YouTube TV subscription pricing

YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month as of now, though this price has changed before and may change again. The subscription includes access to live TV channels, on-demand shows and movies, and cloud DVR storage. You get one account that up to six household members can use, though only three can watch at the same time on different devices.

The base plan is the only plan YouTube TV offers—there is no cheaper tier or premium tier with more channels. What you pay is what you get, with no hidden fees added at checkout. However, YouTube TV does offer add-on packages for sports, international channels, and premium movie networks, each costing extra per month.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for one account that up to six household members can share, with three simultaneous streams allowed.
  • The subscription includes over 100 live TV channels, cloud DVR with unlimited storage, and on-demand content from major networks.
  • Add-on packages for sports, international programming, and premium channels cost between $10 and $20 per month on top of the base price.
  • YouTube TV offers a trial period before charging your payment method, so you can test the service and channels before committing.
  • The price may increase in the future, and YouTube notifies existing subscribers before any change takes effect.

What channels and features come with the base subscription

Your $72.99 monthly payment includes access to over 100 live TV channels. These include major broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox; cable news channels like CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News; sports channels like ESPN, NFL Network, and MLB.TV; and entertainment channels like HGTV, Food Network, and Discovery. The exact channel lineup varies slightly by location, and YouTube TV's website shows you which channels are available in your zip code before you start.

The subscription also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, meaning you can record shows and keep them as long as you want without running out of space. Recordings stay available for up to nine months. You get access to on-demand libraries from many of the included networks, so you can watch recent episodes or full seasons without recording them. YouTube TV also integrates with YouTube's regular video platform, so your YouTube account and YouTube TV account work together.

Add-on packages that cost extra

Beyond the base subscription, YouTube TV offers optional add-ons that each cost additional money per month. The Sports Plus add-on ($10.99 per month) includes channels like NFL RedZone, Pac-12 Networks, and additional ESPN channels. The International Plus add-on ($14.99 per month) adds channels in languages like Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, and others depending on your location.

Premium movie networks are also available as add-ons. These include HBO Max ($19.99 per month), Showtime ($10.99 per month), and Starz ($10.99 per month). You can add or remove these add-ons at any time, and they appear on your monthly bill alongside the base subscription cost. YouTube TV does not bundle these add-ons into a discount package—you pay the full price for each one you choose.

How the free trial works

YouTube TV offers a trial period that lets you watch live TV and use the service before your payment method is charged. The trial length varies—YouTube sometimes offers a week, sometimes two weeks, depending on current promotions. During the trial, you have full access to all base subscription features, including the channel lineup, cloud DVR, and on-demand content available in your area.

YouTube TV requires a valid payment method to start the trial, but you will not be charged during the trial period. When the trial ends, your subscription automatically converts to a paid account and your payment method is charged the monthly rate. You can cancel anytime before the trial ends to avoid being charged. YouTube sends reminder notifications as the trial end date approaches.

Comparing YouTube TV to other streaming services

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service, which makes it different from on-demand services like Netflix or Disney+. Live TV services cost more because they include current broadcasts, sports, and news as they happen. Other live TV options include Hulu with Live TV ($76.99 per month), Sling TV (starting at $39.99 per month for a limited channel set), and DirecTV Stream ($79.99 per month for the base plan). Each service has a different channel lineup and different add-on options, so the total cost depends on which channels matter to you.

If you only want on-demand shows and movies without live TV, services like Netflix, Hulu (without live TV), or Disney+ cost less per month but do not include live broadcasts or current-season sports. Many people use YouTube TV alongside one or two on-demand services rather than choosing one or the other. The choice depends on whether you watch live TV regularly and which specific channels you need.

Payment methods and billing

YouTube TV accepts credit cards, debit cards, and payment methods linked to your Google account, including Google Play balance. Your subscription renews automatically each month on the same date you started, and the charge appears on your statement as "YouTube TV." You can update your payment method anytime in your account settings, and you can pause your subscription for up to three months if you want to stop paying temporarily without canceling completely.

If your payment method fails or expires, YouTube TV sends notifications and gives you time to update it before your service is interrupted. Taxes may be added to your bill depending on your location. YouTube TV does not offer refunds for partial months—if you cancel mid-month, your access continues until the end of that billing period, but you do not receive a refund for unused days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my YouTube TV account with family members who live in different houses?

YouTube TV allows up to six household members to use one account, but the service is designed for people living in the same home. If members travel or live elsewhere temporarily, they can watch on their devices, but YouTube TV may ask you to verify your home location periodically. Sharing with people who live permanently at a different address may violate the terms of service.

What happens if more than three people try to watch at the same time?

YouTube TV allows three simultaneous streams per account. If a fourth person tries to watch while three are already streaming, they will see a message that the limit has been reached and cannot start playback. They can watch after one of the other streams stops.

Does YouTube TV charge sales tax?

Sales tax is added to your bill in most states and locations. The amount depends on your state and local tax rates. YouTube TV shows the total amount including tax before you confirm your subscription, so you know the exact charge before it hits your payment method.

Can I cancel YouTube TV anytime, or is there a contract?

YouTube TV has no contract and no cancellation fee. You can cancel your subscription anytime through your account settings, and your access continues through the end of your current billing period. You will not be charged again after cancellation.

Will the price go up in the future?

YouTube TV has raised its price several times since launch. The company notifies existing subscribers at least 30 days before any price increase takes effect, giving you time to decide whether to continue. You can cancel before the new price applies if you choose not to pay the higher amount.