Pros
ConsThe details
Most video streaming services feature on-demand content, while others opt to do away with cable subscriptions. It is the case with YouTube as it focuses on Live streaming exclusively. Providing access to more than 85 channels it’s the best live streaming service of all time.
Its high monthly subscription is rather steep, but its feature-packed service makes it stand out from competitors. And being part of Google’s suite of products, users can customize their experiences. For example, a user can save their watch stories in the cloud for up to nine months.
Streaming speed
YouTube makes it easy for subscribers to understand its internet speed requirements. Here’s a roundup:
- SD 360p streaming: 0.7 Mbps
- SD 480p streaming: 1.1 Mbps
- HD 720p streaming: 2.5 Mbps
- HD 1080 streaming 5 Mbps
- 4K streaming: 20 Mbps
The service also explains that factors like the type of connection, Wi-Fi performance, the number of devices supported affect the streaming speed.
Ease of use
Its user interface is similar to that of YouTube. It has a simple and intuitive design making it pretty easy to navigate. Atop the homepage is the selection of the top picks comprising a mix of shows you have saved, watched, and related shows based on your favorites.
The bottom has categories for news, sports, movies, and YouTube Originals. As for the Live screen section, YouTube adapts a cable-television-like grid on smart TVs and browsers, and a listicle format on smaller devices.
Content
Its content lineup is exceptional and compares well with competitors like Sling TV, and Hulu’s Live TV. If you’re a fan of shows from local networks, you’ll get a decent watch from NBC, Fox, ABC, and CBS. as for sports channels, you can access shows on NBA TV, ESPN, ESPN 2, NBC Sports, and the NFL Network.
However, its loss of FOX regional sports networks means you won’t be enjoying regular-season games like NHL, MLB, and the NBA. YouTube also has many add-on channels available at an additional fee. They include Fox College Sports, Sports Plus add-on, Stadium, GOLTV, and more.
The only downside to YouTube’s live streaming service content is its meager selection of originals. It’s neither focusing on adding this type of content nor is it competing with competitors like Netflix.
Value
Once you sign up for YouTube TV, you enjoy a free two-week trial. After that, you’ll be required to pay $64.99 every month to access channels. It’s a little pricey but at par with its main competitors.
For example, Hulu Live TV and FuboTV cost $65 with a decent channel lineup. Conversely, Philo is the most affordable live streaming service charging $20 per month, but it has a limited channel lineup.
Another feature that makes YouTube secure this position is its availability on various platforms, including iOS and Android devices. It also works on Apple TV, Fire TV, the Xbox One, Android TV adding to its value.
Final verdict
If you’re planning to ditch cable television for live TV streaming, YouTube TV is your best bet. While it’s a little pricey, its robust lineup, user-friendly interface, and unlimited DVR make it worth every dime. As with any Live TV streaming service, you have to deal with ads and limited streaming resolutions.
