YouTube TV is one of the most popular choices if you are ready to ditch your cable TV. It offers many TV channels, and you can customise it according to your channel preference. Additionally, YouTube TV offers live TV streaming services and has been a hit.
However, is everything good about YouTube TV? Unfortunately, it’s not. YouTube TV offers some major perks, but it’s not free from imperfections. This guide will spill some facts about YouTube TV and some YouTube TV Cons and Pros. So, this will benefit those considering signing up for YouTube TV anytime soon. Let’s get started.
Essential Facts or FAQs about YouTube TV
In the tough competition against Sling TV and Hulu TV, YouTube TV has remarkably done well and improved its services since its release in 2017. Viewers who like to access live-streaming channels and unlimited cloud DVR will find YouTube TV a perfect fit. However, there are some YouTube TV cons that you should be aware of before committing to its services.
On the other hand, we have listed a few commonly asked questions about YouTube TV. These will clarify your doubts about YouTube TV subscription costs, channel availability, and more. Let’s explore them now.
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube is a live TV streaming service. This lets you view broadcast and cable TV networks with a compatible device and a stable internet connection.
What is the YouTube TV Subscription Cost per Month?
A basic YouTube TV subscription now costs $72.99 per month. You might have to spend more if you opt for some premium networks or include some add-ons.
Additionally, the overall cost of a YouTube TV monthly plan might vary from one state or city to another due to taxes. For your information, YouTube TV provides a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
How Many Channels are Included in YouTube TV?
Currently, YouTube TV broadcasts over 100 popular cable networks and local TV stations. For instance, YouTube TV packages contain the following channels:
- ABC
- ESPN
- Nat Geo
- Paramount
- Discovery
- Fox
- SEC Network and more
Apart from this, YouTube allows consumers to include premium networks at added cost. In addition, you can add sports channels to your YouTube TV experience. However, the limited availability of sports channels can be counted as one of the YouTube TV cons.
On the other hand, only some local channels will be broadcasted on YouTube TV. In fact, this varies a lot depending on carriage agreements.
Which Devices are Compatible with YouTube TV?
A handful of devices let you stream YouTube TV. Smart TVs, smartphones, and many streaming players allow users to enjoy a seamless experience on YouTube TV. On the other hand, you can stream YouTube TV on a web browser too. Here are a few devices that go well with YouTube TV:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- HiSense TV
- LG TV
- Google TV or Android TV
- Microsoft Xbox
- Vizio TV
- Samsung TV
- Sony PlayStation and more
You need to download the respective application. Afterwards, you should sign up for YouTube TV. Stay signed into the YouTube TV account to see content across the platform.
YouTube TV Cons: What Should You Know?
Since you have learned about some basics, it’s time to review YouTube TV cons. Though there aren’t many downsides to YouTube TV, you should not ignore them. Here are some noted YouTube TV disadvantages:
Comparatively More Expensive Deals
A few months earlier, the monthly YouTube TV subscription cost was $64.99. From 2023’s May, YouTube TV has elevated its monthly subscription price by $8. Now, YouTube TV’s monthly subscription costs $72.99, which is way more expensive than other leading service providers. For example, AT&T TV Now, Sling TV, and others offer similar services at cheaper prices than YouTube TV.
Offline Viewing Restricted
You can only view content on YouTube TV with an enabled internet connection. You can access YouTube TV’s cloud-based DVR facility without an internet connection. However, not everyone wishes to view saved content on the go. So, it’s a drawback of YouTube TV.
Limited Channels
So far, YouTube TV has managed to offer about 110 channels for live streaming. Other leading competitors, such as cable and satellite providers, provide more than 250 channels. So, YouTube TV is still behind in terms of the availability of channels. In addition, YouTube TV cons include the lack of tennis, history, and more channels.
Short on Sports Channels
Alongside the unavailability of tennis channels, YouTube TV is blamed for not offering sufficient sports channels. According to your location, YouTube TV might need to offer more sports channels. Additionally, there are licensing restrictions between YouTube TV and its sports channel partners.
What are the Bright Sides of YouTube TV?
So, you have got an idea of YouTube TV cons and limitations. However, YouTube TV has some serious advantages for you as a viewer. Get access to on-demand movies, all seasons of famous and evergreen TV shows, the latest episodes, and more with YouTube TV. Here goes the best thing about YouTube TV:
Wireless TV Experience
You can get rid of the cluttered wired experience of your cable TV with a monthly subscription to YouTube TV. This is an online streaming service. A cable TV connection can cost you $107 per month. Whereas YouTube TV can be the right replacement at $72.99 per month.
6 Accounts per Subscription
Most live TV streaming service providers offer up to 2 devices or accounts per household. However, YouTube TV is a breakthrough here, and it offers up to 6 accounts under the same subscription or household. So, almost every family member can enjoy their preferences with YouTube TV on their respective devices.
Unlimited DVR Storage
This is the best part about YouTube TV. So, YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage per subscription. You can keep recording as many movies or shows as possible on YouTube TV’s cloud DVR storage.
In addition, you can browse and view those recordings within 9 months from the download date. Literally, YouTube TV poses no upper limit on how many files you can download. However, you might have to spend some extra bucks to get the facility of unlimited cloud DVR storage.
On the other hand, other TV streaming services offer up to 50 hours of storage space. However, with them, you can upgrade to the Enhanced Cloud DVR add-on at just $9.99 per month. And, get a storage space of up to 200 hours. Still, that’s not unlimited like YouTube TV packages.
User-Friendliness
Navigating around YouTube TV and landing on specific content is easy. It’s almost the same as other streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, etc. Moreover, you can find the following 3 main tabs, such as:
- Library
- Home
- Live
Go to the Library tab if you wish to view recorded shows. On top of that, the Home tab has different categories like “On Now”, Top Picks for You”, and so on. Furthermore, it has a Live TV tab and a search bar for easy navigation. Therefore, you can watch on-demand TV shows and movies without any trouble.
Parental Controls Supported
Do you want to restrict content so your children can watch only the recommended content? That’s possible with YouTube TV. Parental controls on YouTube TV lets you:
- Prevent specific content from browsing
- Discard the search function
- Limit content and its availability by rating it
We think that YouTube Tv is the best shot at parental control.
Is the $72.99 YouTube TV Subscription Worth the Price?
At first glance, YouTube TV cons might hinder the bright sides of this live TV streaming service. However, YouTube TV consumer reviews have proved that this service can be brilliant if you love on-demand TV shows and films. On the other hand, you can access unlimited DVR support with YouTube TV.
Hence, you can opt for YouTube TV’s 7-day free trial package to see if it’s the right choice. Otherwise, you can cancel the subscription within 7 days, and there will be no debit from your credit card. However, you can try Sling TV, Hulu+, and others if you are a sports enthusiast and YouTube doesn’t have what you’re looking for.
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