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YouTube

Is This Your Business?
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1,106 User Reviews

8.5

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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: December 2nd, 2025
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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User Reviews

Star Rating

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4.5

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1,106 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

62%

4 grade

25%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

1%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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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.

5 years ago

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Teri Kohl

For the most part positive. It is the only streaming site that works well with my poor internet service. There is a very good varity of programs. And it appears that there is not too much censorship.

5 years ago

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Christopher Haueter Salt Lake City, UT

Youtube is the epitome of why the internet is both great and terrible at the same time. I love youtube for entertainment whether it's funny videos or redbull action sports videos. I also love that I can learn just about anything on youtube. I've taught myself how to repair my mountain bikes, maintain them and ride them better. I've also learn how to fix my cars, and even learned some woodworking skills, math skills, chemistry skills, etc. Unfortunately, youtube has a ton of porn and there is basically no way to filter it. If it's owned by google, you would think that they would have done something about that by now. There are also a lot of ads unfortunately.

8 years ago

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Dickson Joshua

I love the app, only issues I have is the recent change to where the full screen button is on the top left, at first I thought my phone wasn't working properly. Please put it back on the bottom right where it was or make a option to change it's layout in the settings. The change is like it was made by a left handed person, I'm right handed and i find it more convenient on the bottom right it feels more natural. Keep into consideration your full customer base not just half. That's why I rated it 4 star. Thank you

1 year ago Edited April 1, 2024

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daniel johnben

YouTube is an incredible platform for watching and sharing videos! 📺🎥 It has a vast library of content, ranging from music videos and vlogs to educational tutorials and funny clips. The best part is that anyone can create and upload their own videos, allowing for a diverse and creative community. However, one downside is that sometimes you might come across low-quality or misleading content. Overall, YouTube is a great source of entertainment and information, as long as you're mindful of the content you consume.

1 year ago

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David Los Angeles, CA

Brilliant platform to experience all different kinds of content from all different types of creators. The ads can become annoying but you can count this by downloading and add blocker. I have grown up with YouTube and its content and admire the entertainment It gives us all. However, I can be critical about the way YouTube employees act and do certain things when it comes to the viewers

1 year ago

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Amanda George IL

YouTube is alright. I have had it about four months now and I like it. However there are still ads on certain things you watch. And a lot of videos that claim to be movies are not. They just give you a link to follow to watch the movie which either fills your phone and computer with spam or they sell your information to third party companies and I don't like that. I cancelled my YouTube subscription this week.

2 years 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.

2 years 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.

2 years 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.

3 years ago

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Keerthana Manivannan Santa Clara, CA

Great service! SO many good content out there in YouTube. Literally, I YouTube every single thing. Flat tire? There's a YouTube video to teach how to change tires. Want to cook Biriyani? There's a YouTube video for that. Preparing for Interviews? YouTube video. Honestly, I won't know what I would do without YouTube. And there is no other famous alternative for YouTube. I do pay for YouTube premium for less noise.

3 years ago

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Mario Martin Montgomery, TX

I've used my "YouTube" app often for just about any and everything. In fact, it's kinda my go-to app for great content videos. Recently, I experienced some problems with my cable tv provider and signed up for YouTube Tv and was pleasantly surprised by the entertainment value provided. What really "blew me away" was the movie selection and the quality. I think I've found my new tv viewing choice!

3 years ago

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L Hill Chicago, IL

Amazing content YouTube has, storing your favorite videos is easy. I like how it's open to anyone to try to have a channel if they want. It is unique fun platform of creative expression. The ads on the free version are very annoying and intrusive. The ads are squeezed in any and every possible way like if you pause a video for too long then you want to re start where you left off an all of a sudden you are stuck watching an ad. That is one of the things that is a huge turn off.

3 years ago

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Julia Halliday Pleasant Grove, UT

I use YouTube daily. I usually listen to music on it, and I love how easy it is to find what you want! I will admit the ads drive me crazy sometimes, especially since they bumped it up to two ads instead of just one, and sometimes you can't skip the ads. All-in-all I love the variety of content on YouTube! If the ads could be cut down, my review would definitely be 5 stars!

6 years ago

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Ethan Pitcher Eagle Mountain, UT

I use Youtube crybaby frequently. I tend to use it more than Netflix. It is in a different category of media service than Netflix, but I feel it is just as good at its job as Netflix. It is a place where I can go and relax and just find fun things to watch. Plus it is free. Only thing you need to pay for is offline use and exclusive content. There is a problem with the site in the sense that copyright striking is being abused by many companies. YouTube creators sometimes get strikes on their channel because being of this abuse or lose money they make on the video or even have to take it down all together. The copyright system tends to be really broken and it is hurting many creators who aren’t even breaking copyright laws.

6 years ago

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Measton Gilbert, AZ

I really do enjoy using Youtube, I frequently both watch and upload videos and appreciate the easy and free website I can use to present my art. It has become such a prominent app that I cannot go a day in my high school life without hearing it referenced. Despite these wonderful positives this application has to offer I find myself aggravated about the ads and the demonetizing feature. The ads are often times set up to play constantly throughout videos which bring in revenue to inappropriate content while the videos most often demonetized are not exactly for a reason other than few swear words or unpopular content. Aside from these downsides I will continue to love and use this Media.

7 years ago

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Ayomide

Youtube is the best platform that i use for all my binge-watching, so many different shows to watch all day. the platform is unparalleled. but the no of ads during the video playtime can be too much at times, but generally speaking, the platform is great

1 year ago

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TC B Florissant, CO

We subscribe to multiple channels on YouTube and love that people can create their own platforms. The frustrating thing- and why it is 4 stars- is that there appears to be a lot more ads lately, and if you want to go ad-free it is really pricey....much pricier than other streaming services.

2 years ago

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Peter Land O' Lakes, FL

Very good product. I can watch them on my phone or my smart TV with no fees unless I subscribe to something specific. No contracts and a high-quality product. You can also have opportunities to earn income through their platform. I really like YouTube.

2 years ago

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Allan Freedman Monrovia, MD

I bought youtube premium service many years ago to avoid ads and enjoy show access while I am on travel. It's a very good service with tons of content. I really appreciate the access from all over the US when I am on travel. I watch Youtube content almost every night.

2 years 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 !!!!

2 years 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.

2 years 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 years ago

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Debbie Hall Las Vegas, NV

The streaming is good, with very little buffering. As for content, I appreciate the original content and wish there was more to choose from in different genres. As for the movies, there are too many commercials, and the commercials can be too long (2 minutes for some). I would like newer movies to select to watch.

3 years ago

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Precious H. Red Oak, TX

I love YouTube TV streaming services. It is sufficient for my television watching needs. The only thing that I do not like is not being able to go directly to channels. I have to scroll through the entire menu. I know that you can save channels to your favorites but I think it would be better to have an option to go to channels without doing that.

3 years ago Edited June 17, 2022

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HO1 Charles Town, WV

I use other streaming services too, but what I really like about YouTube most is that you can find movies that are not available on any of the other streaming services, and at reasonable costs. They have some really great concerts like the 25th Anniversary of Les Miserables in London.

3 years ago

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Kaylee Gay Columbia, MO

Youtube has so many options to watch for everyone at no price! I love that you can watch your favorite YouTubers all from the comfort of your home. I love that Youtube gives access to anyone around the world and it allows me to stay connected with what's going on.

4 years ago

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Wilgens Paul Tallahassee, FL

I have watched so much YouTube that I sometimes feel as if I have watched literally all videos known to man. Youtube is full of many creators who can teach you a thing or two and even make you laugh. I think many should check it out

5 years ago

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Jasmine King Long Beach, MS

In my opinion, the one issue I have with Youtube is it's banning/demonetization system. The system is very unfair and puts many creators, big and small, at a disadvantage. Other than that, the design is convenient and easy to use, and the search engine is surprisingly specific.

5 years ago

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Lourdes Rivera

I really enjoying everything about your tube when it comes to movies and to music I know I have the free version I guess but I can see why you need advertisement but in the middle of a movie is annoying but I'm still like them I don't do any other

7 years ago

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Tiffany Phoenix, AZ

Let's be honest, you can learn just about anything on youTube these days. It is a great resource but it is also extremely saturated. It can be hard to find the most effective video to learn from. Which is probably one of my biggest complaints. But it overall I use You Tube very often.

7 years ago

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Sav Flo

Youtube is my go to when I need to find something funny to watch or even understand a concept for physics. I love the tutoring videos that people post, they are so helpful! Super easy to navigate and get the results I'm searching for.

8 years ago

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Kylie Howes Provo, UT

Youtube has all sorts of video content, including original shows that you can only find on their website. Lots of the other properties that you find on youtube are either on a paid basis or are pirated, so you want to make sure that the shows you're watching are legitimate. Overall, it's pretty easy to find what you're looking for, and the streaming quality can be pretty good, depending on who posted the video.

5 years ago

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Jennifer Smith Salt Lake City, UT

I do not use YouTube very often to stream video. I watch YouTube videos, but I have not gotten the hang of doing so from home like I have Amazon Prime. I feel like the prices are typically a bit higher and there is not as good of a selection as other Streaming TV providers. I would recommend working to make sure that it fits your specific needs before you get too involved.

6 years ago

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Marianne Parsons Provo, UT

I have used YouTube extensively for many years, mainly as a casual video viewer. The breadth of YouTube’s videos is quite large. I have been able to find many videos and songs which are quite difficult to find anywhere else. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed an increase in ads - before, after, and in the middle of - videos which has been an irritant.

6 years ago

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DJ Forest Grove, OR

YouTube is a great platform for content creation and consumption. I can learn new skills or about products through the many types of videos available. The company needs to do a better job of limiting misinformation spreading though, and I think it should be held responsible for the consequences of the content it publishes and hosts like any normal media company.

6 years ago

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Anne Sainsbury Payson, UT

I have been a YouTube user for many years. One of the best things that ever happened to YouTube is when they started providing purchasing and rental features for movies. I have used them every once in a while to rent a movie to watch and the streaming has been great! If you are not wanting to pay for a membership to Netflix or Hulu, Youtube is a great platform to use to watch movies every so often.

6 years ago

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Keilah Phillips Lehi, UT

The amount of videos you can watch, the fact that you con post your own, and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving parade 3D...I love YouTube. I have made my own channel, watched many, and developed favorites. I just don't like how they have inappropriate videos online. I just wish there was a stage you went through when signing in to ask if you want to see that stuff or not. Overall, its great.

6 years ago

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Alora Gilbert, AZ

YouTube is a really great platform to share and watch videos. There is such a variety and most of it is free. I have tried YouTube Red and it is nice to be able to leave the app and still be able to listen to music in the background and being able to watch without ads is nice too. Sometimes it is a little hard to find exactly what you're looking for in the search since there is so much, but then again with advanced search it is easier.

6 years ago

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Dee Farquharson Washington, DC

I use YouTube for video streaming literally everyday. I love the selection of videos from the community. There are paid videos/movies, (usually about 2.99) but they are easily avoidable. The only issue I have are the ads. I understand that ads are present to make money . However, more than once, I have come across ads on YouTube that are over 1 hour long! There also have been ads that are literally pilot episodes for TV shows. Annoying, yes. But still worth watching for wide range of content.

6 years ago

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Angela Nelson Pleasant Grove, UT

We find YouTube super helpful when trying to do home repairs or learning a new skill or craft. I do not like the fact that bad content is often showing on the home page or on the sides of the pages. I usually find the YouTube content I need by typing it into Google so that I can bypass the YouTube home page. I think much more can be done to clean up the explicit content of YouTube while keeping it user-friendly for those of us who want to use it to learn worthwhile things.

7 years ago

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Lesa Burgess Pleasant Grove, UT

I use YouTube all the time. My kids use it a lot! I do wish there were more ways you could filter videos as there are so many vidoes on YouTube I would not want my kids to see. The only way I know is to use YouTube kids but my kids are old enough that they can't search some of the things they want like replays of certain moments in a show or something. I do love that wide range of helpful videos on YouTube and have used it time and time again to help figure something out.

7 years ago

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MRS BJ

Had little or no experience and now that the price is increasing, I will take another look. May be time to switch.

5 years ago

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David

Good product but keeps raising the monthly subscription rate. May have to rethink the value proposition now

5 years ago

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Daniella

The premium features on YouTube are the reason I adore it. Although it's a bit pricey, I think it's reasonable given the ad-free streaming and the fact that they provide video answers to my pressing queries.

1 year ago

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Hank Ricardo

YouTube is and always will be king on viral videos , channels etc. Now their streaming services are up there as well. Lots of great shows only on YouTube. I will always be a YouTuber.

1 year ago

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Majo Davis Reston, VA

YouTube has been entertaining me and everyone with videos over some years now. There are millions of video that cover every topic there is. There are also some videos which are uneducative too but I still love YouTube.

1 year ago

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megum povsha CA

I have been a long time watcher of certain people and I enjoy using YouTube Music. I enjoy the fact that I am able to listen to music with my screen locked. I also enjoy the fact that they have live TV options.

1 year ago Edited December 22, 2023

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Reb R

Much cheaper than cable, but it took awhile to get used to not having channel numbers. It’s not the easiest to find channels, the grouping is a little odd. On demand has a great selection.

2 years ago

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Russ Hamstring Lake Havasu City, AZ

Youtube is my go to source for videos. I can usually find what I'm looking for whether it be learning a new recipe or figuring out how to change a part on my car. Youtube is a daily thing for me.

2 years ago

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