Yes, fuboTV requires a monthly subscription — there is no free tier
fuboTV is a paid streaming service. You cannot watch live TV or on-demand content without paying a monthly fee. Unlike some competitors that offer limited free access, fuboTV operates on a subscription-only model across all its plans.
The service charges between $80 and $120 per month depending on which plan you choose. The exact price depends on what channels you want and whether you add extras like cloud storage or premium networks. fuboTV occasionally runs promotional rates for new subscribers — typically a discount on the first month or two — but these are temporary.
You can cancel at any time without a contract or early termination fee. If you want to test the service before committing, fuboTV has offered free trial periods in the past, though the length and availability of these trials change. Check the fuboTV website directly to see what trial offer, if any, is currently running.
Key Takeaways
- fuboTV costs $80 to $120 per month with no free tier, and you pay only for the months you use.
- The price varies by plan tier, with higher tiers adding more channels and features like extended cloud storage.
- New subscribers may find promotional pricing on their first month or two, but regular pricing applies after that period ends.
- You can cancel anytime without penalty, so there is no long-term contract or cancellation fee to worry about.
- A free trial period may be available to test the service, though the trial length and current availability should be confirmed on fuboTV's site.
What channels and features come with each price tier
fuboTV organizes its plans by channel count and add-on features rather than by name. The base plan includes roughly 150 channels and costs around $80 per month. This covers most major broadcast networks, cable news, sports, and entertainment channels. The higher tier adds premium channels and costs closer to $120 per month.
Both plans include cloud storage for recordings, though the amount of storage differs. The base plan typically offers 250 hours of cloud storage, while the higher tier offers 1,000 hours. If you record a lot of sports or shows you want to keep, the extra storage in the higher plan matters.
You can add premium networks separately — channels like Showtime, Starz, or Paramount+ — for an additional $5 to $15 per month each. These are optional, so you only pay for networks you actually want to watch.
How fuboTV compares to YouTube TV and other live TV services on price
fuboTV's base price of around $80 per month puts it in the middle of the live TV streaming market. YouTube TV, which you may have come from, costs about $73 per month and includes more cloud storage (up to 3,000 hours) in its standard plan. Hulu with Live TV runs roughly $77 per month, and Sling TV starts lower at around $40 per month but with fewer channels.
The real difference is what channels matter to you. fuboTV emphasizes sports channels, so if you watch a lot of soccer, basketball, or regional sports, it may be worth the price. YouTube TV includes more local channels in most markets and has a cleaner interface. Sling TV is cheaper but requires you to pick and choose channel bundles rather than getting a set package.
None of these services charge extra for the basic streaming itself — you pay one monthly fee and watch on as many devices as your account allows. The hidden costs come from add-ons like premium networks or if you want to upgrade storage.
What happens if you pause or cancel your subscription
If you stop paying your fuboTV bill, your account access ends when ready. You cannot watch live TV or access your recordings. If you pause your subscription and come back later, you will need to restart your account and pay the current price — there is no discount for returning subscribers.
Your cloud recordings are tied to your active subscription. If you cancel, those recordings are deleted. If you think you might come back, read or save anything important before you cancel.
fuboTV does not charge a cancellation fee, so you can stop whenever you want. You are only charged for the months you actually use the service. If you cancel mid-month, you typically lose access at the end of that billing cycle, not when ready.
Payment methods and billing cycles
fuboTV accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. You set up automatic monthly billing when you create your account. The charge hits your payment method on the same day each month.
If your payment method fails or expires, fuboTV will attempt to charge you again a few times before suspending your account. You can update your payment information in your account settings to avoid interruption.
The service does not offer annual billing discounts — you pay month to month only. This means you cannot lock in a lower rate by paying for a year upfront.
Promotional pricing and trial offers
fuboTV regularly runs promotions for new subscribers, such as a discount on the first month or first two months. These deals are advertised on the fuboTV website and sometimes through email or ads. The discount typically brings the first month down to $20 to $30, then regular pricing applies.
Trial periods have been offered in the past — usually 7 days free — but these are not always available. The current trial offer, if any exists, should be shown when you visit the sign-up page. Do not assume a trial is available; check the site directly.
Promotional pricing is for new subscribers only. If you have had a fuboTV account before, you will not be able to use a new subscriber promotion even if you cancel and wait a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch fuboTV on multiple devices at the same time?
fuboTV allows simultaneous streaming on a limited number of devices depending on your plan. Most plans allow two or three streams at once. If you try to watch on more devices than your plan allows, one of the streams will be cut off. Check your specific plan details for the exact number.
Do I need to pay extra for local channels?
Local channels are included in your fuboTV subscription at no extra cost, but availability depends on your location. Not all markets receive all local channels. When you sign up, fuboTV shows you which local channels are available in your zip code.
What if I only want to watch sports — is there a cheaper option?
fuboTV does not offer a sports-only plan at a lower price. However, Sling TV has a sports-focused bundle that costs less than fuboTV's base plan, though it includes fewer total channels. If you only care about specific sports, you might also look into league-specific streaming services like ESPN+ or individual network apps.
Can I use a VPN to watch fuboTV outside the United States?
fuboTV is designed for use in the United States only. Using a VPN to access it from outside the country may violate the service's terms of service. If you travel internationally, check fuboTV's policy on account access while abroad.
Is there a student or senior discount?
fuboTV does not currently offer student or senior discounts. Your only option for a lower price is to wait for a promotional offer aimed at new subscribers or to choose a cheaper competitor like Sling TV.