
- ESPN+ - Best for sports fans
- Philo - Best for affordability
- fuboTV - Best for watching international content
- Hulu + Live TV - Best for a wide range of on-demand shows
» Try our top 10 tips for choosing a TV streaming service.
A Closer Look at the Best Sling TV Alternatives in {Year}
1. DirecTV Stream
A satellite TV service provider with extensive content options
- Best for - Recording all your favorite shows
- Starting price - From $74.99/month
- Free trial period - 5 days
DirecTV has over 150 channels, offering a comprehensive selection of programs. Its basic "Entertainment" package includes 75+ channels and features favorites like AMC and CNN. Plus, it gives you personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits, so you always have a lineup of shows and movies tailored just for you.
The "Premier" plan may be ideal for HBO or SHOWTIME enthusiasts. But if you're a die-hard regional sports fan cheering for your hometown team, DirecTV's "Choice" subscription is your play.
What Makes DirecTV a Good Alternative to Sling TV?
While Sling TV offers diverse content, DirecTV stands out with over 150 channels. This especially appealed to me since I've been looking for more variety. DirecTV also has unlimited DVR and streaming on all devices, while you can only save and watch up to 50 hours of live shows on Sling TV.
Pros
- Uncapped DVR space
- A wide variety of channels
- Access to regional sports programming
Cons
- Requires a two-year contract
- Short trial period
2. ESPN+
A sports-centric streaming platform offering exclusive live games
- Best for - Watching sports games and documentaries
- Starting price - From $9.99/month
- Free trial period - None
With ESPN+, you open the door to a world of live-streamed action, from epic pay-per-view matches to exclusive college football and basketball showdowns. Plus, you can find a lineup of originals like the "30 for 30" documentary series and Kevin Durant's "The Boardroom," offering fresh insights into sports that you won't find elsewhere.
You can stream its content on mobile devices, TV platforms, and the web. While you may experience a bit of buffering, you can also download the games or shows to watch them offline later.
What Makes ESPN+ a Good Alternative to Sling TV?
While I appreciate Sling TV's variety, ESPN+ is a compelling alternative for sports enthusiasts. Its unique features, such as ad-free streaming, premium articles, and participation in fantasy sports leagues, truly sets ESPN+ apart for me.
Pros
- Replay matches or games
- Includes soccer leagues and events
- Categorized tabs for easy navigation
Cons
- No live NBA games
- No local broadcasts
» Are you a football fan? Check out the best sports streaming services and websites.
3. Philo
An entertainment and lifestyle streaming service you can share with the whole family
- Best for - Affordable subscriptions
- Starting price - From $25/month
- Free trial period - 7 days
Philo provides access to over 70 sitcoms, dramas, soaps, or reality TV channels, including popular ones like Animal Planet, BBC America, and Comedy Central. However, its local and news options are on the leaner side, and there's no sports coverage. But you can share your account with up to 10 users.
One standout perk is Philo's 12-month show storage—one of the more generous offers on this list. And if you're not a fan of commercials like me, you can skip through them with Philo's DVR feature.
What Makes Philo a Good Alternative to Sling TV?
With Philo's DVR storage, I can save entire shows since there's no limit. On the other hand, Sling TV's base DVR only includes 50 hours. If you're part of the 90% of users who prioritize cost when choosing a streaming service, you may find Philo appealing with its $25/month subscription. In contrast, Sling TV's plans start at $40/month.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Supports streaming on three devices at once
- Logging in to Philo on new devices is simple
Cons
- Doesn't produce original content
- Limited local and news channel selection
» Discover our best streaming services that include local channels.
4. fuboTV
Multilingual entertainment and sports platform with multi-device streaming
- Best for - Extensive local, national, and international sports coverage
- Starting price - From $74.99/month
- Free trial period - 7 days
fuboTV serves up a mix of French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese content for your international drama fix. Plus, it's got some unique sports offerings you won't typically find on US channels, like Lucha Libre wrestling and cricket coverage.
Want to keep tabs on multiple games at once? With fuboTV's "Multiview" feature, you can stream up to four channels on the same screen, perfect for those double-booked match moments. It's light on local and kids' channels, though, and its Android TV app can be glitchy.
What Makes fuboTV a Good Alternative to Sling TV?
I've noticed that fuboTV's 4K HDR streams offer a more enhanced visual experience than Sling TV, which doesn't support HDR or 4K. fuboTV's ability to stream on up to 10 devices simultaneously is also incredibly convenient. Sling TV's packages only let me access content on three devices at the same time.
Pros
- Offers between 250 to 1,000 hours of DVR storage
- Allows up to 10 simultaneous streams at home
- International sports channels
Cons
- Does not include TBS, CNN, or HBO channels
- Android TV app has frequent bugs
5. Hulu + Live TV
A comprehensive entertainment experience with on-demand and live TV streaming
- Best for - Original content enthusiasts
- Starting price - From $76.99/month
- Free trial period - 30 days only on the basic plans without live TV
If you're looking for fresh and original entertainment, try Hulu + Live TV's on-demand shows like "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Only Murders in the Building." The service also includes unlimited DVR storage, so you can stockpile shows to watch whenever it's convenient.
However, Hulu + Live TV only allows two streams at once. So, if you plan to share, you may need to upgrade to unlimited in-home and three mobile streams for an extra fee.
What Makes Hulu + Live TV a Good Alternative to Sling TV?
I've found that Hulu + Live TV offers a mix of entertainment, sports, and local channels. Plus, with the Disney+/ESPN+ bundle, I get access to additional movies and sports content. While Sling TV's packages are cheaper and offer multiple sports add-ons, I did notice a gap in its local channel offerings.
» Want more info? Read our deep dive on Hulu vs. Sling TV.
Pros
- Includes Disney+/ESPN+ bundle
- Lots of original content
- Unlimited DVR storage space
Cons
- Add-ons can be costly
- You can't fast-forward through commercials on recorded shows
Sling TV Alternatives: Get Your Binge On
The streaming scene is a content-packed jungle, and the choices can be overwhelming. So, before you decide, jot down your must-haves and stay updated on the latest developments and features.
If you don't intend to cancel any of your current streaming subscriptions, just like 59% of users, then consider bundling your TV streaming services with Sling TV. It can be a smart way to manage your expenses.
» Want to include your friends? Here's what you need to host a successful watch party.
