YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan

YouTube TV's standard plan runs $72.99 a month and includes live TV from over 100 channels, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to watch on up to three devices at once. There are no contracts, so you can stop paying whenever you want. The price has gone up several times since YouTube TV launched in 2017, and the company has said it may increase again.

If you want to add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz, each one costs between $10 and $23 per month on top of the base price. You can add them one at a time or skip them entirely. YouTube TV also offers a 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 per month, which gives you 4K streaming on compatible devices and lets a fourth person watch at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month with no contract, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.
  • Premium channel add-ons like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz range from $10 to $23 per month each and are optional.
  • The 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 per month and allows a fourth simultaneous viewer plus 4K streaming quality.
  • You need a Google account to sign up, and the service works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.

What channels come with the base plan

The $72.99 plan includes major broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, plus cable channels such as ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, AMC, and Bravo. You also get local channels in most markets, which means you can watch local news and sports. The exact lineup varies by your zip code because local channel availability depends on where you live.

YouTube TV does not include every channel — notably, it lacks some regional sports networks and niche cable channels that other services carry. If a specific channel matters to you, check the full channel list on YouTube TV's website before you sign up, because the list changes occasionally when YouTube TV adds or removes channels.

How many people can watch at once

The base plan lets up to three people watch YouTube TV on different devices at the same time. If a fourth person tries to watch, they will get a message saying the limit has been reached. The 4K Plus add-on ($9.99 per month) raises that limit to four simultaneous viewers.

Each person in your household can have their own profile, and YouTube TV remembers their watch history and preferences separately. You do not have to share a login — everyone can sign in with their own Google account as long as they are on the same home network when they set up their profile for the first time.

Premium channel add-ons and their costs

YouTube TV lets you add premium channels individually. HBO Max costs $19.99 per month, Showtime is $10.99 per month, Starz is $10.99 per month, and Paramount+ is $11.99 per month. These are the most common add-ons, though YouTube TV occasionally offers others. You can add or remove them anytime without affecting your base subscription.

These add-on prices are the same whether you buy them through YouTube TV or directly from the channel's own app, so there is no discount for bundling. If you already subscribe to one of these services separately, adding it through YouTube TV will not give you a lower rate — you would be paying twice if you kept both subscriptions active.

The 4K Plus add-on explained

The 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 per month and does two things: it lets a fourth person watch at the same time, and it streams may be able to access content in 4K resolution instead of standard definition. Not all channels broadcast in 4K, and not all devices support 4K playback, so you will only see the benefit on compatible equipment like newer smart TVs or the Chromecast with Google TV.

If you rarely have four people watching at once and your TV does not support 4K, this add-on will not be worth the cost. Check whether the channels you watch most often offer 4K content before you pay for it.

Taxes and fees

The $72.99 price is before taxes. Your actual monthly bill will be higher because sales tax applies to the subscription in most states. The tax rate depends on your location — some states charge more than others, and some cities add local taxes on top. YouTube TV will show you the total amount including tax before you confirm your payment.

YouTube TV does not charge separate fees for setup, cancellation, or using the service. You pay only the monthly subscription price plus tax, and nothing else.

How to pay and what happens if you cancel

You pay with a credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance. YouTube TV bills you on the same day each month. If your payment method fails, YouTube TV will try again a few times before pausing your service, and you can update your payment information anytime in your account settings.

Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle — you do not lose access when ready. If you cancel on the 15th of the month and your billing date is the 20th, you can still watch until the 20th. There is no penalty for canceling, and you can restart your subscription later if you want to come back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try YouTube TV before I pay?

YouTube TV does not offer a free trial anymore. You need to pay for at least one month to see if the service works for you. Since there is no contract and you can cancel anytime, you can sign up for one month, watch, and then cancel if it is not what you want.

Do I pay extra to watch on my phone or tablet?

No. The base plan covers streaming on phones, tablets, computers, and TVs. You do not pay per device or per location. The only limit is how many people can watch at the same time — three on the base plan, four with the 4K Plus add-on.

What if I travel — can I watch YouTube TV outside my home?

Yes, but with limits. You can watch on your phone or tablet anywhere. On a TV or computer, you can stream outside your home for a limited time, but YouTube TV will eventually ask you to sign back in at your home address to confirm you still live there. This is to prevent account sharing across different households.

Is YouTube TV cheaper than cable?

YouTube TV is usually cheaper than traditional cable, which often costs $100 to $150 per month before taxes. However, the price difference shrinks if you add premium channels. Compare the channels you actually watch on YouTube TV against what your cable company offers to see which is the better deal for you.

Can I share my YouTube TV account with someone who does not live with me?

YouTube TV is designed for people in the same household. If someone outside your home tries to watch, they may be asked to sign in at your home address. Sharing across different addresses can result in your account being suspended, so it is best to keep the account within one home.