A few years ago, cord-cutters had few quality options for live TV streaming, often stuck with pricey cable subscriptions. Services like Sling TV, DirecTV Now, and PlayStation Vue offered alternatives—check our comparison: Sling TV vs. DirecTV Now vs. PlayStation Vue: How do they compare? Now, YouTube TV enters the fray, as announced here: YouTube launches YouTube TV for cord cutters.
What is YouTube TV? What channels and features does it offer? How does it stack up against competitors? As streaming experts who've tested dozens of services, we've got the details to help you decide if it's right for you.
The value of any live TV package comes down to its channels. YouTube TV provides live TV from over 40 networks, including major broadcasters like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox; sports from ESPN; cable staples like FX, USA, and MSNBC; plus regional sports networks and additional local channels in select areas.
Notable absences include Discovery, Viacom (Comedy Central, MTV), AMC, and Scripps (Food Network), though The Wall Street Journal reported talks to add them. No plans yet for Time Warner channels like CNN, TNT, or HBO.
Beyond live TV, YouTube TV includes access to YouTube Red, offering exclusive "Red Originals"—shows and movies from stars like PewDiePie, Lilly Singh, and Rooster Teeth. Learn more: Is YouTube Premium worth the money? 7 things to consider.
YouTube Red removes ads from videos, but this may not apply to YouTube TV subscribers initially. Rumors suggest integration with Google Play Music (see: Spotify vs. Apple Music vs. Google Play Music: Which is best?), building on existing cross-access, though Google hasn't confirmed.
A game-changer is its unlimited cloud DVR—no storage limits, recordings stored for nine months, accessible anytime on any device.
A dedicated app launches on mobiles, tablets, smart TVs, Windows PCs, Macs, and Chromecast. Expect Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV support soon.
The base plan is $35/month. Add up to six users (three concurrent streams), each with personal cloud DVR. Add-ons: Showtime for $11/month, Fox Soccer Plus (FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, etc.) for $15/month.
This beats cable—Comcast Digital Premier hits $138.99/month after year one; basic packages with AMC/ESPN run $69.97 without premiums. See: Considering canceling cable? The true cost of cutting the cord. No contracts, cancel anytime like Netflix.
US-only for now, starting in major markets like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia via existing partnerships. Expansion follows gradually. Enter your email and ZIP on the site for notifications. Launch: "next few months" at the time.
Note: VPNs may face blocks, as with Netflix—details: Why Netflix's squeeze on VPNs will ultimately fail.
From 2005's smartphone home videos to Partners Program, YouTube Red, live streaming, and now TV—YouTube is redefining 21st-century television.
Will you sign up? What features excite you most? Any deal-breakers? Share your thoughts in the comments!
