YouTube TV Estimated to Have 9.4 Million Subscribers – Why I Think All of Them Should Cancel
Unlike many of its rivals, YouTube TV doesn’t like to share subscriber numbers. Parent company Alphabet (owner of Google) guards their data aggressively. In February of 2024, the company did announce YouTube TV had 8 million subscribers. Now, equity analyst Michael Nathanson pegs that number at 9.4 million.
I used to be one of those subscribers. But I left YouTube TV years ago, and I recommend you do the same.
YouTube TV Only Has One Channel Package
One of the most frustrating things about YouTube TV is that there’s just one channel lineup. Don’t want Golf Channel? Too bad, you’re paying for it. Sick of “Ridiculousness” reruns on MTV? Too bad, you’re paying for those, too. Weirded out by Newsmax? Sorry – you’re paying for that.
To save money, look at what you get with Sling TV and DIRECTV STREAM. Both services offer lots of different channel bundles at better prices than YouTube TV.
It’s 2025. No one should have to pay for dozens of channels they don’t want.
YouTube TV’s Price is Too High for What You Get
YouTube TV launched in 2017 at $35/month. It increased by $5 the next year and $10 the year after that. In 2020, subscribers got hit with a $15/month increase. It went up another $8 in 2023. Now, it’s $83/month.
When you look at live TV services, it’s the same price as Hulu + Live TV, but Hulu + Live TV also gives you free Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu on-demand. Staying with YouTube TV means you’re paying NOT to get those services.
DIRECTV STREAM and Sling TV offer packages far less than YouTube TV.
You also have to pay extra for 4K with YouTube TV. It’s free with Sling TV and DIRECTV STREAM.
YouTube TV’s Sports Options Aren’t Great
When it comes to regional sports, YouTube TV only carries NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Philadelphia, and Monumental Sports Network. DIRECTV STREAM has the most complete list of regionals.
YouTube TV is also missing MLB Network and NHL Network.
The only real sports advantage for YouTube TV is NFL Sunday Ticket, which has preferred pricing for subscribers. Personally, I prefer the widely available NFL RedZone to NFL Sunday Ticket. Sunday Ticket is crazy expensive and requires you to flip channels with every time out and injury. There’s just too much stoppage of play in NFL games to waste your Sunday afternoon sitting through commercials.
Conclusion
I understand why some people may want to stay with YouTube TV. It’s easy to use and it’s nice that you can customize the channel guide to eliminate channels you don’t watch. I really like YouTube TV’s mobile app.
But if you’re willing to step away from YouTube TV, you’re going to get so much more for your money with other services. DIRECTV STREAM has the best channel options, far more sports, and the easiest interface for first-time cord-cutters. Sling TV gives great savings options. Hulu + Live TV offers so much more entertainment at the same price as YouTube TV.
