When it came time to decouple from DirecTV, YouTube TV made the most sense to me. I was most familiar with the interface and the app worked well with all of my mobile devices. It also met my entertainment needs with local channels and enough national sports channels to watch live NFL and NHL games. Unfortunately, YouTube is raising the price again and the television service now costs $83 per month. Once I add some of my favorite streaming services, I’ll pay back the amount that originally made me switch.

Recreating my conversation was a challenge

Not all packages are the same

When I left DirecTV, I had to recreate the entertainment experience I wanted. It felt like putting pieces of glass back together. It’s surprising how many channels you don’t think about until they’re gone. I knew that compromises would have to be made and peripheral channels that I only occasionally saw would be eliminated. However, it was worth it because I saved over $100 a month Freak out hadn’t been on Bravo in years. Using a combination of YouTube TV and streaming services, I was able to get close enough to the TV entertainment I had been watching for years.

Even if the math doesn’t quite add up in your area, it’s not hard to see that the savings gap has closed.

Unfortunately, cutting the cord can be complicated for sports fans. While I was able to watch national NHL, NBA, and local NFL games on YouTube TV with no problem, I had issues with regional sports channels. For example, Yankees fans would be disappointed to learn that the YES Network is not on YouTube TV. Contractual disputes between cable network operators and regional networks are common. Still, there’s usually a resolution before the first pitch of Opening Day because no one wants the backlash from angry fans. Because YouTube TV serves so many regions, there isn’t the same urgency, and the dispute with the YES Network has been going on for over four years.

I don’t save like I used to

YouTube TV isn’t worth the effort for $10

At first, I could live with the headaches and the various streaming services required because I saved so much money. Over $1,000 a year in savings requires a lot of patience. Unfortunately, YouTube TV has decided to use it all up. YouTube initially charged $35 per month for its TV service, and I signed up when the service was only $50 per month. I felt comfortable at these prices. I got fantastic value for money and the ease of use made the switch worth it. Over time, YouTube increased the price with the recent increase to $83 per month – a far cry from its sensible beginnings.

If cable TV prices increased accordingly, the YouTube TV price changes would be unpleasant, but something we would have to live with. However, a simple internet search will turn up several cable companies and DirecTV with competitively priced packages, some even cheaper than YouTube TV. Even if the math doesn’t quite add up in your area, it’s not hard to see that the savings gap has closed. I cut cable to save $100 a month, not $10. If I can bundle my internet and even get a landline for a few cents, the price difference becomes staggering, especially when I add all the streaming services – many of which can also be bundled with cable service.

Cable companies moved with the times

It’s no longer about your set-top box

Cable and satellite TV providers realized they had to do something to retain customers (or lure them back). If you’ve used Optimum’s TV services lately, you know that the set-top features are more like those of a Roku Ultra than what you were familiar with from years ago. You are no longer tied to your television when it comes to entertainment options. DirecTV uses Gemini (no, not TheGemini), which provides access to the Google Play Store for downloading apps and streaming services. The company also offers an Internet-only version, so you can watch your favorite shows and channels without setting up an unsightly satellite dish on your roof.

It’s also easier than ever to enjoy content from your computer simply by having a cable TV account. With my traditional cable login and password, I can watch live sports on ESPN or the NFL website. I can also do the same for several regional sports networks. Major networks like CBS, NBC, and others let you stream full episodes and live TV through their apps. Cutting the cord is no longer a problem as many cable and satellite companies operate like streaming services.

YouTube TV needs to understand its audience

If the recent price hike wasn’t bad enough, there are rumors that YouTube will raise prices again in 2025. I can’t imagine a world where I pay $100 a month for YouTube TV, but we’re headed in that direction. As streaming services like Max and Disney+ have increased prices in recent years, cable TV is becoming more and more expensive. Cable TV providers offer attractive packages for popular streaming services, set-top boxes for downloading apps and shows, and attractive basic prices. YouTube TV forces me back to cable TV and I no longer even have to stare at the Guide channel for 10 minutes to see what’s on.