YouTube TV and fuboTV are the two live TV streaming services that most closely resemble a traditional cable package, but is one better than the other?
After recent changes, these competing services have more in common than ever before. Both have added new channels and increased their monthly prices.
YouTube TV vs. fuboTV: What You Need to Know in 2021
In the past, many cord-cutters overlooked sports-centric fuboTV because it didn’t carry ESPN. But now it does.
This article will compare the key features of YouTube TV and fuboTV. I’ll review plans and pricing, channels, cloud DVR, supported devices and limits on multiple streams.
Table of Contents:
Price
After price hikes in the summer of 2020, YouTube TV and fuboTV are two of the more expensive streaming TV services.
YouTube TV’s streaming plan is $64.99 per month, while fubo’s Family plan is the same price. As of December 2020, fuboTV has dropped its $59.99 Standard plan.
Unlike cable and satellite TV providers, these streaming services don’t typically add fees to your bill for things like installation, equipment, regional sports or cancellation.
YouTube TV and fuboTV both offer free trial periods, usually for a week. You don’t get that with cable!
Channels
If your cable TV package offers 150 to 200 channels, you can expect roughly half of that with either YouTube TV or fuboTV.
These two live TV streaming services made big changes to their channel lineups in the summer of 2020. Here’s what you need to know:
- YouTube TV added NFL Network to its base plan on September 3.
- YouTube TV added ViacomCBS networks to its lineup on June 30. They include BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and more.
- fuboTV added Disney networks to its lineup on August 1. They include ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, SEC Network, ACC Network, FX and more.
- fuboTV dropped TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network and other Turner channels in July 2020.
Both of these services are geared toward sports fans, but they offer a good mix of news and entertainment channels as well.
To verify local and regional sports channels, enter your ZIP code on YouTube TV and fuboTV’s websites.
Cloud DVR
YouTube TV’s cloud DVR is the best in the streaming TV industry and better than what you get with fuboTV’s Family plan.
YouTube TV vs. fuboTV: Cloud DVR |
|
| YouTube TV | fuboTV |
| Unlimited storage space | 250 hours with Family plan; 1,000 hours for additional fee |
| Recordings kept for up to 9 months | Recordings kept indefinitely |
| Can skip ads on most recorded programs | Can skip ads on most recorded programs |
Supported Devices
YouTube TV and fuboTV allow you to stream on your phone, computer or to a TV set. They’re both compatible with popular streaming media players like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Google Chromecast.
The chart below features an alphabetized list of supported devices for YouTube TV and fuboTV:
YouTube TV vs. fuboTV: Is My Device Supported? |
||
| Device | YouTube TV | fuboTV |
| Amazon Fire TV | Yes | Yes |
| Android Phones & Tablets | Yes | Yes |
| Android TV | Yes | Yes |
| Apple TV | Yes | Yes |
| Browsers – Mac & PC | Yes | Yes |
| Chromecast | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone/iPad/iPod | Yes | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 | Yes | No |
| Roku | Yes | Yes |
| Select Smart TVs (See lists) | Yes | Yes |
| Xbox One | Yes | Yes |
If you don’t have a streaming media player, consider buying a Roku Express. From my experience, Roku provided an excellent user experience when I tested the YouTube TV and fuboTV apps.
Roku Express is an entry-level streaming media player that’s available for a one-time cost of less than $30.
Multiple Streams
YouTube TV allows customers to stream on up to three devices at the same time and so does fuboTV’s Family plan. For an additional fee, fuboTV offers an option to watch on up to five devices at once.
Final Thoughts
YouTube TV and fuboTV are two solid cable TV alternatives. I’ve tested these services extensively and think they both provide a good user experience — including live guides that are easy to navigate.
However, the recent price hikes are frustrating and may limit the savings from cutting the cable TV cord.
For most people, it will come down to the channel lineups. The addition of ABC, ESPN and other Disney-owned networks could make fuboTV more appealing to those who previously dismissed it.
Meanwhile, the ViacomCBS networks that launched on YouTube TV add to its already well-rounded list of channels.
YouTube TV and fuboTV have expanded access to channels and increased prices at a time when many cord-cutters tell me they’re cutting back on spending and would prefer skinny TV bundles that are cheaper.
If these services feel too cable-like for you, check out Sling TV. You get fewer channels, but it’s half the price.
