YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan
YouTube TV is a live television streaming service that lets you watch cable channels, sports, and news on any device with internet. The standard plan runs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 channels. There is no contract, so you can stop anytime.
The price went up from $64.99 in 2022. YouTube has raised the cost twice since the service launched in 2017. If you already subscribe to other streaming services, YouTube TV is an additional monthly charge on top of those.
You get a cloud DVR with unlimited storage, so you can record shows and keep them for up to nine months. You can watch on up to three screens at the same time on the standard plan, and you can create up to six user profiles on one account.
Key Takeaways
- The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels plus unlimited cloud recording.
- You can add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz for $10 to $20 per month each on top of the base price.
- The standard plan allows three simultaneous streams; upgrading to four screens costs an extra $14.99 per month.
- YouTube TV offers a free trial period before charging your payment method, so you can test the service first.
What channels come with the base plan
The $72.99 plan includes major broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. You also get cable news channels (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC), sports networks (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports), and entertainment channels (HGTV, Food Network, Discovery). The exact channel list varies slightly by your location.
YouTube TV does not include every cable channel. Notably absent are some regional sports networks and a few niche cable channels. If you want to know whether a specific channel is available in your area, you can check the full channel list on YouTube TV's website before you start the trial.
Premium add-ons and their costs
Beyond the base plan, you can add premium channels individually. HBO Max costs $19.99 per month, Showtime costs $10.99 per month, and Starz costs $10.99 per month. Other add-ons include Paramount+ ($11.99), Cinemax ($9.99), and The Roku Channel ($9.99). Each one is billed separately on your monthly invoice.
You do not have to buy any add-ons. The base plan alone gives you access to most major networks and sports. Add-ons make sense only if you watch specific premium content regularly.
Extra screens and simultaneous viewing
The standard $72.99 plan lets you stream on three devices at the same time. If you have a household of four or more people who watch at the same time, you will need the 4K Plus add-on, which costs $14.99 per month. This upgrade gives you a fourth simultaneous stream and also unlocks 4K video quality on compatible devices.
Without the 4K Plus add-on, your streams play in up to 1080p resolution. The 4K upgrade only matters if you have a 4K TV and devices that support 4K streaming. Most households do not need it.
How to test YouTube TV before paying
YouTube TV offers a free trial that lasts a set number of days. During the trial, you get full access to the base plan at no cost. You will need to enter a payment method to start the trial, but you will not be charged unless you keep the subscription past the trial period.
The trial length changes occasionally, so check YouTube TV's website for the current offer. Set a reminder before the trial ends so you do not forget to cancel if you decide the service is not for you.
Comparing YouTube TV to other live TV services
YouTube TV is one of several live television streaming options. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month and includes Hulu's on-demand library. Sling TV starts at $39.99 per month but includes fewer channels. FuboTV costs $79.99 per month and focuses on sports and entertainment.
The choice depends on which channels matter most to you and how many screens you need. YouTube TV has the largest channel count and the most generous cloud DVR. Sling TV is the cheapest option if you only watch a few channels. Hulu + Live TV makes sense if you also want access to Hulu's back catalog of shows.
Billing and cancellation
YouTube TV charges your payment method on the same day each month. You can update your payment method, pause your subscription for up to three months, or cancel anytime through your account settings. There is no penalty for canceling, and you will not be charged for the next month if you cancel before your billing date.
If you cancel mid-month, you lose access when ready. YouTube does not offer refunds for partial months. If you pause instead of canceling, your subscription will automatically resume after three months unless you cancel it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my YouTube TV account with family members in another house?
YouTube TV allows up to six user profiles on one account, but the service is designed for a single household. Sharing your login with people outside your home may violate YouTube's terms of service. For the most current policy on account sharing, check YouTube TV's terms directly.
Do I need a cable box or special equipment to watch YouTube TV?
No. You watch through the YouTube TV app on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV. You need a stable internet connection but no cable box or additional hardware.
What happens to my recordings if I cancel?
Your cloud DVR recordings are deleted when you cancel your subscription. If you want to keep a show, you need to watch it or read it before your cancellation takes effect.
Is YouTube TV the same as regular YouTube?
No. YouTube TV is a separate paid service for live television. Regular YouTube, where you watch user-uploaded videos, remains free. You can have both, but they are different products with different costs.
Can I watch YouTube TV on my phone while traveling?
Yes, but with limits. You can stream on your phone from anywhere, but you can only watch on a home device (like a TV or computer) if you are on the same home network. This is YouTube TV's way of preventing account sharing across locations.