YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan, with an option to add premium channels for extra fees

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that charges a monthly subscription. The standard plan includes over 100 channels and runs $72.99 per month. You can add movie channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz individually, each costing between $10 and $23 per month depending on the channel. There are no contracts, so you can cancel anytime.

The price has increased several times since YouTube TV launched. The service started at $35 per month in 2017 and has risen to its current rate. YouTube occasionally runs promotional offers for new members, typically discounting the first few months, but these are temporary.

Key Takeaways

  • The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels without a contract.
  • Premium add-on channels like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz cost between $10 and $23 per month each.
  • You can watch on up to three devices at once with the standard plan, and a 4K Plus add-on is available for $9.99 per month.
  • YouTube TV includes cloud DVR storage to record shows, and you can keep recordings for up to nine months.
  • New members sometimes receive promotional pricing for the first few months, but regular pricing applies after the promotion ends.

What the $72.99 base plan includes

The standard YouTube TV subscription covers live channels across news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle categories. You get ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, Bravo, and many others. The exact channel list varies slightly by location, so your available channels depend on where you live.

The plan includes cloud DVR storage, which means you can record shows and keep them for up to nine months. You can watch on up to three devices at the same time, so multiple household members can stream different channels simultaneously. YouTube TV also includes a YouTube TV app on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.

Add-on channels and their costs

Beyond the base plan, YouTube TV offers premium channel packages. HBO Max costs $19.99 per month, Showtime costs $10.99 per month, and Starz costs $10.99 per month. Other add-ons include Cinemax at $9.99 per month and various sports packages depending on your location.

You do not have to buy any add-ons. The base plan alone gives you access to major broadcast networks and cable channels. Add-ons are optional and only appear on your bill if you choose them. You can add or remove them at any time without penalty.

The 4K Plus add-on and simultaneous streams

YouTube TV offers a 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 per month. This upgrade lets you watch in 4K resolution on compatible devices and increases the number of simultaneous streams from three to four. If you have a 4K television and want to use it for YouTube TV, this add-on is necessary to access 4K quality.

Without the 4K Plus add-on, YouTube TV streams in standard HD quality. Most people do not need the 4K option unless they have a 4K TV and want the higher resolution. The extra simultaneous stream is useful only if your household needs to watch four different channels at the same time.

How YouTube TV compares to other live TV services

YouTube TV is one of several live TV streaming options. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month for the base plan and includes access to Hulu's on-demand library. Sling TV costs $39.99 per month for its Orange plan but includes fewer channels. DirecTV Stream starts at $79.99 per month. Prices and channel lineups vary, so the best choice depends on which channels matter most to you.

YouTube TV does not include on-demand movies and shows the way Hulu does. It is built for live TV viewing rather than a library of past episodes. If you want both live TV and a large on-demand catalog, you would need to pay for both services separately or choose a competitor that bundles them.

Promotional pricing for new members

YouTube TV occasionally offers discounted rates for people signing up for the first time. These promotions typically reduce the monthly cost for the first two or three months, after which the regular $72.99 rate takes effect. The exact promotion changes, so you should check YouTube TV's website to see what is currently available.

Promotional pricing is not may provide and does not explore to existing members who cancel and rejoin. Once your promotional period ends, your bill increases to the standard rate unless you cancel before the promotion expires. Read the terms carefully when you sign up so you know when the discount ends.

Taxes and fees beyond the monthly cost

The prices listed above do not include taxes. Your actual bill will be higher because sales tax applies to streaming services in most states. The tax rate depends on where you live and can range from zero in some states to over 10 percent in others. YouTube TV will show you the total including tax before you complete your purchase.

There are no hidden fees or set up charges. You pay only the monthly subscription price plus applicable taxes. If you add premium channels or the 4K Plus add-on, those costs are added to your bill and also subject to tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause my YouTube TV subscription instead of canceling?

YouTube TV does not offer a pause option. You can cancel anytime and rejoin later, but there is no way to temporarily suspend your account. If you cancel, you lose access when ready. You can sign up again whenever you want without penalty.

Do I need a YouTube account to use YouTube TV?

Yes, YouTube TV requires a Google account. You can use an existing Gmail address or create a new Google account for free. Your YouTube TV subscription is tied to that account, and you use it to sign in on all your devices.

Is there a family plan or discount for multiple people?

YouTube TV does not offer a separate family plan. The base plan allows three simultaneous streams, which covers most households. If you need four streams, you can add the 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 per month. Each person uses the same account to access the service.

What happens if I go over my simultaneous stream limit?

If you try to watch on a fourth device while three are already streaming, the oldest stream will stop. You will see a message telling you to stop watching on another device. This is not a penalty — it is just how the service limits concurrent use.

Can I watch YouTube TV outside the United States?

YouTube TV is available only in the United States. If you travel outside the country, you cannot access your subscription. When you return to the US, your access resumes. Some channels may have additional geographic restrictions even within the US.