YouTube TV: Everything you need to know

If you're considering abandoning a traditional cable plan, YouTube TV is a viable alternative. While the service is one of the spendier streaming options and is only available in the United States, its selection of live channels and on-demand content make it a top contender. With that in mind, we've gathered everything you need to know about YouTube TV to make an informed decision.

What is YouTube TV?

YouTube TV is one of the most expansive cable replacement streaming platforms currently available in the United States right now. Like Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV provides access to many live TV channels, including the Big Four broadcast networks and PBS in most markets. That platform also features on-demand video and is the only service to include unlimited cloud-based DVR storage.

YouTube TV subscribers also have access to various region-specific channels and programming, including a variety of professional sports, for one flat monthly fee. Most recently, YouTube TV announced that it would finally start airing Discovery channels — including Animal Planet, HGTV, Food Network, and more.

How much does YouTube TV cost?

YouTube TV offers one plan for $64.99 per month and has 85 broadcast and cable networks, including ESPN, HGTV, and TNT. YouTube TV also offers unlimited Cloud DVR storage and an impressive lineup of live sports coverage.

YouTube TV also offers a variety of premium channel add-ons, which can be added to your monthly subscription for an extra fee. This includes the Sports Plus premium add-on, which costs an additional $10.99 per month, of the Entertainment Plus bundle for $29.99 a month. That bundle also includes HBO Max, Showtime, and STARZ and saves you about $5 compared to adding each channel separately.

YouTube TV users can also choose to add stand-alone premium channels EPIX for $6/month, AMC+ for $7/month, and HBO Max for $15/month.

What channels are on YouTube TV?

The sheer number of programs that are available to be watched, recorded, and rewatched is just a bit staggering. If you picked up a subscription to stay caught up on your favorite shows, then you'll need to know how to find them. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of all the channels currently available on YouTube TV:

YouTube TV standard channels:

• ABC
• CBS
• FOX Network
• FOX
• NBC
• ABC News
• ACCN
• AMC
• Adult Swim
• Animal Planet
• BBC
• BBC World News
• BET
• BET Her
• BTN
• Bravo
• CBS Sports
• CNBC
• CNBC World
• CNN
• Cartoon Network
• Cheddar
• Cheddar News
• CMT
• Comedy Central
• Comet TV
• CourtTV
• Cozi TV
• Dabl
• Discovery
• Disney
• Disney Junior
• Disney XD
• E!
• ESPN
• ESPN 2
• ESPN U
• ESPNEWS
• FOX Business
• FOX News Channel
• FS1
• FS2
• FX
• FXM
• FXX
• Food Network
• Freeform
• Golf Channel
• HGTV
• HLN
• IFC
• Investigation Discovery
• LAFC
• MLB Game of the week
• MLB Network
• MSNBC
• Motortrend
• MTV
• MTV2
• MTV Classic
• MyNetworkTV
• NBA TV
• NBC News Now
• NBC Sports
• NBC Universo
• NBCSN
• NBCLX
• NECN
• NatGeo Wild
• National Geographic
• NEWSNATION
• NFL Network
• Nickelodeon
• Nick Jr.
• Nicktoons
• Olympics Channel
• OWN
• Oxygen
• Paramount Network
• PBS
• PBS Kids
• POP
• QVC
• SEC ESPN Network
• SNY
• Smithsonian Channel
• StartTV
• SundanceTV
• SyFy
• TBS
• TCM
• TLC
• TNT
• TYT
• Tastemade
• Teen Nick
• Telemundo
• The CW
• Travel Channel
• TruTV
• TV Land
• USA
• Universal Kids
• VH1
• WE TV
• YouTube Originals

Youtube TV premium add-ons:

• Acorn
• ALLBLK
• AMC+
• Cinemax
• CONtv
• CuriosityStream
• Docurama
• Dove
• EPIX
• Hallmark Movies Now
• HBO
• HBO Max
• IFC Films Unlimited
• Law & Crime
• MLB.TV
• NBA League Pass
• Showtime
• Shudder
• STARZ
• Sundance Now
• WE tv +
• YouTube TV Entertainment Plus
• YouTube TV

What devices support YouTube TV?

YouTube TV is accessible on most streaming devices, including Roku, Chromecast with Google TV, and Apple TV. You can also stream YouTube TV on a selection of smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Vizio, Hisense, and Sharp. Here's what other devices are compatible with YouTube TV:

You will also be able to access YouTube TV on mobile devices via web browser and by downloading the YouTube TV app on your computer.

YouTube TV also launched a 4K streaming add-on in June 2021, bringing higher resolution content to several networks already available on the platform for an extra $10 per month for the first year and $20/month after that. The 4K Plus add-on also allows subscribers to download content for offline viewing, which wasn't previously available on YouTube TV.

Account limits, profiles and parental controls

Like various other streaming platforms, each YouTube TV subscription allows for up to six separate user accounts. This allows each viewer in a household to customize suggestions and private DVR libraries within their individual account. Regarding simultaneous streaming, YouTube TV allows users to stream on up to three different devices at the same time.

YouTube TV also offers the option to add parental controls, blocking certain content from younger viewers on the account. All you need to do is tap the lock icon in the top corner of any page in the app and enter the numbers that appear. You can also set a custom passcode, which must be entered when selecting more mature content.

Are there any YouTube TV deals?

When it comes to everything you need to know about YouTube TV, that also includes deals. At this time, YouTube TV currently offers a five-day free trial. Signing up for the free trial will give you access to all YouTube TV channels and the service's unlimited DVR space for a limited time. Once the free trial expires, you'll automatically be charged $64.99 per month.

Verizon Wireless is also currently offering 30 days free of YouTube TV for customers who buy a new smartphone on Verizon's unlimited plan. After your trial ends, you will get a discounted monthly subscription price of $49.99 instead of the normal $64.99.