PlayStation Vue is Shutting Down - Here's How to Replace It!

PlayStation Vue is the TV streaming service from PlayStation, a digital gaming brand that’s been around since 1994. Vue was released in 2015 and, while the service was well-received by people who did subscribe, it struggled to grow its subscriber base. So, PlayStation announced that PlayStation Vue is to be shut down on January 30, 2020.

If you’re a Vue subscriber, this closure could leave a sizable gap in your home entertainment. That’s why we’ve compared the content on PlayStation Vue to that of other streaming services available today. We don’t have hope for Vue to make a comeback, but you can certainly replace the lost content with a different streaming service.

PlayStation Vue’s Key Downfalls

The shutdown of PlayStation Vue isn’t random; it struggled with several key issues, including:

• Lack of marketing and consumer confusion

PlayStation Vue started out with a meager-at-best social media presence, lacking both a Facebook and Twitter page for the service. This, along with the fact that many consumers thought the service was only for use on a PlayStation system, made the service’s subscriber base take a hit.

• Non user-friendly functionality

For awhile, PlayStation Vue subscribers could only pay their bill using a PlayStation account, and certain features could only be experienced on a PlayStation device. The service amended these mistakes later on, but the damage had already been done – non-Playstation users had discounted Vue as an option for them.

• Excessive channel options make for a higher price tag

As you’ll learn in the next section, Vue offered a staggering array of both live and On Demand channels. This bumped the subscription price up to $44.99 a month, which is noticeably higher than Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

Content on PlayStation Vue

Vue offered broadcast, local, and live sports content. The platform also offered On Demand channels from networks including:

• Disney-ABC
• AMC
• FOX
• NBC Universal
• CBS
• Scripps
• Turner

When you look at the big picture, subscribers were mainly gaining access to live sports content and On Demand content from all of the major networks. Thankfully, there are other platforms with similar content offerings to bridge the gap for Vue subscribers.

How to Replace PlayStation Vue

These four streaming services have similar content offerings to PlayStation Vue. By switching over, you can regain access to the shows and live TV that you’ll lose with Vue.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is the closest alternative the PlayStation Vue that we found. It has the same subscription price at $49.99 per month and offers access to:

• Leading entertainment and news channels including ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS
• 70+ channels of live TV
• DVR functionality
• Local sports and news

Hulu + Live TV

A Hulu + Live TV subscription costs $44.99, which is just under the cost of a basic Vue plan. Hulu subscribers have access to:

• Access to top channels including ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS
• Live sports, news, and from over 60 channels
• Full access to the Hulu streaming library

Sling TV

Sling TV is similar to Vue in that it offers a combination of On Demand shows and movies and live channels. Three different Sling subscription plans are available, each with a different selection of channels to choose from.

• Sling Orange costs $20 for the first month, then $30 for each subsequent month, and offers channels including ESPN, BBC America, Disney Channel, Lifetime, TNT, and CNN.
• Sling Blue also costs $20 for the first month, then $30 for each subsequent month, and offers channels including ESPN, USA, Bravo, TLC, FX, MSNBC, TNT, and CNN.
• Sling Orange and Blue offers a wider selection of channels from both basic plans. It costs $35 for the first month and $45 for each subsequent month.

Philo

Philo is a lesser-known and affordable streaming plan. For just $20 per month, you get access to 58 channels of live and On Demand TV. Top channels available through Philo include A&E, AMC, Food Network, HGTV, MTV, and TLC, just to name a few. However, Philo is lacking in the major news and entertainment channels, such as ABC, NBC, CNN, CBS, and FOX.

Final Thoughts

While PlayStation Vue subscribers are likely disappointed by the shutdown of the service, we’re confident that they’ll be satisfied with other available streaming options. Our top picks among the available alternatives for Vue are YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, though Sling TV and Philo are the most affordable options. Be sure to review to channels included in any service you subscribe to so that you won’t miss out on your favorite shows, sports, or news.