YouTube TV and YouTube Premium are two different services catering to different viewer needs. However, understanding both is crucial before subscribing. On one end YouTube TV offers live sports, news, and entertainment through 100+ channels, including major networks like CBS, FOX, and NBC. In contrast, YouTube Premium provides an ad-free experience on the regular YouTube platform, along with additional features.
This article compares YouTube TV and YouTube Premium, examining their features, pricing, and target audiences. We’ll explore the unique offerings of each service, from YouTube TV’s live broadcasting and DVR storage to YouTube Premium’s background playback and YouTube Originals.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which service best suits your viewing preferences and budget.
YouTube TV vs YouTube Premium: A Quick Comparison (2025)
The table below highlights key differences between YouTube TV and YouTube Premium, comparing their main features and offerings to help you understand which service might be better suited to your needs in 2025.
| Parameters | YouTube TV | YouTube Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $82.99/mo | $13.99/mo |
| Free trial | up to 21 days | 1-month |
| Ad-free Viewing | May contain ads for live events | ✅ |
| YouTube Music Premium | ❌ | Included in YouTube Premium Bundle |
| Live Broadcasting | Over 100 channels, Including local network | ❌ |
| YouTube Originals | ❌ | ✅ |
| DVR Storage | Unlimited storage | ❌ |
| Background Playback | ❌ | Continue audio playback with screen off |
| 4K content | Available With 4K plus add-on | ✅ |
| Best For | Live TV, sports, and news enthusiasts | YouTube users, music listeners and ad-free entertainment |
As described in the table, YouTube TV is Live TV channel oriented supporting over 100 channels, including local networks. Users are provided with Unlimited DVR storage to watch their favorite shows offline.
On the other hand, YouTube Premium is an ad-free service that allows users to enjoy content ad-free. The plan includes YouTube Music Premium without costing extra bucks.
These distinct feature sets reflect the different target audiences for each service. YouTube TV aims to replace traditional cable subscriptions, while YouTube Premium enhances the experience for frequent YouTube users and music listeners.
1. Device Compatibility
Device compatibility may vary depending on the service you choose. Let’s look at the devices supported by both services so that you can check if your device is compatible.
YouTube TV Device Compatibility
Here is YouTube TV’s list of device compatibility. This will give you a rough idea of the device requirements for YouTube TV.
- Google TVs
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Android
- PS4 and PS5
- Xbox
You can download the application for your Android device from the Play Store. For more information about device compatibility, you can refer to this link.
YouTube Premium Device Compatibility
YouTube Premium is supported on almost every platform, such as:
- Mobile devices, including Android, iOS
- Smart TVs
- Amazon Fire TV
- Google TV
- Xbox
- Playstation 3,4, 4pro and 5
- Game Consoles
You can download its Application for an Android device from here. You can also check the official list of supported devices on this support page.
Verdict – YouTube Premium is compatible with more platforms than YouTube TV.
2. Streaming Accesibility At a Time
YouTube TV and YouTube Premium both allow multiple devices to stream simultaneously. This feature allows a certain number of devices to watch the content simultaneously.
Let’s examine the number of devices you can use simultaneously on YouTube TV and YouTube Premium:
| Service | Simultaneous Streaming |
|---|---|
| YouTube TV | 3 devices at the same time |
| YouTube Premium | 3 to 5 devices max simultaneously |
Verdict: YouTube Premium allows 5 device streams in its family plan, compared to YouTube TV, which offers 3 streams in all plans.
3. Unique Features
While both services are part of the YouTube ecosystem, they offer distinct features tailored to different viewing preferences. Let’s check the key unique features of YouTube TV and YouTube Premium to better understand their individual strengths and target audiences.
YouTube TV’s Unique Features
YouTube provides some unique features, like
- Over 100 Live TV channels
- up to 6 individual account creatio allowed
- Viewing enhancement with key plays view, stats view, fantasy football view
- No annual contracts or hidden fees
- Add-ons to add new Live TV channels in subscription
- Unlimited DVR storage
- Fast forward feature to skip the commercial
These are the features that YouTube TV provides.
YouTube Premium Unique Feature
- YouTube Comes with a free version where you can enjoy content with ads.
- Does not contain any ads
- Can play the content in the background
- YouTube Premium offers YouTube original content.
- It is supported on almost every platform
- It does not contain any ads
- You get YouTube Music Premium included in the subscription
- Offline viewing
These are the unique features that YouTube Premium provides.
Verdict – YouTube Premium offers more features than YouTube TV with its massive channel lineup, DVR storage, and more features .
4. Add-ons
Apart from the standard subscription costs paid, these services also offer a few add-ons to enhance their experience.
Here is a quick overview of the add-ons and unique features that YouTube TV and YouTube Premium offer
YouTube TV Add-ons
Let’s look at what add-ons you can add to your subscription to watch more content.
- 4K plus add-on: stream in 4K and Offline Viewing
- Sports plus add-on: 19 sports channels included.
- Entertainment Plus add-on: Includes HBO Max, Paramount with Showtime, and Starz.
- Spanish plus add-on: 25+ Spanish Networks.
These are the main add-ons which you can add to watch more channels. However, more add-ons are available in the store, which you can check out here.
Note: There are no add-ons offered for YouTube Premium.
YouTube TV vs YouTube Premium: Plans & Pricing
YouTube TV and Premium both have different prices, and you can choose various plans according to your taste.
Here is a detailed comparison between both plans. Which one would be easier on your pocket?
1. YouTube TV: Plans & Pricing
YouTube TV offers 3 main plans to users. All the plans offer different networks, including Spanish channels and sports.
Have a look at the pricing of each plan to get a better understanding of pricing.
| Plans | Monthly Plan | Annual plan | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $82.99/mo | N/A | Over 100+ live TV channels |
| Spanish Plan (subject to availability) | $34.99/mo | N/A | 30+ Spanish networks |
| NFL Sunday Ticket or Standalone (when season live) | $87.25/mo | N/A | Save on NFL tickets |
- Basic Plan –
YouTube’s Basic plan offers over 100 Live channels with unlimited DVR Space.
You can add up to 6 household accounts to your subscription and stream on 3 devices at the same time.
- Spanish Plan-
Spanish plan contains 30+ Spanish networks offering unlimited DVR with the feature of adding 6 household accounts and streams on 3 devices.
- NFL Sunday ticket bundled or standalone-
The NFL Sunday ticket bundled plan offers discounts on NFL discount on tickets and a monthly basic plan for YouTube TV. Users do not need to sign any 2-year contract.
Is There Any Discount On YouTube TV?
YouTube TV does not offer a discount on annual plans. However, it provides Youtube TV Promo which gives up to $78 off to new users on a basic plan for 6 months for new users.
On “Base Plan + NFL Sunday Tickets,” new users get $13 off for six months.
You will able to enjoy home streams and streams outside of your home.
NFL Sunday ticket offers a yearly subscription at $349/yr. You can watch Regional FOX and CBS Network.
2. YouTube Premium: Plans & Pricing
YouTube Premium comes with 3 different plans, from individual to family plan and student plan, where each plan offers a 1-month free trial.
You can also purchase their student plan to save $6 every month on your subscription cost. The Free Trial Discount offer on the annual plan may vary from plan to plan.
| Plans | Monthly plans | Annual Plans | Free Trial | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Plan | $13.99/mo | $139.99/yr | 1 Months | 15% |
| Family Plan | $22.99/mo | N/A | 1 Month | N/A |
| Student plan | $7.99/mo | N/A | 1 Month | N/A |
- Individual Plan
You can buy an individual plan for one user, which offers 15% discounts on 12-month subscriptions and allows you to enjoy YouTube Music Premium for free.
You can use up to 3 devices simultaneously to stream the content.
Best for – Single User
- Family Plan
A Family Plan is made for multiple users who want to watch content on multiple devices. This plan offers up to 5 devices to stream at the same time.
Best for – Family up to 5 people
- Student Plan
Student plans are especially for students. Offering YouTube premium at just $7.99/mo. To know more you can check their official website.
Best for – Students
Is There Any Discount On Youtube Premium?
YouTube Premium offers 3 main plans in their individual plan, which offers a 15% discount on the annual subscription. You also get a 1-month free trial on this plan.
You get affordable pricing in a student plan starting from $7.99/month, which allows students to afford YouTube Premium. You can check their official website for further details.
Verdict: YouTube Premium provides affordable plans with annual plan discounts compared to YouTube TV.
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Conclusion: YouTube Premium Offers More Value For Money Than YouTube TV!
After comparing YouTube TV and YouTube Premium across features, pricing, and target audiences, it’s clear that each service offers unique value. YouTube TV excels for those seeking a cable TV alternative with live channels and DVR capabilities.
YouTube Premium, on the other hand, enhances the standard YouTube experience with ad-free viewing, background play, and music streaming.
While YouTube Premium offers more diverse features at a lower price point, YouTube TV remains the go-to for live TV enthusiasts. Your choice ultimately depends on your viewing preferences and budget. I would suggest you consider your priorities – whether it’s live TV or an enhanced YouTube experience – to determine which service best fits your needs.
