YouTube TV: A Complete Guide

Article Summary

YouTube TV offers a cheaper alternative to cable or satellite TV, using just your Internet connection to stream content live and on-demand on your devices. At just $64.99 a month, you can access all of your favorite shows and sporting events and even share your account with up to 5 other household members, at no extra cost.

Here we explain everything you need to know about the new streaming service and how it could end up replacing your cable or satellite TV.

YouTube TV vs Cable and Satellite

YouTube TV is an alternative to cable and satellite television and works off streaming, much like Netflix and Hulu. The difference between YouTube TV and other streaming services, is that YouTube TV offers live and on-demand TV streaming, just like your cable service.

With YouTube TV, you can watch all of your favorite broadcast and cable networks, including Fox Sports (national and regional), TBS, E!, and BBC America, and you can also record as many programs as you want simultaneously at no extra cost.

Pros of YouTube TV

• Unlimited (and simultaneous) program recording with recordings stored for 9 months
• Account sharing with up to 5 other household members
• No contracts and no cancellation fees
• Stream on your phone, tablet, computer or TV
• Many TV shows and movies available on-demand
• 60+ broadcast, cable and sporting networks available
• Cheaper than most TV packages
• No hidden fees or equipment fees

Cons of YouTube TV

• Commercials, just like regular TV, but you can fast forward through recorded programs (just like regular TV)
• Depending on your location, YouTube TV may not be available (yet)
• Some networks come at an additional cost, such as Showtime
• Some networks are not available, such as HBO
• To watch YouTube TV from your television, you will need a compatible smart TV or a streaming device
• Only 3 simultaneous users at a time

How Much Does it Cost?

YouTube TV costs just $64.99/month on top of your regular Internet service. For an optimal viewing experience, YouTube TV needs an Internet connection of at least 3Mbps download speed, however, if you have multiple people in your household streaming simultaneously, you may want to look into upgrading your Internet speed.

With YouTube TV there are no hidden fees or additional equipment fees. The only other costs you’ll need to pay is for add-on channels or for a streaming device, if you don’t have one already. 

How Do I Watch YouTube TV?

You can enjoy YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, computer or compatible smart TV or streaming device.

The service is also shareable with up to 5 members of your household, meaning your YouTube TV membership comes with a total of 6 accounts. Although you cannot use the 6 accounts simultaneously, 3 of those accounts can be used to stream at the same time.

Plus, every one of those 6 accounts comes with its own login and library, so you won’t be forced to watch your cousin Jimmy’s favorite shows and networks.

Compatible Phones/Tablets

YouTube TV currently works on:

• iPhones and iPads running on iOS 9.1 or later
• Android 5 Lollipop and above

Compatible Streaming Devices, TVs and Consoles

YouTube TV can be streamed to your TV if you have:

• Android TV
• Apple TV (4th generation and 4K)
• Chromecast
• Roku
• Xbox (One, One S and One X)
• LG or Samsung smart TV (2016 and newer models)
• Vizio SmartCast
• Select Sharp Smart TVs

Where is it Currently Available?

Networks such as ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, AMC, BRAVO, and many others, are available in areas where YouTube has launched YouTube TV, but there are a few caveats to the service. Due to networks’ availability being dependent on location, some networks advertised as being offered by YouTube TV may actually not be available in your area. Always best to check service availability before subscribing to YouTube TV!

Another thing to remember, if you want to watch your local news you would, of course, have to be in the area where you want your local news from. Otherwise, if you’re always on the move, your local news will differ from location to location.

As convenient of a service YouTube TV is, unfortunately, if you do travel internationally, you will not be able to stream any content from the US as the content streamed by YouTube TV is US based.

YouTube TV Channels

There are currently 60+ broadcast and cable networks offered on YouTube TV, although depending on your city, you may only have the video on-demand option for select networks. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll also have access to your regional sports networks, including Fox Sports and NBC Sports.

Catching the Game

Arguably one of the biggest reasons cord cutters even consider live TV streaming services is for the sports. While on-demand streaming services provide plenty of content to keep anyone entertained, they don't provide a way for you to catch the big game. 

Included with YouTube TV are big sports networks ESPN, ESPN 2, FS1, FS2, NBCSN and more. Regional Fox Sports affiliates are also available. As an add-on you can purchase the NBA League Pass and catch every NBA game. Unfortunately, the other major sports packages are not available with YouTube TV.

YouTube Originals

Another benefit to having YouTube TV is that you'll get free access to all of YouTube's original movies and TV shows. Although they're not quite as widely known as Netflix Originals and Hulu Originals, YouTube does have some pretty awesome shows you should catch, including:

• Cobra Kai
• Step Up: High Water
• Kedi
• Lifeline

What Else Do I Need to Know?

It’s worth mentioning that YouTube TV requires you to sign in from your home about every 3 months in order for your service to remain active, and at least once every month in order to be able to stream MLB content.

If you’re unsure whether YouTube TV is right for you, you can sign up for a free 7-day trial and cancel for free before your 7 days is up, if you don’t enjoy it.