YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that lets you watch cable channels, sports, and news without a cable box. The standard plan runs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 channels. You can add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz for extra fees ranging from $10 to $23 per month depending on the channel.
The price has risen over the past few years — YouTube TV raised rates in late 2022 and again in 2024. If you already subscribe, you'll see the new price on your next billing date. New subscribers start at the current rate.
You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices. The plan includes cloud storage for up to 9 months of recorded shows, and you can stream on up to three devices at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's base plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels.
- Premium add-on channels like HBO Max or Showtime cost $10 to $23 extra per month.
- You can record shows for up to 9 months and watch on three devices at once.
- Other streaming TV services range from $14.99 to $89.99 per month depending on what channels they offer.
- Most services offer a free trial period before you're charged, though the length varies.
How YouTube TV compares to other live TV services
YouTube TV is one of several services that stream live TV channels instead of requiring a cable subscription. The main competitors are Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream, and each charges differently depending on what channels they include.
Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month and includes Hulu's on-demand library along with live channels. Sling TV is cheaper at $39.99 per month but carries fewer channels — you choose between Sling Orange (Disney channels, ESPN) or Sling Blue (news, sports, entertainment), or pay $59.99 for both. DirecTV Stream starts at $79.99 per month for the Entertainment package and goes up to $149.99 for the Premier package with the most channels.
The choice depends on which channels matter to you. If you watch a lot of sports, you need ESPN, which YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV include but Sling Orange does not. If you want the cheapest option and don't mind fewer channels, Sling TV saves you money. If you want the most channels in one place, DirecTV Stream offers the widest selection.
What affects the total cost you'll pay
The monthly fee is just the starting point. Your actual bill depends on whether you add premium channels, whether you use the service year-round, and whether you take advantage of free trial periods.
Premium add-ons are the biggest variable. A single premium channel like HBO Max adds $19.99 per month. If you add two or three, your bill climbs quickly. Some people add channels for a month or two to watch a specific show, then remove them — that's allowed and takes effect when ready.
You also pay sales tax on the subscription in most states, though the rate varies. YouTube TV does not charge a setup fee or require a contract, so you can cancel anytime without penalty. Some competing services like DirecTV Stream do not charge cancellation fees either, but always check the terms before signing up.
Free trial periods and how they work
YouTube TV offers a free trial that lasts a few days to a week, depending on when you sign up and what promotions are running. During the trial, you get full access to all channels and features. Your payment method is required to start the trial, and you'll be charged the full monthly rate when the trial ends unless you cancel before that date.
Other services have different trial lengths. Hulu + Live TV sometimes offers a week free. Sling TV occasionally runs promotions for the first month at a discount. DirecTV Stream's trial period varies. Check the service's website directly before signing up, because these offers change frequently and may not be available to everyone.
Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for the last day of your trial if you decide you don't want to keep the service. Canceling takes a few minutes through the app or website, but you have to do it before the trial ends or you'll be charged.
Bundling YouTube TV with other Google services
YouTube TV does not bundle with YouTube Premium or YouTube Music the way some cable companies bundle services. You pay for YouTube TV separately from any other subscriptions you have. However, if you have a Google One membership (Google's cloud storage and protection service), you can manage your YouTube TV subscription through the same account.
Some internet providers offer discounts if you bundle YouTube TV with their service, but these deals are rare and vary by region. Call your internet provider to ask whether they have a partnership with YouTube TV. Most people straightforward pay the monthly fee and manage it on their own.
Hidden costs and what to watch for
YouTube TV's advertised price includes everything except premium add-on channels and taxes. There are no hidden fees for cloud storage, simultaneous streams, or pausing and resuming your subscription. If you pause your subscription for up to three months, you won't be charged, but your cloud recordings will be deleted.
The main surprise for new subscribers is that the price increases over time. YouTube TV has raised rates every year or two in recent years. If you sign up at $72.99, expect the price to go up eventually — you'll receive notice before the increase takes effect, and you can cancel if you don't want to pay the new rate.
Another cost to consider is internet speed. YouTube TV requires a stable internet connection with at least 3 Mbps for standard quality and 13 Mbps for 4K. If your home internet is slow, you may need to upgrade your plan, which is a separate cost from the service itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my YouTube TV account with family members in another house?
YouTube TV allows three simultaneous streams on one account, but all streams must be on the same home network. If family members live in a different house, they would need their own subscription. YouTube TV uses your home address to verify this, and streaming outside your home network for extended periods may trigger a warning.
What happens if I pause my subscription?
You can pause YouTube TV for up to three months without being charged. When you pause, your cloud recordings are deleted, but your account settings and preferences are saved. You can resume anytime within the three-month window and pick up where you left off.
Do I have to pay for YouTube TV if I only watch on-demand shows?
YouTube TV is a live TV service, so the subscription gives you access to live channels. You can watch on-demand content through those channels' apps, but YouTube TV itself is designed for live viewing. If you only want on-demand shows, services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ are cheaper options.
Can I get a discount if I pay for a year upfront instead of monthly?
YouTube TV does not offer annual payment plans or discounts for paying upfront. You pay month-to-month only. Some competing services like Sling TV occasionally run promotions, but YouTube TV's pricing is consistent regardless of how long you commit.
What if the price goes up after I sign up?
YouTube TV will notify you before any price increase takes effect. You can cancel anytime without penalty if you don't want to pay the new rate. There's no contract, so you're never locked in.