Learn Playstation Vue Alternatives: Best Apps to Replace PS Vue

Playstation Vue Alternatives: Best Apps to Replace PS Vue

Last Updated: November 1, 2019

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The news of Sony’s PlayStation Vue shutting down shocked the streaming world this week. Ultimately, with the PS5 hitting the market next year, Sony wants to focus on its new video game system. The costs of running a separate streaming service apparently are too much for the technology giant.

PlayStation Vue logo copyright Sony.

Let’s take a look at the details of PlayStation Vue closing. We also look at a few PSVue alternatives to help your household cope with the change. There are many quality streaming services out there hoping for your subscription.

Is PlayStation Vue Shutting Down a Sign of Streaming Industry Consolidation?

Sony announced this week that the last day of operation for PlayStation Vue is January 30, 2020. One piece of good news is Sony is billing customers for the last time in December. So current subscribers essentially receive a free month of service in January.

Some technology pundits wonder if PSVue closing is a sign of an upcoming streaming industry consolidation. The number of PlayStation Vue subscribers ranged from 500,000 to 800,000 depending on the source. This ranked behind other services like Sling TV and YouTube TV.

Sony made a mistake by not offering synergies between PSVue and its gaming services like PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now. They’d likely get more Vue subscribers by offering a discount for users of both.

As Sony stated, given the competitive nature of the industry, they made a decision to focus on the PS5. The streaming market is only becoming more cluttered with Apple TV+, Disney+, and HBO Max all joining the fray. Thankfully, users looking for a new cable TV replacement enjoy many options.

The Best PlayStation Vue Alternatives

We recently published a streaming service buyers guide that featured PSVue and two other options. Both YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV are worthy replacements for your PlayStation Vue subscription.

YouTube TV offers essentially the same channel lineup as Vue at a similar monthly price. Its biggest selling point is a Cloud DVR with unlimited storage. You are able to keep programs for up to nine months.

Hulu + Live TV is another winner with similar pricing and lineup. You also get access to Hulu’s full library of content. Pay attention to see if Hulu’s upcoming bundle with ESPN+ and Disney+ adds the Live TV content at a higher price. If so, it’s probably the best deal in streaming.

Philo offers a great channel lineup for only $20 per month. One important caveat is the lack of sports and news channels, except for BBC World News. A host of on-demand content makes up for no Cloud DVR.

Finally, sports fans need to check out FuboTV. You get most of the sports channels as well as extra soccer content. There’s also a good array of news, entertainment, and lifestyle channels.

As always, be sure to perform regular speed tests to ensure your bandwidth can handle HD streaming. 5 Mbps remains the idea benchmark for HD video on one device. Remember, we still have the best Internet speed test in the business!

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Learn Playstation Vue Alternatives: Best Apps to Replace PS Vue

A Streaming Services Buyers Guide: PlayStation Vue, Hulu, YouTube TV

Last Updated: October 4, 2019

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Note: Since we published this article, Sony announced it was closing PlayStation Vue. Check out our other article detailing some suitable PS Vue alternatives.

With our ongoing series on the changing television world, it makes sense to publish a streaming services buyers guide. This time out, it’s a throwdown between PlayStation Vue, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV. Cordcutters note, all three offer enough channels to be considered replacements for your cable or TV service.

Our guide takes a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of all three. Note that the monthly price for the three is around $50. For our profiles of the individual services, click on the following links: PS Vue, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV.

The Best Collection of Streaming Channels?

PlayStation Vue, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV all offer a similar robust channel lineup. This means each serves as a valid replacement for your cable or satellite TV service. Any preference for one likely lies with the availability of specific channels or special perks.

PS Vue likely serves sports fans better than the rest, with the ESPN family, FS1 and FS2, NBCSN, and much more. Its inclusion of BeIN Sports is sure to attract soccer fans.

Ultimately, the quality of the channel line up is wash between the three streaming services. Note that all three include local channels. Check the website for each to see what’s available at your home.

Which Streaming Service has the Best Cloud DVR?

All three streaming services provide users with a Cloud-based DVR to store programming. Hulu Live TV requires an upgrade to receive the 200 hour storage of their enhanced DVR. Normally, users receive 50 hours.

YouTube TV takes things to another level, however. All subscribers receive a Cloud DVR with unlimited storage. You are able to keep recordings for up to nine months. It’s the major advantage of Google’s streaming service.

Streaming Device Support

All three services support nearly all the major streaming devices, such as Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast. Expect the same support with most smart TVs. Of course, web-browser viewing on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone is also possible.

PlayStation Vue offers five simultaneous streams. This compares nicely to YouTube TV’s three, and Hulu Live TV’s two. Keep this in mind if you have a large family.

PlayStation Vue Service Summary

Monthly Price: Access $49.99. Core $54.99. Elite $64.99. Ultra $84.99.
Pros: Superior sports channel offerings. Five simultaneous streams.
Cons: Buggy app for the Roku. (This writer is currently feeling that pain.)

Hulu Live TV Service Summary

Monthly Price: $44.99
Pros: Cheaper price compared to the others. Access to Hulu’s library of movie and TV show content included.
Cons: Only two simultaneous streams. Cloud DVR provides less storage.

YouTube TV Service Summary

Monthly Price: $49.99
Pros: Cloud DVR boasts unlimited storage.
Cons: Google’s well-documented privacy issues.

Ultimately, all three of these streaming services offer similar lineups and features. YouTube TV’s Cloud DVR is a clear winner, but one of the other options might offer a specific channel you want. This is especially the case for sports fans considering PS Vue.

Hopefully, this streaming services buyers guide provides some food for thought before you make a final choice. Remember, you need Internet speed of at least 5 Mbps to stream HD content to one device. 4K content requires at least 25 Mbps. Make sure to perform regular speed tests to ensure your ISP keeps their promised service level.

In the future, expect additional buyers guides. Our goal is to cover budget offerings like Philo, videogame streaming, and music services. Of course, comparisons of non-cable replacements like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+ are also planned. Stay tuned.

About the Authors

Learn Playstation Vue Alternatives: Best Apps to Replace PS Vue

YouTube TV is a Top Streaming Service Option

Last Updated: September 13, 2019

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When considering streaming services for cordcutters to replace cable or satellite TV, YouTube TV ranks near the top. At a monthly price near $50, it competes more with PlayStation Vue and Sling instead of Netflix or Amazon Prime. It’s a worthy option for those already using a variety of Google services, including an Android smartphone.

The You Tube TV Logo, copyright Alphabet.

Let’s dive into the details of YouTube TV to see if subscribing makes sense for you. We’ll look at channel offerings, pricing options, bandwidth considerations, and more. It’s another edition of our regular series on streaming services.

YouTube TV Service Plans and Channel Options

Google’s streaming service offers a robust array of channels – over 70. This includes many popular sports, lifestyle, and news offerings. Depending on your location, expect nearly all your local channels as well. This works much better compared to Sling TV’s outdoor antenna requirement for locals.

All this content is available for one monthly price of $49.99. Some of the other cable replacement products suffer from too many service tiers. So having one straightforward option is nice for YouTube TV subscribers.

A variety of premium add-ons are available, including Showtime, Starz, and NBA League Pass. HBO isn’t one, but users simply need to subscribe directly to HBO Now.

The service is available for the Android and iOS platforms, and most popular streaming devices, including the Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast. Of course, watching on a Smart TV or in a browser is also possible. In fact, the YouTube TV interface is similar to their web version.

You are able to share your service with up to six accounts in your family. YouTube TV also supports up to three simultaneous streams. This compares well with other services.

Note that YouTube TV is different from YouTube Premium. The latter removes commercials from regular YouTube videos, while also providing access to YouTube Music.

A Robust Cloud DVR and More

YouTube TV’s Cloud-based DVR with unlimited storage is a big plus for the service. Simply record what you want and it’s in your library for nine months. This feature stands alone among other streaming services. However, you aren’t allowed to download content for offline viewing.

Sports fans will appreciate the DVR’s feature to easily record your favorite teams. When viewing a game, this option is available when highlighting one of the team names. Simply put, YouTube TV’s DVR is the best in the business.

How Much Internet Speed Do I Need for YouTube TV?

Like with other streaming services, an Internet speed of at least 5 Mbps is a must for an HD-quality picture. If multiple devices are accessing your router, more speed is necessary. Thankfully, you enjoy a few ways to optimize your home Internet service.

Additionally, consider using a range extender or dual band router for better network coverage. Placing your router closer to your main home entertainment system also helps. Finally, speak with your local ISP to upgrade to a faster Internet service. Just enter your ZIP code and we’ll find the top Internet providers in your town.