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 multiple devices at once. The price went up from $64.99 in late 2022 and has stayed there since. You can cancel anytime without a contract.

YouTube also offers a 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 per month on top of the base plan. This gives you 4K resolution on compatible devices and extends your cloud DVR storage from 100 hours to 500 hours. Most people on standard internet speeds and older TVs will not notice the difference between standard and 4K, so this add-on is optional.

A Sports Plus add-on costs $9.99 per month and adds channels like NFL RedZone, Pac-12 Network, and others focused on live sports. You only need this if you watch those specific channels regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month with no contract and no setup fees.
  • You can add 4K Plus for $9.99 monthly if you have a 4K-capable TV and want higher resolution plus extra DVR storage.
  • Sports Plus adds $9.99 per month for channels like NFL RedZone and Pac-12 Network.
  • Your first month costs the same as any other month — there are no introductory discounts or trial periods.

What channels and features come with the base plan

The $72.99 plan includes ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, Bravo, and about 100 other channels total. The exact lineup varies slightly by your location, but major broadcast and cable networks are standard across all areas.

You get 100 hours of cloud DVR storage included, which means you can record shows and keep them for up to nine months. You can watch on up to three devices at the same time on the same account, so multiple people in your household can watch different channels simultaneously. YouTube TV also lets you create up to six separate user profiles on one account, each with its own watch history and recommendations.

There are no hidden fees or per-channel charges. You pay $72.99 and get access to everything in the plan. Local channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) are included in most markets, though availability depends on your location and which local stations have agreements with YouTube.

How the price compares to other live TV services

YouTube TV sits in the middle of the live TV market. Hulu with Live TV costs $76.99 per month for the ad-supported version and $86.99 for ad-free, so it is slightly more expensive than YouTube TV. Sling TV starts at $39.99 per month but includes fewer channels — you get about 30 channels instead of 100.

DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) starts at $79.99 per month for the basic plan and goes up from there. FuboTV costs $79.99 per month and focuses on sports and entertainment. If you only watch a few channels, Sling TV is cheaper. If you want the most channels and features for a mid-range price, YouTube TV is competitive.

Keep in mind that these prices change frequently. Services raise rates every year or two, and promotional pricing comes and goes. The prices listed here were current as of early 2024, but you should check the service's website directly before signing up to confirm the current cost.

Whether you need the 4K Plus add-on

The 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 per month and gives you two things: 4K resolution and 500 hours of DVR storage instead of 100. Most people do not need this. If your TV is older than five years, it probably does not support 4K at all. If your internet speed is below 25 Mbps, 4K streaming will buffer constantly and is not worth paying for.

The extra DVR storage matters only if you record a lot of shows and like to keep them for months. With 100 hours of standard storage, you can keep about three weeks of primetime TV before the oldest recordings start disappearing. If you watch live TV most days and record heavily, you might hit that limit. If you watch a few shows a week, 100 hours is plenty.

Add the 4K Plus only if you have a 4K TV made in the last three years, your internet is 50 Mbps or faster, and you record more than 20 hours of TV per week. Otherwise, the base plan is sufficient.

How to check your bill and manage your subscription

Your YouTube TV bill appears on your Google account statement each month on the same date you signed up. You can see your subscription details by going to myaccount.google.com, clicking "Payments & subscriptions," and then "Manage subscriptions." From there you can see your next billing date, your payment method, and any add-ons you have active.

If you want to cancel, you can do it from the same screen without calling anyone or talking to support. The cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you keep access until your next payment date would have been. If you cancel mid-month, you do not get a refund for the unused portion.

If your payment method expires or fails, YouTube will try to charge you again a few days later. If it fails a second time, your account will be suspended until you update your payment information. You can update your card or add a new one from the same subscription management page.

Taxes and regional pricing differences

The $72.99 price does not include sales tax. Depending on your state and local tax rate, your actual monthly charge will be higher. In California, for example, you might pay around $79 with tax included. In states with no sales tax, you pay exactly $72.99.

YouTube TV's price is the same across the entire United States. There are no regional discounts or higher prices in certain areas. The only thing that varies by location is which local channels are included in your plan — some markets have more local broadcast stations than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a free trial for YouTube TV?

No. YouTube TV does not offer a free trial period. You pay the full $72.99 for your first month, and you can cancel anytime before the next billing date if you want to stop. Some promotions may appear occasionally, but there is no standard trial.

Can I pause my YouTube TV subscription?

YouTube TV does not have an official pause feature. You can cancel and rejoin later, but you will lose any saved shows and your watch history. If you want to stop paying temporarily, cancellation is your only option.

Do I pay extra for local channels?

No. Local channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox are included in the $72.99 base plan in most markets. You do not pay anything extra for them. Availability depends on your location and local broadcast agreements.

What happens if I go over my DVR storage limit?

Once you hit 100 hours of recordings on the base plan, the oldest shows start deleting automatically to make room for new ones. You can manually delete shows anytime to free up space. The 4K Plus add-on raises the limit to 500 hours if you record heavily.

Can I share my YouTube TV account with family members in different houses?

YouTube TV allows up to six user profiles on one account, but all profiles must be in the same household. If someone outside your home tries to watch, they will be asked to sign in with their own account. Sharing across different addresses violates the terms of service.