In the past, there was a dearth of quality television streaming options for people desperate to cut the cord. If you wanted to watch live TV in any way, shape, or form, you needed to splash out on a costly cable subscription—which was frustrating.

Services such as Hulu and Sling TV have completely changed the game. But these days, YouTube TV is also a worthy alternative that you should consider.

What exactly is YouTube TV? What will you get if you sign up? Are there any additional features that set YouTube TV apart from its competitors? We have the answers to all of these questions and more, so keep reading to find out everything you need to know about YouTube TV.

What Channels Does YouTube TV Include?

youtube tv channels

The most important aspect of any entertainment package is what you get for your money. You need to be confident you're going to enjoy the channels you're paying for.

YouTube TV will give you access to live TV from more than 85 channel providers. You will receive content from most of the biggest broadcast networks—including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox—sports coverage from ESPN, popular cable networks such as FX, USA, and MSNBC, and several regional sports networks. Additional local channels will also be available in certain locations.

It's live TV designed for the YouTube generation. Those who want to watch what they want, when they want, how they want, without commitments.

-- Christian Oestlien, YouTube Product Management Director

What About Other Content?

YouTube TV isn't all about live television. You'll also be given access to YouTube Premium.

YouTube Premium is YouTube's existing subscription package. Rather than providing live TV, it offers "YouTube Originals." These are exclusive shows and movies produced solely for subscribers. Some of the platform's biggest stars are involved, including PewDiePie, Lilly Singh, and Rooster Teeth.

There's no question millennials love great TV content. But what we've seen is they don't want to watch it in the traditional setting. We want to give younger generations the content they love with the flexibility they expect.

-- Susan Wojcicki, YouTube Chief Executive

YouTube Premium also removes ads from all YouTube videos and provides access to (oft-maligned) YouTube Music.

And remember, by subscribing to YouTube TV, you will also benefit from a lack of box rental fees, no local channel fees, no installation fees, no cancellation fees, and no other nasty hidden charges.

What Other Features Does YouTube TV Offer?

There is one other standout feature that Google hopes will convince people to make the jump from both regular cable and its on-demand competitors: a cloud-based DVR with no limits.

This will enable you will be able to record an unlimited amount of TV and save it in the cloud. The recordings will be available for nine months, and you'll be able to access them at any time on any of your devices.

Movies and lots of recent shows are also available via the on-demand feature. The availability of on-demand is not consistent across all the channels; some networks allow it, whereas others don't.

You have the ability to pause, fast-forward, and rewind live TV (which is useful if you'd prefer to pause a live show then skip through the ads.)

Lastly, there is a 4K Plus add-on. Naturally, it includes better quality videos, but it also lets you watch your recordings when you are offline and allows you to watch an unlimited number of streams at the same time when you are at home.

How Can You Watch YouTube TV?

youtube tv

YouTube TV has its own standalone app that's available on almost every device in your household.

Your mobile, tablet, Apple TV box, Roku stick, Windows PC, Mac, and Chromecast are all covered. Some smart TVs (including models from Samsung, LG, Vizio, Hisense, and Sharp) also have the app built-in, and there is even support for Xbox and PlayStation.

How Much Does YouTube TV Cost?

The basic rate for the service is $65 per month. You will be able to add up to six users to a single account, but only three users will be able to watch the app simultaneously. All six users get their own personal cloud-based DVR silo.

Google offers several optional add-on networks. They include NBA League Pass, HBO, HBO Max, Sports Plus (NFL RedZone, Fox Soccer Plus, MAVTV, Stadium, Fox College Sports, TVG, and GOLTV), Cinemax, Hallmark Movies, Acorn, AMC, EPIX, STARZ, and more. Prices for add-ons vary from $5 to $15 per month.

The price compares very favorably to traditional TV packages. For example, Comcast's Digital Premier package can cost up to $138.99 per month after the first year. The Digital Starter bundle, which offers AMC and ESPN, is $69.97 per month. The bundle does not offer HBO, Showtime, or National Geographic.

Unlike regular cable and satellite TV companies, YouTube TV doesn't require you to sign up for a 12-month contract. This means you will be able to cancel YouTube TV at any time, just like Netflix.

Where Can You Get YouTube TV?

YouTube TV is only available in the United States. Google has no plans to expand the service internationally at this stage. It's unknown whether Google will clamp down on VPN usage.

Although the rollout was slow, more than 99 percent of US households can now access the service. Keep in mind that some of the available channels might change, depending on exactly where you live. To find out exactly what channels are available in your area, head to the official website and enter your ZIP code. The site will provide you with a complete list.

YouTube Comes of Age

Do you remember back in 2005 when YouTube was all about homemade videos recorded on smartphones' grainy predecessors? The launch of YouTube TV feels like the beginning of the end of that era.

The home video aspect of YouTube will undoubtedly live on, but the continually developing YouTube Partners program, YouTube Premium, the launch of YouTube live video, and now the addition of a TV service suggests YouTube is finally about to fulfill its destiny of reimagining television for the 21st century.