YouTube TV's monthly cost and what's included
YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan as of 2024. This includes access to over 100 live TV channels, cloud DVR storage with no expiration date, and the ability to watch on multiple devices at once. The price can go higher if you add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Paramount+, each of which costs extra per month.
The base plan lets you create up to six separate user profiles on one account, though only three can watch at the same time. You can pause your membership for up to three months without losing your account, which some people do during months they know they won't watch.
YouTube TV does not charge setup fees, installation fees, or equipment rental costs. You watch through the YouTube TV app on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, or streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV.
Key Takeaways
- The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels plus unlimited cloud DVR storage.
- You can add premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime for $9.99 to $22.99 per month each, raising your total bill.
- Three household members can watch at the same time on the base plan, and you can create up to six user profiles.
- YouTube TV charges only the monthly subscription—there are no equipment fees, installation costs, or hidden charges.
- You can pause your membership for up to three months if you need to stop watching temporarily.
Add-on channels and how they affect your monthly bill
YouTube TV offers premium channel packages that stack on top of your base subscription. HBO Max costs $9.99 per month, Showtime costs $10.99 per month, and Paramount+ costs $11.99 per month. Starz, Cinemax, and other premium options are also available at similar price points. If you add all three major premium channels, your bill would be around $105 per month instead of $72.99.
These add-ons are optional—you only pay for the ones you actually want. You can add or remove them at any time, and the change takes effect when ready. If you remove a channel mid-month, YouTube TV prorates the charge so you only pay for the days you had access.
How to check your current bill and manage your subscription
To see exactly what you're paying each month, open the YouTube TV app and go to Settings, then select your account. From there, you can view your current plan, see any add-ons you've purchased, and find your billing date. YouTube TV sends an email receipt after each charge, which lists every channel and add-on included that month.
If your bill seems higher than expected, check whether you accidentally added a premium channel or whether YouTube TV raised its base price. Price increases happen occasionally and YouTube notifies members by email before the new rate takes effect. You can cancel at any time with no penalty—there are no contracts or early termination fees.
Comparing YouTube TV to cable and other streaming services
YouTube TV's $72.99 base price is lower than most cable packages, which typically start around $100 to $150 per month before taxes and equipment fees. However, YouTube TV costs more than streaming services that offer only on-demand content, like Netflix or Disney+, which range from $6.99 to $22.99 per month depending on the plan.
The trade-off is that YouTube TV includes live TV channels and sports, which on-demand services do not. If you want live sports, news, and entertainment without a cable contract, YouTube TV's price is competitive. If you only watch recorded shows and movies, a cheaper streaming service might be a better fit.
Taxes and fees that might appear on your bill
The $72.99 monthly price does not include sales tax or local taxes, which vary by location. Depending on where you live, your actual charge could be $75 to $80 per month after tax is added. YouTube TV shows the tax amount at checkout before you confirm payment, so you can see the full total before your card is charged.
YouTube TV does not add hidden fees for things like DVR storage, simultaneous streams, or account management. The only charges are the base subscription, any premium channels you choose, and applicable taxes. If you see a charge you don't recognize, check your add-ons or contact YouTube TV support to review your account.
When YouTube TV's price might increase
YouTube TV has raised its base price several times over the past few years as it adds channels and features. The company typically announces price increases by email at least 30 days before they take effect, giving you time to decide whether to continue. You can cancel before the new price kicks in if you choose not to pay the higher rate.
Price increases usually happen once per year or less frequently. When they do occur, existing members are notified in advance, and the new price applies to your next billing date. YouTube TV does not grandfather old customers at lower rates—everyone eventually pays the current price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a discount on YouTube TV if I pay for multiple months upfront?
No, YouTube TV does not offer discounts for paying multiple months in advance. You pay month to month at the current rate. However, some internet providers bundle YouTube TV with their service at a discount, so check with your provider to see if that option is available in your area.
Does YouTube TV charge different prices in different states?
The base subscription price is the same everywhere in the United States. Sales tax varies by state and sometimes by county, so your final bill after tax will differ depending on where you live. YouTube TV shows the tax amount before you confirm payment.
What happens to my bill if I pause my membership?
You are not charged during the pause period. You can pause for up to three months without losing your account, profiles, or DVR recordings. When you resume, you pay the current monthly rate, which may be higher than what you paid before if YouTube TV raised its price while you were paused.
Do I have to pay for YouTube TV if I only watch one channel?
Yes, YouTube TV's pricing is all-or-nothing—you pay the full $72.99 for the base plan regardless of how many channels you watch. You cannot pick and choose individual channels. If you only want one or two specific channels, checking whether they offer their own streaming apps or are available through a cheaper service might save you money.
Is there a way to share my YouTube TV account with family members in another house?
YouTube TV allows up to six user profiles per account, but the service is designed for people in the same household. Sharing access with people outside your home may violate YouTube TV's terms of service. For details on what counts as the same household, contact YouTube TV support directly.