YouTube TV: Your All-Access Pass to Live Sports & Entertainment

Experience live TV without a contract with YouTube TV, offering 100+ channels of sports, news, and entertainment. As the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, it’s a must-have for football fans looking to watch every out-of-market game. This guide covers its complete features and why it’s a top pick for cord-cutters.

Start Your Free Trial – Watch Live Sports Today!

What Exactly is YouTube TV?

"The Complete Live TV Experience, Packed with All Your Sports."

YouTube TV is a premium live TV streaming service designed to be a complete replacement for traditional cable. It stands out by offering a comprehensive lineup of over 100 channels, an industry-leading Cloud DVR, and exclusive access to high-demand sports packages, all delivered through a clean and intuitive interface powered by Google.

With a YouTube TV subscription, you gain access to:

  • ✅100+ Live Channels: A robust lineup including all major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC), top sports channels like ESPN and FS1, and popular entertainment and news networks.
  • ✅The Exclusive Home of NFL Sunday Ticket: The only place to get access to every out-of-market Sunday NFL game (requires an add-on subscription).
  • ✅Truly Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record as many shows and games as you want simultaneously. Recordings are saved for 9 months, and you can even hide scores to avoid spoilers.
  • ✅Multi-User & Device Support: Create up to 6 individual profiles per household and watch on 3 devices at the same time.

YouTube TV Plans & Pricing

YouTube TV offers a straightforward base plan with optional add-ons to customize your experience.

Base Plan

$82.99/mo

(New Users: $59.99/mo for first 2-3 months)

  • Channels: 100+ live channels
  • DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR (saved for 9 months)
  • Accounts: 6 household accounts
  • Streams: 3 simultaneous streams
  • Free Trial: 21 Days
Start 21-Day Free Trial

NFL Sunday Ticket

$378/season

(or $31.50/mo for 12 payments)

  • Content: All out-of-market NFL Sunday games
  • Exclusivity: The only place to get every game
  • Free Trial: 7 Days
Get Sunday Ticket

4K Plus Add-on

$9.99/mo

 

  • Video Quality: 4K streaming for select content
  • Streams: Unlimited simultaneous streams at home
  • Downloads: Offline downloads for mobile
  • Free Trial: 30 Days
Add 4K Plus

Sports Plus Add-on

$10.99/mo

 

  • Includes: NFL RedZone, Fox Soccer Plus
  • More Sports: beIN Sports, VSiN, Outside TV+
  • And More: PokerGO+, Billiard TV, etc.
  • Free Trial: 7 Days
Add Sports Plus

NBA League Pass

$39.99/mo

No free trial available

  • Content: Out-of-market NBA games
  • Coverage: Follow your favorite teams
Add NBA League Pass

MLB.TV

$24.99/mo

No free trial available

  • Content: Out-of-market MLB games
  • Coverage: Catch games from around the league
Add MLB.TV
Important Note on Pricing: YouTube TV emphasizes "No Hidden Fees" and "No Contracts." The service operates on a strictly month-to-month basis, allowing you to cancel anytime without penalties.

Sports Coverage on YouTube TV

Never miss a game, match, or race. YouTube TV brings you extensive live sports from major networks and dedicated sports channels, ensuring you're always in the action.

Key Sports Channels & Leagues:

National Sports Networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FS1, FS2, CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Network, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, Golf Channel, SEC Network, ACC Network, and more.

NFL Sunday Ticket: As the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, YouTube TV provides access to every out-of-market game, every Sunday, directly through its subscription.

NBA & MLB: For comprehensive out-of-market game access, optional add-ons like NBA League Pass and MLB.TV are available.

MLS Coverage: Catch live Major League Soccer games and related content through available channels. While MLS Season Pass is a separate subscription offered by Apple TV, a significant portion of MLS action can still be followed on YouTube TV.

Local Sports: Enjoy complete local network coverage in over 98% of US TV households, ensuring you don't miss your hometown teams or local news broadcasts.

Beyond Sports: Entertainment & News Channels

YouTube TV offers a diverse lineup to satisfy every interest, making it a comprehensive cable replacement for the entire household.

Popular Entertainment: Dive into a world of entertainment with channels like TNT, TBS, FX, AMC, Bravo, Comedy Central, Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, and many more.

News & Information: Stay informed with channels such as CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, BBC World News, CNBC, and HLN.

Kids & Family: Keep the younger viewers entertained with Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Universal Kids.

On-Demand Library: Access thousands of movies and TV show episodes on demand from your favorite channels.

Enhance your subscription with these premium networks (additional fees apply): Max (formerly HBO Max), Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, Starz, MGM+

YouTube TV Channel Lineup Details

Explore the full breadth of channels available across major categories.

(Note: Channel availability can vary by location. This list is representative of a typical lineup.)

Sports Channels

ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, Motor Trend, NBA TV, NBCSN, NFL Network, Nicktoons, SEC Network, T2, TNT, TYT, Telemundo, The Weather Channel.

News Channels

ABC News, BBC America, BBC News, CNBC, CNBC World, CNN, Cheddar News, FOX Business, FOX News Channel, FOX Weather, LiveNOW from Fox, Local Now, Localish, MSNBC, NBC News Now, NBC Universo, Newsmax, NewsNation, Scripps News.

Entertainment Channels

AMC, AMC Thrillers, WE tv, Adult Swim, American Crimes, Animal Planet, BET, BET Her, Bravo, Bounce, CHARGE!, Cheddar, CMT, Comedy Central, Comedy.tv, Comet, Court TV, COZI TV, Dabl, Discovery, Docurama, Dove Channel, E!, FOX Soul, FX, FXM, FXX, Food Network, Freeform, Galavisión, Get TV, Game Show.

Kids & Family Channels

Cartoon Network, Disney, Disney Jr., Disney XD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons.

Local Channels

ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS (availability varies by location).

Take Your Local TV Anywhere with YouTube TV

YouTube TV offers live access to local and national channels, but it's tied to your "home area." When you travel, you lose access to your familiar local news and sports.

Why Use a VPN with YouTube TV?

A VPN allows you to connect to a server back in your home city, making YouTube TV think you never left. This lets you watch your local channels, access your DVR library, and follow your local sports teams from anywhere in the world.

Watch Your Home Channels:

Connect to a VPN server in your home area to watch your local news, weather, and sports teams just as if you were on your couch.

Access Out-of-Market Games:

By connecting to servers in other US cities, you can potentially access regional sports coverage not available in your home area.

Maintain Privacy While Traveling:

Keep your online activity private and secure, which is especially important when using hotel, airport, or café Wi-Fi.

Recommended VPN Providers:

Look for VPNs with many server locations across the US. Reliable choices for YouTube TV include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN.

Stream Your Home TV: Get a VPN

Why Choose YouTube TV?

YouTube TV stands out as a premier live TV streaming solution, designed to meet the demands of modern viewers, especially sports enthusiasts. It directly addresses common frustrations like buffering and the need for multiple subscriptions by offering a comprehensive and seamless viewing experience.

Unlimited Cloud DVR – Record Everything

Enjoy an inexhaustible repository for your preferred shows, sports events, or films. Recordings are saved for an impressive nine months, and you can fast-forward through commercials on recorded content, giving you ultimate control.

Multi-View – Watch Up to Four Streams at Once

A true game-changer for sports fans, the innovative Multi-View feature allows you to watch up to four live sports, news, or weather channels simultaneously on a single screen, keeping you immersed in all the action.

4K Plus Add-on – Enhanced Viewing & Flexibility

For an additional monthly fee, this add-on delivers stunning ultra-high definition on select content, unlocks unlimited simultaneous streams at home, and provides the convenience of offline downloads for on-the-go viewing.

Flexible & Family-Friendly – No Contracts, No Hassle

Operates on a month-to-month basis, so you can cancel anytime. Share your membership with up to 6 accounts, each with a personalized library, and enjoy up to 3 simultaneous streams.

Pros & Cons of YouTube TV

A balanced look at YouTube TV's strengths and areas for consideration.

Pros

  • Extensive Channel Selection: Over 100 channels, including a robust array of national and local sports networks.
  • Superb Cloud DVR: Unlimited storage for recordings, saved for up to nine months, with the ability to fast-forward through commercials.
  • Innovative Multi-View Feature: Watch up to four live streams simultaneously, a game-changer for sports fans.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Slick, intuitive, and easy to navigate across all supported devices.
  • No Contracts or Hidden Fees: Transparent, month-to-month billing with the flexibility to cancel anytime.
  • Broad Local Coverage: Complete local network availability in over 98% of US households.
  • Household Sharing: Supports up to 6 individual household accounts and 3 simultaneous streams (unlimited with 4K Plus add-on).

Cons

  • Price Increases: While competitive, the price has increased over time, leading to some user complaints.
  • Regional Sports Network (RSN) Limitations: Offers limited RSNs compared to some competitors, and certain RSNs may be subject to blackouts.
  • Limited 4K Content: The amount of content available in 4K through the 4K Plus add-on is currently limited.
  • Travel Restrictions: Users must "check in" from their home area periodically to maintain access to local channels while traveling.
  • On-Demand Library Depth: The on-demand library is not as extensive as dedicated services like Netflix or Hulu's core offerings.
  • Customer Support: Some users report difficulty contacting live customer support and inconsistent follow-up on reported issues.

YouTube TV Alternatives: How Does it Stack Up?

When considering YouTube TV, it's helpful to see how it compares to other streaming services that offer a significant amount of live sports and entertainment.

1. YouTube TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Extensive Channels: 100+ channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, major networks.
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record all your favorite sports.
  • 4K Plus add-on available. NFL Sunday Ticket add-on.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Excellent for broad channel selection and unlimited DVR, covering most major sports, with varying free trial lengths.

Try Free (2-21 days)

2. FuboTV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Broad Live Sports: 200+ channels including ESPN, NFL Network, FS1, many RSNs.
  • Strong for: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS.
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR, 10 simultaneous streams, 4K streaming (Elite plan).

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: FuboTV is ideal for comprehensive live TV with a strong sports focus, including RSNs, but consider the additional RSN fee.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

3. ESPN+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive UFC Fight Nights, out-of-market NHL, 6,000+ NCAA games.
  • Top international soccer (La Liga, Bundesliga, FA Cup).
  • Complements: Does NOT include linear ESPN channels.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Best for dedicated fans of specific sports not found on linear TV, especially when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.

Get ESPN+

4. Hulu + Live TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Bundle Value: 100+ channels, includes Hulu on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
  • Unlimited cloud DVR. Live sports (NHL, Soccer, MLB, Auto Racing, NFL, College Football, PGA, Tennis).

Plans & Pricing:

  • Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $82.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $95.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Live TV Only: $81.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Legacy Bundle ($87.99/mo.): No longer available for new purchase (Learn More)

Our Take: Combines live TV (including ESPN) with a vast on-demand library and ESPN+ exclusives, but be aware of legacy plan availability.

Try 3-Day Free Trial

5. DIRECTV STREAM

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Premium Sports: Strongest offering for RSNs (Regional Sports Networks) from Choice plan upwards.
  • Dedicated league channels (MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network on higher tiers).
  • Unlimited cloud DVR, up to 20 simultaneous streams in-home.

Plans & Pricing:

  • Entertainment: $84.99/mo. (90+ channels, no RSNs) (Visit Website)
  • Choice: $89.99/mo. (First month $59.99, includes RSNs) (Visit Website)
  • Ultimate: $119.99/mo. (First month $89.99) (Visit Website)
  • Premier: $164.99/mo. (Includes all premium networks) (Visit Website)

Our Take: Ideal for extensive channels, especially if RSNs are crucial for local team coverage, with a robust simultaneous streaming capability.

Try 5-Day Free Trial

6. Sling TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Budget-Friendly: Customizable packages.
  • Orange includes ESPN; Blue includes NFL Network.
  • 50 hours DVR.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Most affordable option to get live ESPN or NFL Network, with customizable add-ons and a significant first-month discount.

Get 50% Off First Month

7. Peacock Premium

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Niche Sports: Exclusive Premier League matches.
  • Big Ten sports, IndyCar, and simulcasts of Sunday Night Football.
  • Current seasons of NBC and Bravo programming.

Plans & Pricing:

  • Premium (with ads): $10.99/mo. or $109.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • Premium Plus (ad-free, downloads): $16.99/mo. or $169.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • New "Select" Tier: $7.99/mo. or $79.99/yr. (No sports content) (Learn More)
  • Price Change Effective: July 23, 2025 (New/Returning) / August 22, 2025 (Existing) (Details)

Our Take: Best for Premier League soccer and Big Ten fans on a budget, with tiered options and recent price adjustments.

Start Free Trial

8. Paramount+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • CBS Sports Content: Exclusive access to NFL on CBS.
  • SEC football, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, NWSL.
  • Showtime originals (with Showtime plan).

Plans & Pricing:

  • Essential (with ads): $7.99/mo. or $59.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • with Showtime (ad-free, downloads): $12.99/mo. or $119.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • Student Discount: 50% off for 12 months (Get Discount)
  • Senior Discount (AARP): 10% off (Get Discount)
  • Price Change Effective: August 20 (New) / September 20 (Existing for With Showtime) (Details)

Our Take: Essential for fans of CBS Sports, especially European soccer and NWSL, with valuable student and senior discounts available.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

9. Amazon Prime Video

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive NFL: Home of Thursday Night Football.
  • New for 2025: NBA games (66 regular season games, playoffs), NASCAR.
  • Features WNBA games, NWSL, Premier Boxing Champions, ONE Championship.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Great for NFL fans who also use Prime for shopping and other content, with a rapidly expanding live sports portfolio.

Try 30-Day Free Trial

10. Apple TV+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive Soccer & Baseball: Home to MLS Season Pass (additional cost).
  • Friday Night Baseball.
  • Superior streaming quality (4K HDR, Dolby Atmos).

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Highly specific for dedicated MLS fans and a good add-on for baseball, best value when integrated into Apple One bundles.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

Key Difference Summary

While FuboTV excels in broad live sports and RSN coverage, other services offer unique value propositions. ESPN+ focuses on exclusive niche sports, YouTube TV provides unlimited DVR and a wide channel selection, Hulu + Live TV bundles entertainment with live TV, DIRECTV STREAM offers premium RSN access and multiple streams, Sling TV is highly customizable and budget-friendly, and services like Peacock, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ cater to specific sports leagues or content types, often with unique bundling opportunities.

What Our Users Are Saying

Social proof builds trust and demonstrates the value of YouTube TV, leading to increased confidence in your decision.

"Switching to YouTube TV was the best decision! The picture quality is amazing, and the unlimited DVR is a game-changer. Highly recommend!"

- Sarah L., Satisfied User

"I love the flexibility of YouTube TV. Now I can watch all my sports without a huge cable bill."

- Mark T., Sports Fan

"The Multi-View feature is insane for NFL Sundays. I can track my fantasy team, the RedZone channel, and two other games at once. Never going back!"

- David P., Fantasy Football Guru

"My whole family has their own profile, so my recommendations don't get mixed with my kids' cartoons. The interface is so clean and simple for everyone to use."

- Jessica M., Mom of Three

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about YouTube TV

Does YouTube TV offer a free trial?

Yes, YouTube TV's free trial period for the Base Plan often varies for new users, typically ranging from 5 to 21 days. Additionally, add-ons like 4K Plus frequently come with their own free trial period (e.g., 30 days).

How does the Cloud DVR work on YouTube TV?

YouTube TV offers a truly unlimited Cloud DVR. You can record as many programs as you want simultaneously without any storage limits. Recordings are saved for 9 months, and you can fast-forward through commercials on most recorded content.

How many devices can I stream on at once?

The standard Base Plan allows you to watch on up to 3 devices simultaneously. If you subscribe to the 4K Plus add-on, this is upgraded to unlimited simultaneous streams on your home Wi-Fi network.

Is 4K content available on YouTube TV?

Yes, 4K streaming is available for select live and on-demand content through the optional 4K Plus add-on for an additional monthly fee. The amount of 4K content varies by network and event.

How does NFL Sunday Ticket work?

YouTube TV is the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket. It is available as a paid seasonal add-on that allows you to watch every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game. It can be purchased with or without a YouTube TV Base Plan subscription.

Does YouTube TV have my local sports channels (RSNs)?

YouTube TV includes local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in over 98% of U.S. households. However, its offering of dedicated Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) is limited and varies significantly by location. You should check the channel lineup for your specific zip code.

Is YouTube TV available on PlayStation or Xbox?

Yes, the YouTube TV app is widely available on modern gaming consoles, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

Ready for the Ultimate Cable Replacement?

YouTube TV delivers a premium, all-in-one streaming experience. With its massive channel lineup, industry-leading unlimited Cloud DVR, exclusive features like Multi-View, and as the home of NFL Sunday Ticket, it's the definitive choice for viewers who want it all without the hassle of cable.

Discover the power and flexibility of YouTube TV and start your free trial to redefine how you watch live TV!

Explore YouTube TV Plans & Start Free Trial!

Looking for more live sports? Visit the LiveCloak Homepage for comprehensive schedules and streaming links for all your favorite events!