What Is YouTube TV?

YouTube TV is one of the most popular and well-known live TV streaming services today, offering over 100 channels for $72.99* per month. What makes this service different from its competitors, and how does it compare to a cable TV subscription?

Table of Contents

  • What Is a Live TV Streaming Service?
  • What Is YouTube TV?
  • YouTube TV Plans
  • YouTube TV Features
  • YouTube TV Channel Lineup
  • Why Choose YouTube TV?
  • FAQ

Summary

YouTube TV is a great live TV streaming service option for cord cutters. If you are a cable TV subscriber looking to cut the cord, or if you are a current cord cutter but are now looking to increase your content library, YouTube TV offers no contracts, no cable TV-related fees, and often starts with a free trial.

What Is a Live TV Streaming Service?

There are a couple different types of streaming services. There are on-demand streaming services that offer no live TV capabilities and instead focus on binge-able, downloadable content (think Netflix, Max or Disney Plus) and there are live TV streaming services that use your internet connection but act essentially like a cable TV subscription, allowing you to watch live TV, sports and more through an interface that looks like a typical TV guide.

Examples of live TV streaming services include DIRECTV via Internet, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

Check out the table below to get an overview of different popular streaming services, and which category they would fall under.

Popular Streaming Services
Streaming ServiceOn-Demand or Live TV?Monthly PriceBest Known For
PeacockOn-DemandFreeNBCUniversal content
Apple TVOn-DemandStarts at $4.99Apple Originals
NetflixOn-DemandStarts at $6.99First popular streaming service, original content
Disney PlusOn-DemandStarts at $7.99Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar content
MaxOn-DemandStarts at $9.99Blockbuster movies, HBO and other major networks
HuluOn-DemandStarts at $7.99Original content, next-day content
Sling TVLive TVStarts at $35Its two plans, Orange and Blue, that provide different content
YouTube TVLive TVStarts at $72.99 (non-Spanish plan)Variety of content, tie-in with YouTube
fuboTVLive TVStarts at $69.99 (non-Spanish plan)Sports
DIRECTV via InternetLive TVStarts at $69.99Ability to bundle with AT&T Fiber

The above table is certainly not all-inclusive; there are countless other streaming services, including many free options like Pluto TV and Xumo that are incredibly friendly to your wallet. That is, if you don’t mind being bombarded by ads.

However, live TV streaming services, including YouTube TV, run ads because it is stipulated by networks to do so. In that, you are receiving a true cable TV experience but over your internet connection. Style always comes back around!

Family streaming Youtube TV

What Is YouTube TV?

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service created by YouTube that uses your internet connection to provide you with over 100 popular, live TV networks to your favorite devices. It has quickly become one of the most popular services to replace a standard cable TV subscription.

YouTube TV Plans

There are currently two YouTube TV plans to choose from: Base Plan and Spanish Plan. Let’s break both plans down to help you make a decision on what’s best for you.

YouTube TV Plans
PlanChannel CountBest FeaturesStarting Monthly Price
Base Plan100+Popular live channels, unlimited DVR space, up to 6 accounts and add-on options$72.99
Spanish Plan28+Spanish live channels, unlimited DVR space, up to 6 accounts$24.99

YouTube TV Features

YouTube TV has all the features you could possibly ask of a modern live TV streaming service. For starters, you can live stream over 100 popular networks right on your favorite device. The list of devices compatible with YouTube TV includes:

  • Roku
  • Chromecast
  • Apple TV
  • LG
  • Samsung
  • PlayStation
  • Xbox One
  • Vizio
  • TiVO Stream
  • Android
  • iOS
  • Fire TV

While watching your favorite live network on your favorite device, you can also enjoy no contracts, use unlimited cloud DVR space, avoid cable TV fees and save hundreds of dollars per year compared to cable TV. You can also use add-ons to customize your YouTube TV plan even further, adding premium networks, sports packages and even a 4K Plus add-on.

YouTube TV Channel Lineup

YouTube TV has a ZIP code input that allows users to see their channel lineup based on their area before even signing up.

For the most part, the service includes most popular networks that subscribers would want and expect from a $72.99 per month cable TV replacement.

Here’s a list of just some of the channels provided by YouTube TV:

  • ABC
  • CBS
  • FOX
  • NBC
  • ABC News
  • AMC
  • Adult Swim
  • Animal Planet
  • BBC
  • BBC World News
  • BET
  • BET Her
  • BTN
  • Bravo
  • CBS Sports
  • CNBC
  • CNN
  • Cartoon Network
  • Cheddar
  • CMT
  • Comedy Central
  • Comedy.TV
  • Comet TV
  • and many more!

Why Choose YouTube TV?

YouTube TV’s purpose is to serve as a replacement for cable TV for all the cord cutters out there. You need to pair it with a quality internet connection to make the most of it, however. The service recommends about 5 Mbps of bandwidth allotment for each account user and also allows for three simultaneous streams. And if you choose the 4K resolution add-on, that requires even more bandwidth.

Some popular internet service providers even have bundling options with YouTube TV that can save you a few extra bucks each month. To learn if one is available at your address, give the phone number on this page a call. A helpful representative can walk you through every provider and savings opportunity available at your address.

The main benefits of YouTube TV are the lack of cable TV fees that make cable TV quite expensive, and there are also no contracts involved whatsoever. You can quit the service anytime if it doesn’t meet your standards. You also get unlimited cloud DVR, which for many modern households is a must-have.

When it comes to live TV streaming services, YouTube TV is undoubtedly at the forefront.

Frequently asked questions

How much does YouTube TV cost?

YouTube TV's Base Plan is $72.99 per month at regular price (as of March 2023), but there are often free trials and other promotions available.

What are the best YouTube TV features?

No contracts, no cable TV fees, over 100 popular, live TV channels and much more.

Does YouTube TV have PBS?

Yes, YouTube TV includes PBS.

Can you cancel YouTube TV?

Yes, you can cancel YouTube TV anytime, and very easily. There are no cancellation fees involved.

Does YouTube TV have 4K resolution?

YouTube TV in 4K is available on compatible devices as part of the YouTube TV 4K add-on.

Does YouTube TV have ads?

Yes, live TV ads are stipulated by network agreements.

Does YouTube TV have NFL Sunday Ticket?

Yes, YouTube TV now offers NFL Sunday Ticket.

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