YouTube TV has become the go-to replacement for cable in millions of US homes. It's simple, it works on almost every device, and it carries the channels most people actually watch. But it isn't cheap, and it isn't right for everyone.
Here's an honest look at what you get and who should (and shouldn't) sign up.
Prices and channel lineups change. Check YouTube TV's website with your ZIP code for the current price and channels in your area.
What you get
- Local channels — ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in almost every US market, plus PBS in many
- A big cable lineup — ESPN, CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, HGTV, Food Network, TNT, TBS, Discovery and many more
- Unlimited cloud DVR — record as much as you want; recordings are kept for months
- Several streams at once — watch on multiple TVs in your home at the same time
- Six profiles — each family member gets their own library and recommendations
What we like
It's the easiest cable replacement. The app is fast, the guide is familiar, and the DVR just works: add a show and every new episode records automatically.
Local channels almost everywhere. Many cheaper services skip locals. With YouTube TV you rarely need an antenna.
Sports features. Multiview lets you watch up to four games at once, and it's the home of NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on.
No contract. Pause or cancel whenever you want, and come back later.
What we don't like
The price. It's one of the more expensive streaming options, and it has gone up over the years. For many homes, the total isn't far from a basic cable package.
Channel disputes. Occasionally a network group and YouTube TV disagree on fees and channels disappear for a while.
You pay for channels you don't watch. There's one main package, so you can't just pick the five channels you want.
Who should get YouTube TV
- Households that watch a lot of live news and sports
- People who want a cable-like experience without a box or contract
- Families who share one account across several TVs
- Anyone who can't get good local channels with an antenna
Who should skip it
- Mostly on-demand viewers who binge shows on Netflix or similar — you'd be paying for live channels you rarely use.
- Tight budgets — a smaller live service plus a free antenna costs less. See every free way to watch TV.
- Sports fans of one team — you may do better with a team or league app.
How to get the most for your money
- Use the free trial (when offered) during a week with the games or shows you care about.
- Skip add-ons at first. Add them only when you truly miss something.
- Pause in the off-season. If you mainly watch football, you don't need it all year. Our guide to rotating streaming subscriptions shows how.
- Check your internet plan. You don't need gigabit speed — our tips on lowering your internet bill can pay for part of your subscription.
The verdict
If you want the closest thing to cable — locals, sports, news and a great DVR — with no contract, YouTube TV is worth it for most busy households. If you mostly binge shows or watch on a tight budget, a mix of free options and one on-demand service will save you a lot more.
Frequently asked questions
Does YouTube TV include local channels?
Yes. It carries local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC stations in nearly every US market. Enter your ZIP code on its website to see your exact channels.
Can I use YouTube TV on more than one TV?
Yes. Your membership includes several simultaneous streams in your home, and the account can be shared with household members through profiles.
Does YouTube TV have a contract?
No. It's month to month, so you can pause or cancel at any time.
Is YouTube TV cheaper than cable?
It can be, especially once you add up cable box fees and contracts. The biggest savings come from pausing it when you don't need it.
