Over-the-top (OTT) cable-alternative services have redefined what it means to watch TV. Part of what excites cord-cutters is the idea of shedding expensive monthlies, bulky equipment, and binding contracts. Vidgo and YouTube TV are two popular live TV services that carry all of the national networks you’d expect with perks that transcend traditional cable and satellite.
Even though Vidgo and YouTube TV are both cable-alternative services, they differ quite a bit in a few key areas. Let’s take a look at how both services stack up side by side. That way, you’ll be able to determine whether Vidgo or YouTube TV is best for you.
Plans and pricing for Vidgo vs. YouTube TV
| Vidgo | YouTube TV | |
| Monthly price | $40/mo. | $64.99/mo. |
| Free trial length | 3 days | 7 days |
| Number of channels or titles | 68+ | 85+ |
| Original content available? (Y/N) | N | Y |
| Simultaneous Screens | 3 | 3 |
Vidgo offers a few plans so you can choose the one that aligns most with your needs. Plans vary by value and channel count, consisting of the base “Core” package ($40/mo.) and the most premium “Plus” package ($50/mo.) Vidgo also furnishes plans for Spanish speakers with its Latino ($15/mo.) and Latino Mas ($25/mo.) packages.
YouTube TV provides a single plan for $64.99/mo. But don’t worry, you can beef it up with add-ons the same way you would with services like Sling TV. And to add a little context as far as pricing, YouTube TV has more channels than Vidgo’s Plus package. But more on that below.
Comparing the Vidgo vs. YouTube TV experience
A fundamental advantage cable-alternatives wield over traditional live TV is the ability to stream your apps across your devices. Both Vidgo and YouTube TV are compatible with smartphones, tablets, and web browsers. Here’s a full list of devices that are supported by Vidgo and YouTube TV.
Vidgo
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android devices
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- iOS devices
- Roku
- Web browsers
YouTube TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android devices
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- Hisense Smart TV models
- iOS devices
- LG smart TVs (2016+)
- Roku Players & TVs
- Samsung smart TVs (2016+)
- Sharp Smart TV models
- Sony Smart TV models
- VIZIO SmartCast models
- Xbox One
- PlayStation 4
Personalization
Vidgo’s user experience is highly reminiscent of traditional TV. A helpful channel guide is employed for channel surfing and filtering your favorite channels, shows, entertainment, sports, and recently watched titles. Some cable-alternatives like Philo support multiple user profiles, but Vidgo doesn’t push that far into personalization features. So, you’ll share a single account with members of your household.
YouTube TV produces a more personalized user experience, which is particularly useful for larger households. You can create up to 6 user profiles with your YouTube TV account. This allows you to keep your preferred content separate from everyone else. However, without a queue to add on-demand movies and shows to watch later, you may find yourself scratching your head trying to recall what you intended to watch.
Features
YouTube TV takes a decisive edge when it comes to cloud DVR storage. You can save and store content for 9 months. After those 9 months are up, your saved content will delete automatically. But still, compared to other OTT cable-alternative services, YouTube TV’s 9 months of unlimited DVR storage is one of the more accommodating. You’ll be able to share your account with others and stream simultaneously on up to 3 screens.
Vidgo delivers an entirely live experience, so it doesn’t possess any DVR or storage features. This is a bit disappointing since most other cable-alternatives have some form of DVR, like fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV. However, instead of DVR storage, Vidgo gives you access to tons of channels within a playback timeframe of 72 hours. It’s not the most optimal feature, but it’s not “nothing” either. Fortunately, you can stream Vidgo concurrently with other members of your household and share your account with up to 3 people at the same time, just like with YouTube TV.
Vidgo vs. YouTube TV content
Vidgo
For better or worse, Vidgo delivers a live TV experience. This translates to 68 channels in Vidgo’s Core package that are comprised of entertainment, lifestyle, news, and sports networks you know and love. Vidgo Plus packs in 80 channels that include a few more entertainment and sports channels. Vidgo’s Latino package has 14 Spanish language channels, which you can upgrade to Latino Más for 31 channels. But where Vidgo falls short is with its lack of on-demand content and regional sports networks (RSNs).
Unlike YouTube TV, Vidgo doesn’t offer a la carte premium channels that you can use to upgrade your package. For a more extensive review of what channels Vidgo offers, switch over to our thorough assessment of its content, features, and other perks.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV carries upwards of 85 live TV channels. You’ll recognize essential networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC among its list. There are also a healthy number of popular channels like AMC, CNN, ESPN, FS1, FX, HGTV, and TNT. YouTube TV has ventured into its own brand of original content, producing YouTube Originals that are made available via on-demand.
When it comes to add-on channels, YouTube TV is pretty solid. It includes a number of popular entertainment apps like Acorn TV, HBO Max, and STARZ. And if you’re interested in documentaries and science, YouTube TV also includes CuriosityStream. Sports lovers will also score big with FOX College Sports, NBA League Pass, and NFL RedZone, along with a few others. For a full list of channels and content that YouTube TV holds in its ranks, we recommend our complete review.
The final cut
Vidgo packs in a solid number of popular networks with coveted sports channels for an affordable monthly fee. And its Spanish language packages are some of the best in the streaming industry. However, YouTube TV not only carries more live TV channels but has a robust DVR feature and access to on-demand titles that’ll serve you with a more well-rounded experience.
But no matter which way you dice it, both Vidgo and YouTube TV are formidable cable-alternatives that are worth your time if you’re thinking about cutting the cord. So, why not give them each a try for the cost of nothing? Vidgo lets you test its service for 3 days free, whereas YouTube extends a full week-long trial period. That way, you can try both services to deem which is best for you and your household.