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Apple TV vs Youtube TV: Detailed Comparison

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  • 7 min read

If you want to watch your favourite shows and movies without a cable subscription, you might be interested in streaming services like Apple TV and YouTube TV.

These two platforms offer different types of content and features, and they have their own advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we will talk about the differences between the two platforms. By the end of this article, you should have a better idea of which streaming service suits your needs and preferences.


Apple TV and Youtube TV explained

Before moving further, let us explain both platforms in brief so that you can get an idea of what these platforms do and what services they offer:

What is Apple TV?

Apple TV is a streaming service that offers original movies and TV shows produced by Apple. You can access Apple TV by visiting the official website, downloading the app on your device, or using the Apple TV streaming box.

Some of the most popular titles on Apple TV include Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, See, Foundation, and For All Mankind.

Moreover, Apple TV also lets you access other streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max through its app.


What is Youtube TV?

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers over 85 channels from various genres, such as news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and kids.

You can watch YouTube TV on your smart TV, phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device. Some of the channels on YouTube TV include ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, CNN, TNT, AMC, and FX.

YouTube TV also lets you record unlimited shows with its cloud DVR feature and watch them later.

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Apple TV and Youtube TV: A detailed comparison

Let us quickly compare Apple TV and Youtube TV based on various criteria, like content, interface, pricing, user experience and customer support.


Content

Apple TV and YouTube TV have different content offerings. While Apple TV focuses on original movies and shows exclusive to the platform, Youtube TV focuses on live TV channels that cover a wide range of topics and interests.

Here are some of the pros and cons of each service’s content:

Apple TV: Pros and cons

Apple TV ProsApple TV Cons
High-quality original content with award-winning actors and directorsLimited content library compared to other streaming services
Ad-free viewing experienceNo live TV channels or sports
Access to other streaming services through the appRequires an Apple device or an Apple TV box to watch on a TV

Youtube TV: Pros and cons

YouTube TV ProsYouTube TV Cons
Over 85 live TV channels from various genresExpensive compared to other live TV streaming services
Unlimited cloud DVR storageNo offline viewing option
Access to YouTube Originals and YouTube PremiumAds on some channels and shows

Interface

Apple TV and Youtube TV have different interfaces that affect how you navigate and watch content.

Youtube TV offers a familiar interface resembling the regular Youtube app. It provides a home screen with personalized recommendations and a search tool for specific channels or genres. The library section allows users to access recorded and scheduled content, which various criteria can sort. The Live section displays available channels, and users can click on live previews to start watching.

On the other hand, Apple TV+ functions as a subset of the Apple TV app. The web interface lacks features and only allows browsing and watching Apple TV+ content. Services subscribed through the Apple TV app do not appear. The interface differs slightly between browsers, TVs, and mobile devices, and users can bookmark the page on browsers for direct access. Apple TV+ lacks options to advance to the next episode or skip intros.

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Video quality

Youtube TV has introduced 4K streams for various channels, including NBC and ESPN. While this feature comes with an additional cost of $19.99 per month, the service currently offers a discounted rate of $9.99 for the first year.

As for Apple TV+, users can enjoy 4K video content with a resolution of 3840 x 2160, providing enhanced visual detail. Apple has invested heavily in producing high-quality original shows and films, resulting in impressive picture and sound quality, especially when watching in 4K HDR.


User experience

Youtube TV provides a user experience with live channel streaming in 1080p/60fps and support for Dolby 5.1 sound on select devices. The 4K Plus add-on allows access to major sports events and live content from ESPN, FOX, and NBC, although the streaming resolution depends on the source.

Youtube TV is a substitute for traditional cable, featuring ads; however, its DVR functionality allows for fast-forwarding through recorded ads.

Apple TV+ offers a basic and user-friendly interface, allowing downloads for offline viewing. The website has an elegant design but lacks sorting or search options for favourite shows. Parental control restrictions are account-wide, and there are no options to advance to the next episode or skip intros, requiring users to navigate back to the home page to select a new episode.


Pricing

YouTube TV is priced at $64.99 per month and provides access to over 85 channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and the ability to stream on 3 devices with 6 accounts per household. There are no cable boxes, contracts, or hidden fees, and additional sports and premium networks can be added for an extra monthly charge.

While YouTube TV was initially one of the pricier services, it now shares the same price as Hulu + Live TV, which offers similar features. Other services like Sling TV and Philo may have lower prices but offer fewer channels and content.

As for Apple TV+, the pricing varies based on the offer chosen. When purchasing a new Apple device, users can redeem a one-year free subscription to Apple TV+ within 90 days. Alternatively, Apple TV+ is available for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. It offers an ad-free experience and a wide library of exclusive original content that can be streamed in 4K resolution.


Apple TV and Youtube TV are different streaming services catering to different needs and preferences. Apple TV is better for people who want to watch original movies and TV shows produced by Apple.

On the other hand, Youtube TV is better for people who want to watch live TV channels from various genres. Both services have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the best one for you depends on what you value more in a streaming service.

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Kumar Hemant

Kumar Hemant

Deputy Editor at Candid.Technology. Hemant writes at the intersection of tech and culture and has a keen interest in science, social issues and international relations. You can contact him here: kumarhemant@pm.me

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