YouTube TV costs $76.99 per month for the base plan

YouTube TV is a live television streaming service that lets you watch cable channels, sports, and news without a cable subscription. The standard plan runs $76.99 per month and includes over 100 channels. There is no contract, and you can cancel anytime.

The price has risen several times since YouTube TV launched in 2017. It started at $35 per month, then moved to $50, then $65, and now sits at $76.99. YouTube has said the increases reflect rising costs to license content from networks.

If you want to add premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime, those cost extra — typically $15 to $23 per month each, depending on the add-on. A family plan that lets four people watch at once on different screens is included in the base price.

Key Takeaways

  • The base YouTube TV plan costs $76.99 per month with no contract and includes over 100 live channels.
  • Premium add-ons like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz each cost between $15 and $23 per month on top of the base price.
  • Four household members can watch on different screens at the same time with the standard plan at no extra charge.
  • YouTube TV offers a free trial period so you can test the service before you commit to paying.

What channels and features come with the base plan

The $76.99 plan includes live feeds from major networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, MSNBC, ESPN, Fox News, and many others. You also get access to local channels in most markets, though which ones depends on where you live. The service includes cloud storage for up to 9 months of recorded shows, so you can save programs and watch them later.

You can create up to six user profiles on one account, and up to four people can stream at the same time on different devices. This means a household of four can each watch something different without paying extra. If you need more simultaneous streams, YouTube TV does not offer that option — you would need a separate account.

The base plan also includes YouTube Originals, which are shows and films made by YouTube. These are included at no extra cost and available only to YouTube TV members.

Premium add-ons and their costs

YouTube TV sells premium channels as add-ons. HBO Max costs $19.99 per month, Showtime costs $15.99 per month, and Starz costs $14.99 per month. Other add-ons include Paramount+ ($14.99), Peacock Premium ($7.99), and Fandor ($5.99). If you want multiple add-ons, the costs stack — so HBO Max plus Showtime would be about $36 per month on top of your base $76.99.

Some of these services are also available as standalone subscriptions outside of YouTube TV, often at the same price or cheaper if you buy them directly. For example, you can subscribe to HBO Max on its own for $19.99 per month, the same price YouTube charges. The advantage of adding them through YouTube TV is that they appear in one bill and one interface, rather than managing separate accounts.

How YouTube TV compares to other live TV services

YouTube TV is one of several live television streaming options. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month for the base plan, matching YouTube TV's price exactly. Sling TV costs $39.99 per month for its Orange plan or $39.99 for its Blue plan, making it cheaper but with fewer channels. FuboTV costs $79.99 per month and focuses more on sports.

The choice between these services often comes down to which channels matter most to you. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV have the broadest channel lineups. Sling TV is the cheapest option but carries fewer networks. FuboTV is best if you watch a lot of sports. Each service offers a trial period so you can test it before committing.

Taxes and fees that may explore to your bill

The $76.99 price is the base monthly charge, but your actual bill may be higher depending on where you live. YouTube TV adds sales tax to the subscription in most states. Some cities and counties also add local taxes on top of state tax. The total tax rate varies widely — it might be 6 percent in one state and 10 percent in another.

YouTube does not charge separate service fees or equipment fees the way cable companies do. There are no hidden charges beyond the base price, add-ons, and applicable taxes. Your bill should match the advertised price plus tax for your location.

Free trial and how to cancel

YouTube TV offers a free trial that lasts a set number of days. The length of the trial changes periodically — it has been anywhere from three days to two weeks depending on when you sign up. During the trial, you get full access to the base plan at no cost. You will need to enter a payment method to start the trial, and YouTube will charge you when the trial ends unless you cancel beforehand.

Canceling is straightforward: you can do it through your account settings on the YouTube TV website or app. There is no cancellation fee, no penalty, and no waiting period. Your access stops at the end of your current billing cycle. If you cancel mid-month, you do not get a refund for the unused portion.

What happens if you share your account with people outside your household

YouTube TV's terms of service state that the account is for use by members of your household only. Sharing your login with people who do not live with you violates the terms. YouTube has said it will take steps to prevent account sharing, though enforcement has been gradual.

If you need multiple people in different locations to watch, the intended solution is for each household to have its own account. There is no family plan that covers people in different homes, unlike some other streaming services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch YouTube TV on my phone while traveling?

Yes. You can stream YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, or computer from anywhere. The service does not restrict you by location the way some cable providers do. You can watch live TV and your recorded shows from anywhere you have an internet connection.

Does YouTube TV include sports channels?

Yes. The base plan includes ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and regional sports networks in most markets. If you want additional sports content, you can add Peacock Premium or other sports-focused add-ons, though many major sports are already included in the base channels.

What internet speed do I need for YouTube TV?

YouTube recommends at least 3 megabits per second for one stream and 35 megabits per second if four people are watching at once. Most home internet plans meet these requirements, but if you have slow internet or many devices using bandwidth at once, you may experience buffering.

Can I record shows on YouTube TV?

Yes. The base plan includes unlimited cloud recording. You can record any show, and YouTube stores it for up to nine months. You can then watch your recordings anytime on any device where you are signed in.

Is there a student discount for YouTube TV?

YouTube TV does not currently offer a student discount. The price is the same for all subscribers regardless of age or student status.