Cord Cutters News

Spectrum vs. YouTube TV: Which is the Better Deal?

Jess Barnes

Watching TV, Watching, Living Room, Domestic Life, SmilingWe’re back with another comparison of YouTube TV and a cable package. With YouTube TV’s recent price hike, we know some cord cutters have been mentioning going back to cable. Those introductory offers can be tempting, but these posts are breaking down the costs, channels, and features to find out which is really the better deal.

Again, to make a fair comparison, we’re using the Spectrum TV Select package which is the most similar in cost and channel selection.

Pricing

YouTube TV raised its price to $49.99/month this week. Before starting your monthly subscription, you can try it out with a 5-day free trial. Now that YouTube TV has 82 channels, that brings it to about 61 cents per channel.

A Spectrum Select package starts at $44.99/month for the first 12 months. With 91 channels available, that comes in at 49 cents per channel. That sounds like a good deal until you look at the hidden fees and taxes that comes with your cable subscription.

Here’s one example of the extra costs that one reader found on their Spectrum bill:

Total: $60.89, in addition to the $44.99/month for your plan. That brings the total for a Spectrum Select package to $105.88 each month just for TV. (Learn more about the full breakdown of Spectrum fees HERE.)

Channels

Here’s what you’ll get with your YouTube TV subscription:

Here’s what you’ll get with a Spectrum Select package:

Features

YouTube TV and Spectrum both have apps that allow you to watch TV at home or while you’re away, from a phone or tablet. Both also offer live TV along with on-demand content.

One feature that sets Spectrum apart from other cable providers is that they don’t lock you into an annual contract. Like YouTube TV, you can choose to cancel your subscription at any time. The process for Spectrum will take some extra time and effort, requiring you to call in and talk through your cancellation with a representative.

With YouTube TV, you’ll also get unlimited Cloud DVR and the ability to record simultaneous shows. Spectrum also has a DVR option with the HD boxes, but you’ll need to add it to your monthly bill for $4.99/month for 1 HD box or $9.99/month for 2 HD boxes.

Did you know we have a YouTube Channel? Every week we have a live Cord Cutting Q&A, and weekly Cord Cutting recap shows exclusively on our YouTube Channel!

Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help.

Exit mobile version