YouTube TV Review: Skip This Fading Live TV Streaming Service in 2025

Streaming Smarter says: YouTube TV used to be a great live TV streaming service, but the channel lineup has remained mostly the same while the price has continued to go up. For nearly the same price, you could have a better channel lineup with DIRECTV STREAM or get 3 free streaming services with Hulu + Live TV. If you’re looking to save money, Sling TV is a strong option. Because YouTube TV seems stuck in the past, I no longer recommend it.

Value 3/5

Most live TV streamers cost roughly the same, but YouTube TV doesn’t have the perks you get with its competitors.

Channels 4/5

You’ll get most important cable channels, but the sports options are weaker than its peers.

Experience 4/5

The user interface is quick and responsive. YouTube TV has a really nice mobile app.

$82.99/mo.

YouTube TV Pros and Cons

Pros

Good lineup of channels for first-time cord-cutters
Excellent user interface
Discount for NFL Sunday Ticket
Unlimited DVR

Cons

Only one main channel package
Missing most regional sports networks
Additional cost for 4K

What Does YouTube TV Cost?

The standard YouTube TV channel package costs $82.99. Add-on channels and extra features are available for an additional fee.

Can You Get a Discount on YouTube TV?

The first month of YouTube TV is often discounted.

Can You Watch YouTube TV for Free?

Like most other live TV streamers, YouTube TV usually offers a free trial.

What Channels Are Available on YouTube TV?

YouTube TV provides most popular cable channels like CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, ION, TNT, Hallmark Chanel, HGTV, TBS, and USA Network. It’s missing A&E, History Channel, MeTV, and GRIT.

What Local Channels Are on YouTube TV?

YouTube TV includes ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and CW. It’s a good choice if you need local news, weather and sports.

What Sports Channels Are on YouTube TV?

Subscribers get access to CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, NBA TV, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, and Golf Channel. It does not have MLB Network or NHL Network.

Upgrade to Sports Plus ($10.99) and you’ll get NFL RedZone, Tennis Channel, FOX Soccer Plus, Fight Network, MAVTV, and more.

If you’d like to watch out-of-market football games, you can bundle YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket. For the 2024 season, the combo cost $158.99/month, but it’s likely to be higher in 2025.

Basketball fans can add NBA League Pass for $16.99/month or WNBA League Pass for $12.99/month.

Can You Watch Regional Sports Networks with YouTube TV?

YouTube TV’s regional sports lineup is very limited. The service only carries NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Philadelphia, and Monumental Sports Network. If you need a different network like the FanDuel family, DIRECTV STREAM is my top choice.

Does YouTube TV offer 4K Broadcasts?

You can get 4K with YouTube TV, but you have to pay $9.99/month after a discounted trial.

Does YouTube TV Require a Contract?

You can subscribe to YouTube TV one month at a time. Cancel anytime at no penalty.

Does YouTube TV Have a DVR?

Yes. The included cloud DVR allows for unlimited recordings. Each recording can be saved up to 9 months.

What Streaming Devices are Compatible with YouTube TV?

Fire TV Edition smart TVs produced by Toshiba, Insignia, Element, and Westinghouse
Hisense Smart TVs (select models)
LG smart TVs (2017+ models only)
Roku TVs (all models)
Samsung smart TVs (2017+ models only)
Vizio SmartCast TVs (select models)
Android TV
Apple TV (4th generation & 4K)
Chromecast with Google TV
Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)
Fire TV Stick Lite
Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen)
Fire TV Stick 4K (all versions)
Fire TV Cube
Fire TV Cube (1st Gen)
Google TV
Peloton
Roku Smart Soundbar
Roku Ultra
Roku Ultra LT
Roku Streaming Stick+
Roku Streaming Stick+ HE
Roku Streaming Stick (3600x and newer models)
Roku Express+
Roku Express
Roku Premiere+
Roku Premiere
Roku 4
Roku 3 (4200x, 4230x)
Roku 2 (4210x)
TiVo Stream 4K
Xfinity Flex devices
PlayStation 5
PlayStation 4
Xbox Series X
Xbox Series S
Xbox One X
Xbox One S
Xbox One

How Many Simultaneous Devices Can Stream YouTube TV?

YouTube TV allows 3 simultaneous streams. If you add the 4K Plus add-on ($9.99), you’ll get unlimited streams on your home network.

YouTube TV Add-On Packages

BilliardTV
FOX Soccer Plus
FanDuel TV
Fight Network
Impact Wrestling
MAVTV
RedZone from NFL Network
Outside TV
Overtime
PlayersTV
PokerGO
SportsGrid
Stadium
Tennis Channel
VSiN
beIN Sports
Willow

beIN SPORTS en Español
Antena 3
NTN 24
Nuestra Tele
TyC Sports
Discovery en Español
Discovery Familia
Baby TV Español
ESPN Deportes
Estrella TV
FOX Deportes
Cinelatino
Pasiones
WAPA América
Cine Mexicano
Cine Sony
Tastemade en Español
CNN en Español
Bandamax
De Película
De Película Clásico
FOROtv
Hogar de HGTV
Telehit
Música
tlnovelas
Universo
The Weather Channel en Español
Tr3s

GMA Life TV
GMA NewsTV
GMA Pinoy TV
The Filipino Channel

YouTube TV Premium Channel Add-Ons

NBA League Pass – $16.99
WNBA League Pass – $12.99
Entertainment Plus (Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ) – $29.99
Max – $16.99
Hallmark+ – $7.99
GMA Pinoy – $14.99
Paramount+ with SHOWTIME – $10.99
STARZ – $10.99
Crunchyroll – $7.99
ViX Premium – $8.99
Cinemax – $9.99
FOX Nation – $7.99
ScreenPix – $2.99
MGM+ – $6.99
CuriosityStream – $4.99
STARZ + MGM+ – $11.99
AMC+ – $9.99
BET+ – $10.99
Shudder – $6.99
Sundance Now – $6.99
Zee Family – $14.99Max
Here TV – $7.99
Acorn TV – $7.99
IFC Films Unlimited – $5.99
ALLBLK – $6.99
Docurama – $4.99
CONtv – $5.99
Dove – $4.99
Law & Crime – $1.99
UP Faith & Family – $5.99
Fandor – $3.99
Screambox – $6.99
Comedy Dynamics – $4.99
VSiN – $3.99
Outside Features – $4.99
The Great Courses – $7.99
MovieSphere – $4.99
MyOutdoorTV – $9.99
PokerGO – $19.99
Dekkoo – $9.99
Tastemade+ – $2.99
Magnolia Selects – $4.99
atresplayer – $5.99
Gaia – $13.99
Stingray Classica – $6.99
Qello Concerts – $7.99
Hopster Learning – $4.99
Hi-YAH! – $3.99
Stingray DJazz – $6.99
RCN Total – $4.99

What Is the Best YouTube TV Alternative?

YouTube TV is popular, but other services are often a better choice. I was a longtime user of the service until I tried its competitors. Here are your other live TV streaming options.

DIRECTV STREAM has the most complete live TV channel lineup. It’s the best choice for anyone who needs a regional sports network. New subscribers also get 3 free months of popular streaming services. DIRECTV STREAM is better than YouTube TV in almost every category. Get started with a free 5-day trial.

Hulu + Live TV starts at the same price as YouTube TV, but it gives you free Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu on-demand. That bundle normally costs $16.99 on its own, but Hulu gives it to you free with their live TV plan.

Try Hulu + Live TV free for 3 days.

Sling TV is the champion of cost savings in live TV. With multiple channel packages, you can tailor your lineup to fit your needs. You would lose CBS with Sling TV, but you’d save so much over YouTube TV, you could watch it with Paramount+ or an antenna.

Fubo starts at a higher price point than YouTube TV ($84.99). You would have the option to add on regional sports networks (including FanDuel channels), but if you need those, DIRECTV STREAM is the better choice.

Philo is a great option for people who want live TV without the enormous bill. In fact, it’s just $28/month. Why so cheap? It’s missing live local channels, news, and sports. That’s a dealbreaker for most people, but that rock-bottom price is hard to pass up. Fubo is the more complete option.

Frndly TV starts at $7.99/month, which is great for bargain hunters. But Frndly TV’s channel lineup is very limited. Most of the channels are what you’d find on free services, aside from A&E, Hallmark Channel, The Weather Channel, and MeTV. YouTube TV is the better choice.

Who Should Subscribe to YouTube TV?

For years, YouTube TV was my go-to live TV streaming service. But its price has continued to rise and I can’t recommend it anymore.

If you’re looking for an easy TV interface with a great channel lineup and the best regional sports channel packages, DIRECTV STREAM is the better choice. You can get started with their MySports package for $69.99 or choose a more traditional channel lineup for $86.99. If you’re thinking of YouTube TV, I recommend trying DIRECTV STREAM free for 5 days. I bet you’ll stick with them.

If you’re looking for the most entertainment for your dollar, Hulu + Live TV easily beats YouTube TV. Since it includes Disney+, you’ll get a great library for kids: The Muppets, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, Disney animated classics, and more. Hulu + Live TV also gives you an enormous sports value with free ESPN+. It’s the only service carrying out-of-market NHL games, along with tons of college sports. You also get Hulu on-demand, which has a great library of classic and current TV and movie hits. YouTube TV just doesn’t make sense when you compare the two.

If you’re looking to save money on your cable bill, Sling TV is the champion in that arena. It offers two inexpensive channel bundles, but you can scale your lineup up or down, depending on your budget and entertainment needs. No other streamer offers as many ways to tailor your TV package. It’s my go-to service during the NFL season.

YouTube TV really only makes sense if you’re going to get NFL Sunday Ticket. The bundle price makes it more attractive.

I hope YouTube TV offers different channel bundles in the future. Right now, the service has fallen behind.

Peter Gardner

Peter Gardner cut the cord in 2017. He’s Streaming Smarter’s resident sci-fi fan – his favorite films include “Blade Runner,” “Children of Men,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and “Gattaca.” His favorite live TV streamer is Sling TV and his favorite on-demand service is Max.