YouTube offers two distinct subscription services—YouTube Premium and YouTube TV—each catering to different viewing needs. Understanding their benefits and differences helps you choose the right service for your entertainment preferences.
Overview
| Feature | YouTube Premium | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Ad-free YouTube experience + Originals | Live TV streaming service |
| Content | YouTube videos, Originals, Music | Live TV channels, DVR, On-demand shows |
| Price (2025) | Around $15/month | Around $75/month |
| Platforms | YouTube app, web, mobile | Smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile |
YouTube Premium: Benefits
- Ad-Free Viewing: Watch all YouTube videos without ads across all devices.
- Background Play: Continue audio playback while using other apps or when the screen is off.
- Offline Downloads: Download videos and music for offline viewing.
- YouTube Music Premium: Access to YouTube Music with ad-free songs, offline listening, and background play.
- Original Content: Access to YouTube Originals, exclusive shows, and movies.
- Family Plan Available: Share benefits with up to 5 family members.
Who is it for?
- Regular YouTube users who want uninterrupted, flexible video and music experience.
- People who prefer on-demand content and music streaming without ads.
- Those who want offline access and background play on mobile devices.
YouTube TV: Benefits
- Live TV Streaming: Access over 100 live TV channels, including local networks, news, sports, and entertainment.
- Cloud DVR: Unlimited DVR storage with recordings saved for up to 9 months.
- Multiple Streams: Up to 3 simultaneous streams per account.
- No Cable Required: Watch live TV without a traditional cable subscription.
- Add-Ons Available: Premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, and more can be added.
- Supported Devices: Smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), mobile apps, and web browsers.
Who is it for?
- Cord-cutters who want to replace cable or satellite TV.
- Sports fans and news watchers who want live TV access.
- Families or households needing multiple streams and DVR functionality.
Key Differences
| Aspect | YouTube Premium | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Content Type | On-demand YouTube videos & music | Live TV channels + DVR |
| Ad Experience | Completely ad-free | Ads on live broadcasts, none on DVR playback |
| Pricing | Lower monthly cost | Higher monthly cost |
| Offline Viewing | Available | Not available |
| Simultaneous Streams | Limited to personal use | Up to 3 simultaneous streams |
| Music Included | Yes (YouTube Music Premium) | No |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose YouTube Premium if:
You want an ad-free YouTube experience with offline and background play, plus access to YouTube Music for streaming songs. - Choose YouTube TV if:
You want to watch live TV channels, record shows, and replace your traditional cable subscription with streaming. - Consider Both if:
You want both live TV and ad-free YouTube/music experiences. Some users subscribe to both for full access.
Summary
| Service | Best For | Price (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | Ad-free YouTube + Music | ~$15/month |
| YouTube TV | Live TV Streaming + DVR | ~$75/month |
For detailed feature comparisons and updates, see:
- PCMag: YouTube Premium vs YouTube TV
- Evoca: YouTube TV vs YouTube Premium (2025)
- YouTube Official Help Pages
Comparing YouTube’s Subscription Services
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium focuses on enhancing the YouTube experience itself. It removes all ads from videos, allows background play, and lets you download videos for offline viewing. You also get access to YouTube Music Premium, a separate music streaming service, and YouTube Originals, exclusive shows and movies.
Benefits of YouTube Premium:
- Ad-free Viewing: Enjoy uninterrupted videos without annoying ads.
- Background Play: Listen to videos while using other apps or with your screen off.
- Offline Viewing: Download videos to watch when you don’t have internet access.
- YouTube Music Premium: Access a vast library of music with ad-free listening, background play, and offline downloads.
- YouTube Originals: Watch exclusive shows and movies produced by YouTube.
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a wide range of channels, including major networks, sports, news, and entertainment. It also includes cloud DVR storage so you can record shows and watch them later.
Benefits of YouTube TV:
- Live TV from Major Networks: Watch live broadcasts of your favorite shows, sports, and news.
- Cloud DVR Storage: Record unlimited shows and watch them anytime, anywhere.
- Multiple Streams: Watch on up to three devices simultaneously.
- Family Sharing: Share your subscription with up to six family members.
Key Differences:
| Feature | YouTube Premium | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-free YouTube | Yes | No (except for YouTube videos) |
| Background Play | Yes | No |
| Offline Viewing | Yes | No |
| Live TV | No | Yes |
| Cloud DVR | No | Yes |
| Number of Streams | 3 | 3 |
| Family Sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Starting at $11.99/month | Starting at $72.99/month |
Which One is Right for You?
If you mainly watch YouTube videos and want an enhanced, ad-free experience, YouTube Premium is a good choice. If you’re a cord-cutter who wants to watch live TV and have cloud DVR storage, YouTube TV is a better option. You can also subscribe to both if you want the best of both worlds.
Additional Information:
- YouTube Premium Free Trial: YouTube Premium offers a one-month free trial so you can try it before you commit.
- YouTube TV Free Trial: YouTube TV also offers a free trial, typically for 7-14 days.
- Family Plans: Both YouTube Premium and YouTube TV offer family plans that let you share the subscription with multiple people.
- Available Devices: Both services are available on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Understanding YouTube Premium and YouTube TV
For those who enjoy YouTube’s vast library of videos but want more, YouTube Premium and YouTube TV offer enhanced experiences with different perks.
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is a subscription service that provides an ad-free experience across all of YouTube. It includes access to YouTube Music Premium and allows users to download videos for offline viewing. Subscribers can also enjoy YouTube Originals, which are exclusive shows and movies produced by YouTube.
- Ad-Free Viewing: Watch YouTube content without interruptions.
- YouTube Music Premium: Enjoy music streaming without ads.
- Offline Viewing: Download videos to your mobile devices and watch them later.
- YouTube Originals: Access to original content not available to non-subscribers.
- Multi-Platform Access: Use YouTube Premium on mobile, tablets, and web browsers.
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is a standalone streaming service that lets users watch live television from over 85 channels. It offers unlimited DVR storage space to record your favorite shows and sports events. Designed for those who want to cut the cord with traditional cable services, YouTube TV provides a robust alternative with a variety of live channels.
- Live Channels: Stream over 85 TV channels live.
- Cloud DVR: Record shows without worrying about storage space.
- Family Sharing: Share with your family on up to 6 accounts.
- Sports and News: Watch major sports and news networks live.
Comparing Features and Benefits
YouTube Premium focuses on enhancing the standard YouTube experience. It removes ads across YouTube videos, includes a music streaming service, and allows for offline viewing. Fans of original content can also enjoy series and movies only available on YouTube.
YouTube TV, on the other hand, is aimed at replacing traditional cable TV. It comes with live channels, cloud DVR, and the ability to share with your family—which makes it great for those interested in live television, including sports, news, and other real-time content.
| Feature | YouTube Premium | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-Free | Yes | No (only on Cloud DVR recordings) |
| Content | Videos, Music, Originals | Live TV, Sports, News |
| Music Streaming | Yes (with YouTube Music) | No |
| Offline Viewing | Yes | No |
| Live TV Channels | No | Yes |
| DVR | No | Yes (Unlimited Storage) |
In short, those who love binge-watching videos and music without ads might find YouTube Premium ideal, while YouTube TV caters to individuals who do not want to miss out on live TV channels and events.
Content and Accessibility
Navigating the offerings of YouTube Premium and YouTube TV reveals a diverse selection of entertainment and viewing options to cater to various user needs and preferences.
Channels and Shows Available
YouTube Premium primarily enhances the individual viewing experience of YouTube itself, focusing on an ad-free service with the added ability to download videos and play them in the background. By contrast, YouTube TV offers an extensive live TV service that includes major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, alongside cable favorites like ESPN, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CBS Sports, and NBC Sports. Exclusive access to premium channels is also available through add-on packages like Entertainment Plus, which bundles HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz; while Sports Plus includes channels such as NFL RedZone, NBA TV, and MLB Network.
- Smart TVs
- iOS and Android devices
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Game consoles
- Tablets
- Phones
- Computers
- Android TV
Local and International Content
YouTube TV excels with its local content offerings, providing access to local PBS channels, regional sports, and news programming, which are crucial for viewers interested in their local communities. On the other hand, international content on both services is still relatively limited, with regional restrictions and varying channel availability according to the viewer’s location.
Pricing and Subscription Options
Choosing the right subscription can be straightforward once you know the costs and benefits. Let’s break down what you’ll pay for YouTube Premium and YouTube TV, as well as the perks that come with free trials and optional add-ons.
YouTube Premium Cost
YouTube Premium is a service that allows you to enjoy YouTube content without ads and also includes access to YouTube Music Premium. Subscribers get additional features like background play and offline downloads. The service charges an annual fee of $139.99 for 12 months, representing a 15% saving compared to paying monthly. For those preferring a monthly plan, the cost is typically set at a standard rate.
YouTube TV Subscription Plans
YouTube TV offers live TV streaming from over 70 networks, including major broadcast channels, live sports, news, and a variety of entertainment and cable channels. With features like unlimited cloud DVR storage and no cable box needed, YouTube TV starts at $64.99 per month. There may sometimes be promotional offers for new subscribers, such as a reduced price for the first three months.
Free Trial and Add-Ons
Both YouTube Premium and YouTube TV typically start off with a free trial for eligible new users, though the length may vary. After trying the services, users can expand their YouTube TV experience with several optional add-ons:
- Entertainment Plus: Bundle that includes additional channels.
- Sports Plus: An add-on package for sports enthusiasts.
- 4K Plus: Offers 4K viewing and additional DVR benefits.
Besides, some third-party services like AMC Premiere or Showtime can be added to the subscription for an extra cost. It’s important to note that after a free trial period, regular billing starts unless the subscription is canceled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating YouTube Premium and YouTube TV can throw up a few questions. This section covers the most common ones, giving you quick and accurate answers.
What channels are included in the YouTube TV channel list?
YouTube TV offers live TV from major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC, alongside popular cable networks such as ESPN, AMC, and more, ensuring a wide selection for all types of viewers.
How much does a subscription to YouTube Premium and YouTube TV cost?
A YouTube Premium subscription generally costs $11.99 per month, offering ad-free videos and other features. YouTube TV costs around $64.99 per month, aimed at those looking for a comprehensive live TV experience.
What are the differences between YouTube Premium and YouTube TV?
YouTube Premium is designed for an enhanced, ad-free experience on traditional YouTube content and includes offline downloads. YouTube TV, on the other hand, focuses on providing a selection of live television channels.
Are YouTube Originals included with a YouTube TV subscription?
No, YouTube Originals are exclusive to YouTube Premium. YouTube TV does not include YouTube Originals as part of its subscription package.
Is YouTube Music included with a subscription to YouTube Premium?
Yes, YouTube Premium includes access to YouTube Music, allowing users to enjoy music content without ads, in the background, or offline on mobile devices.
How can I get a discount for YouTube TV?
Discounts for YouTube TV might be available during certain promotional periods, or through bundled offers from service providers and partners. Students and families may also find special pricing options to fit their budgets.
