Netflix offers 6,500+ on-demand shows and movies with flexible viewing, while YouTube TV provides 100+ live TV channels with real-time sports and news for $72.99/month. Netflix is better for binge-watching; YouTube TV is better for live content.
Netflix vs YouTube TV — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Global streaming service with 282M subscribers and 15,000+ titles across 190+ countries
Comprehensive live TV streaming with unlimited DVR and multiple simultaneous streams
Content Type Focus. Monthly Cost. Live Sports Coverage. Library Size. Simultaneous Streams. Original Content Quality. No-Ad Plan Availability
Choose Netflix if you prefer flexibility, lower cost, and curated entertainment with binge-worthy originals. Choose YouTube TV if you want live sports, breaking news, and traditional TV channels with the ability to watch multiple streams simultaneously. Netflix dominates entertainment depth; YouTube TV dominates live content access.
Original Content Releases in January 2026
Netflix: Multiple scheduled | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Up to 4 screens | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Restricted with extra fees | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Available on premium tiers | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Higher than Disney | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: WWE Raw, NFL Christmas Day, exclusive live events | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Original content focus with viral hits | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Standalone streaming platform | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Scale-driven with high volume content | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Broad global audience across all demographics | YouTube TV: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Netflix: NFL, WWE Raw, major events | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 60+ original series | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: ~260 million Netflix subscribers | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Originals-focused, limited legacy franchises | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: >1.4 (higher volatility) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 30x (reduced from prior quarters) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Scale-driven content warehouse | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: $6.99 | YouTube TV: $60 (intro) / $83 (standard)
Netflix: 15,000+ | YouTube TV: 100+ live channels
Netflix: 0 (on-demand only) | YouTube TV: 100+
Netflix: Premium+ tier only | YouTube TV: All plans included
Netflix: Available on Premium/Premium+ ($22.99) | YouTube TV: Standard feature (no ads)
Netflix: Limited (varies by plan) | YouTube TV: 6 accounts standard
Netflix: High (comedies, young adult priority) | YouTube TV: Moderate (licensed dominant)
Netflix: Largest available | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Yes, all plans | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Vertical video feed expanding | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Verizon option ($10.99) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: ~12,500 titles | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 250+ originals | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: ~2,000 titles | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Not available | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Extensive global coverage | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Restricted to household only | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Full gaming catalog included | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Available on all paid plans | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: $45.18 billion | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Undisclosed (declining) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: ~0.25 billion | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: ~122 million equivalent | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: ~0.33 billion hours | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Human + Algorithm | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 450+ nominations | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 5,500+ titles | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 100+ original series | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 1,200+ titles | YouTube TV: Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on)
Netflix: Wide variety across genres | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: No (Premium only) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Weekly/bi-weekly | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 247 million (Q4 2024) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: No music library | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 5,000+ titles | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (2160p) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 4 (Premium tier) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Limited (documentaries only) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 2,500+ titles | YouTube TV: Limited (under 50)
Netflix: Limited, delayed 45 days post-theatrical | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 4K HDR (Premium tier) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: $6.99 (with ads) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: None (no free trial offered) | YouTube TV: No free trial (5-day trial historically)
Netflix: 282 million (Q3 2024) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, web, Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Roku, Fire TV (universal support) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Premium tier only ($15.49+) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 85+ series & films (2024) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 75+ games (no extra cost) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 190+ countries | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 45-90 days varies | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: $6.99 (ad-supported) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: Yes (Standard+) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 2,100+ originals | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 45+ days (no theatrical releases) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 4 screens (Premium) | YouTube TV: 3 streams
Netflix: 6,500+ | YouTube TV: 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours)
Netflix: 68 Emmy awards | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 89 original series | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: No bundle available | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 8 Emmy Awards | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 2-4 (varies by tier) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 450+ originals | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 4-5 minutes/hour | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 2-4 (depending on plan) | YouTube TV: 6
Netflix: Yes (4 devices) | YouTube TV: No
Netflix: Not available | YouTube TV: Unlimited
Netflix: Yes ($15.49/month) | YouTube TV: Yes ($79.99/month)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes, select content
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Channel VOD only (~2,000)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 6 simultaneous
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 95%+ of US markets
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Genre-based plans (2026)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: $0.49/channel
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 6 simultaneous streams
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 2026 (multiview, interactive features)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 150+ channels
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: YouTube Premium, YouTube Music
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Excellent with quick guide navigation
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 270 days (9 months)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Minimal (YouTube originals only)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Standard coverage only
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: None (unlimited included)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: No official bundles
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: None included
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Varies (included in channels)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Included via ESPN networks
Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Not available
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 100+ total channels
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 90% of U.S. markets
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Minimal original content focus
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Limited (YouTube only)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 3,000+ (sports only)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: All major broadcasts (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 100+ channels
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 1 fixed lineup
How to choose between Netflix and YouTube TV
Netflix vs YouTube TV — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Netflix vs YouTube TV. Contains 273 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Netflix is significantly cheaper, starting at $6.99/month with ads or $15.49/month ad-free. YouTube TV costs $72.99/month. However, YouTube TV replaces traditional cable TV entirely, while Netflix covers only on-demand content.
Netflix allows downloading content to watch offline on up to 4 devices simultaneously. YouTube TV requires an internet connection for live TV and does not offer offline viewing of most content.
Netflix has significantly more acclaimed original content with 120+ Emmy nominations in 2024, including series like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Squid Game. YouTube TV produces minimal original content and primarily distributes licensed programming from broadcast and cable networks.
Netflix has very limited live sports offerings. While Netflix has acquired some sports content (like WWE and Formula 1 documentaries), it lacks live sports broadcasting. YouTube TV includes ESPN, TNT Sports, and regional sports networks with full live game coverage.
How many people can watch at the same time?
Netflix allows 2-4 simultaneous streams depending on your plan tier (Standard Basic allows 1 stream, Standard allows 2, Premium allows 4). YouTube TV allows 6 simultaneous streams, making it better for larger households.
How to Choose Between Netflix and YouTube TV
Content Type Focus: Netflix has On-demand (shows, movies, documentaries), while YouTube TV has Live TV channels (100+) plus on-demand.
Monthly Cost: Netflix has $6.99-$22.99 (with ads to premium), while YouTube TV has $72.99.
Live Sports Coverage: Netflix has Limited (occasional events), while YouTube TV has Extensive (ESPN, TNT, NBC Sports).
Library Size: Netflix has 6,500+ titles, while YouTube TV has 100+ channels with 30,000+ hours archived.
Simultaneous Streams: Netflix has 2-4 screens depending on plan, while YouTube TV has 6 simultaneous streams.
Original Content Quality: Netflix has Award-winning (120+ Emmy nominations 2024), while YouTube TV has Minimal originals, primarily content licensing.
No-Ad Plan Availability: Netflix has Yes ($15.49/month and up), while YouTube TV has Yes ($79.99/month).