YouTube TV Review (2022): Everything to Know about the Live Streaming Service
|Cutting the cord used to feel simpler because the choices used to be cable or a few live streaming services. These days there is plenty of competition out there in the live streaming space. You can find services with multiple package options, add-on channels, unique features, and more. With all of these options it can be hard to know which one will be right for you. That’s what we’re here for. In the following YouTube TV review, you’ll learn all you need to know about this service.
If you’re curious about how YouTube TV performs, you’re in the right place. As someone that has used YouTube TV, I can offer you all of the insider information that you might not know. You will find out what sports channels (and all the other channels) YouTube TV has to offer, along with price, features, add-on options, devices you can use, and everything else you’ll need to know!
All of the details you need about YouTube TV live streaming can be found right here in our YouTube TV review!
If you’re strictly worried about sports, we’ve got you covered. You will discover all of the initial sports channels that are in the basic lineup. Beyond that we will look at additional channels that are able to be added to your plan. This will give you a good understanding of what sports you’ll have access to and which ones you won’t. We do this for entertainment, too. So, no matter what you’re interested in watching, you can find out more here.
This is what you’ll find in our YouTube TV review:
- What is YouTube TV?
- What is the YouTube TV Channel Lineup?
- What Does YouTube TV Offer Sports Fans?
- What Devices work with YouTube TV?
- What Features come with YouTube TV?
- How Does YouTube TV Work?
- How Much are YouTube TV Packages?
- How Does YouTube TV Compare to Other Streaming Services?
- YouTube TV Pros & Cons
- FAQ
- Is YouTube TV Worth It?
Keep reading to learn all of the details about YouTube TV…
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is a cheaper alternative to cable, offering 85+ local and nationwide TV networks streaming live to your devices. You can enjoy everything from ABC to ESPN to FOX Sports and more. YouTube TV is available on a variety of devices, so you can watch from almost anywhere as long as you have a stable Internet connection.
Sports fans should enjoy YouTube TV a lot. Not only do most areas receive the full lineup of local channels, but you’ll also have access to multiple ESPN networks, FS1 and FS2, NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, and more. Unfortunately, regional content is sparse unless you’re in need of NBC Sports regionals. There’s also an additional sports package that you can add to your base package, if you’re interested.
The main YouTube TV plan is available for $55 per month for the first 3-months and $65 per month after. That’s not before the free 7-day trial you’ll receive, though. This plan includes more than 85 popular networks, the ability to add channels to your plan, an unlimited cloud DVR, the chance to make up to 6 family profiles, and more. The free trial makes it easy to check out YouTube TV with no risk. You’ll never sign a contract, and you can always cancel whenever you wish.
What Channels Does YouTube TV Offer?
YouTube TV pricing options include a base plan and the Spanish Plan. From there, you have a variety of available add-ons that you can purchase to expand your package. The base plan, which includes 85+ channels is available at a discounted rate of $55 per month, for the first three months. After that, you’ll pay $65 a month, which is still a discount when compared to some of the competition.
Let’s see the complete YouTube TV channel lineup below:
Base Plan ($65/month)
YouTube TV’s base plan includes:
- ABC
- ABC News
- ACC Network
- Adult Swim
- AMC
- Animal Planet
- BBC America
- BBC World News
- BET
- BET Her
- Big Ten Network
- Bravo
- Cartoon Network
- CBS
- CBS Sports Network
- Cheddar Business
- Cheddar News
- CMT
- CNBC
- CNN
- Comedy Central
- Comet
- Court TV
- CoziTV
- The CW
- Dabl
- Discovery
- Disney
- Disney Jr
- Disney XD
- E!
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPNU
- ESPNews
- Food Network
- FOX
- Fox Business
- Fox News
- Fox Soul
- Freeform
- FS1
- FS2
- FX
- FXM
- FXX
- Galavision
- Game Show Network
- getTV
- Golf
- HGTV
- HLN
- IFC
- ID
- Live Now from Fox
- Los Angeles Football Club
- MLB Game of the Week
- MLB Network
- MotorTrend
- MSNBC
- MTV
- MTV2
- MTV Classic
- My Network TV
- National Geographic
- Nat Geo Wild
- NBA TV
- NBC
- NBCLX
- NBC News Now
- NBC Sports Network (regional sports channels)
- NBC Universo
- NewsNation
- NFL Network
- Nickelodeon
- Nick Jr
- Nicktoons
- Olympic Channel
- OWN
- Oxygen
- Paramount Network
- PBS
- PBS Kids
- Pop
- QVC
- SECN
- Smithsonian
- SNY
- StartTV
- SundanceTV
- Syfy
- Tastemade
- TBS
- TCM
- Telemundo
- Teennick
- TLC
- TNT
- Travel
- truTV
- TV Land
- TYT
- UniMas
- Universal Kids
- Univision
- USA
- VH1
- WeTV
- YouTube Originals
Spanish Plans ($15-$35/month)
There are two options for Spanish-speaking channels. You can pick up the Spanish Plus plan, which gives you the following 28 channels for $15 per month when added on to the base package:
- Antena 3
- Baby TV Espanol
- Bandamax
- beIN Sports en Espanol
- beIN XTRA en Espanol
- Cine Latino
- Cine Mexicano
- CNNe
- De Pelicula
- De Pelicula Clasico
- Discovery en Espanol
- Discovery Familia
- ESPN Deportes
- Estrella TV
- ForoTV
- Fox Deportes
- Nat Geo Mundo
- NTN24
- Nuestra Tele
- Pasiones
- Sony Cine
- Tastemade en Espanol
- Telehit
- Telehit Musica
- Tlvnovelas
- TyC Sports
- Universo
- Wapa
If you want more channels in Spanish or you’d prefer a strictly Spanish-speaking lineup as a standalone package rather than as an add-on to the base plan, you can opt for the Spanish Plan, which is available for $35 per month.
The big difference is that this is a standalone plan, so you’d just pay the $35 per month as opposed to adding this additional content to your base package.
The standalone Spanish plan also includes Galavision in the lineup, along with all of the other channels in the Spanish Plus plan.
Add-On Packages
Once you’ve decided on YouTube TV, you might want to add some additional channels to make your package perfect for you. YouTube TV offers the following add-on channels:
- Acorn TV ($6/month)
- ALLBLK ($5/month)
- AMC Plus ($9/month)
- Cinemax ($10/month)
- Comedy Dynamics ($5/month)
- ConTV ($7/month)
- Curiosity Stream ($3/month)
- Dove Channel ($4/month)
- Docudrama ($10/month)
- Epix ($6/month)
- Fandor ($5/month)
- Hallmark Movies Now ($5/month)
- IFC Films Unlimited ($6/month)
- FOX Soccer Plus ($15/month)
- HBO Max ($15/month)
- Law & Crime ($2/month)
- TV ($25/month)
- NBA League Pass ($40/month)
- Pantaya ($6/month)
- ScreenPix ($5/month)
- Screambox ($5/month)
- Showtime ($7/month)
- Shudder ($6/month)
- Starz ($9/month)
- Sundance Now ($7/month)
- Up Faith & Family ($6/month)
- We TV Plus ($6/month)
You can also pick up the Sports Plus bundle for $11 per month. This bundle option includes the following:
- FOX College Sports
- FOX Soccer Plus
- Gol TV
- MAVTV
- NFL Red Zone
- Stadium
- TVG
If premium movie channels are your thing, you can order them separately or you can choose the Entertainment Plus bundle for just $20 per month. This bundle includes:
- HBO Max
- Showtime
- Starz
This is a great deal because individually, these three networks would cost $31. You can save $11 per month by ordering the bundle. Each of these networks gives you multiple channels and access to each network on-demand library, as well.
What Channels are Missing on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV has one of the most impressive lineups in live streaming, but no service offers every channel. As far as YouTube TV is concerned, you might notice that the lineup is missing channels like A&E, Boomerang, Destination America, DIY, History, Lifetime, and regional sports networks like Bally, AT&T Sportsnet, and Pac-12 Networks.
What Does YouTube TV Offer for Sports Fans?
Except for NHL Network, YouTube TV offers all the major nationwide sports channels. You’ll have access to NBA TV, MLB Network, and NFL Network. You also have several ESPN networks, and other niche sports channels like Olympic and Golf. Depending on your area, you could have the full slate of local channels including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.
The only area that YouTube TV seems to fall on is regional sports channels. NBC Sports regionals are included, but others like Bally Sports and AT&T Sportsnet channels aren’t available.
Here’s an overview of how YouTube TV stacks up as a sports streaming service:
NFL and NCAA fans can enjoy games on FOX, ESPN, NFL Network, and college networks like BTN, ACCN, and SECN. Pac-12 Network is not included. You’re also missing other RSNs like Bally Sports. Still, with the available lineup, fans should get the majority of NFL and NCAA games they are looking to watch.
If baseball is your sport, YouTube TV has you covered with access to many national games on ESPN. You’ll also have MLB Network to fill in even more game coverage. The only downside is the RSNs like Bally Sports and others missing which makes it hard to follow your local team in many markets.
Basketball fans can watch games on ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and TNT. Again, Bally Sports and many other regionals are missing making it hard to follow your local team, but otherwise, you should be able to watch plenty of national games with the networks that are available.
Hockey fans can tune into ABC, ESPN, and TNT. NHL Network is notably missing. Also many regional sports networks like Bally Sports, AT&T Sportsnet, NESN, and others are missing which makes it hard to follow your local team in many markets.
All in all, YouTube TV is a pretty solid option for those who want to watch sports online.
What Devices Work with YouTube TV?
You won’t need anything special to watch YouTube TV. As long as you have stable Internet and one of the following devices you can be watching TV in no time:
- Computers – PC and Mac (most browsers are compatible)
- Mobile devices – iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets
- Streaming Devices – Watch on Chromecast, AppleTV, Fire TV, Roku
- Smart TVs – Selected models made by Vizio, LG, and Samsung
- Video Game Consoles – Xbox One & PlayStation
What Features come with YouTube TV?
YouTube TV has a great lineup, but you might be curious what other added account features there are. If that’s the case, this is the spot for you. Here’s what YouTube TV has to offer besides live TV:
Unlimited Cloud-DVR
Not only do you get a cloud DVR with YouTube TV, but it also comes with unlimited space. Record anything and everything you want. You will be able to watch it (multiple times, if you want) on your schedule. Recordings are saved for 9 months unless you delete them. You also have the ability to rewind, fast forward, and pause this content.
Watch Multiple Screens at Once
Most live streaming services have a cap on how many simultaneous streams you’re allowed to watch. For Hulu Live, it’s two. YouTube TV offers you three simultaneous screens at one time.
6 Accounts Per Household
YouTube TV knows that everyone in your house doesn’t have the same viewing tastes. To ensure that everyone gets an experience that is good for them, you get the option to make up to 6 profiles per account. Even better, these profiles can have their own look and add their own favorites. You also get access to your own unlimited cloud-DVR, so you don’t have to worry about sifting through someone else’s saved content.
TV Everywhere App Usage
TV Everywhere apps are basic viewing apps that are specific to each network. If you’re a cable or live stream subscriber, you can sign into these apps with your subscription info (login and password) and watch whatever is available. YouTube TV allows you to watch a variety of TV Everywhere apps. The following will work for you if you’re a YouTube TV subscriber:
- ABC
- AMC
- Animal Planet
- BBC America
- BTN
- Bleacher Report
- Bravo
- Cartoon Network
- CBS
- CBS Sports Network
- CNBC
- CNN
- Discovery
- Disney Channel
- Disney Jr
- Disney XD
- E!
- Epix
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPNews
- ESPNU
- Food Network
- Fox
- Fox Business
- Fox News
- Fox Sports Live
- Freeform
- FX
- FXM
- FXX
- Golf Channel
- HBO Max
- HGTV
- ID
- IFC
- MLB Network
- Motor Trend
- MSNBC
- National Geographic
- Nat Geo Wild
- NBA League Pass
- NBC
- NCAA March Madness
- NFL Network
- NFL RedZone
- Olympic Channel
- Oxygen
- OWN
- Pop TV
- SECN
- Showtime
- Smithsonian
- Starz
- SundanceTV
- Syfy
- TBS
- TCM
- TLC
- Telemundo
- TNT
- Travel
- truTV
- Universal Kids
- Universo
- USA
- WeTV
Remember, you need to be a subscriber of the channel for the network app to work for you. So, if the channel is not in the base package, you need it to be added to your package or it won’t work with your login details.
How Does YouTube TV Work?
The nice thing about streaming services is that if you’ve used one, you know how to use them all. Still, if you’re unfamiliar with the basics, it’s as simple as can be. You point your Internet-connected streaming device to the YouTube TV app, you sign in, and you pick what you want to watch. That’s really all there is to it. You can go from sign-up to streaming in 5 minutes or less!
Signing Up to YouTube TV
Signing up for YouTube TV is easy! Here’s how to do it:
- Visit YouTube TV
- Click the “Try it Free” button
- Choose the package you want and any add-ons
- Fill out the basic required information and agree
- Start watching YouTube TV!
Remember, there’s nothing to lose when you try YouTube TV. Your package starts with the first 7-days free. If you cancel before the first week is up, you won’t be charged. Otherwise, your plan will start at $55 a month for three months and then go to the regular $65 per month.
How to Use YouTube TV
If you have any experience with YouTube, you’ll find the layout and style to be very similar. You can browse for content to watch, or you can use the live guide to see what’s airing right now.
All you need to start watching live TV is to activate your free trial.
You can watch live and on-demand TV at home or from anywhere providing you have a good Internet connection and a compatible device.
How Much Does YouTube TV Cost?
YouTube TV has one basic plan right now. This plan is available for 3-months at $55 per month and then it goes to the regular price of $65/month. This plan includes over 85 channels, an on-demand library, and an unlimited cloud-DVR. There is also a host of entertainment and sports channels you can add as add-ons. The package price depends on what channels you add to your base package.
How Does YouTube TV Pricing Compare to Other Streaming Services?
For what you get with YouTube TV, the pricing structure is fair in comparison to other streaming services. $55 is lower than many of the popular services. Even after the discount ends, many popular services start at $70, but YouTube TV sits at $65/month (after the discount period). If you’re interested what other streaming service cost:
- fuboTV pricing–Plans start at $69.99/month. See our fuboTV review.
- Hulu + Live TV pricing–Plans start at $69.99/month. See our Hulu Live review to learn more.
- DIRECTV STREAM pricing–Plans start at $69.99/month. See our DIRECTV STREAM review to learn more.
- Vidgo pricing–Plans start at $59.99/month. See our Vidgo review to learn more.
- Sling TV pricing–Plans start at $35/month. See our Sling TV review to learn more.
YouTube TV Pros & Cons
YouTube TV has a lot to love, but no streaming service is without its faults. If you’re wondering what the best and worst parts of YouTube TV subscribing are, keep reading.
Pro: YouTube TV’s main package has a lot to love
Rarely does a streaming service offer a lineup as robust as the one YouTube TV has. Not only will you receive all of your local channels and PBS, but you’ll also have access to MLB Network, NFL Network, NBA TV, ESPN, AMC, USA, TNT, TBS, Syfy, and so many other channels.
Pro: The YouTube TV interface is easy to use and familiar
If you’re not into change, YouTube TV should be an easy transition, especially if you like cute pet videos. The interface and look of YouTube TV are similar enough to YouTube that most people will feel right at home.
Pro: Up to 6 Profiles, All with its own Cloud-DVR
Like many services, YouTube TV gives you a cloud-DVR. They up things a notch by giving you unlimited space. On its own, this is a great feature. However, who wants to weed their way through someone else’s recordings? Well with YouTube TV you don’t have to. Up to 6 profiles can be made on your account and all 6 profiles have their own cloud-DVR.
Con: Limited RSNs
This one won’t affect everyone, but if you’re a sports fan that relies on Bally Sports Networks to watch your favorite team, you’ll be out of luck with YouTube TV. They do offer an excellent range of local and nationwide sports channels, but the RSNs are limited to just NBC Sports networks.
Con: Some Channels are Missing
Hockey fans will notice that NHL Network is missing. Other networks that aren’t available include Lifetime, A&E, Boomerang, and History. This shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most people, but if your favorite channel is in this list, you won’t find it available on YouTube TV.
FAQ
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is a live streaming service. People have been using the website/app YouTube for decades to enjoy videos of all kinds. Now they offer a live stream service with live TV and sporting events, as well as thousands of hours of on-demand content. You can ditch cable to watch more than 85 live networks, or you can catch shows on-demand. You can even save shows you want to watch to your cloud-DVR that includes unlimited space at no additional charge.
What channels are available with YouTube TV?
YouTube TV has an extensive package with a great selection of local and nationwide content. You may have access to ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, and PBS. Nationwide channels that you’ll definitely receive include ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, FS1, BBC America, AMC, FX, Syfy, Animal Planet, Disney, PBS Kids, and more!
How much does YouTube TV cost?
YouTube TV is currently running a special allowing new customers to enjoy the base plan with 85+ channels for $55 per month for the first 3-months. After that, your plan will be the regular price of $65 per month, which is still cheaper than competitors like Hulu Live or DIRECTV STREAM. You can cancel your subscription at any time as you’ll never be forced into a contract.
Does YouTube TV offer a free trial?
They do! You can enjoy the first 7-days of your subscription free of charge! There are no contracts with YouTube TV, so consider this your get out of jail free card. If you’re not happy with the service, cancel during this first week and you won’t be pay a dime.
What devices are compatible with YouTube TV?
YouTube TV works with all of the popular streaming devices currently on the market. If you have select LG, Vizio, or Samsung model smart TVs, you can even watch through your TV without any additional device. Other devices include Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, TiVo Stream, Xbox One, Playstation, Amazon Fire TV, computers, or mobile devices.
Are local channels on YouTube TV?
Yes! As local channels are based on location, you can find out which local channels are in your neighborhood by visiting the YouTube TV website. You can put your zip code in to find out exactly what local content you would receive. Some options may include ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, NBC, PBS, Telemundo, UniMas, and Univision.
Is YouTube TV Worth It?
The only way to really know if a service is worth it, is to try it out for yourself! That said, YouTube TV is one of the most popular options out there. It gives subscribers a great range of TV options including tons of sports, local content, news, and entertainment. They even offer plenty for the kids to watch, too. If you don’t see something you want in the initial lineup, YouTube TV offers one of the most extensive add-on options around. Add that to the unlimited cloud-DVR and other features, and it’s a service that’s worth trying out.