YouTube TV costs $82.99 per month for most people, including seniors, with no special senior discount
YouTube TV does not offer a reduced rate for seniors. Everyone pays the same monthly subscription price regardless of age. The standard plan costs $82.99 per month and includes access to live TV channels, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to watch on multiple devices at once.
If you are a senior on a fixed income, the full price may feel steep. The good news is that YouTube TV offers a free trial period before you commit, and you can cancel anytime without penalty. There are also ways to reduce what you pay, which we cover below.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV charges $82.99 per month with no senior discount, though the price has increased several times since the service launched.
- A free trial lets you test the service before paying, and you can cancel at any time without early termination fees.
- Sharing your account with family members in the same household can split the cost, though YouTube TV limits simultaneous streams to three at once.
- If the full price is too high, you can pause your subscription for up to three months and resume later without losing your account.
- Some internet providers bundle YouTube TV with other services at a discount, so checking with your current provider may lower your total bill.
What's included in the standard YouTube TV plan
For the $82.99 monthly fee, you get access to over 100 live TV channels. The exact lineup depends on your location, but typically includes news networks (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC), sports channels (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports), and entertainment channels (HGTV, Food Network, Discovery). You can search YouTube TV's channel list by your zip code on their website to see what broadcasts in your area.
The plan also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, meaning you can record as many shows as you want and keep them for up to nine months. You can watch on up to three devices at the same time, which works well if you share the account with a spouse or family member. The service works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.
How to reduce your YouTube TV bill
The most straightforward way to lower your cost is to share your account with family members who live in your home. YouTube TV allows up to six user profiles on one account, and three people can watch at the same time. If you split the $82.99 cost with one other person, you each pay roughly $41.50 per month.
Some internet and phone providers bundle YouTube TV with their service at a discount. Verizon Fios, for example, has offered YouTube TV as part of certain packages. Call your current provider and ask whether they offer a bundle that includes YouTube TV—you may save $10 to $20 per month depending on what you already subscribe to.
YouTube TV also allows you to pause your subscription for up to three months at a time. If you travel during winter or know you will not watch for a stretch, pausing costs nothing and keeps your account and settings intact. When you resume, your profile and DVR recordings are still there.
Free trial and cancellation policy
YouTube TV offers a free trial that typically lasts one week, though the length can vary. During the trial, you have full access to all channels and features. You will need to enter a payment method to start the trial, but you will not be charged if you cancel before the trial ends.
There are no long-term contracts or early termination fees. You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings, and your access stops at the end of the current billing cycle. If you cancel mid-month, you do not receive a refund for the unused portion, but you keep access until your billing date arrives.
Comparing YouTube TV to other streaming options
YouTube TV is one of several live TV streaming services. Hulu + Live TV costs $82.99 per month (the same price) and includes access to Hulu's on-demand library. Sling TV starts at $39.99 per month but offers fewer channels. DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) ranges from $79.99 to $149.99 per month depending on the package.
If you do not need live TV and only want on-demand shows and movies, services like Netflix ($6.99 to $22.99 per month), Hulu ($7.99 to $17.99 per month), or Disney+ ($7.99 to $13.99 per month) are cheaper. Many seniors find that combining one or two on-demand services costs less than a live TV service and still gives them plenty to watch.
What happens if you cannot afford the full price
If $82.99 per month is beyond your budget, you have several options. Sling TV offers a basic package for $39.99 per month with fewer channels but still includes major networks. Streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, or Disney+ are individually cheaper, though you would need multiple subscriptions to match YouTube TV's channel variety.
You can also check whether your local library offers free streaming services. Many public libraries partner with services like Hoopla or Kanopy, which let cardholders watch movies and TV shows at no cost. Some libraries also offer free access to newspapers and news websites, which can help you stay informed without paying for cable or live TV.
How to sign up for YouTube TV
Visit tv.youtube.com and click the button to start your free trial. You will be asked to sign in with a Google account (or create one if you do not have one). Enter your zip code so YouTube TV can show you which channels are available in your area, then add a payment method.
Once your trial begins, you can watch on any device where you sign in with your Google account. If you decide to keep the service after the trial, your payment method will be charged $82.99 on your first billing date. If you want to cancel before the trial ends, go to your account settings and select "Cancel membership."
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube TV offer a discount for seniors or people on Medicare?
No. YouTube TV does not have a senior discount or reduced rate for any age group or income level. Everyone pays the standard $82.99 per month. Some other services, like some phone plans or internet providers, do offer senior discounts, but YouTube TV itself does not.
Can I watch YouTube TV on my smart TV without buying extra equipment?
Yes, if your smart TV has the YouTube TV app. Most newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs have it built in. You can also use a Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast to add YouTube TV to an older TV. These devices cost between $25 and $100 depending on the model.
What if I share my YouTube TV account with someone who does not live with me?
YouTube TV's terms of service require that people using the account live in the same household. The service uses your home network to verify this. If you try to watch from a different address regularly, YouTube TV may ask you to verify your home location or restrict access.
Can I pause my subscription and come back later?
Yes. You can pause your YouTube TV subscription for up to three months at a time at no cost. Your account, settings, and DVR recordings stay saved. When you resume, everything is exactly as you left it. You can pause multiple times throughout the year if needed.
Is the price going to increase again?
YouTube TV has raised its price several times since launching. The company has not announced a future price increase, but streaming services regularly adjust their rates. If you want to know about future changes, check your email for notifications from YouTube TV or log into your account to see any announcements.