YouTube TV Channels, Pricing, Packages, and More

YouTube TV is designed to serve as a replacement for your traditional cable service, allowing you to watch many of your favorite channels and on-demand titles without a long-term contract or cable setup.

Launched in 2017, it has become one of the most popular live TV streaming services available today. While competitors such as Sling TV or fuboTV offer a range of plans to choose from, YouTube TV keeps things simple and streamlined with one plan. For those who want to customize, it also offers a variety of add-ons, from sports and entertainment packages to such individual services as HBO Max or Showtime.

Wondering whether YouTube TV is right for you? Keep reading this YouTube TV review to explore what it offers, how much it costs, and whether it's worth it.

How does YouTube TV work?

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that allows you to cut the cord and leave your traditional cable service behind. It gives you access to more than 85 popular favorite channels, including major sports networks such as ESPN, FS1, and NBA TV. The service allows plenty of flexibility to customize your plan and watch on three screens at once. 

Meanwhile, YouTube TV also offers on-demand titles from YouTube Originals, which means you can find a variety of shows and movies to watch. You'll also receive unlimited DVR space so you can record and watch your favorite TV shows and movies to watch later. YouTube TV is also compatible with most devices, so you can easily start streaming with a variety of smart TVs, video game consoles, and Apple or Android devices.

How much does YouTube TV cost? 

Unlike some of its competitors, YouTube TV has a simple pricing structure and just one plan that's $65/mo. However, the streaming service currently knocks the price down to $55/mo. for three months for new subscribers. After the first three months, the price jumps back up to $65/mo. In some cases, you may be eligible for a free trial of YouTube TV, which can range anywhere from five to 14 days.

You can also upgrade your viewing experience with more than 30 optional add-ons networks, each of which has its own price tag. The good news is that this allows you to make your YouTube TV subscription exactly what you want it to be.

What plans does YouTube TV offer?

One major difference between YouTube TV and its competitors is that it doesn't have a variety of plans to choose from. Instead, it has just one simple plan and one price tag that works for everyone.

*Streaming service package information accurate as of 08/24/2022.

What top channels does YouTube TV have?

YouTube TV includes more than 85 channels, so it's sure to have many of your favorites. You'll find popular networks such as ABC News, BET, CMT, CNN, Comedy Central, Discovery, Disney Channel, ESPN, Food Network, FS1, HGTV, MLB Network, MTV, MSNBC, NBA TV, National Geographic, Nickelodeon, NFL Network, TBS, TNT, VH1, and many more. You'll find that it includes most of the major sports networks, so sports lovers will particularly appreciate this subscription.

What add-ons for premium channels and extras does YouTube TV have?

Like other major live TV streaming services, YouTube TV offers a variety of add-ons that allow you to customize your subscription, including more than 30 different networks and several packages that bundle different combinations of add-ons. Below are some of the popular add-ons that are available.

What about local networks on YouTube TV? 

When you sign up, you'll enter your ZIP code. This will allow you to watch most or all of your local networks, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS, all at no extra cost and without the need for an HD antenna.

Is YouTube TV worth it?

You might be wondering whether YouTube TV is worth the cost, especially with so many other live TV streaming services to pick. In short, YouTube TV offers some of the best value for the price of any streaming service.

With so many channels available on YouTube TV's basic package, it's tough to find a competitor that will give you as much content for the same price. There are plenty of add-ons available, but you may not need them unless you want such niche offerings as Fight Network, NFL RedZone, or HBO 2.

With that said, YouTube TV may not be for everyone. For instance, Sling TV offers lower price plans and more customizability, while fuboTV offers even more channels for a slightly higher price. When you're on the hunt for the perfect streaming service, consider what channels and features you need and compare those across various services so you can find the best way for you to cut the cord.