YouTube TV does not include Netflix
YouTube TV and Netflix are two different streaming services run by different companies. YouTube TV is owned by Google; Netflix is owned by Netflix Inc. If you subscribe to YouTube TV, you do not automatically get Netflix, and Netflix does not come bundled with a YouTube TV membership at any price tier.
YouTube TV is a live television service. It carries cable channels, broadcast networks, and sports — the kind of programming that airs on a schedule. Netflix is an on-demand service with movies and TV shows you watch whenever you want. They serve different purposes, and you pay for them separately.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV and Netflix are separate services from different companies, and Netflix is not included in any YouTube TV plan.
- YouTube TV carries live television channels and sports; Netflix carries movies and on-demand shows you choose when to watch.
- You can subscribe to both services at the same time, but you will pay for each one independently.
- YouTube TV does offer some on-demand content from its live channels, but this is not the same as Netflix's library.
- If you want both services, check the current price of each directly on their websites, as costs change regularly.
What YouTube TV includes instead of Netflix
YouTube TV's base plan includes over 100 live channels — ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and many others — plus cloud DVR storage so you can record shows and watch them later. You also get access to on-demand content from those channels, meaning you can rewatch recent episodes without waiting for them to air again.
YouTube TV also offers add-on packages for extra channels. You can add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz if you want more movies and series. These are paid add-ons on top of your base YouTube TV subscription, and they are still not Netflix.
Why YouTube TV and Netflix are not bundled together
YouTube TV and Netflix compete in the streaming market, even though they offer different types of content. Google (YouTube TV's owner) has its own streaming service called Google TV, which is separate from YouTube TV. Netflix is a standalone company that does not partner with cable or live TV services to bundle its service for free.
Occasionally, streaming services do partner — for example, some phone or internet providers bundle Netflix or Disney+ with their plans. But YouTube TV does not have such a deal with Netflix. If a bundle existed, both companies would have announced it publicly, and you would see it listed on YouTube TV's pricing page.
How to get both YouTube TV and Netflix
You can subscribe to YouTube TV and Netflix at the same time. You would straightforward sign up for each service separately and pay for each one with your own payment method. Many people do this because they want live sports and news from YouTube TV plus movies and on-demand shows from Netflix.
Netflix offers several plan levels with different prices and features — you can check their current pricing on Netflix.com. YouTube TV also has different plan tiers; visit YouTube.com/TV to see what is available in your area. Both services let you cancel anytime, so you can try one or both without a long-term commitment.
What to watch for when comparing streaming costs
If you are thinking about subscribing to both services, add up the monthly cost of each. YouTube TV's price varies slightly by region and changes periodically. Netflix's price depends on which plan you choose — they offer plans with ads, standard plans, and premium plans with higher video quality.
Some people find it cheaper to subscribe to YouTube TV for live content and Netflix for on-demand shows than to pay for a traditional cable bundle. Others prefer to pick just one service based on what they watch most. There is no single right answer — it depends on your viewing habits and budget.
Other streaming services that might interest you
If you are comparing YouTube TV to other options, know that other live TV services exist. Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV all carry live channels similar to YouTube TV. Some of these services do bundle other streaming content — for example, Hulu + Live TV includes access to Disney+ and ESPN+ — but Netflix is not part of any of these bundles either.
On the on-demand side, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ are alternatives or complements to Netflix. Many people subscribe to multiple on-demand services to access different libraries of shows and movies. The choice depends on which shows and movies matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Netflix through the YouTube TV app?
No. Netflix is a separate app that you read and sign into independently. YouTube TV's app shows only YouTube TV content — live channels, recordings, and on-demand shows from those channels. You cannot access Netflix through YouTube TV.
Does YouTube TV offer a free trial that includes Netflix?
YouTube TV sometimes offers a free trial of its own service, but it does not include Netflix. If you want to try Netflix, you would need to sign up for Netflix separately. Check YouTube.com/TV for current trial offers.
Is there a bundle that includes both YouTube TV and Netflix?
No. YouTube TV and Netflix do not offer a joint bundle. You must pay for each service separately. Some internet or phone providers may bundle one or the other with their service, but not both together.
What if I only want on-demand shows and movies — should I get YouTube TV or Netflix?
Netflix is the better choice if you only want on-demand content. YouTube TV is designed for live television. While YouTube TV does include some on-demand episodes from its channels, Netflix has a much larger library of movies and series you can watch anytime.
Can I use the same login for YouTube TV and Netflix?
No. YouTube TV and Netflix are completely separate services with separate accounts. You sign up for each one independently and use different usernames and passwords. They do not share login information.