If you’re wondering whether to subscribe to YouTube Premium or YouTube TV, you’re not alone. In fact, the question “YouTube Premium vs YouTube TV” has become one of the most searched queries by streamers in 2025 — and for good reason. Both platforms offer excellent features, but they serve very different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, pricing, features, and benefits of both services so you can choose the one that matches your viewing needs — whether you’re a casual content consumer, a music lover, or a full-on cord-cutter.
What Is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is a subscription service tailored for people who primarily use regular YouTube — think creators, music videos, tutorials, podcasts, and vlogs. It offers a smoother, ad-free experience for those who spend hours browsing YouTube daily.
Key Features of YouTube Premium:
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Ad-free videos: Watch all YouTube videos without any ads interrupting your experience.
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Background play: Continue listening to videos even when your phone is locked or you’re using other apps.
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Offline downloads: Download videos for offline viewing — great for flights, road trips, or low-data usage.
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YouTube Music Premium: Included in your subscription; lets you stream music without ads, with background play and downloads.
This is ideal for individuals who want seamless video consumption without interruptions.
What Is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV, on the other hand, is YouTube’s answer to traditional cable TV. It offers a live streaming TV service that includes major broadcast and cable networks, cloud DVR, and support for multiple devices.
Key Features of YouTube TV:
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100+ live channels: Including CNN, ESPN, FOX, ABC, CBS, FX, and more.
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Unlimited cloud DVR: Record shows and watch them later — skip the ads if you want.
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Multiple user profiles: Up to 6 accounts per household and 3 simultaneous streams.
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On-demand content: Access past episodes, movies, and shows on demand.
It’s a full replacement for cable or satellite, ideal for families and sports lovers who want live content without contracts.
YouTube Premium vs YouTube TV: Pricing Breakdown
Let’s talk money. One of the biggest deciding factors is how much you’re willing to spend.
| Feature | YouTube Premium | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹129/month (India) or $13.99/month (US) | $72.99/month (US) |
| Free Trial | Yes (1-month) | Yes (varies by offer) |
| Contract | No | No |
| Availability | Global | U.S. only |
While YouTube Premium is significantly cheaper, YouTube TV offers a far more robust content offering, hence the price gap.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s where things get simple.
Choose YouTube Premium If:
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You mostly watch YouTube videos by creators, educators, or vloggers.
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You want an ad-free, smooth experience across devices.
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You enjoy listening to music while multitasking.
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You don’t care about live TV or sports.
Choose YouTube TV If:
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You’re tired of cable bills but still want live sports, news, and shows.
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You want the ability to record shows and watch later.
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You share your subscription with family members.
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You need multiple streams and profiles.
If you’re looking for setup guides, activation help, or YouTube TV troubleshooting — check out YouTVStart.com, a helpful third-party support resource.
Extra Features to Consider
🔄 Can You Combine Both?
Yes — you can subscribe to both YouTube Premium and YouTube TV. However, YouTube TV does not automatically include Premium, so if you want ad-free YouTube videos and live TV, you’ll need to pay for both services separately.
🎵 Music Fans? Go Premium.
If your main focus is music streaming, Premium offers the bonus of YouTube Music Premium, a solid alternative to Spotify or Apple Music. You’ll get playlist curation, offline downloads, no ads, and smart recommendations.
🏈 Sports Fans? Go TV.
If you’re a fan of the NFL, NBA, or local sports, YouTube TV offers live sports channels and even sports-specific add-ons. You won’t find this with Premium.
Device Compatibility
Both services are available on most modern platforms:
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Smartphones & Tablets (iOS & Android)
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Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.)
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Streaming Devices (Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast)
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Web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
No matter which subscription you choose, your devices will most likely support it.
Shared Accounts & Family Plans
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YouTube Premium Family Plan: ₹189/month in India or $22.99/month in the US — includes up to 5 family members.
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YouTube TV: 6 user accounts with separate DVR and recommendations.
If sharing with friends or family, these plans add more value to your money.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, it all comes down to how you consume content.
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Go for YouTube Premium if you love creator content, hate ads, and want music on the go.
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Choose YouTube TV if you’re replacing cable and need access to live events, DVR, and multiple channels.
Want more details, comparisons, and guides on YouTube TV setup or features?
