YouTube TV's current pricing and what's included

YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month as of now, though that price has changed several times over the years and may change again. The base plan includes live TV from over 100 channels — ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, and many others — plus unlimited cloud storage to record shows and watch them later. You can stream on up to three devices at the same time on the same account.

That $72.99 covers the core service. If you want to add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz, those cost extra — typically $9.99 to $22.99 per channel per month, depending on which one. YouTube TV also offers a 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 monthly if you have a 4K TV and want to stream in higher resolution.

The service includes YouTube Primetime, which bundles YouTube TV with YouTube Premium (ad-free YouTube videos) and YouTube Music Premium. That combination runs $14.99 per month on top of the base YouTube TV price, or you can buy YouTube Premium separately for $13.99 monthly if you don't want the full bundle.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV's base plan is $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live TV channels with unlimited cloud recording.
  • Premium add-on channels like HBO Max and Showtime cost $9.99 to $22.99 each per month on top of the base price.
  • You can stream on three devices at once, and each household member can have their own login and personalized guide.
  • YouTube TV does not require a long-term contract, so you can cancel anytime without penalty.
  • Prices may increase over time, so check YouTube TV's website for the most current rates before signing up.

How the pricing compares to other streaming TV services

YouTube TV sits in the middle of the streaming TV market by price. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month for the ad-supported version and $82.99 for ad-free. Sling TV is cheaper at $40 to $55 per month depending on which package you choose, but it includes fewer channels. AT&T TV Now (now called DirecTV Stream) starts at $79.99 monthly for its entry plan.

The real difference between these services is the channel lineup. YouTube TV includes sports channels, news, and entertainment in its base plan. Sling TV makes you pick between an Orange package (ESPN and Disney channels) or a Blue package (Fox, NBC, and cable news) and charges more if you want both. Hulu + Live TV includes Disney-owned channels automatically. If you watch a specific sport or network, check which service carries it before you pay for any of them.

What happens if you share your account with family

YouTube TV allows up to six household members to have separate accounts under one subscription. Each person gets their own login, their own recommendations, and their own recording library. You can stream on three devices at the same time, which matters if multiple people want to watch different channels at once.

YouTube TV defines a household as people living in the same home. If you try to use your account outside your home address for more than a few weeks, the service will ask you to sign in again or update your home location. This is different from some other streaming services that allow you to share accounts across different locations — YouTube TV is stricter about this.

Hidden costs and things that add up

The $72.99 price is what you pay before taxes. Your actual bill will be higher depending on your state and local tax rate. Some states add 5 to 10 percent to the base price, so budget for that when you calculate your monthly cost.

If you want to watch 4K content, you need the 4K Plus add-on at $9.99 per month, and you also need a compatible TV and internet connection fast enough to handle 4K streaming (YouTube recommends at least 35 Mbps). Premium channels add up quickly — if you want HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz, that's an extra $40 to $50 per month on top of the base price.

YouTube TV does not charge cancellation fees, so you can stop anytime. However, if you sign up for an annual plan instead of paying month to month, you may get a small discount — check the website for current offers, as these change seasonally.

How to check if YouTube TV is available in your area

YouTube TV is available in most of the United States, but some rural areas and certain zip codes may not have service. The easiest way to check is to go to YouTube TV's website and enter your zip code. The site will tell you when ready whether you can order it.

If YouTube TV is not available where you live, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or DirecTV Stream may be options instead. Each service has different coverage areas, so it's worth checking a few if your first choice doesn't work.

What you need to stream YouTube TV

You need a broadband internet connection with at least 3 Mbps read speed for standard definition and 13 Mbps for HD. Most home internet plans meet this, but if you have an older or slower connection, YouTube TV may buffer or drop quality during peak hours.

You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. You don't need a cable box or any special equipment — just the app and your login. If you want to watch on your TV, make sure your TV is compatible or that you have a compatible streaming device plugged into it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try YouTube TV before I pay?

YouTube TV offers a free trial period, though the length changes — sometimes it's three days, sometimes longer. Check the YouTube TV website for the current trial offer. You'll need to enter a payment method to start the trial, and the service will charge you when the trial ends unless you cancel before that date.

Does YouTube TV include local channels?

Yes, YouTube TV includes local ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox stations in most markets. The exact channels depend on where you live. When you enter your zip code to check availability, the site shows you which local channels you'll receive.

What if the price goes up after I sign up?

YouTube TV notifies you by email before any price increase takes effect. You can cancel anytime without penalty if you don't want to pay the new price. There's no contract, so you're never locked in.

Can I pause my YouTube TV subscription instead of canceling?

YouTube TV does not offer a pause feature. You can cancel and rejoin later, but you'll lose any recorded shows and your watch history when you cancel. If you think you'll come back, canceling and restarting is simpler than keeping the subscription active.

Do I need YouTube Premium to use YouTube TV?

No. YouTube TV and YouTube Premium are separate services. You can have YouTube TV without YouTube Premium. YouTube Premium removes ads from regular YouTube videos and includes YouTube Music, but it's not required for YouTube TV to work.