YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan

YouTube TV's main plan runs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 channels. This is the standard package most people sign up for. The price includes local broadcast channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), cable news (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News), sports channels (ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV), and entertainment channels (HGTV, Food Network, AMC). You also get cloud DVR storage to record shows, though there are limits on how long recordings stay available.

YouTube TV raised its price from $64.99 to $72.99 in October 2022. The company has adjusted pricing several times since the service launched in 2017. If you already subscribe, you'll see the new price on your next billing date after the change takes effect in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 channels plus cloud DVR recording.
  • You can add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz for $9.99 to $22.99 per month each.
  • YouTube TV lets you watch on up to three devices at once, and you can create up to six user profiles on one account.
  • The service includes a free trial period so you can test it before your first charge, though the trial length varies by promotion.
  • Prices may vary slightly by location and can change over time, so check your account settings to see your exact rate.

What's included in the $72.99 base plan

The base plan gives you access to the channel lineup, but the exact channels available depend on your location. YouTube TV uses your zip code to determine which local channels (like your ABC or NBC affiliate) you receive. Most subscribers in major markets get the same core set of national channels, but rural areas may have fewer local options.

Cloud DVR is included at no extra cost. You can record shows and keep them for up to nine months. However, some networks impose their own limits—for example, you might only be able to keep a recorded sports event for a shorter period. The service doesn't tell you upfront which shows have these restrictions, so you may discover them only when you try to watch a recording.

You can stream on up to three devices at the same time on one account. If four people try to watch at once, the fourth person will be blocked. You can create up to six user profiles, which is useful if multiple people in your household watch different shows, but only three can stream simultaneously regardless of how many profiles exist.

Add-on channels and premium services

YouTube TV offers optional add-ons beyond the base plan. These let you subscribe to premium channels without a separate subscription elsewhere. HBO Max costs $9.99 per month, Showtime runs $10.99 per month, and Starz is $8.99 per month. Other add-ons include Cinemax ($9.99), Paramount+ ($11.99), and several others. Each add-on is billed separately on your YouTube TV invoice.

These prices can change, and YouTube TV sometimes runs promotions where the first few months of an add-on are discounted or free. Check the add-ons section of your account to see current pricing and any active offers.

How to check your exact price and billing date

Your YouTube TV bill appears on your Google account statement each month. To see your current rate and billing date, sign into YouTube TV on a web browser, go to Settings, and select Membership. This page shows your plan type, the date of your next charge, and any add-ons you're paying for.

If you're on a promotional rate—for example, a discounted first three months—this page will also show when that promotion ends and what your regular price will be. YouTube TV notifies you by email before a promotional rate expires, but checking your account directly is faster than waiting for the email.

Free trial and how it works

YouTube TV typically offers a free trial, though the length varies depending on current promotions. Some trials last seven days, others 14 days. During the trial, you have full access to the base plan and can test all features. You need a valid payment method on file to start the trial, even though you won't be charged during the trial period.

Your first charge happens on the day after your trial ends, unless you cancel before that date. YouTube TV sends reminder emails as your trial approaches its end date, but it's your responsibility to cancel if you don't want to continue. Cancellation is when ready—you lose access when ready, not at the end of a billing cycle.

Comparing YouTube TV to other live TV services

Other live TV streaming services price similarly to YouTube TV. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month for the base plan. Sling TV is cheaper at $40 per month for the Orange plan or $55 for the Orange + Blue combo, but includes fewer channels. FuboTV runs $79.99 per month and focuses more on sports. DirecTV Stream starts at $79.99 per month.

The main differences aren't just price—they're channel selection, simultaneous streams, and DVR limits. YouTube TV allows three simultaneous streams; Hulu + Live TV allows two on the base plan; Sling TV allows one. If multiple people in your household watch at the same time, this matters more than a $5 monthly difference.

What happens if you cancel and rejoin

If you cancel YouTube TV and later want to rejoin, you start fresh. Your recordings are deleted when you cancel, and you won't get them back if you resubscribe. Your user profiles and watch history are tied to your Google account, so those return if you use the same account, but any saved shows or recordings are gone.

YouTube TV doesn't charge a cancellation fee or require a contract. You can cancel anytime through your account settings, and the cancellation takes effect when ready. Some people cancel during months when they know they won't watch much, then rejoin later—this is allowed, though you'll start with a fresh DVR and no saved recordings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does YouTube TV charge tax on top of the $72.99?

Yes, sales tax is added to your bill depending on your location. The tax rate varies by state and sometimes by county. Your account settings show the total amount you'll be charged, including tax, before your payment processes.

Can I share my YouTube TV account with someone who doesn't live with me?

YouTube TV's terms say the account is for household members only. The service can detect when streams are coming from different locations and may restrict access if it detects account sharing across separate homes. Using it within your own household is fine.

What if the price goes up after I subscribe?

YouTube TV notifies you by email before a price increase takes effect. You have the option to cancel before the new price applies. If you don't cancel, your next billing date will charge the new amount. The company has raised prices several times since launch, so future increases are possible.

Is there a yearly plan that costs less than paying monthly?

YouTube TV does not offer a yearly subscription option. You pay month to month only. Some other streaming services offer annual plans at a discount, but YouTube TV doesn't.

Do I need a YouTube account to use YouTube TV?

Yes, YouTube TV runs through your Google account. If you don't have a Google account, you'll need to create one to sign up. Your YouTube TV subscription is separate from a regular YouTube account—you can watch free YouTube videos without paying for YouTube TV.