YouTube is everywhere, on your phone, your TV, your laptop, and Google has turned it into two distinct subscription products: YouTube Premium, which removes ads and adds features to the regular YouTube experience, and YouTube TV, which acts as a full-on replacement for cable. Premium is all about convenience and music streaming, while TV is about live sports, local channels, and DVR. Together, they cover a surprising amount of ground, making YouTube one of the most versatile players in streaming.
Pros & Cons of YouTube Premium + YouTube TV
Pros
- Premium makes everyday YouTube ad-free, seamless, and music-friendly.
- TV offers one of the most complete cable replacements with live sports and unlimited DVR.
- Broad device compatibility means that if it runs YouTube, it also runs Premium/TV.
- Free trial options are generous compared to other streamers.
Cons
- Premium doesn’t add new shows or movies, just features.
- TV is pricier than most on-demand streamers ($72.99/month).
- Add-ons like 4K or NFL Sunday Ticket can make costs climb fast.
- Premium’s music discovery lags behind Spotify/Apple Music.
StageSeat's Top 8 Streaming Services of 2025
| Service | Best For | Starting Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Binge-watchers, pop culture fans | $7.99 (with ads) | Get Netflix |
| Prime Video | Value seekers, Amazon shoppers | $8.99 standalone (or free w/ Prime) | Get Amazon Prime Video |
| Disney+ | Families, franchise fans | $9.99 (with ads) | Get Disney+ |
| Hulu | Network TV lovers, cord-cutters | $9.99 (with ads) | Get Hulu |
| HBO Max | Prestige TV & film fans | $9.99 (with ads) | Get HBO Max |
| Apple TV+ | Quality-focused viewers, Apple users | $9.99 | Apple TV+ |
| Peacock | Sitcom fans, soccer/football lovers | $10.99 (with ads and Peacock original content) | Get Peacock |
| Paramount+ | Families, sports fans, CBS loyalists | $7.99 (with ads) | Get Paramount+ |
YouTube Premium
Channel Lineup & Content
Premium doesn’t unlock new shows or movies; it just enhances the core YouTube experience. You’ll get ad-free playback across all videos, the ability to play videos in the background while your phone is locked, and offline downloads for mobile viewing. It also includes YouTube Music Premium, Google’s answer to Spotify, with millions of songs, playlists, and podcasts. Originals were once a bigger deal (Cobra Kai started here), but YouTube has shifted away from that strategy, focusing instead on creator-driven content.
Pricing
- Individual: $13.99/month
- Family Plan: $22.99/month (up to 5 users)
- Student Plan: $7.99/month
User Experience
The interface is just YouTube, minus the interruptions. Background play and downloads are game-changers for anyone who uses YouTube for music, podcasts, or lectures. YouTube Music works well but trails Spotify in polish and discovery features.
Best For
Heavy YouTube users who hate ads, students looking for cheap music + video in one, and families who share across multiple devices.
YouTube TV
Channel Lineup & Content
YouTube TV is YouTube’s live cable replacement service, with 100+ live channels including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, TNT, HGTV, FX, and more. It also carries local stations in most markets, making it one of the most complete cable alternatives. Sports coverage is strong, with the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, and major tournaments all represented. Add-on packages include Showtime, Starz, and the NFL Sunday Ticket (exclusive to YouTube TV starting in 2023).
Pricing
YouTube TV costs $82.99/month for the base plan, with premium add-ons ranging from $1.99–$29.99/month. There’s usually a 10-day free trial for new users. Family sharing is included (up to 6 household members), and everyone gets unlimited DVR storage.
User Experience
The interface feels familiar if you’ve ever used YouTube, clean, simple, and app-based. Unlimited DVR with 9-month retention is a big perk, and you can stream on up to 3 devices simultaneously. Video quality goes up to 4K with an add-on ($9.99/month). Streaming is smooth and reliable, even for live sports, which is often where competitors stumble.
Best For
Cord-cutters who still want the whole cable experience, local channels, live sports, and unlimited DVR, without the contracts, hidden fees, or clunky set-top boxes.
Current Promotions
$49.99/month for your first 3 months, $82.99/month thereafter for the YouTube TV Base Plan. Offer expires August 31, 2025.
