The Ultimate Guide to YouTube TV: Is it Really Free?
YouTube is one of the most widely used video-sharing platforms in the world, but did you know that they also offer an option for TV streaming? YouTube TV is a popular choice for those looking to watch live TV, but there is a debate on whether or not it is truly free. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide for those who are looking for a free option for TV streaming.
The Costs Associated with YouTube TV
Before we dive into whether or not YouTube TV is free, it’s important to understand the different costs that may be associated with it. Currently, YouTube TV offers a free trial for seven days, after which the subscription fee kicks in. The current price for YouTube TV is $64.99/month, which is a bit steep for many people, especially considering the numerous other streaming services on offer. However, it’s important to note that this price includes over 85 channels, including local affiliates, sports channels, and popular networks such as ABC, NBC, and FX. This means that YouTube TV still offers a relatively robust package for its price point.
What’s Included in the Free Version of YouTube TV?
While the subscription fee for YouTube TV may be too much for some people to stomach, the truth is that there is a free version of the service available. This version of YouTube TV offers a limited selection of channels, but it can be a great option for people who just want to dip their toes in the world of TV streaming without fully committing to a subscription. Currently, the free version of YouTube TV includes over 100 live channels, as well as access to a range of on-demand content. Some of the channels included in the free version of YouTube TV include Newsmax TV, PBS, and Comet.
Limitations of the Free Version of YouTube TV
While the free version of YouTube TV offers a range of channels, it’s important to note that there are some limitations involved. For starters, there are a lot fewer channels included in the free version of the service as compared to its paid counterpart. Additionally, while there is no hard cap on how much content you can stream, you may have to sit through a fair amount of ads, which can detract from the viewing experience. Finally, it’s essential to note that not all local channels are included in the free version of YouTube TV, which may be a deal breaker for some viewers.
Benefits of Using YouTube TV
Now that we’ve discussed the costs and different versions of YouTube TV, let’s explore some of its benefits. One of the most significant advantages of using YouTube TV is the convenience it offers. With YouTube TV, you can stream live TV on a variety of devices, including your laptop, phone, or tablet – all you need is an internet connection. Additionally, you can pause, rewind, and record live TV, which can be incredibly useful for people who have busy schedules. Finally, YouTube TV offers a range of unique features, such as unlimited cloud DVR storage and the ability to watch up to three streams at once, which can be a great way to keep everyone in your household entertained.
Tips and Tricks for Using YouTube TV’s Free Version
If you’ve decided that the free version of YouTube TV is right for you, the next step is to make sure you’re getting the most out of it. To help you achieve this, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind.
Firstly, it’s important to customize your channels. While there may be fewer channels on offer in the free version of YouTube TV, you can still pick and choose which ones you’d like to have access to and eliminate ones you don’t want.
Next, try to avoid using mobile data. While watching TV on your phone may seem convenient, doing so can quickly eat up your mobile data if you’re not careful. Instead, try to stick to using Wi-Fi whenever possible.
Finally, make sure to explore the other features available on YouTube TV, such as the ability to pause, rewind and fast forward, as well as the numerous customization options available.
Is YouTube TV’s Free Trial Worth it?
One of the most significant draws of YouTube TV is the free trial that they offer. While this can be a great option for people who are considering signing up for YouTube TV but are not quite ready to commit, there are some limitations to keep in mind. For starters, the free trial only lasts for seven days, which may not be enough time to get a true sense of whether or not YouTube TV is right for you. Additionally, during the free trial, you will still be subjected to ads, which can detract from the viewing experience. However, if you’re someone who’s looking to try out a new way of watching TV, YouTube TV’s free trial might be a good option to consider.
Comparing YouTube TV to Other Streaming Services
There are numerous streaming services available today, including popular options like Netflix and Hulu. While these services focus on on-demand content rather than live TV streaming, it’s still worth comparing them to YouTube TV to get a sense of what sets the latter apart.
One of the biggest differences between YouTube TV and other streaming services is content availability. While services like Netflix and Hulu offer a wide range of TV shows and movies, YouTube TV’s primary focus is on live TV, which can be a significant draw for certain viewers. Additionally, YouTube TV offers a variety of unique features, such as the ability to watch multiple streams at once, that other services simply do not offer.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the cost of YouTube TV is relatively similar to that of other streaming services, meaning that it may simply come down to what features and content are most important to you.
Is YouTube TV More Cost-Effective than Cable?
One of the most significant benefits of YouTube TV’s free version is that it can be a cost-effective option for people who are looking to cut the cord on traditional cable television. When compared to the average cost of a cable subscription, which can be over $100 a month in some areas, YouTube TV’s $64.99/month subscription fee might seem steep. However, when you consider the range of channels and additional features on offer, this cost may start to seem more reasonable. Additionally, when compared to the cost of a cable subscription, YouTube TV is undoubtedly the more flexible option in terms of viewing options and device compatibility.
Why YouTube TV’s Free Option is the Future of Television
As we’ve discussed, YouTube TV’s free option can be a great way for people to get a taste of what watching live TV on the platform is like. However, it’s also worth exploring what the future of television might look like, and whether or not YouTube TV is leading the charge.
As more and more people look to cut the cord on traditional cable television services, we’re seeing a significant shift towards online streaming services like YouTube TV. In the future, it’s likely that these types of services will become even more popular, and that traditional cable TV will begin to fall out of favour. YouTube has already proven that it’s a major player in the streaming world, and with the numerous benefits of YouTube TV, such as its flexibility, convenience, and on-demand options, it’s clear that the free option of YouTube TV might be the way of the future.
Conclusion
While YouTube TV may appear to be an expensive option for streaming live TV, the reality is that it offers a range of benefits that make it worth considering. Whether you opt for the free version of the service or the full subscription fee, you can enjoy a wide range of channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and unparalleled flexibility in terms of viewing options. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use YouTube TV will depend on your personal preferences, but one thing is for sure: it’s an option that is definitely worth exploring.