Looking for a way to cut the cord but keep your live TV? 

You're probably weighing Fubo against YouTube TV – two of the most popular streaming services for live content.

I've researched both platforms extensively to help you figure out which one deserves your subscription dollars in 2025.

Quick Overview

If you're in a hurry, here's what you need to know:

• For most viewers: YouTube TV wins with its $72.99/month price point and unlimited DVR storage

• For sports fanatics: Fubo might be worth the extra cost ($84.99/month) if you need regional sports networks

• Channel count: Fubo offers 185+ channels vs. YouTube TV's 100+, but quantity isn't everything

Channel Lineup: Quality vs. Quantity

Both services cover your basic needs with ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, but their specialties differ significantly.

Fubo's Sports Focus

Fubo started as a sports-first service, and it shows. Their lineup includes:

• ESPN, Fox Sports, NFL Network

• Regional sports networks in many markets

• Niche channels like beIN SPORTS and TUDN

• Missing entertainment heavyweights like TBS and TNT (part of Warner Bros. Discovery)

YouTube TV's Balanced Approach

YouTube TV offers a more rounded channel selection:

• Major sports channels (ESPN, Fox Sports, Big Ten Network)

• Strong entertainment options (AMC, Bravo, FX)

• Fewer regional sports networks

• Better overall value for general viewers

I noticed that some of Fubo's 185+ channel count includes content you can get for free elsewhere, like on The Roku Channel, which dilutes its value proposition for non-sports viewers.

Pricing: The Cost Breakdown

Your wallet will definitely feel the difference between these two services.

Fubo's Tiered Pricing:

• Pro plan: $84.99/month (entry-level)

• Elite plan: $89.99/month

• Premier plan: $99.99/month

YouTube TV's Simpler Approach:

• Base plan: $72.99/month

• Add-ons available: Sports Plus ($10.99/month), 4K Plus ($9.99/month)

Even if you add YouTube TV's Sports Plus package, you're looking at $83.98/month – still a dollar less than Fubo's base plan. 

That $12 annual savings might not seem huge, but it adds up over time.

Features That Matter Daily

The features of each service can make or break your viewing experience.

DVR Capability

• Fubo: 1,000 hours of storage

• YouTube TV: Unlimited storage with no expiration date

Simultaneous Streaming

• Fubo: Up to 10 streams at home, 2 away

• YouTube TV: 3 simultaneous streams (upgradable with 4K Plus)

User Experience

• YouTube TV wins for interface design with a cleaner, more intuitive layout

• Fubo's interface is functional but feels cluttered and heavily sports-focused

I've found that YouTube TV's unlimited DVR is a game-changer. 

I never have to worry about managing storage or deciding what to delete – a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement.

What Real Users Are Saying

The subscriber numbers tell a story: YouTube TV boasts over 8 million subscribers compared to Fubo's 1.6 million.

On Reddit, one user commented, "I can't believe how much better YouTube TV is compared to Fubo," citing ease of use as the primary factor. 

That sentiment seems common, with many praising YouTube TV's reliability and user-friendly design.

Fubo users, meanwhile, rave about the sports coverage but frequently mention buffering issues and express frustration over recent price increases.

Recent Changes Worth Noting

Both services have evolved recently:

Fubo Updates:

• Price increases across all plans

• Added some channels but dropped others

• Current least-expensive package now $85/month

YouTube TV Updates:

• Maintained $72.99/month base price

• Added Fantasy View for sports (not available on Fubo)

• Supports Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

These changes suggest YouTube TV is working to maintain value while Fubo continues to position itself as a premium, sports-first option.

Making Your Choice

Your decision ultimately comes down to your viewing habits:

Choose YouTube TV if:

• You want the best overall value

• You need unlimited DVR storage

• You watch a balanced mix of entertainment, news, and sports

• Interface quality is important to you

Choose Fubo if:

• Regional sports networks are must-haves

• You need more simultaneous streams for a large household

• You're primarily a sports viewer

• You want the largest possible channel count

I've tried both services, and for my mixed viewing habits, YouTube TV provides better value. 

But if I were a die-hard sports fan needing specific regional networks, I might feel differently.

Want help deciding? 

Check your local channel availability by entering your ZIP code on YouTube TV and Fubo's websites.

What are your must-have channels? 

Let me know in the comments, and I'll help you decide which service might work better for your specific needs.