YouTube TV's Base Plan and Monthly Cost
YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the standard plan as of 2024. This single plan includes access to over 100 live TV channels, cloud DVR storage with no expiration date, and the ability to watch on multiple devices at the same time. You do not choose between tiers — there is one base package, and everything else is optional add-ons.
The price has increased several times over the past few years. YouTube TV raised rates in December 2022, again in July 2023, and again in 2024. If you signed up years ago at a lower rate, you will see the price increase reflected in your next billing cycle after the change takes effect. YouTube typically gives existing members a month's notice before a price change goes live.
You can pause your membership for up to three months without losing your account or settings. This is useful if you want to step away temporarily without canceling entirely.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's base plan is $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels, cloud DVR, and multi-device streaming.
- Add-on packages like sports, entertainment, and premium channels (HBO Max, Showtime, Starz) cost between $10 and $23 per month each.
- You can add a second household member for $14.99 per month, which gives them their own login and separate DVR.
- YouTube TV does not offer a free trial period, but you can cancel anytime without a contract or early termination fee.
- The price you pay depends on your location and whether you have any active promotional offers.
Add-On Packages and Premium Channels
Beyond the base plan, YouTube TV offers optional add-ons that let you customize what you watch. These are billed separately and appear as line items on your monthly bill. You can add or remove them at any time without penalty.
Sports add-ons include NBA League Pass ($14.99/month), NHL Center Ice ($19.99/month), and MLB.TV ($24.99/month). These give you out-of-market games and additional sports content beyond what comes in the base package.
Entertainment and premium channel add-ons include HBO Max ($19.99/month), Showtime ($10.99/month), Starz ($10.99/month), and Paramount+ ($11.99/month). These are the same subscriptions you could buy separately, but bundling them through YouTube TV means one login and one bill.
A Spanish-language add-on called Spanish Plus ($4.99/month) adds channels like Univision, Telemundo, and others focused on Spanish-language programming.
Extra Household Members and Family Sharing
Your YouTube TV account comes with one household. If you want to add a second household member, you pay $14.99 per month for that person. They get their own login, their own DVR library, and their own recommendations — they are not sharing your watch history or recordings.
You can add up to five household members total (yourself plus four others). Each additional member costs $14.99 per month. This is different from straightforward letting someone else use your login; YouTube TV tracks which devices are in your household and limits simultaneous streams based on your plan.
If you travel or want to watch outside your home network temporarily, YouTube TV allows that for a limited time. Extended out-of-home viewing may trigger a prompt asking you to confirm your location.
What Channels Come With the Base Plan
The $72.99 monthly cost includes major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox), cable news channels (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC), sports networks (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports), and entertainment channels (HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, TLC). The exact channel list varies slightly by location, and YouTube TV updates it periodically as licensing agreements change.
You can view the full channel list for your zip code on YouTube TV's website before you sign up. This is important because some regional sports networks or local channels may not be available in all areas.
The base plan also includes YouTube Originals and YouTube Premium content, which are YouTube's own shows and ad-free YouTube browsing.
Taxes, Fees, and Regional Pricing Differences
The $72.99 price is before taxes. Your actual bill will be higher depending on your state and local tax rates. Some states charge sales tax on streaming services; others do not. You will see the total amount due at checkout before you confirm payment.
YouTube TV does not charge separate set up fees, equipment rental fees, or installation fees. The only charge is the monthly subscription price plus any add-ons you select, plus applicable taxes.
Pricing can vary slightly by location and whether you are a new or existing member. YouTube occasionally runs promotional offers for new members in certain regions, though these are not may provide and change frequently. The best way to know your exact price is to enter your zip code on the YouTube TV sign-up page.
How to Check Your Current Bill and Manage Costs
You can view your YouTube TV bill anytime by going to your account settings and selecting "Billing." This page shows your next billing date, your current plan price, any active add-ons, and your payment method. You can also see your billing history for the past 12 months.
To remove an add-on, go to the same billing page, find the add-on you want to cancel, and click "Cancel." The removal takes effect when ready, and you will not be charged for it in your next billing cycle. If you cancel your entire YouTube TV membership, your access ends at the end of your current billing period.
If your bill increases due to a price change, YouTube sends an email notification before the new rate takes effect. You have the option to cancel before the increase applies if you do not want to pay the higher price.
Comparing YouTube TV to Other Live TV Services
Other live TV streaming services price differently. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month for the ad-supported version and $82.99 for ad-free. Sling TV starts at $39.99 per month but includes fewer channels. Fubo costs $79.99 per month and focuses heavily on sports. Each service has a different channel lineup, so the cheapest option depends on which channels you actually watch.
YouTube TV's main advantage is its cloud DVR with no storage limits and no expiration date — recordings stay forever unless you delete them. Other services limit DVR storage to 30 or 60 days. If you record a lot of shows, this difference can matter.
The trade-off is that YouTube TV does not offer a free trial period, while some competitors do. You commit to paying for at least one month to test the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube TV offer a free trial?
No, YouTube TV does not offer a free trial period. You must pay for at least one month of service to use the platform. However, you can cancel anytime without a contract or early termination fee, so you can sign up for one month, test it, and cancel if it is not what you want.
Can I pause my YouTube TV subscription instead of canceling?
Yes. You can pause your membership for up to three months at a time. Your account, settings, and DVR recordings stay intact while paused, and you are not charged during the pause period. After three months, you must either resume or cancel.
What happens to my recordings if I cancel YouTube TV?
Your DVR library is deleted when you cancel. If you have recordings you want to keep, you need to read or save them before your cancellation takes effect. Once your account is closed, the recordings are gone permanently.
Do I pay for YouTube TV if I already have a YouTube Premium subscription?
No, they are separate services. YouTube Premium ($13.99/month) removes ads from YouTube videos and includes YouTube Music. YouTube TV ($72.99/month) is live television streaming. You can have one, both, or neither — they do not bundle together automatically.
Can I use YouTube TV on my phone while traveling?
Yes, but with limits. You can watch on your phone outside your home network for a limited time. Extended out-of-home viewing may trigger a location verification prompt. YouTube TV is designed for in-home use, so traveling with it works temporarily but is not intended as a permanent out-of-home solution.