YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan
YouTube TV's standard subscription runs $72.99 a month and includes access to over 100 live channels, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to watch on multiple devices at once. The price covers local broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), cable news and sports channels, and a rotating selection of on-demand content. You can pause your membership at any time without penalty.
YouTube TV also offers a 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 per month on top of the base subscription. This add-on gives you 4K video quality on compatible devices and extends your cloud DVR storage from 100 hours to 500 hours. Most households with standard HD televisions will not need this upgrade.
The base plan allows up to three simultaneous streams from different devices in your home. If you need more than three people watching at once, you can add a Family Sharing feature, though YouTube TV does not charge separately for this—it is included with the base plan and lets you set up sub-accounts for household members.
Key Takeaways
- The base YouTube TV subscription costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels plus cloud DVR.
- You can add 4K video quality and expanded DVR storage for an extra $9.99 per month.
- The base plan allows three simultaneous streams; additional streams do not cost extra but are limited by the plan tier.
- YouTube TV does not require a long-term contract and you can pause or cancel your membership at any time.
- The price may vary slightly by region and YouTube occasionally adjusts pricing, so check your account for the current rate in your area.
What channels and features come with the base plan
The $72.99 monthly plan includes live feeds from major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), cable news channels (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC), sports networks (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports), and entertainment channels (Bravo, E!, HGTV, Food Network, and others). The exact channel lineup varies slightly by region because local broadcast stations differ by market.
Every subscription includes cloud DVR with 100 hours of storage. When you record a show, it stays in your library for up to nine months. You can fast-forward through commercials on most recorded programs. The DVR works across all your devices—record on your TV and watch the playback on your phone or tablet.
You also get access to YouTube TV's on-demand library, which includes past episodes of many shows and movies. This is separate from the live channel guide and lets you watch content on your schedule rather than waiting for a broadcast time.
How the 4K Plus add-on works
The 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 per month and is only worth purchasing if you own a 4K television and watch content that is broadcast in 4K. Not all channels offer 4K feeds, and not all content on those channels is in 4K—sports events and select shows are the most common 4K offerings.
The add-on also increases your cloud DVR storage from 100 hours to 500 hours, which matters if you record many shows and want to keep them longer. For most households that watch and delete regularly, the base 100 hours is sufficient.
You can add or remove the 4K Plus add-on from your account settings at any time. There is no commitment, so you can try it for a month and cancel if you do not see a difference on your television.
Simultaneous streams and household sharing
The base plan allows three people to watch different channels at the same time on three different devices. If a fourth person tries to start watching while three streams are active, they will see a message that the limit has been reached and will need to wait for someone else to stop watching.
YouTube TV includes Family Sharing at no extra cost, which lets you create separate accounts for household members. Each person gets their own watch history, recommendations, and DVR library. You control which family members can manage the subscription and billing.
Family Sharing is designed for people living in the same household. YouTube TV's terms of service require that the account be used only in the home where it is registered, though the company does not actively police this in the way some competitors do.
Price changes and regional variation
YouTube TV has raised its base price several times over the past few years. The current price of $72.99 reflects an increase from earlier rates. YouTube typically announces price changes 30 days in advance, and you receive a notification in your account before the new rate takes effect.
Pricing may differ slightly by region because of local broadcast rights and taxes. Check your YouTube TV account settings under "Membership" to see the exact price you are being charged. If you are a new subscriber, YouTube occasionally runs promotional rates for the first few months, though these are not may provide.
If your price increases and you no longer want the service, you can pause your membership for up to three months or cancel entirely. There is no penalty for leaving, and you can rejoin later if you change your mind.
How YouTube TV compares to other streaming TV services
YouTube TV is one of several live TV streaming services. Others include Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV, each with different channel lineups and price points. Hulu + Live TV costs more but includes access to Hulu's on-demand library. Sling TV costs less but carries fewer channels. FuboTV focuses on sports and charges more.
The choice depends on which channels matter most to you. If you watch a lot of local news or sports, YouTube TV's channel selection may be better than a cheaper alternative. If you only want a few specific channels, a cheaper service might work. Most services let you try for a week or two before committing, so you can test the channel lineup in your area.
YouTube TV does not include premium movie channels like HBO Max or Showtime, though you can add some of these as separate subscriptions through YouTube TV's add-on store. This is different from some competitors that bundle these services into higher-tier plans.
How to manage your subscription and avoid unexpected charges
You can pause your YouTube TV membership for up to three months without losing your account settings or recordings. During a pause, you are not charged. This is useful if you want to take a break during a season when you watch less television.
To pause or cancel, go to your account settings, select "Membership," and choose the option you want. Changes take effect when ready, and you can resume your subscription at any time. If you cancel, your cloud DVR recordings are deleted after a certain period, so read anything you want to keep.
YouTube TV charges on the same day each month. If you are on a promotional rate, the price will increase to the standard rate when the promotion ends. You will receive a notification before this happens, giving you time to decide whether to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch YouTube TV on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, the base plan allows three simultaneous streams on three different devices. If you need more than three people watching at once, you will need to wait for someone to stop watching, or you can contact YouTube TV support to discuss options for your household.
Does YouTube TV include sports channels?
Yes, the base plan includes ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and regional sports networks in most areas. Some sports events are broadcast in 4K, which requires the 4K Plus add-on to view in that quality, but you can watch all sports in standard HD with the base plan.
What happens to my recordings if I cancel?
Your cloud DVR recordings are deleted after a grace period if you cancel your subscription. Before canceling, read any shows you want to keep to your device. If you pause instead of cancel, your recordings stay in your library.
Is there a contract or early termination fee?
No. YouTube TV does not require a contract, and you can cancel or pause at any time without a penalty. You are only charged for the months you are actively subscribed.
Do I have to pay for family sharing?
No, family sharing is included with the base plan at no extra cost. You can create separate accounts for household members, and each person gets their own watch history and DVR library.