Deciding between Dish TV and YouTube TV for your home entertainment? This comprehensive guide compares features, pricing, channels, DVR, streaming, and more to help you choose the best option.
Introduction: Dish TV Overview
Dish TV is a satellite TV service offered by Dish Network with a wide selection of programming packages and extra channel add-ons available.
Here’s an overview of Dish TV and what it offers:
Programming Packages: Dish TV offers package tiers ranging from basic 190+ channels to 290+ channels in their top-tier “America’s Top 250” package. Customizable channel lineups available.
Equipment Needed: Requires Dish satellite dish and proprietary receivers like the Hopper 3 DVR. Multi-TV households need Joey receivers.
DVR Features: Hopper 3 Smart DVR can record up to 16 shows at once and store up to 2,000 hours. Functions like PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop allow skipping commercials.
Availability: Available nationwide in continental USA where Dish can install satellite equipment pointing southwards. Rural availability higher than cable.
Contracts: Typically requires 2-year contract when bundled with equipment discounts. Early termination fees may apply if canceled before term ends.
Compared to streaming services, the main advantages of satellite TV are more channel options, reliable service even in rural areas, advanced DVR functionality and picture quality. The tradeoffs are higher pricing, contracts, less flexibility, and the need for satellite dish installation.
Overview: YouTube TV Streaming Service
YouTube TV is an internet-based live TV streaming service with 85+ top channels offered at a flat monthly rate.
Here are the key things to know about YouTube TV:
Programming: 85+ channels across sports, news, entertainment and more. Add-ons like HBO Max available. Comprehensive coverage with major national & regional sports networks. YouTube TV allows changing your location on YouTube TV to access different regional sports and local channels.
Cloud DVR: Includes unlimited cloud DVR at no extra charge with recordings stored for 9 months. Supports pausing live TV.
Simultaneous Streams: Up to 3 concurrent streams. Unlimited streams within home network. 6 individual user profiles supported.
Availability: Available nationwide without contracts wherever you have a broadband internet connection. No satellite dish or installation needed.
Supported Devices: Compatible with smartphones, tablets, computers, Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs, and more. Fewer devices than satellite but offers flexibility.
Family Friendly: Parental controls and family-friendly programming available. Can create and manage individual profiles for each household member.
Compared to traditional cable and satellite, YouTube TV offers flexibility, no contracts, easier setup, and savings. The tradeoff is having fewer total channels than the highest satellite packages, and relying on your home’s internet connectivity.
Dish TV Pricing Breakdown
Dish TV packages range from $79.99 per month to $109.99 per month with prices guaranteed for two years. Here’s a pricing breakdown of Dish TV programming tiers:
| Dish TV Packages | Price/Mo | Channels | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| America’s Top 120 | $79.99 | 190+ | Pop stations, regional sports |
| America’s Top 120+ | $99.99 | 240+ | More sports & entertainment |
| America’s Top 200 | $109.99 | 290+ | Comprehensive channels + movies |
Additional Fees to Consider
- Premium Movie Channels: $5-20/mo for HBO, Showtime, etc
- Equipment Fees: $10/mo per receiver (Hopper DVR, Wireless Joey, etc)
- Installation & Activation: Up to $200 in fees
- Early Termination Fee: Up to $20 per month remaining if canceled before 2 years
Bundling Dish TV with internet or Dish’s phone service Sling can help lower TV pricing. Starting prices are for first-time Dish customers on select packages with 2-year agreements.
YouTube TV Pricing Breakdown
YouTube TV costs a flat rate of $72.99/month regardless of channels selected or household size. Here’s a pricing breakdown:
- Base Charge: $72.99/mo
- Premium Add-Ons: Showtime, Starz, AMC Premiere ($5-20/mo extra)
- Taxes & Fees: None
YouTube TV offers a few ways to save:
- Intro Offer: $10 off/mo for 3 months ($62.99/mo)
- Annual Billing: $599.88 total per year ($49.99/mo equivalent)
- Student Discount: $15 off/mo with student email verification
Unlike Dish TV, YouTube TV has no contracts, no hidden fees, and can be canceled online anytime. Applicable sales tax charged in some states.
Feature Comparison: Dish TV vs YouTube TV
Now, let’s compare Dish TV and YouTube TV across some key features like channel lineup, DVR, streaming, and ease of use:
Channels & Programming
Channel Count
- Dish TV: 190+ to 290+ channels depending on package
- YouTube TV: 85+ channels with add-on options
Content Selection
- Dish TV has more total channels, especially in top-tier packages
- YouTube TV offers the most popular stations with less filler
- Dish includes Showtime & Hallmark; YouTube has AMC, Discovery, Viacom stations
- Regional sports coverage comparable between both
Premium Channels
- Dish TV includes premium movie channels like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax in bundled packages
- YouTube TV charges $5-15 extra per month for premium channels
Both services offer customization with extra channel packs, but Dish TV has larger lineups to build from depending on your preferences.
DVR Features: Hopper 3 vs YouTube TV
For recording your shows to watch later, Dish TV and YouTube TV take different approaches:
Hopper 3 DVR (Dish)
- Stores up to 2,000 hrs
- Record 16 shows simultaneously
- SkipMode to auto-skip commercials
- Watch on mobile with Dish Anywhere app
- Added monthly fees per receiver
The Hopper 3 DVR helps Dish TV stand out from cable competitors like Spectrum and Xfinity. Advanced features like commercial skipping put it above DirecTV DVRs too.
YouTube TV DVR
- Unlimited 9-month storage
- Records as many shows simultaneously as included in library
- Watch anywhere, anytime
- No storage space limits
- Mobile downloads for offline viewing
- Free cloud DVR included
Both allow scheduled recordings, pausing live TV, and have generous storage. Dish offers sophisticated DVR hardware while YouTube TV leverages the flexibility of the cloud.
Streaming & Devices
Since Dish TV comes via satellite, you can only stream on mobile devices using Dish Anywhere. In contrast, YouTube TV works on all of your household devices:
YouTube TV Compatible Devices
- Smart TVs
- Game Consoles
- Streaming boxes like Roku and Apple TV
- All tablets and cell phones
- Computers
Dish TV Compatible Devices
- Hopper family receivers
- Dish anywhere mobile app
- Chromecast/Airplay from mobile
YouTube TV can directly integrate for a seamless viewing experience across virtually any device already in your home. Dish TV streaming requires their receivers or going through your phone.
Ease of Use Comparison
Interface
- YouTube TV has an intuitive, unified interface mirrored across devices
- Dish TV uses Hopper DVR menus plus Dish Anywhere app for mobile
Account & Settings Management
- YouTube TV allows up to 6 user profiles to track watch history and recommendations
- Dish TV settings shared across one account per household
Tech Skill Required
- YouTube TV simple for anyone to start watching on personal devices immediately
- Dish TV requires installing satellite dish and receivers, more complexity
YouTube TV generally provides a more fluid, mobile-centric system while Dish relies on hardware boxes and satellites. Those less tech-savvy typically find YouTube TV easier to set up and navigate across devices.
YouTube TVsubscribers can have issues with YouTube not working on Vizio smart TVs or NBC content being unavailable. The “are you still watching” prompt can also be frustrating. However, you can easily delete recordings to save cloud DVR storage space.
Pros and Cons Comparison
| Dish TVPros | YouTube TVPros |
|---|---|
| More channel options with 290+ available | No contracts – cancel anytime |
| Advanced DVR functionality | Unlimited cloud DVR included |
| Available nationwide & rural areas | More flexible streaming across devices |
| Picture quality & reliability | Intuitive interface |
| Parental controls & profiles |
| Dish TV Cons | YouTube TV Cons |
|---|---|
| 2-year contracts | Fewer total channels than Dish |
| Hundreds in fees possible | Limits 3 concurrent streams |
| Limited streaming devices | Reliant on internet connectivity |
| Tech complexity for setup | 4K only available on extra package |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Dish TV and YouTube TV require contracts?
Dish typically requires two-year agreements when bundling TV service with equipment discounts. Early termination fees can apply if canceled early.
YouTube TV has no contracts so users have the flexibility to cancel service online at any time without penalties. This allows testing it out more easily.
How is regional sports coverage?
Both Dish TV and YouTube TV offer similar regional sports coverage through channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, CBS Sports Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, and NHL Network. Availability for specific regional games depends on your location.
Can I watch 4K programming?
YouTube TV charges $9.99 per month extra to add a 4K Plus add-on package with live 4K major sporting events and on demand 4K content. Only available for an additional fee.
Select Dish TV packages come with some 4K VOD movies and events, but live 4K sports are not supported. Their 4K Joey receiver also costs $15 per month.
If I cancel early, are there cancellation fees?
YouTube TV has no contracts or early termination fees allowing subscribers to cancel immediately online any time.
Dish TV typically carries early termination fees of $10-20 for each month remaining if you cancel TV service before completing your two year agreement.
Key Takeaways: Choosing What’s Best for You
When choosing between Dish Network and YouTube TV for pay TV services, start by outlining your must-have requirements around channels, budget, contract terms, streaming needs and ease of use.
YouTube TV makes the most sense if you want contract flexibility, fully integrated streaming across devices, and a simpler overall experience. Offering less channels may even be seen as a benefit to avoid paying for content you don’t watch.
YouTube TV compares very favorably to traditional cable replacements like Xfinity and Spectrum TV. Features like unlimited MLB TV streaming make YouTube TV a top option for baseball fans.
Dish TV satellite reigns supreme for the total number of channels and customization available. Their advanced DVR hardware andHopper ecosystem also go above streaming options. But these advantages come alongside two-year agreements, higher pricing all-in for equipment, and limited streaming functionality.
Hopefully framing this Dish vs YouTube TV comparison around packages, pricing, streaming flexibility and key features allows you to determine the best live TV streaming service matching your household viewing patterns and budget!
