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Streaming Services review
YouTube TV logo

YouTube TV review

Best overall

Broad live TV lineup with local channels in most markets and an included cloud DVR. Households that want the closest thing to a full cable package, including local channels and sports, in one easy app. We rank it #1 of 8 in our streaming services comparison, with an editorial score of 9.3 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
9.3/10
Our editorial score

YouTube TV scores highest on Local & sports coverage because it carries local broadcast stations in most US markets alongside major sports networks, and strongly on Channel & content coverage for its broad cable-style lineup. It also does well on Device support & ease of use and Features thanks to a clean guide, unlimited DVR space and multiview. It loses a little on Value transparency, since add-ons, intro offers and price changes require checking the site.

How we score streaming services

Visit site (YouTube TV, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#1 of 8
Best forBest overall
Service typeLive TV
Strongest forAll-round, locals
Cloud DVRUnlimited DVR space; check retention terms
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the YouTube TV site. See the YouTube TV company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

YouTube TV is Google's live TV streaming service. Its main plan offers a cable-style lineup of news, entertainment, kids and sports channels, and it carries local broadcast stations in most US markets. A lighter Sports + News plan is also offered. You can check which locals you get by entering your ZIP code on the site.

YouTube TV says its plans include unlimited cloud DVR space, multiview, up to six household accounts and three streams at once. Premium channels and NFL Sunday Ticket are sold as optional add-ons.

There is no annual contract, and you can cancel month to month. YouTube TV may offer a trial or intro price for new users; check the current terms on the site. Like every live TV service, it occasionally has carriage disputes with channel owners, so check the current lineup if a specific channel matters to you.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Strong local channel coverage
  • Broad mix of news, entertainment and sports channels
  • Clean, fast guide and search
  • No annual contract

Cons

  • Not the cheapest way to get live TV
  • Some regional sports networks may not be carried in your area
  • Channel availability can change during carriage disputes

Key features

  • Live local channels in most US markets (check your ZIP code)
  • Unlimited cloud DVR space
  • Up to six household accounts and three streams at once
  • Optional add-ons, including NFL Sunday Ticket and premium channels
  • Main plan and a lighter Sports + News plan

Who YouTube TV is for

A good fit if

Households that want the closest thing to a full cable package, including local channels and sports, in one easy app.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who only wants a few entertainment channels on a tight budget.

How we scored YouTube TV

YouTube TV scores highest on Local & sports coverage because it carries local broadcast stations in most US markets alongside major sports networks, and strongly on Channel & content coverage for its broad cable-style lineup. It also does well on Device support & ease of use and Features thanks to a clean guide, unlimited DVR space and multiview. It loses a little on Value transparency, since add-ons, intro offers and price changes require checking the site.

Our streaming services score weighs channel & content coverage (30%), local & sports coverage (20%), value transparency (20%), features (15%), device support & ease of use (15%). See the methodology.

YouTube TV alternatives

  1. #2
    Hulu + Live TV logo

    Hulu + Live TV

    Best live TV + on-demand bundle

    Live TV channels plus Hulu's on-demand library and Disney bundle content.

    • Live channels including locals in many markets
    • Hulu on-demand library included
    • Disney bundle content (check current bundle contents)
    • Cloud DVR included; check current limits
    9.0/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Hulu + Live TV, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #3
    D(

    DIRECTV (streaming)

    Best for regional sports

    Cable-style packages over the internet, with locals in every package and regional sports on higher tiers.

    • Local channels included with every package (varies by market)
    • Regional sports networks with CHOICE and higher
    • Genre Packs such as MySports and MyNews
    • Gemini streaming device or your own devices
    8.7/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (DIRECTV (streaming), opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #4
    Fubo logo

    Fubo

    Best for sports

    Sports-first live TV streaming with locals in many markets and a cloud DVR.

    • Sports-focused live channel lineup
    • Local channels and regional sports in many markets (check your ZIP code)
    • Unlimited DVR and unlimited screens, per Fubo's help center
    • 4K on higher plans
    8.6/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Fubo, opens in a new tab) Read review

Head-to-head

See all 8 streaming services compared

YouTube TV FAQ

Does YouTube TV include local channels?

YouTube TV carries local broadcast stations in most US markets. Availability varies by area, so enter your ZIP code on the YouTube TV site to see your local lineup.

Does YouTube TV have a DVR?

Yes. YouTube TV says its plans include unlimited DVR space. Check the site for current recording retention terms.

Can I cancel YouTube TV at any time?

YouTube TV is billed month to month with no annual contract. Check the site for current billing terms and any free trial.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against YouTube TV's own website on .