10 Best USTVGO Alternatives: Stream Live TV Channels in 2024

With USTVGO shut down, accessing free live US TV can be challenging. There are very few free sites that reliably stream US channels like ABC and CNN. Not to mention, many of these services are illegal and filled with malware and spyware — potentially putting you at risk.

That's why I tested over 30 USTVGO alternatives to find secure, trustworthy options for live US TV. Now, you can relax and enjoy binge-watching your favorite shows without worrying about shady sites or security issues.

10 Best USTVGO Alternatives (Updated in 2024)

1. YouTube TV

With YouTube TV, you get access to over 100 US channels covering news, sports, and entertainment. The service doesn't mind sharing the fun either — the base plan supports up to 6 user profiles per household and 3 simultaneous streams. It's perfect for a family where everyone's into something different. The service also lets you easily download videos for offline viewing and stream in 4K on the big screen (like smart TVs, Roku, and gaming consoles).

You get access to ESPN, Discovery, National Geographic, and more

That said, YouTube TV has a high price tag of $72.99/mo, and it’s only available for US viewers. However, the streaming service offers free trials (trial length depends on the plan you choose), so you can try it out without spending a dime. Considering it could easily replace your cable subscription, YouTube TV isn’t a bad deal.

2. Pluto TV

Pluto TV, a Paramount-owned platform, offers over 250 free channels — no account required. But if you do sign up, you’ll unlock extras like syncing your watchlists and favorites across devices. You can enjoy live US channels like Newsmax TV, the CBS Sports HQ, Paramount Movie Channel, and more. It’s also possible to stream via website or app, available on mobile devices and the Amazon Fire Stick.

It also offers Spanish-language channels in its En Español category

There are a few minor downsides, though. The app interface and program guide can feel a bit clunky on smaller screens, and some popular US cable channels are missing. But for a free service, a few quirks are a small trade-off for solid US TV options. Plus, Pluto TV isn’t limited to the US — you can access it in Latin America, the UK, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and beyond.

3. DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream is a live TV streaming service that offers a cable-like experience without the need for a satellite dish or long-term contracts. It provides access to a wide range of live channels, including local networks, popular cable channels, and regional sports networks. The service offers four main packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier, with prices ranging from $69.99 to $149.99 per month.

It supports up to 20 simultaneous streams on a home network

Sadly, the service is generally more expensive than many of its competitors, which may be a deterrent for budget-conscious cord-cutters. Additionally, while it offers 4K content on select channels and programs, the majority of content streams at 720p resolution.

4. Plex

Plex offers more than 800 channels available in the US alone. It has partnerships with major networks and studios, including Fox, NBC, AMC, and others. The service was initially designed for home media storage, and the app has kept some of that helpful functionality. For example, it takes any stored TV shows and movies on your device and orders them by name, season, and other factors. It also offers an intuitive interface that rivals premium services.

It's possible to use Plex Media Server to organize and share content

Although the ads on free channels can be a bit annoying, Plex is still a reliable option and available in most countries. You can use it on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, NVIDIA Shield, and even with Google Home devices.

5. Sling TV

Sling TV is an affordable app-based alternative to USTVGO, with two main plans: Sling Orange (31 channels) and Sling Blue (45 channels), each for $40. You can also enjoy some live TV, like ABC News Live, for free with the Freestream version. That said, the free channels are limited, and local channels are sparse. For more variety, you’ll need to upgrade to Orange, Blue, or the combined Orange & Blue plan.

You can get access to live TV channels like Showtime, Cartoon Network, TCM, and CMT

Sling offers add-ons for sports, premium, and entertainment channels like Paramount+ with Showtime and 50 hours of cloud DVR storage. However, the 720p resolution is lower than that of some competitors, like YouTube TV, which offers some channels in 1080p.

6. Freevee

Amazon’s Freevee offers a mix of licensed content (TV shows and movies) and original programming. It also has some FAST channels, but it's not primarily focused on live TV. Anyway, you can still watch some free TV channels like Crime 360, Bonjour! Lifestyle, and Uninterrupted — sports-focused channel from LeBron James and Maverick Carter.

No Amazon Prime subscription is needed for Freevee — just a regular Amazon account works

While ads do pop up occasionally, it's a small trade-off for free access to multiple US TV channels. Keep in mind, though, that Freevee is only available in the US, UK, Germany, and Austria.

7. fuboTV

fuboTV is a premium service known for its extensive sports offerings. In addition to over 200 live channels that include entertainment and news, fuboTV shines with its sports coverage, featuring leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB.

Fubo offers user-friendly apps for multiple devices

It supports 4K streaming (available with higher-tier plans like the Elite package) and offers 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage with its plans. While FuboTV provides a free trial, the service is subscription-based, with prices starting at $79.99/month.

8. Philo

Philo is a budget-friendly streaming service offering over 70 channels, focusing primarily on entertainment and lifestyle programming. The lineup includes channels like AMC, Comedy Central, and HGTV, but you won't find sports or local channels.

The service allows up to 3 simultaneous streams

The platform is known for its affordability. It is priced at $28/month and includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, with recordings available for up to one year.

9. Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV offers over 95 US channels, including big names like Disney, ESPN, National Geographic, Comedy Central, NBC, Fox News, TLC, and Food Network. It works smoothly on devices like Apple TV, Android, iOS, and Chromecast.

Unlimited DVR allows multiple recordings and storage for up to 9 months

There’s a free trial, but it’s only for 3 days. The basic plan costs $76.99/month, but even then, some ads are included — going ad-free will cost a bit more.

10. Tubi TV

Tubi TV provides a vast selection of movies, TV shows, and live channels, all completely free. Owned by Fox, the platform offers a mix of popular films and more niche shows. You can access Tubi on almost any device, including smart TVs, smartphones, and streaming devices like Roku, Android TV, Apple TV, and Fire TV.

Tubi collaborates with major film studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM

The platform doesn’t offer UHD streaming, and the ads can interrupt your viewing, but it compensates by having fewer commercial breaks compared to traditional cable. Plus, you don't need to subscribe. However, creating an account allows you to keep a watchlist and pick up where you left off on any device.

Quick Comparison Table: Best USTVGO Alternatives

Here’s a quick summary of the best USTVGO alternatives, with each platform’s standout features highlighted in the table below. All of these options are entirely legal and provide a smooth, buffer-free streaming experience for online live TV.

How to Stay Safe While Streaming Online

Here are some essential tips for safe streaming that can make a big difference:

• Use a VPN. A VPN masks your IP address, encrypts your data, and lets you bypass geo-restrictions — helping to keep your information private. It also makes it possible to safely access live TV sites from anywhere.
• Stick to official sites. Free and shady streaming sites are often loaded with malware, pop-ups, or trackers. To stay safe, choose reputable platforms and licensed services.
• Enable anti-virus and anti-malware protection. Keep your antivirus software up-to-date, and consider adding an ad-blocker or anti-malware tool to guard against harmful links.
• Be wary of pop-ups and ads. Many streaming sites use intrusive ads. Don’t click on these, as they can lead to phishing or malware.
• Look for HTTPS. Make sure the site you’re streaming from uses HTTPS. This encryption helps protect your data while it’s being transmitted.
• Use strong passwords. If you need to log in, use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
• Limit personal information. Avoid sharing personal details on streaming sites, especially on lesser-known platforms, as they may not have strong data protection policies.
• Be aware of data usage. Streaming uses a lot of data, so connect to a secure WiFi network rather than a public network to keep your information safe.

USTVGO Alternatives to Stay Away From

When looking for USTVGO alternatives, it's important to be cautious about unofficial streaming platforms. Some of these sites may expose your device to risks, such as malware, phishing, or unwanted data collection. To protect your online safety, it's always better to use legal and authorized streaming services. Below is a list of some unofficial platforms that are generally best to avoid:

Unofficial sites can pose significant security risks, especially following the shutdown of well-known platforms. Often, fake proxies pop up in their place, which are loaded with intrusive ads that could lead to harmful downloads. While legal streaming services may also have ads, they are generally filtered and much safer to navigate. Here are some USTVGO mirror sites that may not be safe to use:

• ustvgo.tv
• ustvgo.com
• ustv247.tv
• ustvgo.club
• ustvgo.live

FAQs on the Best USTVGO Alternatives

Is ustv247 the same as USTVGO?

No, ustv247 was a clone site, and both services have now shut down. If you’re looking for a new way to stream live TV from the US, there are some legit USTVGO alternatives you can use instead.

What happened to the USTVGO?

The exact reason for USTVGO’s shutdown hasn't been fully confirmed, but it’s widely believed to be due to legal issues related to copyright infringement. The platform streamed live TV channels without distribution rights, which likely attracted attention from copyright holders. You can regain access to your favorite US live TV content using safe and legal USTVGO alternatives.

The USTVGO website now displays a “Sorry, we are closed” error message and can trigger a range of antivirus alerts. The service’s Twitter and Reddit accounts are also suspended, and the related Discord server is disbanded. Some reports suggest the site may have been taken down after receiving a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown notice, a common legal measure for sites streaming unauthorized content (similar to other services like 123 TV, Oreo TV, and TVCatchup).

Are USTVGO alternatives legal?

Many USTVGO alternatives, like YouTube TV, DirecTV, and Hulu, are legal but may require a subscription and can be geo-restricted. That said, using a VPN makes it possible to access live US TV securely from anywhere. Keep in mind that some USTVGO alternatives are illegal and stream copyrighted content that can get you in trouble. Others are traps filled with malware and adware.

Are free streaming sites safe to use?

Not all free streaming sites are safe. To avoid malware and monitoring, it's crucial to use trusted, legitimate sites. Stick to tried-and-tested streaming services and use a reliable VPN to secure your connection online.

What devices are compatible with USTVGO alternatives?

Most USTVGO alternatives are in-browser, so you can use them with any device — including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. The best USTVGO substitutes also have user-friendly apps for a range of devices.

Conclusion

Finding a safe alternative to USTVGO can be challenging, as many streaming platforms are loaded with malware or spyware. I’ve gathered a list of trusted options, many of which offer free access — either with limited content or through free trials. Each platform has its own unique features, so whether you’re looking for news channels, sports, or entertainment, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.