software
ESPN+ vs YouTube TV 2026: Price, Channels & Sports
ESPN+ is a dedicated sports streaming service offering live ESPN channels and exclusive sports content for $11.99/month, while YouTube TV is a comprehensive cable replacement with 100+ channels including sports, news, and entertainment for $72.99/month. YouTube TV costs 6x more but provides broader content, while ESPN+ is ideal for sports-focused viewers.
E
ESPN+
Sports-focused streaming service offering live ESPN channels, exclusive events, and on-demand sports content.
Budget-conscious sports fans, cordcutters supplementing with other streaming services, viewers who watch 10+ hours of sports weekly
Score63%
VS
YT
YouTube TV
Live TV streaming service with 100+ channels including sports, news, entertainment, and local programming with unlimited cloud DVR.
Families cutting cable, viewers wanting all-in-one entertainment plus sports, those valuing unlimited DVR and local channels
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryESPN+ is a dedicated sports streaming service offering live ESPN channels and exclusive sports content for $11.99/month, while YouTube TV is a comprehensive cable replacement with 100+ channels including sports, news, and entertainment for $72.99/month. YouTube TV costs 6x more but provides broader content, while ESPN+ is ideal for sports-focused viewers.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose ESPN+ if you primarily watch sports and want the most affordable option, especially if you're already paying for another streaming service for general entertainment. Choose YouTube TV if you want a complete cable replacement with comprehensive sports, news, entertainment, and local channels, and you're willing to pay premium pricing for unlimited DVR and broader household access.
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E
ESPN+
7.3/10
YouTube TV
7.7/10
Y
E
Choose ESPN+ if
Budget-conscious sports fans, cordcutters supplementing with other streaming services, viewers who watch 10+ hours of sports weekly
Y
Choose YouTube TV if
Best pickFamilies cutting cable, viewers wanting all-in-one entertainment plus sports, those valuing unlimited DVR and local channels
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Subscription Cost:✓ ESPN+ wins($11.99 vs $72.99)
- Total Live Channels Available:✓ YouTube TV wins(100+ channels vs 3 ESPN channels + on-demand)
- Simultaneous Streams:✓ ESPN+ wins(4 streams vs 3 streams)
Key Facts & Figures
98 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | ESPN+ | YouTube TV | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD) | $99.99 | $839.88 | |
| Live Events Per Year(events) | 20,000+ | Varies (included in channels) | — |
| Total Channels(channels) | 8-10 (ESPN networks only) | 70+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens) | 1 | 6 | |
| Original Content Library(titles) | 500+ originals | Limited (under 50) | |
| NFL Regular Season Games (Annual)(games) | 10+ games | Included via ESPN networks | — |
| Total Channels Available(channels) | ESPN networks only (~8-10 ESPN channels) | 100+ total channels | |
| Live Sports Events Monthly(events) | 150+ | 500+ | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 2 streams | 6 | |
| Original Content Hours Monthly(hours) | 10+ hours (sports documentaries, analysis shows) | Minimal original content focus | |
| Total Content Library Size(titles) | 4,000+ | — | — |
| Global Subscribers(millions) | 25 million | — | — |
| Base Monthly Cost (US)(USD) | $11.99 | — | — |
| Premium Monthly Cost (Ad-Free US)(USD) | $11.99 | — | — |
| Live Sports Events (Annual)(events) | 5,000+ | — | — |
| Original Content Produced (Annual)(titles) | 150+ | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free, US)(USD) | $11.99 | — | — |
| Global Subscriber Count(millions) | 25 million | — | — |
| Original Content Produced Annually(programs) | 200+ originals | — | — |
| Bundle Pricing (With Other Services)(USD/month) | $14.99 (Disney+, Hulu bundle) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $11.99 | $72.99 | |
| Live Sporting Events Per Year(events) | 20,000+ | 3,000+ (sports only) | |
| Total Live Channels(channels) | 15-20 (sports only) | 150+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams) | 2 | 6 (1 in 4K) | |
| Original Sports Content Library(titles) | 500+ | 0 | |
| Annual Cost (12 months)(USD) | $143.88 | $875.88 | |
| Standard Monthly Price (USD)(USD) | $11.99 standalone | — | — |
| Original Titles Produced(titles) | 150+ | — | — |
| Live Sports Events Per Year(events) | 600+ | — | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | None | |
| Year Founded | 2018 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Price(USD) | $11.99/month | $72.99/month | |
| Live Channels Available(channels) | 3 (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) | 100+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 4 | 3 | |
| Family Profiles(profiles) | 1 | 6 | |
| Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps) | 8 Mbps (4K) | 3 Mbps (HD) | |
| Sports Content Types(types) | 4 (MLS, UFC, NHL, MLB) | All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.) | |
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) | $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ | 100+ | |
| Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions) | 11.1 | 11.1 | |
| Family Sharing Accounts(profiles) | 6 accounts standard | 6 accounts standard | |
| Simultaneous Streams (single account)(streams) | Up to 3 | Up to 3 | |
| Household Accounts(accounts) | Up to 6 | Up to 6 | |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 0 days | 0 days | |
| Cost Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.86 | $0.86 | |
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $82.99/month | $82.99/month | |
| On-Demand Content Titles(titles) | Channel VOD only (~2,000) | Channel VOD only (~2,000) | |
| Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings) | 6 simultaneous | 6 simultaneous | |
| Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) | $95.99/month | $95.99/month | |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $72.99/month | $72.99/month | |
| Local Channel Coverage(percent of US) | 95%+ of US markets | 95%+ of US markets | |
| Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month) | +$32.99 | +$32.99 | |
| Base Monthly Cost(USD) | $72.99/month | $72.99/month | |
| Sports Networks Included(count) | 20+ networks | 20+ networks | |
| Price Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.49/channel | $0.49/channel | |
| Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD) | $82.99 | $82.99 | |
| Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens) | 6 simultaneous streams | 6 simultaneous streams | |
| Sports Content Percentage(percent) | ~50% | ~50% | |
| Entertainment/News Content Percentage(percent) | ~50% | ~50% | |
| AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | |
| Live TV Channel Count(channels) | 150+ channels | 150+ channels | |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Live Channels(channels) | 100+ | 100+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 6 | 6 | |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 7 | 7 | |
| Monthly Cost (Base Plan 2026)(USD) | $99.99 | $99.99 | |
| DVR Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | 270 days (9 months) | |
| Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams) | 3 streams | 3 streams | |
| Number of User Profiles(profiles) | 6 profiles | 6 profiles | |
| On-Demand Content Library Size(titles) | Minimal (YouTube originals only) | Minimal (YouTube originals only) | |
| Monthly Base Price(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Live Channels Included(channels) | 70+ | 70+ | |
| Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD) | $875.88 | $875.88 | |
| Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ channels | 100+ channels | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) | 3 streams | 3 streams | |
| DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month) | None (unlimited included) | None (unlimited included) | |
| DVR Content Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | 270 days (9 months) | |
| Live TV Channels Included(channels) | 100+ | 100+ | |
| Annual Cost (12-month)(USD) | $875.88 | $875.88 | |
| DVR Recording Retention Period(months) | 9 months | 9 months | |
| On-Demand Content Library(titles) | ~3,000 | ~3,000 | |
| Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) | 6 | 6 | |
| Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $875.88/year | $875.88/year | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Content Library Size(titles) | 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours) | 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours) | |
| Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations) | 5 | 5 | |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $82.99 | $82.99 | |
| Annual Cost Difference(USD) | $995.88/year | $995.88/year | |
| Live Channels(channels) | 100+ channels | 100+ channels | |
| Bundle Customization Options(bundles) | 1 fixed lineup | 1 fixed lineup | |
| Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels) | 25+ | 25+ | |
| 4K Channel Availability(channels) | 10+ channels | 10+ channels | |
| Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD) | $82.99 | $82.99 | |
| Sports Channel Count(channels) | 15+ channels | 15+ channels | |
| News Channel Count(channels) | 10+ channels | 10+ channels | |
| User Profiles Per Household(profiles) | 5 profiles | 5 profiles |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
E
2ESPN+YouTube TV leads1 tie
YT
4YouTube TVESPN+
Attribute
YouTube TV
- $11.99(winner)Monthly Subscription Cost$72.99
- 3 ESPN channels + on-demandTotal Live Channels Available100+ channels(winner)
- 4 streams(winner)Simultaneous Streams3 streams
- No DVRCloud DVR StorageUnlimited storage(winner)
- ESPN, MLS, select UFC/NHLSports Content BreadthAll major sports + regional networks(winner)
- Minimal (some originals)Non-Sports ContentExtensive (news, entertainment, lifestyle)(winner)
- NoRequires Cable BoxNo
- Monthly Subscription Cost
ESPN+
$11.99(winner)
YouTube TV
$72.99
- Total Live Channels Available
ESPN+
3 ESPN channels + on-demand
YouTube TV
100+ channels(winner)
- Simultaneous Streams
ESPN+
4 streams(winner)
YouTube TV
3 streams
- Cloud DVR Storage
ESPN+
No DVR
YouTube TV
Unlimited storage(winner)
- Sports Content Breadth
ESPN+
ESPN, MLS, select UFC/NHL
YouTube TV
All major sports + regional networks(winner)
- Non-Sports Content
ESPN+
Minimal (some originals)
YouTube TV
Extensive (news, entertainment, lifestyle)(winner)
- Requires Cable Box
ESPN+
No
YouTube TV
No
Full Comparison
| Attribute | ESPN+ | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD) | $99.99(winner) | $839.88 |
| Base Monthly Cost (US)(USD) | $11.99 | — |
| Premium Monthly Cost (Ad-Free US)(USD) | $11.99 | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free, US)(USD) | $11.99 | — |
| Bundle Pricing (With Other Services)(USD/month) | $14.99 (Disney+, Hulu bundle) | — |
Show 27 more attributesMonthly Subscription Cost(USD) $11.99 $72.99 Annual Cost (12 months)(USD) $143.88 $875.88 Standard Monthly Price (USD)(USD) $11.99 standalone — Monthly Subscription Price(USD) $11.99/month $72.99/month Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) — Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) $82.99/month — Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) $95.99/month — Starting Monthly Price(USD) $72.99/month — Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month) +$32.99 — Base Monthly Cost(USD) $72.99/month — Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD) $82.99 — Base Monthly Price(USD) $72.99 — Monthly Cost (Base Plan 2026)(USD) $99.99 — Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD) $875.88 — Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD) $72.99 — DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month) None (unlimited included) — Bundle Discount Available(boolean) No official bundles — Annual Cost (12-month)(USD) $875.88 — Free Trial Period(days) No free trial (5-day trial historically) — Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD) Not available — Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) $875.88/year — Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) $72.99 — Ad-Free Plan Availability Yes ($79.99/month) — Base Monthly Price(USD) $82.99 — Annual Cost Difference(USD) $995.88/year — Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD) $72.99 — Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD) $82.99 — | ||
| Live Events Per Year(events) | 20,000+ | Varies (included in channels) |
| Live Sporting Events Per Year(events) | 20,000+(winner) | 3,000+ (sports only) |
| Total Channels(channels) | 8-10 (ESPN networks only) | 70+(winner) |
| Original Content Library(titles) | 500+ originals(winner) | Limited (under 50) |
| Total Channels Available(channels) | ESPN networks only (~8-10 ESPN channels) | 100+ total channels(winner) |
| Total Content Library Size(titles) | 4,000+ | — |
| Original Content Produced Annually(programs) | 200+ originals | — |
Show 29 more attributesLive Sports Event Coverage(hours per week) 150+ hours weekly — Total Live Channels(channels) 15-20 (sports only) 150+ Live Channels Available(channels) 3 (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) 100+ Sports Content Types(types) 4 (MLS, UFC, NHL, MLB) All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.) Content Library Size(titles) 100+ live channels — Live TV Channels(channels) 100+ — Original Content Focus (2026) Moderate (licensed dominant) — On-Demand Content Titles(titles) Channel VOD only (~2,000) — Local Channel Coverage(percent of US) 95%+ of US markets — Sports Networks Included(count) 20+ networks — News Networks Included(major networks) CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News — Sports Content Percentage(percent) ~50% — Entertainment/News Content Percentage(percent) ~50% — Live TV Channel Count(channels) 150+ channels — Live Channels(channels) 100+ — On-Demand Content Library Size(titles) Minimal (YouTube originals only) — Live Channels Included(channels) 70+ — Regional Sports Networks Standard coverage only — Live TV Channels(channels) 100+ channels — Live TV Channels Included(channels) 100+ — On-Demand Library Size(titles) YouTube only — On-Demand Content Library(titles) ~3,000 — Content Library Size(titles) 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours) — Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations) 5 — Live Channels(channels) 100+ channels — Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels) 25+ — Sports Channel Count(channels) 15+ channels — News Channel Count(channels) 10+ channels — Included On-Demand Streaming No (separate subscriptions needed) — | ||
| Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens) | 1 | 6(winner) |
| Cloud DVR Storage(hours) | None | Unlimited |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 2 streams | 6(winner) |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)(streams) | Unlimited devices | — |
| Premium Tier Video Quality(resolution) | Up to 4K (varies by sport) | — |
Show 29 more attributesOffline Download Feature(null) No — Simultaneous Streams (Standard)(streams) Unlimited — Simultaneous Streams(streams) 4 3 Family Profiles(profiles) 1 6 Unlimited DVR All plans included — Family Sharing Accounts(profiles) 6 accounts standard — Simultaneous Streams (single account)(streams) Up to 3 — Household Accounts(accounts) Up to 6 — Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings) 6 simultaneous — Multiview Sports Feature Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026) — DVR Storage (Standard)(hours) Unlimited — Customizable Channel Selection(yes/no) Genre-based plans (2026) — No-Contract Cancellation(yes/no) Yes, anytime — DVR Recording Storage(hours) Unlimited — Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens) 6 simultaneous streams — Cloud DVR Storage(hours) Unlimited — Simultaneous Streams(streams) 6 — Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams) 3 streams — Number of User Profiles(profiles) 6 profiles — Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) 3 streams — Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) Unlimited (9-month retention) — DVR Content Retention Period(days) 270 days (9 months) — Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours) Unlimited — DVR Recording Retention Period(months) 9 months — Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) 6 — Offline Download Capability No — Bundle Customization Options(bundles) 1 fixed lineup — 4K Channel Availability(channels) 10+ channels — User Profiles Per Household(profiles) 5 profiles — | ||
| NFL Regular Season Games (Annual)(games) | 10+ games | Included via ESPN networks |
| Live Sports Events Monthly(events) | 150+ | 500+(winner) |
| NFL Game Broadcasts Available(percent) | Select games (ESPN/ABC) | All major broadcasts (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC) |
| Live Sports Events Per Year(events) | 600+ | — |
| Local Broadcast Network Access(markets covered) | Not available | 90% of U.S. markets(winner) |
| Original Content Hours Monthly(hours) | 10+ hours (sports documentaries, analysis shows)(winner) | Minimal original content focus |
| Original Content Produced (Annual)(titles) | 150+ | — |
| Global Subscribers(millions) | 25 million | — |
| Live Sports Events (Annual)(events) | 5,000+ | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base Tier)(streams) | Unlimited | — |
| Countries Available(countries) | US primarily (limited international) | — |
| Global Subscriber Count(millions) | 25 million | — |
| Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams) | 2 | 6 (1 in 4K)(winner) |
| Original Sports Content Library(titles) | 500+(winner) | 0 |
| Original Titles Produced(titles) | 150+ | — |
| Maximum Video Resolution(pixels) | 1080p Full HD | — |
| 4K Streaming Available | Yes (select content/events) | — |
| 4K Streaming Support | Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo) | — |
| 4K Content Available | Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on) | — |
| 4K Content Support(boolean) | No | — |
Show 1 more attribute4K Streaming Support Yes (included) — | ||
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days(winner) | None |
| Year Founded | 2018 | — |
| Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps) | 8 Mbps (4K) | 3 Mbps (HD)(winner) |
| 4K Content Availability(percent of library) | Yes | — |
| Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions) | 11.1 | — |
| Ad-Free Viewing | Standard feature (no ads) | — |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 0 days | — |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 7 | — |
| Cost Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.86 | — |
| Price Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.49/channel | — |
| Bundled Premium Services(services) | None included | — |
| AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | — |
| Included Premium Services | YouTube Premium, YouTube Music | — |
| Mobile App Quality | Excellent with quick guide navigation | — |
| DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | Unlimited | — |
| DVR Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | — |
| Monthly Base Price(USD) | $72.99 | — |
| Contract Required | No | — |
EESPN+
YYouTube TV
Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD)
$99.99
$839.88
Base Monthly Cost (US)(USD)
$11.99
—
Premium Monthly Cost (Ad-Free US)(USD)
$11.99
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free, US)(USD)
$11.99
—
Bundle Pricing (With Other Services)(USD/month)
$14.99 (Disney+, Hulu bundle)
—
Show 27 more attributes
Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)
$11.99
$72.99
Annual Cost (12 months)(USD)
$143.88
$875.88
Standard Monthly Price (USD)(USD)
$11.99 standalone
—
Monthly Subscription Price(USD)
$11.99/month
$72.99/month
Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD)
$60 (intro) / $83 (standard)
—
Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD)
$82.99/month
—
Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD)
$95.99/month
—
Starting Monthly Price(USD)
$72.99/month
—
Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month)
+$32.99
—
Base Monthly Cost(USD)
$72.99/month
—
Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD)
$82.99
—
Base Monthly Price(USD)
$72.99
—
Monthly Cost (Base Plan 2026)(USD)
$99.99
—
Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD)
$875.88
—
Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD)
$72.99
—
DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month)
None (unlimited included)
—
Bundle Discount Available(boolean)
No official bundles
—
Annual Cost (12-month)(USD)
$875.88
—
Free Trial Period(days)
No free trial (5-day trial historically)
—
Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD)
Not available
—
Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD)
$875.88/year
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD)
$72.99
—
Ad-Free Plan Availability
Yes ($79.99/month)
—
Base Monthly Price(USD)
$82.99
—
Annual Cost Difference(USD)
$995.88/year
—
Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD)
$72.99
—
Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD)
$82.99
—
Live Events Per Year(events)
20,000+
Varies (included in channels)
Live Sporting Events Per Year(events)
20,000+
3,000+ (sports only)
Total Channels(channels)
8-10 (ESPN networks only)
70+
Original Content Library(titles)
500+ originals
Limited (under 50)
Total Channels Available(channels)
ESPN networks only (~8-10 ESPN channels)
100+ total channels
Total Content Library Size(titles)
4,000+
—
Original Content Produced Annually(programs)
200+ originals
—
Show 29 more attributes
Live Sports Event Coverage(hours per week)
150+ hours weekly
—
Total Live Channels(channels)
15-20 (sports only)
150+
Live Channels Available(channels)
3 (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU)
100+
Sports Content Types(types)
4 (MLS, UFC, NHL, MLB)
All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.)
Content Library Size(titles)
100+ live channels
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
100+
—
Original Content Focus (2026)
Moderate (licensed dominant)
—
On-Demand Content Titles(titles)
Channel VOD only (~2,000)
—
Local Channel Coverage(percent of US)
95%+ of US markets
—
Sports Networks Included(count)
20+ networks
—
News Networks Included(major networks)
CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News
—
Sports Content Percentage(percent)
~50%
—
Entertainment/News Content Percentage(percent)
~50%
—
Live TV Channel Count(channels)
150+ channels
—
Live Channels(channels)
100+
—
On-Demand Content Library Size(titles)
Minimal (YouTube originals only)
—
Live Channels Included(channels)
70+
—
Regional Sports Networks
Standard coverage only
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
100+ channels
—
Live TV Channels Included(channels)
100+
—
On-Demand Library Size(titles)
YouTube only
—
On-Demand Content Library(titles)
~3,000
—
Content Library Size(titles)
100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours)
—
Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations)
5
—
Live Channels(channels)
100+ channels
—
Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels)
25+
—
Sports Channel Count(channels)
15+ channels
—
News Channel Count(channels)
10+ channels
—
Included On-Demand Streaming
No (separate subscriptions needed)
—
Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens)
1
6
Cloud DVR Storage(hours)
None
Unlimited
Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices)
2 streams
6
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)(streams)
Unlimited devices
—
Premium Tier Video Quality(resolution)
Up to 4K (varies by sport)
—
Show 29 more attributes
Offline Download Feature(null)
No
—
Simultaneous Streams (Standard)(streams)
Unlimited
—
Simultaneous Streams(streams)
4
3
Family Profiles(profiles)
1
6
Unlimited DVR
All plans included
—
Family Sharing Accounts(profiles)
6 accounts standard
—
Simultaneous Streams (single account)(streams)
Up to 3
—
Household Accounts(accounts)
Up to 6
—
Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings)
6 simultaneous
—
Multiview Sports Feature
Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026)
—
DVR Storage (Standard)(hours)
Unlimited
—
Customizable Channel Selection(yes/no)
Genre-based plans (2026)
—
No-Contract Cancellation(yes/no)
Yes, anytime
—
DVR Recording Storage(hours)
Unlimited
—
Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens)
6 simultaneous streams
—
Cloud DVR Storage(hours)
Unlimited
—
Simultaneous Streams(streams)
6
—
Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams)
3 streams
—
Number of User Profiles(profiles)
6 profiles
—
Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams)
3 streams
—
Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
Unlimited (9-month retention)
—
DVR Content Retention Period(days)
270 days (9 months)
—
Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
Unlimited
—
DVR Recording Retention Period(months)
9 months
—
Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts)
6
—
Offline Download Capability
No
—
Bundle Customization Options(bundles)
1 fixed lineup
—
4K Channel Availability(channels)
10+ channels
—
User Profiles Per Household(profiles)
5 profiles
—
NFL Regular Season Games (Annual)(games)
10+ games
Included via ESPN networks
Live Sports Events Monthly(events)
150+
500+
NFL Game Broadcasts Available(percent)
Select games (ESPN/ABC)
All major broadcasts (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC)
Live Sports Events Per Year(events)
600+
—
Local Broadcast Network Access(markets covered)
Not available
90% of U.S. markets
Original Content Hours Monthly(hours)
10+ hours (sports documentaries, analysis shows)
Minimal original content focus
Original Content Produced (Annual)(titles)
150+
—
Global Subscribers(millions)
25 million
—
Live Sports Events (Annual)(events)
5,000+
—
Simultaneous Streams (Base Tier)(streams)
Unlimited
—
Countries Available(countries)
US primarily (limited international)
—
Global Subscriber Count(millions)
25 million
—
Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams)
2
6 (1 in 4K)
Original Sports Content Library(titles)
500+
0
Original Titles Produced(titles)
150+
—
Maximum Video Resolution(pixels)
1080p Full HD
—
4K Streaming Available
Yes (select content/events)
—
4K Streaming Support
Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo)
—
4K Content Available
Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on)
—
4K Content Support(boolean)
No
—
Show 1 more attribute
4K Streaming Support
Yes (included)
—
Free Trial Duration(days)
7 days
None
Year Founded
2018
—
Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps)
8 Mbps (4K)
3 Mbps (HD)
4K Content Availability(percent of library)
Yes
—
Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions)
11.1
—
Ad-Free Viewing
Standard feature (no ads)
—
Free Trial Length(days)
0 days
—
Free Trial Length(days)
7
—
Cost Per Channel(USD per channel)
$0.86
—
Price Per Channel(USD per channel)
$0.49/channel
—
Bundled Premium Services(services)
None included
—
AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year)
2026 (multiview, interactive features)
—
Included Premium Services
YouTube Premium, YouTube Music
—
Mobile App Quality
Excellent with quick guide navigation
—
DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
Unlimited
—
DVR Retention Period(days)
270 days (9 months)
—
Monthly Base Price(USD)
$72.99
—
Contract Required
No
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
E
YT
E
ESPN+
+5-3
Pros
- Lowest cost at $11.99/month (88% cheaper than YouTube TV)
- 4 simultaneous streams vs 3 on YouTube TV
- Exclusive MLS, UFC, NHL, and original sports programming
- Works on all major platforms (iOS, Android, Fire TV, Roku, Smart TVs)
- No login cable provider required
Cons
- No cloud DVR functionality or recording capability
- Limited to ESPN-owned channels and select sports content
- Minimal non-sports programming for families
YT
YouTube TV
+5-3
Pros
- 100+ live channels including all major sports, news, and entertainment
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage (keep recordings indefinitely)
- Includes YouTube Premium membership (ad-free YouTube, Music Premium)
- Allows up to 6 family members with individual profiles and 3 simultaneous streams
- Real-time TV guide and easy channel switching
Cons
- Premium pricing at $72.99/month (6x ESPN+ cost)
- Only 3 simultaneous streams (ESPN+ offers 4)
- Requires reliable high-speed internet (minimum 3 Mbps recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
ESPN+ carries select games from MLS, UFC, NHL, and MLB, but does NOT include NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA, or most primetime games. YouTube TV includes all major sports networks (ESPN, TNT, NBC Sports) where these games air. If major league sports are your priority, YouTube TV is more comprehensive.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
- W
ESPN+ on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Sports-focused streaming service offering live ESPN channels, exclusive events, and on-demand sports content.
- W
YouTube TV on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Live TV streaming service with 100+ channels including sports, news, entertainment, and local programming with unlimited cloud DVR.
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