Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose YouTube Premium for ad-free regular YouTube, music, downloads, and background playback. Choose YouTube TV for live channels, local stations, sports, and cloud DVR. They are separate subscriptions, not two versions of the same service. If you want both sets of benefits, you generally need both.
How YouTube TV and YouTube Premium differ
YouTube TV is a live-TV streaming service; YouTube Premium upgrades the standard YouTube experience. A subscription to one does not include the other.
| Feature | YouTube TV | YouTube Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Live TV channels | Yes; lineup depends on plan and location | No |
| Local broadcast channels | Available in many areas; check by ZIP code | No |
| Cloud DVR | Yes | No |
| Ad removal from ordinary YouTube videos | No, unless you also subscribe to Premium | Yes, for YouTube-served ads |
| YouTube Music Premium | No | Included |
| Offline YouTube downloads | No | Yes, in supported apps and devices |
| Background playback on mobile | No as a core TV benefit | Yes |
| NFL Sunday Ticket | Available separately through YouTube TV options | Not included |
YouTube TV does not remove ads from live or recorded television. If you also have Premium, it can remove YouTube-served ads from ordinary YouTube videos viewed in the YouTube TV environment; it does not change TV advertising. YouTube explains how Premium and YouTube TV work together.
What YouTube TV includes
YouTube TV is for viewers who want scheduled television without a traditional cable box: broadcast and cable channels, a live guide, cloud recordings, and household profiles. YouTube says its main plan has more than 100 channels, but the exact lineup depends on location and plan. Enter your ZIP code and compare the channels you actually watch before subscribing. See YouTube TV’s current plan information.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Plans and pricing announced in February 2026
YouTube’s February 9, 2026 announcement listed the following U.S. monthly prices. Promotional rates were for eligible new users and lasted only for the stated period; they are not the ongoing prices.
| Plan | Monthly price announced | New-user promotion announced |
|---|---|---|
| Main YouTube TV plan | $82.99 | Not stated in the announcement |
| Sports Plan | $64.99 | $54.99 for the first year |
| Sports + News | $71.99 | $56.99 for the first three months |
| Entertainment | $54.99 | $44.99 for the first three months |
| News + Entertainment + Family | $69.99 | $59.99 for the first three months |
These are examples from a broader rollout of more than 10 packages, not a promise that every package is available to every subscriber. YouTube says availability may vary with billing provider, including carriers, internet providers, and Google Play Billing; direct billing through YouTube TV may offer the widest selection. Promotions can end when you switch plans. YouTube’s February 2026 plan announcement has the listed prices and promotion durations; check the signup screen for current availability and terms.
Sports, DVR, and household sharing
YouTube TV can be a good fit for sports when the needed games are carried by channels in the selected plan. The Sports Plan is not a guarantee of every league, team, regional broadcast, or event. Check the event’s rights and channel—not just the plan name—and consider whether you need local channels, ESPN, FS1, NFL RedZone, or out-of-market NFL games.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
The service includes unlimited cloud DVR and supports up to six household accounts under YouTube TV’s sharing rules. Recordings are not permanent ownership or unrestricted offline downloads. If you switch to a plan that drops a channel, access to recordings tied to that channel may change; YouTube says some lost DVR content may be restored by re-upgrading within 21 days. Add-ons are separate, and canceling the YouTube TV plan also cancels add-ons. Check YouTube TV’s plan, billing, and DVR rules before changing plans.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What YouTube Premium includes
Premium is aimed at people who use ordinary YouTube often. Its central benefits are ad-free playback of YouTube-served ads, YouTube Music Premium, background playback on mobile, and offline downloads through supported apps. Benefits extend across YouTube, YouTube Music, and YouTube Kids, with some features varying by device, territory, and plan. YouTube lists Premium’s benefits and exclusions.
“Ad-free” has limits: Premium does not remove creator-read sponsorships, promotions or branding built into a video, and advertising may still appear in some live events and Primetime Channels. Podcasts can also include creator-inserted promotions. Premium does not include YouTube TV, Primetime Channels, or NFL Sunday Ticket.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
YouTube Music Premium is useful if you listen to music in the YouTube Music app, including remixes, covers, DJ sets, and live performances. It is not the same as a live-TV package. YouTube’s public help pages do not establish one universal current U.S. price for every Premium plan and billing route, so check the amount and terms shown in the U.S. Premium signup flow before deciding. Individual, family, student, and annual options—and platform billing terms—can vary or change. YouTube’s membership help page explains plan benefits and eligibility.
Which subscription fits your viewing habits?
Choose Premium for everyday YouTube
If you watch creators, tutorials, documentaries, commentary, podcasts, or music videos regularly and YouTube-served ads are your main frustration, Premium addresses that directly. It is also the relevant choice for mobile background listening and offline YouTube or YouTube Music downloads.
Choose YouTube TV for live channels and local stations
If you want live news, broadcast networks, cable channels, or a DVR for shows and games, compare YouTube TV plans against your actual channel needs. Local channel availability varies by market, so verify your ZIP code before subscribing. If you mainly watch on-demand services such as Netflix, Max, Disney+, Peacock, or Paramount+, neither subscription may be necessary.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Choose based on the sports you watch
YouTube TV is the relevant service for live sports carried on its included channels, with optional sports add-ons. Rights are event-specific: a sports channel in your plan does not mean every game is available. NFL Sunday Ticket is a separate purchase available through YouTube TV or YouTube’s standalone Primetime Channel offering; it is not included with Premium. If Sunday Ticket is your only reason to subscribe, compare its standalone cost with the total cost of YouTube TV plus Sunday Ticket. Availability, price, and promotions are seasonal, so check the purchase screen. NFL’s guide to Sunday Ticket on YouTube and its access overview distinguish the options. NFL+ is separate; its live local and primetime games are mobile-only, according to the NFL’s plan comparison.
For families, count the users—not just the screens
YouTube TV’s household profiles suit a family that shares live television, subject to its household and family-group rules. Premium family options can serve households where several people watch YouTube or use YouTube Music. The right comparison is how many people will use each service regularly and whether they meet the current sharing requirements; neither subscription is unrestricted sharing across unrelated households.
For occasional TV, consider a smaller commitment
If you need live television only for a season or a handful of channels, a genre plan, a seasonal subscription, or an antenna may be more appropriate than a full live-TV package year-round. An antenna can receive local broadcasts where signal and geography allow, but it does not replace cable networks, cloud DVR convenience, or every sports package. Use the FCC reception map to check likely over-the-air reception. Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo are other live-TV services to compare, but verify their current prices, channel lineups, and fees independently: Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo.
Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Is it worth subscribing to both?
Both can make sense when the household watches live television and uses ordinary YouTube enough to value ad removal, music, downloads, or background playback. They remain separate bills: calculate the current Premium price shown to you plus the YouTube TV plan and any add-ons you want, then compare that total with your existing cable, music, and streaming costs.
Premium’s value can accrue through daily viewing and listening; YouTube TV may be seasonal or driven by particular sports and shows. If your live-TV need comes and goes, check plan-switching effects first: changing plans can end a promotion, alter channel access, and affect DVR recordings. If you only want local broadcast channels, an antenna may avoid a recurring live-TV bill; if you only want on-demand shows and films, compare standalone on-demand services rather than treating them as substitutes for Premium’s YouTube benefits.
Quick Recap
Common subscription mix-ups
- “I bought YouTube TV, but YouTube videos still have ads.” Expected: YouTube TV and Premium are separate. Premium is the membership that removes YouTube-served ads from ordinary videos.
- “I bought Premium, but I cannot find ESPN or local channels.” Expected: Premium is not a live-TV service.
- “My plan says sports, but a particular game is missing.” Sports rights depend on the event, channel, market, and package; confirm the game’s broadcaster.
- “A cheaper YouTube TV plan does not appear for me.” Plan availability can depend on billing provider. Check direct YouTube TV billing and the plan page.
- “I lost recordings after changing plans.” DVR access can depend on whether the new plan includes the channels; consult YouTube’s DVR guidance before switching.
- “Premium removed some ads but not a sponsorship.” Creator-integrated promotions are part of the video, not YouTube-served ads covered by Premium.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
