YouTube Logo
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7.9

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: June 9th, 2023
Owned by Google, YouTube is one of the largest video streaming platforms available online. With millions of views racking up every day, YouTube's platform has a little bit of everything for all interests and genres. Ranging from short viral videos and local channels to clips of a series you've been struggling to find, YouTube has access to channels all over the world through its streaming tv services. Stream any show, movie, or video you want and enjoy live tv. YouTube even has youtube music to enjoy and stream all sorts of music from your mobile device.
 
Anyone can create a video and upload it to YouTube today and could be seen by millions of viewers tomorrow using the video streaming services for all sorts of original content. Subscribers can even buy or rent some of the newest movies and TV shows for live tv streaming. Use multiple devices to watch your favorite subscription, premium channels, and cable channels. All you need is an account, device, wi-fi network, and you can watch tv, channels, and subscription from anywhere! With mulitple streaming tv services to choose from, you can easily find all of the top subscription you love using YouTube. You can also search for all sorts of original content to satisfy whatever watching situation you are in.

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The Good

  • Unique content
  • Device compatibility
  • Affordable pricing

Millions of YouTube Videos

Users can watch literally millions of easy "how-to" videos, music videos, commercials, and so much more for educational or entertainment purposes. With the freedom to post and view, find all of your live streaming needs with a simple search. You can even pay for movies like star trek or a handmaid's tale on YouTube to continue to watch all of your favorite movies and tv networks.
 

Compatible on All Devices

Because YouTube is a website, it can be accessed on any device. YouTube's streaming services are compatible with all devices, whether you are on Android or Apple. With great customer service, you can also easily type in questions and get an immediate response back regarding all of your subscription and streaming tv services needs.

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Ad Free Viewing

Due to movies having to be purchased or rented, users are able to watch rented or purchased movies and TV episodes on YouTube ad free. This makes your experience more enjoyable not just on mobile devices, but also on channels, cable, and on-demand service.

Competitive Pricing

YouTube offers rentals starting at $1.99 per TV episode, which is competitive for the streaming TV industry. Looking at top competitors prices like cable tv, netflix, vudu, prime video, pluto tv, and other streaming services, you can find all sorts of great deals and find all of the shows, movies, and video you love and enjoy.
 
Overall, YouTube is extremely well known for their viral videos and commercials, but now YouTube provides even more value by allowing users to rent or purchase movies and TV shows. Users are able to watch rentals or purchased media on any device, as YouTube is accessible from all devices. In addition, users can watch for an affordable price per rental/purchase and watch ad free.
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The Bad

  • Rental limitations
  • HD not available on web browsers
  • No parental controls

72 Hours to Finish Watching

Users have 30 days to watch and 72 hours to finish watching rented movies once they have started. This may be a disadvantage to users who are trying to watch a movie that is quite long. You also dont own the movies or video you rent which can be a bummer if you want to watch it again and again.

HD Version Not Available on Web Browsers

HD versions of movies and TV shows cannot be viewed within a web browser on YouTube. However, most streaming devices allow for HD viewing, such as Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, etc. Be sure to check compatibility on your mobile devices to ensure the most optimal viewing standards so you can enjoy your live tv streaming and video streaming.

No Parental Controls 

Currently, YouTube does not have parental controls for their movie streaming services. YouTube has many great features to their services, but it is good to note the few drawbacks we found. The main drawback to YouTube's streaming TV services is that HD isn't available through web browsers, only through streaming devices such as the Chromecast or Roku. Also, parents don't have filtering control if they are going to watch a movie with their children. This is an important family feature that is not available on YouTube. You can install an app that helps to enable stricter viewing standards to keep your family safe, but be aware of what premium channels, live streaming, and cable channels can present on live tv streaming. View Top Rated Companies
 
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The Bottom Line

YouTube is another great source to supplement streaming TV and movie needs. Users will find a variety of different rental and purchase prices depending on the release date and popularity of the movie or TV show. And don't expect to find favorite movies, or TV series, in the free content. Users will most likely have to pay for full movies or TV shows they are looking for on YouTube. However, if you're looking for free and interesting content, YouTube has got you covered. With millions of new videos uploaded by users every day, you're bound to find something completely unique. Don't expect many videos longer than ten minutes, but have fun following viral videos and trending content on the most widely used video streaming service today. Overall, we recommend reviewing the top rated companies before making a final decision.

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Star Rating

4.4

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921 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

60%

4 grade

26%

3 grade

11%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

1%

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Barry T Sullivan GA

Thank you YouTube I'll listen to my music here when I'm watching TV that's the first place I go because no matter what I can always find something that I'm interested in and it don't cost anything in my opinion you're the best I hope nothing changes in the future thank you again

5 days ago

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Carlos Agosto

I used YouTube for all if I kneed to do something I don’t know my wife said find tutorial in YouTube. I tray too closed the stroller of my soon I don’t have idea too do but I check in YouTube and finally see how I recommend !!!!

1 day ago

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Kevin Ortiz

I recently acquired YouTube TV after noticing that they have very good contact without commercial interruption’s. The video service that we all use from YouTube is really good however, it is being recently filled with too many ads, which makes the viewing experience a little tedious.

1 week ago

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Playa Del Carmen Eats and Drinks Cancún, ROO

I love YouTube but pushing the ad free paid option is annoying. With that said, I enjoy YT otherwise with all the playlist of music, DIY, and even my own videos I have been able to create.

2 days ago

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Jeremy Summa Inverness, FL

It’s is digital cable but with the awesomeness of it being YouTube. You can tailor your content to your needs. The price is comparable to other streaming cable companies but it has some outstanding features you can add to make it well worth the money.

2 weeks ago

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David Adrian Morales Weslaco, TX

I love YouTube! It is easily accessible from anywhere I go. The quality is good. It could offer more Movies and Shows but still a good variety of content. It's Extremely educational! Uploading Videos and maintaining a channel is very convenient as well.

2 weeks ago

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Emma Morrill

I always go back to YouTube! When I need help fixing my sink or learning a new craft, there is always a video there to help! I’ve learned to watch videos at a lower playback speed to help me follow along with the different steps. This has helped a lot! The organization of the website can still use some improvements with saving videos to watch later and making playlists, etc.

3 weeks ago

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Danny Martinez Houston, TX

Price, the shows, and videos are perfect, and for sure enjoy the no ads. And enjoy that there is always a new show or series.

4 days ago

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Heather Baker Hot Springs, AR

Large variety of shows and movies to watch. I like that it gives you options to watch some movies free if you watch them with ads.

1 week ago

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savannah cleary Havelock, NC

Love YouTube! Who doesn't? From music to how to videos YouTube has a lot of helpful things available! Don't think there will be a time when YouTube isn't a great option!

1 week ago

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Chase Victorson Yonkers, NY

Not sure how I feel about Youtube. Commercials are a pain. Even though you can skip them (sometimes) there are SO MANY. I have also found that the content I am exposed to has gotten tighter (in a bad way - I like to have a wide variety of exposure) Other than that, what is there to hate? Free content, and you can really go down the rabbit hole which is cool.

3 weeks ago

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Lisa Chesterfield, MO

The have a lot of good options for local television shows and all the other shows i watched thru my cable service. I was worried that i couldnt record my shows thru Utube but, they make it easy Only issue-,slow streaming when it is nasty weather ourside.

1 month ago

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Misty Peoples MO

Love this service. I listen to all my music on YouTube and also research and learn everything I need on youtube

4 days ago

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Alyssa Davis

I recently got YoutubeTv and it has been a great replacement for cable! I love having access to all of my favorite channels again.

3 weeks ago

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Heather H Sanford, FL

YouTube is incredibly valuable and my go-to for information, entertainment and relaxation all together. YouTube has reliable content and the customization is great!

1 month ago

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Lisa “LadyPink” Waters GA

YouTube is an excellent TV service, their monthly rates are just a bit too expensive for me. If you don't mind losing the sports content and are really looking to be done with a cable bill all together then this may be a great option for you. I believe it's greatest feature is most likely the unlimited cloud DVR.

2 months ago

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Tara Gillispie Philadelphia, PA

YouTube was one of the first streaming services that I used before the rest of them came out. Honestly I didn’t like you tube at first because you couldn’t switch your screens or do anything else but they fixed that and now it’s great.

2 months ago

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Gregory Contrades Las Vegas, NV

You Tube is convenient and easy to use on your cell phone and it's FREE. There's movies and TV shows you can stream catch up on the news whether it's Local or World news.there's music you can stream and download and make your playlist with music you enjoy listening to. Its easy to use and you get it free. Upgrade if you like where as the cost is affordable.

3 months ago

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Angela Wilson Fulton, NY

I love YouTube. Anything you could ever want to watch is there. Plus it's very easy to use.

6 days ago Edited June 8, 2023

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Deborah Borst Hanover, PA

I love you too for music to sports to documentaries to my spirituality to cooking animals you name it family movies I can always find what I'm looking for and then some I never run out of things to look for history mindfulness and this goes on and on I believe I'm on YouTube a lot of the time during the day and night to putting on fireplaces or campfires it has whatever you're looking for and I never run out of things to watch on YouTube and thoroughly enjoy it immensely and my music list is bigger and bigger and all genres it's one of my most favorite platforms

4 months ago

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Chardan

It has some good intentions of it. Wish they had the stuff kids watch on there on section so kids didn't have to see the stuff grown ups search for.

1 week ago Edited June 5, 2023

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David G Boyle Columbia, MO

YouTube's recent format change took a little getting used to. However, since I use it mostly for news and sports, I found it much easier to navigate. The Music section is super-extensive, and I have little to no trouble finding what I like when I feel like listening to a song, or ten. Even Classical is very extensive. For those who don't want to only see news in their own little bubble, you can get news programming from all over Europe, Asia, the Mid-east, Africa, and South America, and more. You might learn at least two things. First, how the rest of the world sees the events of the day, and second, how the rest of the world sees the US. It may, or may not, change your thinking, but just the knowledge of a different point of view can be invaluable.

6 months ago

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Kelly Branch Bryan, TX

I love youtube you can watch what you want, listen to what you want. If you sign up for the premium you get no ads especially when driving or trips.

1 month ago

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Ricardo Ortiz Fredericksburg, VA

YouTube has no competition, been using it since it first came out. T learned to play guitar, piano, watch old videos and make money on this excellent website.

2 months ago

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Honest consumer Concord, NC

YouTube gives me mixed emotions! For me, I really enjoy the things I can search and watch but for my kids, not a big fan! It was better when the "shorts" and scrolling feature wasn't on there. Now my young son likes to "scroll" and there's no way to shut it off! YouTube's "Restrictions" feature is also a joke! A little slide switch that any kid can find easily and turn back on. Why isn't this feature password protected so a parent can make sure their child isn't turning it off?? Change this YouTube!!!

3 months ago

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Jasmin Mena

Youtube is the only streaming service I use every single day. I haven't watched TV in years, because independent video makes make content much more interesting to me. However it has been very annoying with how they have increased the amount of ads and how intrusive they can be. They are also usually extremely loud compared to the volume of the actual video. Can't appreciate the censorship either.

3 months ago

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Rita Hopkins Austin, TX

I love the different content creators and their perspectives on things. I join in the live chat conversations and comments on posts. My favorite is true crimes. YouTube is great for my special needs grandson who loves the different languages of nursery rhymes.

5 months ago

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A 1 Mesquite, TX

Next to Netflix, I spend more time accessing this app from my smart phone or TV than any other app. There's so much helpful information on YouTube. I recently decided to purchase a subscription to avoid the overhaul in ads and commercials.

5 months ago

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Leo

Always satisfied with the performance and recommendations I get.

1 week ago

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Verified Customer

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Review Source

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BFK

After being dissatisfied with Dish Network we finally settled on YouTubeTV. The cost was better than others and they had the content our family wanted. Another great feature was that each of our children could have their own account under our account.

2 years ago

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Victor Berrios Port Saint Lucie, FL

You Tube is so awesome. This is my go too to find out how to fix or do anything!

3 weeks ago

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Amanda Wilson Charlotte, NC

You never get enough of YouTube streaming TV it's like the best TV it's YouTube is just great with music great with TV can't beat it I love it

2 months ago

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Sheila Burns Dickson, TN

I enjoy YouTube streaming service. They have a variety of different things to watch to entertain and keep you laughing!

2 months ago

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Toriana Winston Fayetteville, NC

I love watching youtube. I alway say Youtube is my professor. I have learn alot just from watching. Thanks everyone that share their knowledge.

2 months ago

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Don Thigpen Kansas City, MO

The best. My primary period. Will probably use forever. I am a content creator and after satisfying their criteria I indeed started getting paid. I could probably make a living here if I wanted to.

4 months ago Edited February 9, 2023

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Tony's Babygirl Staton MO

Awesomeness!!! Definitely worth the time to watch or play or listen to anything..! Great video and audio quality , use it several times during day and enjoy watching the movies !!

4 months ago

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jonas dusevicius Hickory Hills, IL

you tube without comercials is great, sems almost too good to be true. i recoment to everyone i get in contact with. they dont have loop holes pay for service and pay more on top not with you tube seems like a greatn company

5 months ago

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Raj R

Best feature of YouTube is having the ability to replay in a loop. Shorts are a great feature as well. Wonderful app for create music playlists. The user-friendly interface makes watching YouTube enjoyable.

5 months ago

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Review Source

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Johnny Sigmon Cumberland, MD

I love YouTube I'm on looking at everything that I can think of I love it so much I was thinking about making my own YouTube channel haven't decided yet . An thank you YouTube.

5 months ago

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Natalie

I have a Roku and experienced some temporary difficulties which have since been resolved. I really enjoy having the option of unlimited cloud DVR storage and my husband likes the many available sport networks.

5 months ago

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Elaine

I like youtube videos and musical videos in the platform.

1 week ago

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Claudia Ruiz Hialeah, FL

YouTube is excellent, you find any theme you are looking for. Entertainment, informative, medicinal, cooking, learning, entertainment, in short, all the topics that have been and will be, are here on YouTube and completely free with the option to pay for some other things, in general, I think it's fabulous. Recommended

7 months ago

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Julian Ramos Atwater, CA

This has got to be one of the best content-viewing and content-producing platforms out there. They have an extensive library of content. I appreciate that they really have quality editing tools, and music as well as excellent channel support if you are a creator. They are constantly evolving and updating, to keep up with other services and they definitely are a leader in the industry. If the cost was a little better it would get 5 stars. Also, I wish they would let you edit the video color when you are in a rush to post.

7 months ago

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Gina Donofrio

What a fantastic platform! Not only can you find nearly everything and anything you're looking for on YouTube you can rest assure it's child safe also. I recently found it also provides free movies. Man, what more can I ask for!

8 months ago

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Verified Customer

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Peter

No issues. The programming is what my family and I watch. The extra movies they allow you to watch later are great. If I wanted to record missed episodes feature is great and being able to do it from my cell phone is great. Only issue is the cost.

2 years ago

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b. ellena Kansas City, MO

I can't believe I'm saying this, but YouTube has been the sole reason I no longer have cable television. I never in a million years thought that what was once looked at as a platform to hear just gossip could have morphed into a full fledged platform to receive all kinds of valuable information, keep up to date with relevant current events, and watch all of the cooking shows and true crime you can dream of! My favorite platform by far!!!

9 months ago

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Debbie Kem Lebanon, PA

How can you beat free? You Tube is the most diverse offering of videos, shows, music, personal and professional posts imaginable. Besides offering its free service it offers other specific services for reasonable fees It offers free advertising, church services, ability to listen to any music, ability to make music playlists, sharing of personal shows and talents, re-playing of favorite shows, and so much more. I used it to make a song playlist for a wedding. Whenever I want to look up an old song, movie, or show or even play the church service from my own church, I use it. It has limitless offerings of entertainment and information, and it's free! My only wish is that it could be filtered from inappropriate material more easily. However, at the volume of daily information offered, no one could possibly monitor all of it.

4 weeks ago

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Rafet Afnan Mymensingh, 34

YouTube is one of the best online streaming software. YouTube offers you a thousand varieties of videos on every aspect of your day-to-day life. If you want to learn something new peep into YouTube, You need to assist in homework YouTube is for you! You need a new dish to try a search on YouTube! Thousands of movies, shows, talk shows, Ted talk, Educational shows, music, everything is available on YouTube. The subscription charges are much lower considering its wide variation of collections and benefits. One more thing, You can monitor and restrict your underage children from adult content on YouTube.

1 year ago

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Sandi Westover Fremont, CA

We currently are not paying for television service, no satellite or cable TV. So we have just been using free YouTube to get current news and sports. My husband misses his ESPN but after a game he watches the highlights on YouTube. It's great! He watches a whole basketball game in no time. They just show the baskets being made so you don't see all the dribbling back and forth. I love it! He does miss ESPN but we're saving $70 a month. We also look up news events and anything else we're interested in. At some point we'll probably get some type of TV service, he does enjoy watching the whole game. But YouTube is a great resource and the best part is that it's free.

5 years ago

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aivilO Kansas City, KS

My favorite place to spend my time, there are videos for anything you can think of and it can be both entertaining and helpful when I need it, thank you YouTube.

4 months ago