YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan, with a premium option at $85.99 per month

YouTube TV's standard plan runs $72.99 monthly and includes live TV from over 100 channels, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to watch on multiple devices at once. The premium plan, called YouTube TV Premium, costs $85.99 per month and adds features like 4K resolution streaming and offline downloads. Both plans let you pause and resume live TV, and both come with a trial period before you're charged.

Pricing can vary slightly depending on your location and whether you bundle YouTube TV with other services. Some internet providers or phone carriers offer YouTube TV as part of a package deal, which may change the monthly cost. It's worth checking directly with YouTube TV to see the exact price in your area, since regional differences do exist.

Key Takeaways

  • The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels plus cloud DVR.
  • YouTube TV Premium costs $85.99 per month and adds 4K streaming and the ability to read shows to watch offline.
  • Both plans allow you to stream on multiple devices at the same time, though the number of simultaneous streams varies by plan.
  • YouTube TV offers a trial period before charging your payment method, so you can test the service before committing.
  • Prices may differ by location or if you bundle YouTube TV with other services through a provider.

What channels and features come with each price tier

The base plan at $72.99 includes live channels from major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and ESPN, plus cable channels such as CNN, HGTV, Food Network, and many others. You get unlimited cloud DVR storage, meaning you can record shows and keep them for up to nine months. You can also watch on up to three devices at the same time with this plan.

YouTube TV Premium at $85.99 adds the ability to stream in 4K resolution on compatible devices and TVs, which produces a sharper, more detailed picture. This tier also lets you read episodes to your phone or tablet and watch them without an internet connection. Premium subscribers can stream on up to four devices simultaneously instead of three.

Both plans include access to YouTube Originals and the ability to create up to six separate user profiles within one account. Each profile maintains its own watch history and recommendations, which is useful for households with multiple viewers.

How to check if YouTube TV is available in your area

YouTube TV is available in most of the United States, but coverage is not uniform everywhere. Some rural areas and certain regions may not have access to the service. The easiest way to find out is to visit the YouTube TV website and enter your zip code, which will tell you when ready whether the service works at your address.

If YouTube TV is not available where you live, the website will usually suggest when coverage may expand to your area, though no specific date is may provide. You can also check what channels are offered in your specific region, since the channel lineup can vary slightly by location due to local broadcasting rights.

Payment methods and billing cycles

YouTube TV charges your payment method once per month on the same date you signed up. You can pay using a credit card, debit card, or a Google Play balance if you have one. The charge appears on your statement as "YouTube TV" so it's straightforward to spot on your bill.

You can change or update your payment method anytime through your account settings. If a payment fails, YouTube TV will attempt to charge you again a few days later. If the second attempt fails, your service may be paused until you provide a working payment method.

Trial period and cancellation

YouTube TV offers a trial period before your first charge, though the length of the trial can change. During the trial, you have full access to all features of whichever plan you chose. You can cancel anytime during the trial without being charged, and you can also cancel after the trial ends without penalty or notice period.

To cancel, go to your account settings and select the option to pause or cancel your membership. The cancellation takes effect when ready, and you lose access to YouTube TV right away. If you cancel partway through a billing cycle, you do not receive a refund for the unused portion of that month.

Family sharing and multiple profiles

One YouTube TV account can have up to six user profiles, and each person can have their own recommendations, watch history, and saved shows. This means family members don't interfere with each other's viewing experience. However, the number of people who can watch at the same time is limited by your plan—three simultaneous streams on the base plan, four on Premium.

If you want to share your account with someone outside your household, keep in mind that YouTube TV's terms of service require the account holder to be the primary user. Sharing with people in different homes may violate the terms, though YouTube TV does not actively police this. The simultaneous stream limit is the main practical constraint.

Comparing YouTube TV to other streaming services

YouTube TV differs from services like Netflix or Disney+ because it focuses on live television rather than on-demand shows and movies. If you want live sports, news, and current TV shows as they air, YouTube TV is built for that. If you primarily watch movies or binge recorded series, a different streaming service may suit you better.

Some people use YouTube TV alongside one or two other streaming services to cover both live TV and on-demand content. Others cut cable entirely and use YouTube TV as their main source for live programming. The choice depends on what you actually watch and whether live TV matters to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause my YouTube TV subscription instead of canceling?

Yes, you can pause your membership for up to three months at a time. During the pause, you won't be charged, but your account and settings are saved. After the pause ends, your subscription resumes automatically unless you cancel it.

Does YouTube TV work on all devices?

YouTube TV works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV, and gaming consoles. The app is available on iOS, Android, and most major TV platforms. You can stream on the web through a browser as well.

What happens if I go over the simultaneous stream limit?

If someone tries to watch on a fourth device while three are already streaming on the base plan, the oldest stream will stop. The person on that device will see a message explaining that the limit has been reached. They can resume watching once another device stops streaming.

Is there a student discount for YouTube TV?

YouTube TV does not currently offer a student discount. However, some internet or phone providers may bundle YouTube TV at a reduced rate for students or young adults. Check with your provider to see if any discounts are available.

Can I watch YouTube TV outside the United States?

YouTube TV is only available within the United States. If you travel internationally, you won't be able to stream YouTube TV while abroad. Some people use a VPN to access it from outside the country, though this may violate YouTube TV's terms of service.