The company’s YouTube TV service, announced this week, offers a bundle of around 40 TV channels for $35 per month. There’s no precise launch date, but YouTube says it’ll be available later this year.
Google describes the service as “TV for the YouTube generation” — subscribers will be able to access it on mobile devices as well as gadgets that connect to their TV. One of YouTube TV’s biggest perks is its unlimited DVR feature, which lets users record an infinite amount of TV shows and store them in the cloud.
YouTube TV will debut into a crowded competitive landscape. Sony’s PlayStation Vue, Dish Network’s Sling TV, and AT&T’s DirecTV Now all offer similar services, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. While none of these services will totally replace what you’ll get with a traditional pay-TV package, they are compelling options in combination with streaming options like Netflix, Hulu or HBO Now.
Here’s a closer look at YouTube TV compares to the rest of the TV streaming packages out there:
YouTube TV
Susan Wojcicki, chief executive officer of YouTube Inc., introduces the company's new television subscription service at the YouTube Space LA venue in Los Angeles, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017.Bloomberg—Bloomberg via Getty Images
Packages and Channel Selection
$35 per month for more than 40 networks
Optional Add-On Channels
$11 per month for Showtime
$15 per month for Fox Soccer Plus
Compatibility
iOS
Android
Google Chromecast
Will launch on TV-streaming devices, gaming consoles, and smart TVs in the coming months (specific models haven’t been revealed yet)
Special Features
Can store an unlimited amount of DVR content via the cloud
Supports up to six accounts with their own DVR
Up to three simultaneous streams allowed per membership
Includes access to YouTube Red original content
Drawbacks
Missing major channels such as CNN, Nickelodeon, Discovery, AMC, Comedy Central, TNT, Spike, and MTV
Fewer add-on options than competing services
No option to add HBO
PlayStation Vue
ndrew House, President and Global CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., announces the launch of PlayStation Vue in the Greater Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area TV markets, as well as a-la-carte offerings nationwide at PlayStation's E3 2015 Press Conference on Monday June 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.Chris Weeks—Getty Images for Sony Computer A
Packages and Channel Selection
Access Slim: $29.99 for 45+ channels
Core Slim: $34.99 for 60+ channels
Elite Slim: $44.99 for 90 channels
Ultra Slim: $64.99 for 90 channels plus HBO and Showtime
The following prices apply to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco, and Miami, since these markets offer the most local broadcast stations.
Access: $39.99 for 45+ channels
Core: $44.99 for 60+ channels
Elite: $54.99 for 90 channels
Ultra: $74.99 for 90 channels plus HBO and Showtime
Optional Add-On Channels:
Epix: $3.99 per month/$2.99 for PlayStation Plus members (already included in Elite and Ultra packages)
Espanol Package: $4.99 per month/ $3.99 for Playstation Plus members (includes nine channels)
HBO: $15 per month
Showtime: $10.99 per month/$8.99 for Playstation Plus members
Cinemax: $15 per month
Machinima: $1.99 per month
Fox Soccer Plus: $14.99 per month/$12.99 for Playstation Plus members
Epix Hits and Showtime: $13.99 per month/$11.49 for Playstation Plus members
Polaris: $2.99 per month/ $1.99 for Playstation Plus members
Compatibility
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 4
Amazon Fire TV devices
Apple TV 4th Gen
Roku
Android TV
Google Chromecast
Mobile app available for iOS, Android, and Fire TV tablets
Special Features
My Shows feature lets you store and save shows to the cloud for up to 28 days
Can store up to 500 shows in DVR, or thousands of hours of programming
Discounts on certain channels for PlayStation Plus members
Tag favorite channels to have them appear first in your TV guide
Navigation shortcuts available on PlayStation controller and Fire TV remote
Supports up to five streams at once
Can create up to five different profiles
Drawbacks
Missing Viacom-owned channels like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central
DirecTV Now
CEO of [f500link]AT&T[/f500link] Entertainment Group John Stankey speaks onstage during AT&T's celebration of the Launch of DIRECTV NOW at Venue 57 on November 28, 2016 in New York City.Dave Kotinsky—Getty Images for DirecTV
Packages and Channel Selection:
$35 for 60+ channels
$50 for 80+ channels
$60 for 100+ channels
$70 for 120+ channels
Optional Add-On Channels:
HBO: $5 per month
Cinemax: $5 per month
Starz and Starz Encore: $8 per month
Special Features:
$25 discount per month for those who subscribe to AT&T’s Unlimited Plus plan
Can save channels to favorites
Able to create a list of up to 100 titles to watch later
Can view shows that aired within the last 72 hours
Stream on two devices simultaneously
Drawbacks:
Currently no DVR capability (AT&T says it will be added later this year)
Can’t create multiple profiles
No CBS content at this time (AT&T also says it’s working with CBS to make a deal)
Sling TV
Roger Lynch, chief executive officer of Sling TV LLC, pauses while speaking during an event at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016.Bloomberg—Bloomberg via Getty Images
Packages and Channel Selection:
$20 for 30+ channels
$25 for $40+ channels
$40 for 49 channels
Optional Add-On Channels:
Around 20 additional bundles available ranging from $5 to $15 per month, including kids-themed packages (Disney Junior, Nicktoons, etc.), comedy (MTV, Game Show Network, Spike), sports (NHL Network, NBA TV), HBO, Cinemax, and international channels, among others
4 Extras Deal offers four packages for $10 including kids, comedy, news, and lifestyle bundles (more than 30 channels total)
Special Features:
Can replay content that has aired within the last three days for certain channels
Drawbacks:
Missing CBS
Channels like MTV, CNBC, and ABC are missing from base packages
Can only stream on one device at a time with cheapest package
