With an extensive channel lineup and attractive features like unlimited cloud DVR, YouTube TV is one of the best live TV streaming services on the market. As highlighted in our YouTube TV review, it gives you access to 85+ channels, including top sports programming through NBA and MLB networks. You even have the option to stream from up to three devices at a time.
So if you’re thinking of subscribing to the service, you might want to know if you have the right device to use it to its fullest potential. Certain devices may offer functionalities that appeal more to your specific preferences and streaming needs. For example, you might find that the YouTube TV Fire Stick app may be easier to use while YouTube TV on Apple TV provides a better picture quality.
This post gives you insights into all the YouTube TV compatible devices so you can decide on the best options to stream.
YouTube TV compatible devices
YouTube TV works on a wide variety of mobile and tablet devices, as well as streaming media players. It also works on a bunch of video game consoles and browsers. For a while, you couldn’t get YouTube TV on Amazon Fire Stick and other Fire TV devices, and you couldn’t get a YouTube TV PS4 app. But with Google consistently working to provide more inclusive streaming options, you can now stream it on almost all leading devices.
However, you’ll need the most updated version of your operating system and/or browser to enjoy the best playback experience. For now, you can watch YouTube TV using any of the following devices:
- AirPlay for Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV devices with the YouTube TV Amazon Fire app
- Android mobiles and tablets (L devices and above)
- Android TVs
- Apple TV (4th generation) and Apple TV 4K with the Apple TV YouTube TV app
- Chrome browser (latest version)
- Chromecast and Chromecast Built-in TVs
- Firefox browser (latest version)
- Google Smart Displays
- HiSense TVs (select models)
- iPhones and iPads (iOS 11 or later)
- LG smart TVs (2016 and newer)
- PS4 with the YouTube TV PS4 app
- Roku devices with the Roku YouTube TV channel
- Samsung smart TVs (2016 and newer) with the Samsung TV YouTube TV app
- Vizio SmartCast TVs
- Xbox One, Xbox One S and Xbox One X
While YouTube TV works with most of the latest Android phone models, it’s currently unavailable on Pixel C devices. But the service is working to bring YouTube TV to your Pixel C device soon.
Which device should I use to stream YouTube TV?
Since there are so many YouTube TV supported devices to choose from, it can be a bit confusing to decide on which one to use it with. The best device to stream YouTube TV depends on why you’re using the service and what features are important to you. But in general, you’ll want to consider the screen size and streaming quality as well as price.
For streaming YouTube TV on a budget: Roku Express
With a price tag of just $29.99, the Roku Express makes sense if you need a reliable but cost-effective way to stream YouTube TV. In spite of its low cost, this device still packs a punch with smooth high-definition (HD) streaming. So you get high-quality streams of live TV programming on YouTube TV. It also offers a seamless user interface that will further enhance your streaming experience.
The Roku Express comes in a compact and lightweight design, which allows for portability and doesn’t look clunky against your TV. One of the best parts about using YouTube TV on Roku Express is that you get to rearrange your home screen to prioritize your favorite apps and enhance your browsing experience. So you can customize your home screen to highlight YouTube TV for easy access.
YouTube TV option for Amazon members: Amazon Fire Stick 4K
If you already subscribe to other services like Amazon Prime, you can consider getting YouTube TV on Amazon Fire Stick 4K. And after years of feuding, Google and Amazon have finally reached an agreement so you can now use your Fire device to access YouTube TV content as well.
With 4K streaming and Dolby Vision, the Fire Stick 4K comes with exceptional features to access high-quality streams of live TV programming on YouTube TV. So it’s a great way to manage all your subscriptions in one place, especially since it only costs $49.99, which is decent considering the high-end features.
While YouTube TV doesn’t provide 4K content, for now, having a device with 4K capability will come in handy for watching 4K videos on Prime. Plus, YouTube TV for Fire Stick 4K still offers exquisite picture quality with rich and vibrant colors using Dolby Vision on compatible TVs. This can bring you an enhanced streaming experience on YouTube TV so you can thoroughly enjoy live broadcasts of sports and news as well as movies and shows on demand. To learn more about streaming YouTube TV in 4K, visit our guide.
For streaming YouTube TV on the go: Apple iPad Air
For travelers and those always on the move, you might need a way to seamlessly stream YouTube TV while on the go. This calls for portability without any compromises on display quality. And that’s exactly where the Apple iPad Air comes in with a 10.5-inch Retina display that’s small enough to carry around but still offers vivid and true-to-life picture quality.
Plus, it offers an exceptional viewing experience no matter where you go with its anti-reflective coating, high brightness and True Tone display. This will set you back around $499, which is on the expensive side but may be well worth the investment, depending on how you use it.
For YouTube TV on game days: Roku Ultra LT
If you’re going to use YouTube TV to watch high-intensity live games, you want to make sure that you never face any connectivity issues. That’s why the Roku Ultra LT makes perfect sense to stream YouTube TV on game days as it comes with built-in Ethernet support. So instead of relying on a wireless connection to stream live games, you can plug the device directly to your router and enjoy more reliable connectivity while streaming on your YouTube TV Roku app.
This device costs $79.99, which is slightly on the higher end but doesn’t hurt all that much considering the premium features.
Our hot take
Considering price and functionality, the Roku Ultra LT may well be the best streaming device overall to use with YouTube TV. But of course, you can still go for a lower-priced option as well if things like an Ethernet port and 4K HDR streaming aren’t the biggest concerns for you.
While YouTube TV doesn’t offer any device bundles, it regularly offers extended trial periods so you can stream it free for two weeks and sometimes even more. So you might want to wait for those opportunities to get more out of your YouTube TV subscription.
