YouTube TV price hike got you down? 5 free alternatives
Was YouTube TV’s recent price increase the straw that broke the camel’s back for you? When does the cost of streaming TV stop going up? When?!! The answer is: Never. These streaming services are going to keep creeping upward in cost until we’re all shelling out $300 a month. Enough is enough. Time to take a break. That’s the beauty of streaming services: You can just quit them and restart them whenever you want. So, let’s explore the world of free streaming options. While these might not be complete replacements for the live channel experience offered by YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and other services, these no-cost alternatives can still scratch your entertainment itch on the cheap. Pluto TV First up is Pluto TV, a service offering a vast selection of live channels, spanning a wide variety of genres, including movies, TV shows, news, sports, and more. The channel selection is predetermined, similar to traditional linear TV, meaning you can’t pick specific shows or channels, and you’ll encounter ad breaks. However, the constantly updated content and wide variety make it a great option for those who enjoy channel surfing and are open to discovering new content. Tubi Next, consider Tubi, a platform with an incredibly large library of on-demand movies and TV shows, covering everything from blockbuster hits to classic series and indie gems. It’s a great place to find something to watch without paying a fee, although the content is typically on the older side and you’ll have to sit through ads. That being said, it’s ideal for movie buffs and TV fans seeking a wide selection of content without a subscription. The Roku Channel The Roku Channel is another fantastic option, offering a huge catalog of free movies, TV shows, and even some live news channels, accessible through Roku devices or the app. With both on-demand and live options, it feels a bit like a mashup of Pluto TV and Tubi while being most accessible for Roku users. Xumo TV Xumo TV is a free streaming service that offers a wide variety of live channels, from news and sports to entertainment and lifestyle. It provides a lean-back viewing experience similar to traditional cable, allowing you to discover new channels and content without any subscription fees. This service often pre-installed on smart TVs and is available on various streaming devices, so you might already have access to it without having to download it. Over-the-air TV Finally, let’s not forget local over-the-air TV with an antenna, which provides access to local channels completely free after the initial purchase of an antenna. This offers a reliable way to stay informed with local news and catch major network programming, but it’s limited to local channels only, with signal reception dependent on your location. However, it’s not susceptible to the whims of your internet speeds, either. If you’ve got a strong broadcast signal, you’re good to go.
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Was YouTube TV’s recent price increase the straw that broke the camel’s back for you? When does the cost of streaming TV stop going up? When?!!
The answer is: Never.
These streaming services are going to keep creeping upward in cost until we’re all shelling out $300 a month.
Enough is enough. Time to take a break. That’s the beauty of streaming services: You can just quit them and restart them whenever you want.
So, let’s explore the world of free streaming options. While these might not be complete replacements for the live channel experience offered by YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and other services, these no-cost alternatives can still scratch your entertainment itch on the cheap.
Pluto TV
First up is Pluto TV, a service offering a vast selection of live channels, spanning a wide variety of genres, including movies, TV shows, news, sports, and more.
The channel selection is predetermined, similar to traditional linear TV, meaning you can’t pick specific shows or channels, and you’ll encounter ad breaks.
However, the constantly updated content and wide variety make it a great option for those who enjoy channel surfing and are open to discovering new content.
Tubi
Next, consider Tubi, a platform with an incredibly large library of on-demand movies and TV shows, covering everything from blockbuster hits to classic series and indie gems.
It’s a great place to find something to watch without paying a fee, although the content is typically on the older side and you’ll have to sit through ads.
That being said, it’s ideal for movie buffs and TV fans seeking a wide selection of content without a subscription.
The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel is another fantastic option, offering a huge catalog of free movies, TV shows, and even some live news channels, accessible through Roku devices or the app.
With both on-demand and live options, it feels a bit like a mashup of Pluto TV and Tubi while being most accessible for Roku users.
Xumo TV
Xumo TV is a free streaming service that offers a wide variety of live channels, from news and sports to entertainment and lifestyle. It provides a lean-back viewing experience similar to traditional cable, allowing you to discover new channels and content without any subscription fees.
This service often pre-installed on smart TVs and is available on various streaming devices, so you might already have access to it without having to download it.
Over-the-air TV
Finally, let’s not forget local over-the-air TV with an antenna, which provides access to local channels completely free after the initial purchase of an antenna.
This offers a reliable way to stay informed with local news and catch major network programming, but it’s limited to local channels only, with signal reception dependent on your location.
However, it’s not susceptible to the whims of your internet speeds, either. If you’ve got a strong broadcast signal, you’re good to go.
