Google’s YouTube TV stands out among the streaming services offering live TV channels without cable, especially in the US. It offers access to over 100+ live TV channels, the ability to record shows and sports events with unlimited DVR storage, and add-ons to elevate your cord-cutting experience. Cross-platform availability isn’t an issue. Google offers YouTube TV apps on Android, iPhone, smart TV platforms, and all themajor streaming devices.
With popular sports, entertainment, news channels, NFL Sunday Ticket, and thousands of on-demand titles, YouTube TV is the best option to cut the cord at home. Unlike rival streaming services, YouTube TV doesn’t bog down the sign-up process with several plans and subscription options. Are you unsure whether cutting the cord for YouTube TV makes sense? This guide gives in-depth information about YouTube TV, its features and pricing, and its shortcomings to help you make an informed decision.
A little about YouTube TV and how it works
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that gives access to over 100 live TV channels. You don’t need a satellite dish or cable connection for YouTube TV to work. You can use it like any other online streaming service. You only need an active internet connection, the YouTube TV app, and a streaming device. The YouTube TV app is available on smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, Android TV boxes, and more, allowing you to stream your favorite TV shows and sports games whenever and wherever you want.
Much of its success comes from its support for 100+ TV channels, competitive pricing, and an intuitive user interface, making it easy for users to get to the content they want to watch. The service is set to become even better for football fans withNFL Sunday Ticket’s availability.
Despite a similar branding, don’t confuse YouTube TV with YouTube. Google’s video-sharing service is a separate platform and serves a different purpose than YouTube TV. You can read ourultimate guide to learn more about YouTube.
YouTube TV price
YouTube TV was priced at $35 per month at launch. The pricing has increased over time as the search giant expanded the service availability with more live TV channels. The latest hike came in March 2023, when thecompany increased the base monthly price from $65 to $73.
The base plan of YouTube TV lets you create accounts for six family members and supports three simultaneous streams. You also get unlimited cloud DVR to record shows, movies, and live games without storage restrictions. Anything you record on the DVR stays for nine months, giving you ample time to catch up on your favorite shows and games.
While the price increases might seem steep, comparing it to other live TV streaming services shows that YouTube TV’s current pricing is better than the competition when considering its features.
YouTube TV premium add-ons
Other than the base plan, YouTube TV also offers add-ons that give access to premium channels, 4K streaming, and more. Here are the YouTube TV add-ons YouTube TV:
You can purchase these add-ons during YouTube TV checkout. Most add-ons come with a 7-day or 14-day free trial.
YouTube TV channels
YouTube TV gives you access to 100+ TV channels and is the largest channel library of all the live TV streaming services. The base YouTube TV plan includes channels from ABC, CBS, Fox, BBC, CNN, CNBC, and more. Network channels AMC+, MGM+, NFL RedZone, and more are available as add-ons. We curated the list alphabetically so that you may easily search for your favorite channel on the service.
The list below was updated in July 2023. The number of channels may differ depending on your location. To check the complete list of channels for YouTube TV in your area, visit theYouTube TV homepageand enter your ZIP code to check the available channels.
In the past, YouTube TV has beenin dispute with media houses like DisneyandNBC Networkto keep their channels on the streaming service. Although Google managed to keep Disney and NBC channels on YouTube TV, you can’t completely rule out a similar scenario in the future.
YouTube TV sports and seasonal packages
The biggest upcoming add-on for NFL fans is the NFL Sunday Ticket, which is now available on YouTube TV for $299. The NFL Sunday Ticket is available as a standalone package or as a part of a YouTube TV bundle.
Apart from the Sports Plus plan, you may include these sports packages as add-ons:
Ways to watch YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers apps for almost all platforms, allowing you to stream live TV from anywhere. YouTube TV is available on the following devices:
Other YouTube TV features
Apart from 100+ live TV channels and dozens of add-ons, YouTube TV has several features to level up your streaming experience. Let’s take a quick look at them.
Unlimited DVR storage
While most streaming services charge an extra fee for DVR storage, YouTube TV packs unlimited DVR space with its Basic plan. It’s a must-have add-on if you have a busy schedule and want to watch the content later on the weekend. YouTube TV records content with ads, but you can forward them while watching. You can keep your recorded content for up to nine months.
Simultaneous connections
you may stream YouTube TV on up to three devices at a time. You get unlimited streams on the home network if you purchase the 4K Plus add-on. YouTube TV also supports six profiles to get curated recommendations based on your preference.
Voice control
If you own one of the Google Home speakers, use voice controls to open a specific channel, show, or episode on YouTube TV.
Picture-in-picture mode
This one is limited to Android and iPhone only. Similar to YouTube and other streaming apps, YouTube TV supports picture-in-picture mode to watch your favorite content in a small window while you check your email or social media.
Multiview window
YouTube TV launched multiview windows with 2023 March Madness NCAA games. It lets you watch up to four sports channels simultaneously. It’s useful when you want to watch the NFL, but the little ones prefer MLB or the NBA.
YouTube TV supports dark mode that’s easy on the eyes during the night hours.
Hide channels
If you don’t want your children to explore specific channels, hide those channels from YouTube TV.
Customer service, support, and canceling YouTube TV
As with any Google service, the company offers excellent customer support to answer your queries. You can contact the support members on the YouTube TV’sContact Us page. If you plan to ditch YouTube TV, you can cancel the service from the web version.
You lose access to YouTube TV content when the billing cycle ends.
YouTube TV vs. Hulu+ Live TV vs. Sling TV
YouTube TV’s website provides a comparison tool that shows how the service compares against its competitors like Hulu+ Live TV and Sling TV. As shown in the screenshot below, Sling TV costs less at $55 a month, but you only get access to 40+ channels compared to YouTube TV’s directory of 100+ channels. Hulu+ Live TV offers more channels than Sling TV, but its offering remains subpar compared to YouTube TV, even though it costs $5 a month more. One benefit you get with Hulu is access to Hulu’s original content.
YouTube also wins when it comes to concurrent streams on multiple devices. Sling TV lets you stream live TV on one device, while Hulu+ Live TV works on two devices. Compared to them, YouTube TV supports three concurrent streaming devices and up to six user profiles.
Sling TV also does not offer unlimited cloud DVR. Direct TV is another big competitor of YouTube TV that offers limited features. It costs more at $74.99 a month, doesn’t offer unlimited DVR, and doesn’t let you skip ads in DVR content.
Say no to cable with YouTube TV
YouTube TV is an excellent solution if you’re looking to solve your cable TV woes. With access to over 100+ channels, its features, and its competitive pricing, YouTube TV has grown its user base in and around the United States. Cut the cord this year with YouTube TV and enjoy live TV at your leisure. If you’re a movie buff and don’t want to pay those hefty subscription fees for streaming platforms, check out our list of thebest free movie streaming websites.
