As the social network that first popularized online home videos,YouTubeis often the first name that pops up in any discussion on online videos. But the platform hasn’t stayed stuck in the era of funny cat videos on a computer, evolving with the TV industry’s switch from cable to internet streaming. The trouble is, YouTube has more than one paid subscription:YouTube TVandYouTube Premium. But what’s the difference between the two? How do the two subscriptions shake-up in a YouTube TV vs. YouTube Premium comparison?
While both YouTube TV and YouTube Premium are paid subscriptions for accessing video content, the two options differ wildly on the sort of content and benefits they offer. One offers a more traditional YouTube experience without the ads, while the other offers full-length movies and shows. If you’re on the fence about which of YouTube’s subscriptions to pick up, here’s how YouTube’s two options vary.
The best live TV streaming services for ditching cable
I found the top six live TV streaming services available and broke down their features and costs, so you’re able to choose one and finally ditch cable.
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV, unlike YouTube Premium, streams shows from major networks
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a streaming service that delivers live shows, sports, and news from more than 100 different networks, from ABC to EPSN. The service streams live TV through the internet rather than through a cable or satellite dish. While YouTube TV has earned its fan base as a platform for Live TV, the subscription also includes unlimited “DVR” space, so if you can’t catch it live, you can still stream your shows later on. Like other streaming services, YouTube TV can be enjoyed on a smart TV or a traditional TV with an add-on streaming device, as well as smartphones, tablets, computers, or even a game console.
YouTube TV is far better than traditional cable, and it’s not even close
If you’re conflicted about ditching a traditional cable plan for YouTube TV, don’t be
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium
How I get specific, single channels on YouTube TV
YouTube TV vs. YouTube Premium: Channel lineup
YouTube TV has more than 100 channels, while YouTube Premium is YouTube videos without the ads
Because one platform streams live TV and the other streams traditional YouTube content without the ads, YouTube TV and YouTube Premiums' available channels and content differ wildly. YouTube TV streams live TV from more than 100 different channels. Among this list, the most popular options include ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, EPSN, AMC, CNN, Comedy Central, Food Network, Fox News Channel, FS1, Univision, MSNBC, NFL Network, Nickelodeon, and TNT. The channel lineup can vary based on where you live, so checkYouTube TV’s full list of channels specific to your area.
Like cable TV, with YouTube TV, you’re able to add to the base package, for example paying extra for the NFL Sunday Ticket, or for movie channels like Starz.
Conversely, YouTube Premium does not include traditional TV channels. YouTube Premium takes what is already available on YouTube and eliminates ad breaks, plus adding other perks like downloads. So while you can’t watch your favorite cable TV shows from YouTube Premium, you can watch YouTube ad-free, or download your favorite videos to watch later. YouTube Premium also offers ad-free music from the YouTube Music app.
What do you really get from your smart TV’s free channels?
Commercials, ads, and tracking technology mean all the free perks comes at a cost.
YouTube TV vs. YouTube Premium: Pricing
How much is YouTube TV a month?
How to stream every NFL and college football game in 2024
New TV deals will have football games airing in unexpected places this Fall, so you may need new subscriptions to catch every NFL and College game.
How much is YouTube Premium a month?
Both platforms offer a free trial. For YouTube TV, you can look around at the platform’s offerings for 20 minutes to decide if it’s for you. YouTube Premium offers a two-month free trial.
How I strike a YouTube Premium membership for free
If you’ve been eyeing a YouTube Premium membership, there are a few ways to get one for free.
YouTube TV vs YouTube Premium: Which plan should you choose?
The choice is simple if you’re looking to cut cable
While YouTube offers two subscription options, Premium and TV offer access to very different content, making the choice an easy one. Choose YouTube TV if you want access to live shows from more than 100 different channels. YouTube TV is the option for those looking to cut cable, or to add live TV to their current list of streaming options.
YouTube Premium is the option for YouTube fans who hate ads. A Premium subscription doesn’t unlock new shows like YouTube TV does, but it eliminates the mid-video ad breaks, along with offering ad-free music streaming. For those regularly watching YouTube videos, the time saved waiting for ads to finish playing may be worth the Premium subscription.
4 WebOS tricks LG TV users everywhere might be missing out on
If you’re unaware of these WebOS tricks, you’re not getting the most out of your LG TV.
