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 at that level since. You can cancel anytime without a contract or early termination fee.

The service also offers a 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 per month if you want 4K resolution and offline downloads. Most people watch in standard HD, so this add-on is optional. YouTube TV does not charge extra for basic features like cloud DVR or simultaneous streams on different devices — those come with the base plan.

Key Takeaways

  • The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month with no contract, and you can stop your subscription at any time.
  • Your subscription includes over 100 live TV channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and the ability to watch on multiple screens in your home at the same time.
  • An optional 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 monthly if you want 4K video quality and the ability to read shows to watch offline.
  • YouTube TV does not offer a free trial period, but you can test the service for one month and cancel if it does not meet your needs.

What channels come with the base plan

The base $72.99 plan includes major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox), cable news channels (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News), sports networks (ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV), and entertainment channels (HGTV, Food Network, AMC). The exact channel list varies slightly by your location, and YouTube TV updates the lineup periodically.

You can check the full channel list for your zip code on YouTube TV's website before you commit to a subscription. Some regional sports networks may or may not be included depending on where you live. If you need a specific channel, it is worth verifying it is available in your area first.

How many people can watch at the same time

The base plan lets up to three people in your household watch different channels or shows at the same time on different devices. If a fourth person tries to watch while three are already streaming, they will see a message that the limit has been reached. This is one of the main differences between YouTube TV and some competitors — many other services limit simultaneous streams to two.

All three streams must be on devices connected to your home network or using your account login. If you travel or want to watch outside your home, you can still log in on your phone or tablet, but that counts as one of your three simultaneous streams.

Cloud DVR storage and how it works

YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost. You can record as many shows and movies as you want, and they stay in your library for up to nine months. Unlike some cable DVR systems that fill up and force you to delete old recordings, YouTube TV's cloud storage never runs out of space.

You can set up automatic recordings for entire series so new episodes record as they air. The DVR works across all your devices — start watching a recorded show on your TV, pause it, and pick up where you left off on your phone. Recorded content is included in your base plan; the 4K Plus add-on does not change DVR features.

The 4K Plus add-on and whether you need it

The 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 per month on top of the base $72.99 subscription, bringing your total to $82.98 monthly. This add-on gives you 4K resolution on compatible channels and devices, plus the ability to read shows and movies to watch offline without an internet connection. Most YouTube TV channels broadcast in standard HD, not 4K, so the resolution upgrade only applies to certain content.

The offline read feature is useful if you travel frequently or have an unreliable internet connection. For most viewers who watch at home on a standard HD television, the base plan is sufficient and the 4K add-on is not necessary. You can add or remove the 4K Plus add-on anytime without penalty.

How YouTube TV compares to other streaming TV services

YouTube TV's $72.99 price point is in the middle range for live TV streaming services. Hulu with Live TV costs $76.99 per month for the ad-supported version, while Sling TV starts at $39.99 for a limited channel selection. Fubo costs $79.99 per month and focuses more on sports. Each service has a different channel lineup and features, so the best choice depends on which channels you watch most.

YouTube TV stands out for its three simultaneous streams and unlimited cloud DVR at the base price. Other services charge extra for DVR storage or limit you to two simultaneous streams. If you have a larger household or record a lot of shows, YouTube TV's base plan may offer better value than competitors even at a higher monthly cost.

How to manage your subscription and billing

Your YouTube TV subscription renews automatically each month on the same date you signed up. You can view your billing date and payment method in your account settings on the YouTube TV website or app. If you want to pause your subscription temporarily instead of canceling, YouTube TV offers a pause option that holds your account for up to three months.

You can cancel your subscription anytime through your account settings without contacting customer service or paying a cancellation fee. Your access ends at the end of your current billing period. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access until your renewal date — YouTube TV does not prorate refunds for partial months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does YouTube TV offer a free trial?

YouTube TV does not currently offer a free trial period. You can start a paid subscription and cancel within the first month if the service does not meet your needs. Since there is no contract, you only pay for the one month you use.

Can I share my YouTube TV account with family members who live in a different house?

YouTube TV is designed for household use only. Family members must live at the same address to share one account. If someone tries to watch from a different location, they may be asked to verify they live in that household. You can add up to six family members to your account, but all viewing must happen from your home address.

What happens if I go over the three simultaneous streams limit?

If three people are already watching and a fourth person tries to start a stream, they will see an error message saying the limit has been reached. The fourth person can wait for someone else to stop watching, or that person can log in on a device already in use by someone else (which will stop the previous stream on that device).

Can I record sports games and watch them later?

Yes. You can record any live sports game using the cloud DVR, and it stays in your library for up to nine months. You can also set up automatic recordings for your favorite teams or sports so games record as they air. Recorded games count toward your unlimited DVR storage.

Is the $72.99 price the same everywhere in the United States?

Yes, YouTube TV charges the same $72.99 base price nationwide. The channel lineup may vary slightly by location, but the monthly cost is consistent across all U.S. states. Taxes may be added to your bill depending on your state and local tax laws.