In today’s digital age, YouTube Premium vs. YouTube TV student discount is a common dilemma for students looking to save on streaming services. Both offer unique benefits, but they cater to different viewing needs—YouTube Premium enhances your experience on regular YouTube with ad-free videos and offline downloads, while YouTube TV provides live TV streaming with access to popular channels.
If you’re a student searching for the best discount, it’s essential to understand how these two services compare. In this article, we’ll break down YouTube Premium vs. YouTube TV, highlight their student discount options, and help you decide which one fits your preferences and budget. Let’s dive in!
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is a subscription service that enhances the regular YouTube experience by removing ads, enabling background play, and providing access to exclusive content. Here’s what you get with YouTube Premium:
Key Features of YouTube Premium:
- Ad-Free Experience: Watch videos without interruptions.
- Offline Viewing: Download videos and watch them without an internet connection.
- Background Play: Keep videos playing even when switching apps or locking your phone.
- YouTube Music Premium: Ad-free music streaming with background play and offline downloads.
- Exclusive Content: Access to original shows and movies from YouTube Originals.
YouTube Premium Student Discount
Students can enjoy YouTube Premium at a discounted price. Here’s what you need to know:
- Price: $6.99/month (compared to the standard $13.99/month).
- Eligibility: Must be a student at an accredited college or university.
- Verification: Students must verify their status through SheerID.
- Renewal: Discount is valid for up to four years but requires annual verification.
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers access to major broadcast and cable networks without a traditional cable subscription. It’s designed for those who want to watch live TV, sports, and news on multiple devices.
Key Features of YouTube TV:
- Live TV Streaming: Over 100+ live channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and more.
- Unlimited DVR Storage: Record shows and watch them later.
- Multiple Screens: Stream on up to 3 devices at the same time.
- On-Demand Content: Access a library of past episodes, movies, and exclusive content.
- No Contracts: Cancel anytime without long-term commitments.
YouTube TV Student Discount
Unlike YouTube Premium, YouTube TV does not offer a specific student discount. However, there are ways to save money:
- Free Trial: YouTube TV often offers free trials (usually 7 to 14 days).
- Limited-Time Promotions: Occasionally, YouTube TV provides temporary discounts for new subscribers.
- Family Sharing: You can split the cost with up to 6 household members to make it more affordable.
- Bundled Deals: Sometimes YouTube TV is bundled with other services at a discount.
YouTube Premium vs. YouTube TV: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re confused about which service to subscribe to, consider the following factors:
1. Purpose: Entertainment vs. Live TV
- Choose YouTube Premium if you mainly watch YouTube videos, listen to music, and want an ad-free experience.
- Choose YouTube TV if you watch live sports, news, and TV shows and need an alternative to cable TV.
2. Pricing & Budget
- YouTube Premium: $6.99/month (student discount), making it an affordable option for students.
- YouTube TV: $72.99/month, which is significantly higher but offers live TV streaming.
3. Offline Viewing & Background Play
- YouTube Premium allows you to download videos and play in the background, great for multitasking.
- YouTube TV does not offer background play but does provide unlimited DVR storage.
4. Family Sharing
- YouTube Premium: Share with up to 5 family members (Family Plan: $22.99/month).
- YouTube TV: Share with up to 6 household members, making it cost-effective when split among users.
5. Content Access
- YouTube Premium: Best for those who consume regular YouTube content, podcasts, and music.
- YouTube TV: Ideal for those who want live TV, sports, and major TV channels.
Final Verdict: Which One is Best for Students?
- If you’re a student who loves ad-free YouTube, background play, and offline downloads, go for YouTube Premium with the student discount.
- If you watch a lot of live TV, sports, and news, YouTube TV is worth considering, but keep in mind the higher price and lack of a student discount.
- If budget is a concern, YouTube Premium is the clear winner with its affordable student plan.
Conclusion
Both YouTube Premium and YouTube TV offer unique benefits, but the right choice depends on your needs. Students looking for a cost-effective way to enjoy YouTube should opt for YouTube Premium, while those who want a cable TV replacement might consider YouTube TV despite the higher price.
If you’re still unsure, take advantage of the free trials for both services and see which one fits your lifestyle best!