YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan as of 2024

YouTube TV's standard plan runs $72.99 monthly and includes live TV from over 100 channels, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to watch on multiple devices at once. The price has risen several times since the service launched, and YouTube has stated it may change again. You can cancel anytime without a contract.

If you want to add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz, those cost extra — typically $10 to $20 per month each, depending on the channel. YouTube TV also offers a 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 monthly, which gives you 4K video quality and unlimited simultaneous streams instead of the standard three.

The service includes a YouTube TV account for one household. If you live with family members, you can each have your own login and watch different channels at the same time, up to the stream limit your plan allows.

Key Takeaways

  • The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels plus cloud DVR.
  • Premium channel add-ons like HBO Max or Showtime cost $10 to $20 extra per month each.
  • The 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 monthly and removes the three-stream limit, letting everyone in your household watch at once.
  • YouTube TV does not lock you into a contract, so you can cancel your subscription at any time.

What channels come with the base plan

The base $72.99 plan includes major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), cable news (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC), sports channels (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports), and entertainment channels like Bravo, HGTV, and Food Network. The exact lineup varies slightly by your location because local channels differ by market.

You can browse the full channel list on YouTube TV's website before you sign up, filtered by your zip code. This matters because some people subscribe mainly for local news or regional sports, and those channels are not the same everywhere.

Premium channels and add-ons explained

YouTube TV lets you add premium channels individually. HBO Max costs $20.99 per month through YouTube TV (though it may be cheaper if you buy it directly from HBO). Showtime, Starz, and Paramount+ each run around $10 to $12 monthly as add-ons. You can turn these on and off whenever you want — there is no commitment to keep them.

The 4K Plus add-on is different from channel add-ons. For $9.99 monthly, it upgrades your video quality to 4K on compatible devices and removes the three-simultaneous-stream limit. Without it, only three people in your household can watch at the same time. With 4K Plus, everyone can watch different channels simultaneously.

How YouTube TV compares to other live TV services

YouTube TV sits in the middle of the live TV market by price. Hulu + Live TV costs around $76.99 monthly for a similar channel count. Sling TV starts lower at around $40 monthly but includes fewer channels. DirecTV Stream (the satellite company's streaming option) runs $79.99 to $149.99 depending on the package.

The real difference is not just price but which channels matter to you. YouTube TV includes ESPN and most sports channels in the base plan, while Sling TV requires an add-on for sports. Hulu + Live TV bundles in Disney+ and ESPN+, which YouTube TV does not. Check the channel list for your local area and the sports or networks you watch most before comparing prices.

Free trial and how to start

YouTube TV does not currently offer a free trial, though this has changed in the past. You can sign up directly through YouTube's website or through the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. Payment starts when ready after you create your account.

You will need a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance) to set up your account. YouTube TV bills you on the same date each month. If you cancel, your access stops at the end of your current billing cycle — you do not get a refund for unused days.

Shared accounts and household rules

YouTube TV is meant for one household. Everyone living at the same address can use the same account with separate logins, and the base plan lets up to three people stream at once. If you travel, you can watch on your phone or tablet outside your home, but the service knows your home address and may ask you to confirm it periodically.

YouTube TV has tightened rules around account sharing in recent years. If someone outside your household uses your account regularly, YouTube may ask you to add them as a paid member or remove them. The company has not published exact details on how it detects this, but it involves tracking login locations and streaming patterns.

Taxes and regional price differences

The $72.99 price does not include sales tax, which varies by state and sometimes by city. Your final bill will be higher depending on your location. Some states charge no sales tax on streaming services, while others tax them at the full rate.

YouTube TV's base price is the same across the United States, but the channel lineup changes by zip code because local broadcast stations differ. Premium add-ons cost the same everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause my YouTube TV subscription instead of canceling?

YouTube TV does not offer a pause feature. You can cancel anytime and restart later, but you will lose access when ready and have to sign up again if you want to come back. There is no penalty for restarting, and you keep your settings and recordings if you use the same account.

Do I need a separate YouTube account to use YouTube TV?

You need a Google account, which is the same thing as a YouTube account. If you already use Gmail or YouTube, you can sign up for YouTube TV with that account. If not, you can create a free Google account in minutes.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel?

Your cloud DVR recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. YouTube TV does not let you read or save recordings to keep them after you cancel. If you want to keep something, you need to watch it before your subscription ends.

Can I use YouTube TV on my smart TV?

Yes. YouTube TV has apps for most major smart TV platforms including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and Samsung TVs. You can also cast from your phone to a Chromecast device. The app is free — you only pay for the subscription.

Does YouTube TV include sports channels?

Yes. The base plan includes ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and regional sports networks in most markets. If you want specialty sports channels like NFL RedZone or MLB Extra Innings, those are available as add-ons for around $10 to $15 monthly.