Cutting the Cord on Verizon Fios: 11 Alternatives to Expensive Set Top Boxes in 2024

As a home technology specialist with over 10 years of experience, I‘m often guiding consumers on alternatives to renting costly set top boxes from cable providers like Verizon Fios. Recent trends show more viewers than ever are "cutting the cord" on pricey bloated TV bundles.

According to eMarketer, over 6 million US households cancelled a paid TV subscription in 2022. At the same time, analysts predict nearly 31% of US households will rely exclusively on streaming by 2025. This shift is driven by the expanding lineups and affordability of streaming TV alternatives.

While Verizon Fios packages offer hundreds of channels, renting their set top boxes results in painfully high monthly bills. Let‘s explore 11 streaming alternatives where you can ditch the Fios boxes but keep the shows you love.

Overview: Top Fios Alternatives for Every Budget

Here‘s a snapshot of 2023‘s most popular Verizon Fios streaming alternatives across budget ranges:

Keep reading for expanded details on these main alternatives plus others worth considering.

1. Pluto TV (Free Streaming)

As the leading free streaming TV provider, Pluto TV grants you completely free access to over 250 live streaming channels encompassing categories like news, sports, movies, reality series, game shows, and more. Their channel lineup is certainly smaller than paid services, however the zero cost makes it super budget-friendly.

Supported devices: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, web browser, iOS, Android
Key channel highlights: NBC News, CBS News, CNN, MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Movie Channel, Pluto TV Sports, FailArmy, America‘s Test Kitchen

This gives you a viable route to eliminate Fios set top box fees but retain plenty of background entertainment and news at home. While Pluto TV lacks regional sports coverage or local broadcast stations, the free price and wide device access keeps growing its 100 million strong user base.

2. Philo ($25/Month, 60+ Channels)

If you want to expand beyond free options but keep costs low, Philo remains one of the most affordable paid cable alternatives at only $25 monthly. Compared to Fios packages that can easily exceed $100+ per month once fees are included, Philo is less than a quarter of the price for 60+ popular channels.

Supported devices: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, web browsers, iOS, Android
Key channel highlights: Discovery, Hallmark, History, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Food Network, HGTV, AMC

The main limitations with Philo are no broadcast networks (CBS, ABC, NBC, etc.), regional sports coverage, or local stations. But if you primarily want top cable entertainment and lifestyle channels, Philo offers incredible value. Features like unlimited DVR, 3 simultaneous streams per account, and wide device support make it flexible for most households. Ditch the Fios box and pocket the savings!

3. Sling TV (Starts at $40/Month)

Sling TV serves as one of the pioneers in affordably-priced live streaming packages. They capture a solid middle ground starting at $40 monthly for 30+ popular channels, significantly cheaper than comparable Fios plans once all the box rental fees add up!

Supported devices: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, web browsers, iOS, Android
Key channel highlights: ESPN, FS1, AMC, CNN, Food Network, HGTV, Comedy Central, NFL Network, Disney Channel

The main Sling advantage is tailored add-on packs at reasonable prices for sports, comedy, lifestyle, kids – so you get more control over your channel lineup vs inflated Fios packages. 50 hours of DVR storage allows recording shows to watch offline. With smart account profiles and customization abilities for an average of $40-60 monthly, depending on add-ons, Sling TV makes for a flexible Fios replacement.

4. Hulu + Live TV ($70/Month, 75+ Channels)

For $70 per month with Hulu + Live TV, you can ditch the Fios set top box fees and still access over 75+ channels plus extensive on-demand options thanks to the built-in Hulu streaming library. You essentially get the best of both worlds – a robust live TV lineup anchored by major broadcast networks plus thousands of shows and movies on demand.

Supported devices: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, web browsers, iOS, Android
Key channel highlights: ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC (availability varies), ESPN, CNN, TNT, Disney Channel

Unlimited DVR storage and ability watch on 2 screens simultaneously gives your household plenty of flexibility. Hulu + Live TV makes it easier for cord cutters to replicate that traditional cable TV experience but without expensive Fios box rentals.

5. YouTube TV ($65/Month, 85+ Channels)

Similar to Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV grants you 85+ live channels for $65 monthly. YouTube TV really caters to sports lovers, with rare access to channels like NFL Network plus multiple ESPN channels and regional sports networks. Basketball, baseball, soccer, golf – YouTube TV has most major sports covered.

Supported devices: Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, web browsers, iOS, Android
Key channel highlights: ESPN, NFL Network, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, NBC Golf, MLB Network, NBA TV

Unlimited cloud DVR storage means you‘ll never miss games or practices when replacing your Fios box with YouTube TV. Its 3 simultaneous streams make it a great fit for multiple TV households. With award-winning recommendation algorithms and integration with YouTube trending videos, YouTube TV offers excellent personalization as a cable alternative.

6. DirecTV Stream (Starts at $70/Month)

AT&T recently rebranded their streaming service to DirecTV Stream. Like Fios, it gives you access to live cable channels but delivered over the internet without need for a satellite dish or rented set top box. Packages start at $70 for 65+ channels spanning sports, news, entertainment. Higher tiers with 130+ channels rival Fios content depth.

Supported devices: Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple TV, web browsers, iOS, Android
Key channel highlights: ESPN, FS1, Fox, NBC, NFL Network, MLB Network

While cheaper than Fios once all box fees are factored in, DirecTV Stream falls behind competitors for cloud DVR storage (20 hour standard limit) and simultaneous streams (2 devices standard). But channel diversity with pro sports access highlights why DirecTV Stream competes well as a Fios alternative despite slightly higher costs.

Weighing Key Factors – Content, Features & Budget

Budget is generally the driving force pushing consumers like yourself to cut the cord! But you naturally don‘t want to lose access to favorite channels or key functionality like DVR recording. Use the table below to compare your main options:

I recommend deciding your must-have channels and recording functionality before choosing your Fios alternative. Hulu or YouTube TV offer the most well-rounded packages with sports and major networks. Want more personalization? Sling TV allows cheaper base packages with add-on flexibility.

Hopefully this overview gives you a clear sense of your cord cutting options as you rethink renewing pricey Fios TV bundles! Let me know if you have any other questions in evaluating home entertainment packages minus rental boxes. I‘m always available to share guidance based on 10+ years advising clients on their ideal solutions.