10 Best USTVGO Alternatives — Stream Live TV & More in 2024

Reading time: 18 min

  • Sayb Saad

    Written by Sayb Saad Cybersecurity Specialist

If you’re in the US, it’s hard to find a reliable substitute for watching channels like ABC and HBO under one platform since USTVGO has been shut down for copyright infringement. Most alternative sites are either illegal or filled with malware.

To save you time and effort, I tested nearly 50 USTVGO alternatives and found several good ones. Most of them can only be accessed from the US with a local IP address due to licensing agreements. A VPN can technically get you a US IP address even though you’re elsewhere. However, I don’t condone this as it might go against copyright agreements.

If you want to use a VPN to stream on an alternative platform safely, some don’t work and many are too slow. My global teammates and I tested many VPNs and found that ExpressVPN is the best to watch USTVGO alternatives. It’s extremely fast and always works.

Quick Guide: Best VPNs to Watch USTVGO Alternatives

  1. ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for USTVGO alternatives since it always works and has ultra-fast speeds for lag-free streaming.
  2. CyberGhost. Streaming-optimized servers work with USTVGO alternatives reliably, but its browser extension has limited servers.
  3. Private Internet Access. MACE ensures ad-free, uninterrupted, and secure streaming on USTVGO alternatives, but it’s not located in a privacy-friendly country.

Important! My colleagues and I don’t condone breaking copyright laws. The recommended VPNs have strict no-logging policies that prevent them from keeping track of (or even seeing) what you do online. This means you’re responsible for how you choose to use a VPN, so please be sure to follow all applicable rules and regulations.

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Top USTVGO Alternatives to Stream Live TV and Movies in 2024

Pluto TV

Owned by Paramount, Pluto TV is an ad-supported platform with 250+ channels like NewsMax TV, CBS Sports, and Sky News, with real-time broadcasts across many genres like comedy and drama. Popular on-demand titles include Titanic and District 9.

Screenshot of The Aviator playing on Pluto TV's live TV section under the Movies genre

Pluto TV’s Live TV and On Demand options are easy to find

It’s available in the US, Canada, Brazil, the EU, the UK, and Australia. Pluto TV has native apps for the App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon App Store, and Roku and supports 10 languages, including French, German, and Spanish.

My global team of testers confirmed that they could stream Pluto TV without signing up. They felt its interface mirrored premium services, but the genre and content selection seemed constricted. Videos on demand had a few spaced-out ads that could be skipped.

Plex

With 600+ live TV channels and over 50,000 titles on-demand, Plex has 12 live broadcast genres with channels like VICE, AMC, BBC Earth, and Anime HiDive. The Free Movies & TV category offers on-demand streaming with 14 genres, with titles such as Transporter 3 and Matchpoint.

Screenshot of Plex website's interface showing various movies

You’ll find a ton of movies and shows on Plex’s Free Movies & TV section

Plex is available worldwide except in countries like Bahrain, Cuba, and Egypt, where Plex’s Live TV feature is restricted due to licensing agreements. You can use Plex on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, NVIDIA Shield, and more. It can detect Google Home products, so you can cast media directly from your home WiFi.

I watched Plex without signing up and found the interface easy to navigate and efficient. While watching The Girl Next Door, I initially encountered 15-second ads 3 times, followed by periodic 10 to 30-second interruptions. Although not ideal, it’s an acceptable trade-off for free streaming.

Freevee

Freevee is Amazon’s free and ad-supported VOD streaming service. It’s available in the US, UK, Germany, and Austria, but live TV is restricted to the US. Live TV has 150+ channels like CBS News, Mixible, and MGM Stargate, but my colleagues in the US and Europe had to sign in to stream.

Its content library spans over 3,000 movies, 400 shows, and 100 Amazon originals. Some shows only have select episodes available. In the Category tab, some content is available for rent or purchase, but not those in the Free With Ads tab.

Screenshot of Freevee's homepage containing on-demand titles under the Free with Ads tab

Finding content on Freevee’s user-friendly interface was super easy

If Freevee is available in your country, you can download the Freevee app on the App Store and Google Play. It’s compatible with all Amazon devices, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. My teammate in the US set up ExpressVPN on smart TV to stream Despicable Me 3 without issues but was interrupted by 30-second ads every 20 minutes.

Xumo Play

Xumo Play’s interface feels familiar and welcoming. But like other platforms, Xumo Play is ad-supported and limited to the US. If you’re in the country, you can start watching right away without signing up.

With 190+ channels, Xumo Play has content ranging from news, sports, movies, food shows, and more. Although it has many older movies, my colleagues in the US suggest exploring Xumo Originals and Exclusives. These have newer titles and content from channels besides the popular ones like FOX.

Screenshot of various categories of content available on XUMO Play's homepage

XUMO Play’s sleek design makes it easy to find your favorite content

You can watch Xumo on smart TVs, Roku, and Chromecast in the US and it has apps for iOS and Android. My colleagues had no issues navigating Xumo’s sleek, Netflix-type interface with title slabs — all they had to do was click on a title and start streaming.

TheTVApp

TheTVApp has 100+ live channels, including VICE, USA Network, and BBC America. It’s strictly a US-based live TV platform with no on-demand streaming. If you’re in the US, the detailed TV schedule lets you know when a listed program will air on a specific channel.

My teammate in the US set a reminder on his phone to watch Ex Machina

My teammate in the US set a reminder on his phone to watch Ex Machina

Its comprehensive listings for the NBA, MLB, NHL, and NFL impressed our team in the US. The streaming schedule eliminated guesswork, as they knew exactly when a match would be broadcast. Plus, TheTVApp’s minimalistic interface made navigation super easy.

Sling FreeStream

Sling FreeStream is Sling TV’s free version with 330+ live channels like ABC News Live. It also boasts over 40,000 titles, including The Walking Dead. However, premium channels like ESPN and HBO are only available with an upgrade. While streaming Lucky Hank, my colleague in the US was shown a 15-second ad at the beginning and then every 20 to 30 minutes.

 Screenshot of searching Hell's Kitchen on Sling FreeStream's search bar to find relevant content

Sling FreeStream’s search bar allows quick searches for a favorite title

If you’re in the US, you can start streaming on Sling FreeStream on your browser or download the app on the Amazon App Store, Google Play Store, and the App Store. Sling FreeStream also works on Roku, Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Xbox, smart TVs, and more.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is exclusive to the US. Its Base Plan offers 100+ live channels, unlimited DVR space, and supports 6 accounts with 3 simultaneous streams. Its Spanish plan has 30+ Latino networks and all Base Plan perks. While not free, YouTube TV provides a 3-week free trial.

Screenshot of YouTube TV's subscription plans on its website

Unlimited DVR space, allows endless recording of YouTube TV content

The layout makes it easy to navigate, according to my US teammates. DVR content is stored in the Library, and the Home tab includes content on colorful thumbnails. YouTube TV works on smart TVs, Roku, Fire Stick, and gaming consoles like PS4 and Xbox One. Here are some channels our US team reported seeing on their YouTube TV accounts:

News ABC News Live, MSNBC, CBS, NBC
Sports NFL Network, NBA TV, channels for specific sports teams
Family Animal Planet, Cartoon Network, all three Disney channels, Food, PBS Kids
Others ABC, CBS, Fox, BBC, CNN, CNBC, HGTV, Discovery Channel, BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TV Land

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV includes 100+ live channels and only works in the US (and Japan with limited content). If you’re in the US, you can add channels like Max and SHOWTIME. Unlike other platforms, there’s no free trial. Hulu + Live TV boasts big names like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. However, local channel availability differs, and the ZIP Code feature lets you see local offerings.

Screenshot of channel availability list on Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV’s huge content library is only available in the US

Its unlimited DVR feature allows multiple recordings and storage for up to 9 months. The interface is appealing, but it was sluggish at times when our US teammates tested it. The program guide displays up to 14 days in advance in a conventional grid, but locating lesser-known shows can be challenging.

DirecTV

DirecTV is a satellite and internet TV service in the US but also works in Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. Although It’s a paid streaming service, you can try any DirecTV plan risk-free with its 5-day free trial in the countries it’s available in. It supports 3 simultaneous streams and works on Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV.

Screenshot of DirecTV's plans via satellite and internet on its website

Navigating DirecTV’s plans was a bit complicated, but its website has all the details

With over 340 satellite and 150+ internet channels, DIRECTV has premium channels like HBO and Starz in its Premier plan. It’s possible to stream pay-per-view sports events like WWE Network matches and record 200 hours of content from US TV channels for offline playback in the US.

Stream2Watch

Stream2watch offers free online access to live sports event feeds. It embeds videos from other hosts without uploading, hosting, or controlling the content. Ensure you’re not streaming copyrighted content, as it’s not a 100% licensed platform.

Screenshot of sports channels list on Stream2Watch's website

Stream2Watch has free live streams of sports like NFL, NBA, NHL, PGA golf, International Rugby, PPV boxing, and major MMA events. A teammate reported clicking DAZN 3 channel and watching Barca TV through the Go Watch Link. The stream began promptly, but clicking the unmute button triggered a pop-up window repeatedly without unmuting the content.

Why Do I Need a VPN to Watch USTVGO Alternatives

The most reliable VPNs in 2024 make sure you’re safe online and provide buffer-free streaming. Here’s why you need a VPN to watch USTVGO alternatives:

  • Enhanced privacy and security — a VPN conceals your online activity, ensuring third parties find it difficult to monitor your actions or steal your data.
  • Fast Speeds — network administrators can restrict access to USTVGO alternatives but a VPN allows you to stream at school and in the workplace.
  • Protection on public networks — if you often use public WiFi, a VPN makes your traffic invisible and guards against potential online attackers.

The Best VPNs for Watching USTVGO Alternatives (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Streaming USTVGO Alternatives Safely Without Lags

Key Features:

  • 3,000+ servers in 105 countries with 20+ locations in the US
  • Ensures secure streaming with TrustedServer technology, private DNS, a kill switch, and military-grade encryption
  • Offers fast technical support through 24/7 live chat, email, and a knowledge base
  • Lets you stream US live TV on up to 8 devices simultaneously
  • Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming shows on USTVGO alternatives without buffering. Plus, it provides top-tier security and privacy features with an extensive network in the US and elsewhere, depending on your location and the platform available.

Its IP addresses in over 20 locations across the US and many more in other countries allowed our team of international testers to try platforms like YouTube TV and others without issues. ExpressVPN also regularly replaces its blacklisted IP addresses so that you’re not cut off from a local USTVGO alternative site.

I had the fastest speeds for streaming live TV shows in UHD with ExpressVPN, thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol. It uses a lean codebase to ensure rapid data transfers without much packet loss so I experienced zero buffering. To automatically connect to the fastest local server, I recommend using the Smart Location button.

Screenshot of The Drew Barrymore Show playing on Pluto TV while ExpressVPN is connected to a server in New York, USA

Our US team found ExpressVPN’s server in New York was fast for streaming Pluto TV without lags

The only drawback is that ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than its competitors. However, it’s extremely fast for UHD streaming, which makes it worth the price. Plus, ExpressVPN protects your privacy effectively.

The 2-year + 4 months free plan provides a 61% discount. You can try it confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. The live chat support agent confirmed my details and proceeded with the refund, and I got reimbursed in just 3 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

ExpressVPN works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and more

Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as $ 4.99 per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 61%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

 

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers Work Reliably With USTVGO Alternatives

Key Features:

  • 11,670+ servers in 100 countries with 1,200+ servers in 11 US locations
  • Includes NoSpy servers, military-grade encryption, a malware blocker, leak protection, and a kill switch
  • Provides fast support via 24/7 live chat, email, and online guides/tutorials
  • Supports US live TV streaming on 7 devices at once
  • Try it risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost’s streaming servers let you watch USTVGO alternatives on the first try. If you’re in the US, there’s a server for Sling TV and other US-specific platforms that lets you watch Netflix US and more. These are tested regularly by CyberGhost so they’re always in working condition.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's optimized streaming services for IPTV services in the US and UK

CyberGhost’s streaming servers are in the For Streaming tab

According to my teammates in the US, CyberGhost’s streaming servers in the US were about 9% faster than the regular ones on average. Even normal connections hovered above 83Mbps, but they preferred the optimized ones. These servers prioritized streaming traffic and weren’t overcrowded, ensuring sufficient bandwidth.

A small con of CyberGhost is that its browser extension only has 4 server locations — the US, Netherlands, Germany, and Romania. However, with a server in the US, you can watch content on USTVGO alternatives as long as you’re in the country. The extension is free and available to non-subscribers too, so the limited server count makes sense.

I suggest signing up for its 2-year + 4 months plan to get a 84% discount. You can try CyberGhost risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. I submitted my request via live chat — the support agent responded promptly, and I got my money back in 5 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

CyberGhost works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, and more

Get Black Friday Deal and Cyber Monday Deal from CyberGhost! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

3. Private Internet Access — MACE Ad Blocker Makes Streaming on USTVGO Alternatives Secure and Fast

Key Features:

  • Has servers in all 50 US states and 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
  • Stream safely with MACE ad blocker, flexible encryption, and secure protocols
  • Watch shows on all your devices with PIA’s unlimited device connections
  • Get prompt support via live chat and email or find answers in its knowledge base
  • Try it risk-free for 30 days with its refund guarantee

PIA’s MACE ad blocker ensures uninterrupted streaming on USTVGO alternatives. It blocks pop-up ads and trackers often found on free streaming sites. I visited ad-heavy sites like Forbes and LA Times without seeing a single pop-up ad, which also improved my site load time.

PIA’s NextGen network guarantees lag-free streams on all USTVGO alternatives. Its 10Gbps ports provide virtually unlimited bandwidth and route data through the most efficient path to minimize packet loss. In my tests, the 15 US servers averaged 83Mbps. Plus, you can tweak protocol and encryption settings to improve connections.

Screenshot of PIA's connection settings on Windows.

PIA’s 128-bit encryption gave me a speed boost of about 7%

Unfortunately, PIA is headquartered in the US, a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance that shares surveillance data. However, PIA’s no-logs policy has been audited by Deloitte while its RAM-only servers can’t record your online activities.

While it’s among the most affordable monthly VPNs, I suggest PIA’s 2-year + 4 months plan due to its 83% discount. You can try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I provided my invoice to a live chat support agent and got my refund in 6 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

PIA works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and more

Get PIA's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as 2.03$ per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!

How to Watch USTVGO Alternatives With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its lightning-fast speeds and top-notch security and privacy features.
  2. Connect to a server. Choose a local server to avoid infringing copyright laws and get the fastest speeds.
  3. That’s it! Sign in to your favorite local USTVGO alternative and start streaming.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on USTVGO Alternatives

Are USTVGO alternatives legal?

It depends on how the platform acquires content. Services officially licensed to distribute content like DirecTV are legal and often subscription-based. Others, like Pluto TV, are free, legal, and ad-supported. However, these platforms are only available in certain locations and accessing them from elsewhere will result in copyright infringement.

Others scrape the internet to acquire content and this is illegal. It’s best to avoid these free USTVGO alternatives:

Local Now TV247 DaddyLiveHD DistroTV DaddyHD
wwiTV VUIT StreamEast Puffer TV Time4TV
TV Zinos WizlerTV 123TV Now Airy TV OKLiveTV

Does USTVGO still work?

No, USTVGO TV was taken down for violating copyright laws. However, you can use the alternative USTVGO sites to stream most of its content. Many like Pluto TV and Freevee, are ad-supported and belong to big names like Amazon and Paramount.

Which devices can I use with USTVGO alternatives?

It depends on the streaming site. USTVGO alternatives like Plex allow web streaming and have apps on popular app stores. Plus they work on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more. Here’s the list of a few top alternative sites:

Pluto TV iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Kindle/Fire tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Roku devices and TVs, Google Chromecast, Vizio SmartCast, PS4 and 5, Xbox, and more.
Plex Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, major browsers, smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, PlayStation, Xbox, NVIDIA Shield, Synology, and more.
Freevee iOS, Android, Roku, Android TV, Google TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablet, PS4 and 5, and more.

Are free USTVGO alternatives safe to stream on?

Not all of them are. Try a recommended platform and use a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to hide your online activities from snoopers. Many USTVGO alternatives lack strong security features, making you susceptible to malware or data theft. They may also be involved in piracy, which I don’t condone.

Can I use a free VPN to stream on USTVGO alternatives?

It’s risky, and I don’t recommend it. Instead, use a trusted VPN like CyberGhost, free for 45 days with its money-back guarantee. Just request your money back via live chat before the period expires, and you’ll get a full refund.

I got my refund from CyberGhost in 5 working days

Most free VPNs are unreliable and sell your data to third parties. Some can even infect your device with malware. While there are a few safe free VPNs, they’re unsuitable for streaming due to data caps, slow speeds due to overcrowding, and limited servers.

Get a Reliable VPN to Stream on USTVGO Alternatives in 2024

It’s frustrating not being able to use USTVGO anymore to watch your favorite content if you’re in the US. While there are alternatives, many are illegal or pose security risks like malware. After testing many streaming sites, I have found some of the best legal USTVGO alternatives.

If you often use free WiFi at cafes, you need a VPN to stay safe online. But many slow down your speeds until your streaming lags. However, my teammates from around the world and I have tested dozens of VPNs and found a few that are good.

ExpressVPN is my preferred choice because of its ultra-fast speeds and constantly refreshed IP addresses. You can try ExpressVPN with USTVGO alternatives confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.


Summary — The Best VPNs for Streaming on USTVGO Alternatives

Top Ranked Top Choice
ExpressVPN
$4.99 / month Save 62%
Find Out More
CyberGhost VPN
$2.03 / month Save 84%
Find Out More
Private Internet Access
$2.03 / month Save 83%
Find Out More

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Sayb Saad
Written By Sayb Saad
Sayb Saad is a writer at WizCase. Sayb is a tech enthusiast who takes security and privacy very seriously. He regularly tests various cybersecurity products, including VPNs, antiviruses, and password managers, and writes expert reviews about them. Before joining WizCase, Sayb worked as a freelance tech writer for 5+ years. He has mostly worked for independent clients on various freelancing platforms in diverse niches, including the latest antivirus software and security threats. In his free time, Sayb likes to disconnect by playing his guitar and spending time with his feline companion, BonBon.
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