Netflix excels as an on-demand streaming service with 250+ million subscribers and a 6,500+ content library focused on original series and films, while YouTube TV is a live TV replacement service with 8 million subscribers offering 150+ channels including sports, news, and local broadcasts with cloud DVR.
Netflix vs YouTube TV 2026 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Subscription video-on-demand streaming service with 250+ million users and 6,500+ titles
Live TV streaming service with 150+ channels, cloud DVR, and 8 million subscribers
Primary Service Type. Monthly Subscription Cost. Number of Channels. Original Content Titles (2025). Cloud DVR Storage. Simultaneous Streams. Sports Coverage
Choose Netflix if you want flexibility with 6,500+ on-demand movies and series, prefer original content like Stranger Things and The Crown, and watch at your own pace with plans starting at $6.99/month. Choose YouTube TV if you want live sports, news, and entertainment channels with cloud DVR capabilities, don't mind the $72.99/month premium, and prefer traditional TV viewing with simultaneous multi-room streaming.
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: No music library | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (2160p) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 5,000+ titles | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (Premium plan) | 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: 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: Limited (occasional boxing) | 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 screens
Netflix: 6,500+ | YouTube TV: 150 channels
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: $15.49 (ad-free) / $6.99 (with ads) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 4 (Premium) / 1 (with ads) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 0 (none as of 2023) | YouTube TV: 90 days (3 months)
Netflix: ~5,500 movies | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 110+ nominations | YouTube TV: N/A
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Netflix: 87 original series | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 4K HDR (2160p) | YouTube TV: N/A
Netflix: 1-4 (tier dependent) | YouTube TV: 6
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard/Ad-Free US Plan)
Netflix: Limited (select events) | YouTube TV: All major (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes ($9.99/month add-on)
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: 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
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes (included)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: No (separate subscriptions needed)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 0 (separate subscription required)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 3 (no upgrade needed)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: $15.99 (separate sub)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube TV: 4.4/5 (user reviews 2026)
How to choose between Netflix and YouTube TV
Netflix vs YouTube TV 2026 — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Netflix vs YouTube TV 2026. Contains 330 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Netflix vs YouTube TV 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Netflix vs YouTube TV 2026.
Netflix offers limited live sports coverage, primarily select WWE wrestling events, some NFL games (Netflix Cup), and occasional sports documentaries. For comprehensive live sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, YouTube TV is the better choice with all major sports networks included.
YouTube TV is better for large families with its 6 simultaneous streams and shared household access. Netflix works well for smaller households but limits simultaneous streams to 1-4 depending on tier. YouTube TV's unlimited cloud DVR also lets everyone record different content.
Can I get both services cheaply together?
Yes. Netflix's Basic tier with ads costs $6.99/month, and YouTube TV costs $72.99/month for a combined $79.98 monthly (vs. YouTube TV alone). This gives you on-demand variety plus live TV and sports, though it's more expensive than either service individually.
Is YouTube TV available outside the USA?
No, YouTube TV is currently only available in the United States. Netflix is available in 190 countries, making it the better option for international viewers seeking legal streaming outside the US.
Both offer 4K/HDR streaming, but Netflix requires Premium tier ($22.99/month) for 4K, while YouTube TV includes 4K streaming standard. Netflix typically offers more 4K content choices (3,000+ titles), whereas YouTube TV's 4K content is limited to select sports and premium channels.
How to Choose Between Netflix and YouTube TV
Primary Service Type: Netflix has On-demand streaming platform, while YouTube TV has Live TV streaming service.
Monthly Subscription Cost: Netflix has $6.99-$22.99 USD, while YouTube TV has $72.99 USD.
Number of Channels: Netflix has None (content library only), while YouTube TV has 150+ live channels.
Consider: Original Content Titles (2025)
Original Content Titles (2025): Netflix has 120+ originals annually, while YouTube TV has Minimal original content.
Cloud DVR Storage: Netflix has No DVR feature, while YouTube TV has Unlimited cloud DVR.
Simultaneous Streams: Netflix has 1-4 streams (tier dependent), while YouTube TV has 6 simultaneous streams.
Sports Coverage: Netflix has Limited (selected events), while YouTube TV has Comprehensive (all major leagues).