YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan
YouTube TV's standard plan runs $72.99 monthly and includes live TV from over 100 channels, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to watch on up to three devices at once. The price covers major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), cable channels (ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network), and regional sports networks in most markets. You can pause and resume your subscription at any time without penalty.
YouTube also offers a YouTube TV Premium add-on for $9.99 per month on top of the base plan. This add-on removes ads from YouTube's main app and YouTube Music, but does not change what channels or features come with YouTube TV itself. The base YouTube TV plan itself includes ads on some content, though live sports and news typically air as they do on cable.
Key Takeaways
- The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 monthly and includes over 100 live channels plus cloud DVR storage.
- You can add YouTube Premium for $9.99 per month if you want to remove ads from YouTube's main app and YouTube Music.
- YouTube TV lets you pause your subscription whenever you want, and you can resume it later without losing your settings.
- The number of channels available varies slightly by location because some regional sports networks are not available everywhere.
- You can watch on up to three devices at the same time with the base plan, and a fourth simultaneous stream costs extra.
What channels come with the base plan
The $72.99 monthly plan includes live feeds from the major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS), cable news (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC), sports (ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports, NBC Sports), entertainment (AMC, Bravo, E!), lifestyle (HGTV, Food Network, TLC), and kids' programming (Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon). The exact list of available channels depends on your location because some regional sports networks and local channels vary by market.
You can view the full channel list for your specific zip code on YouTube TV's website before you commit to the service. This matters most if you follow a particular regional sports team or rely on a specific local news station. YouTube TV updates its channel lineup periodically, so the channels available when you sign up may differ from what was available six months earlier.
How simultaneous streams and household members work
The base $72.99 plan allows three people to watch YouTube TV at the same time on different devices. If a fourth person in your household wants to watch at the same time, you will need to add an extra member for $14.99 per month. Each household member gets their own login, cloud DVR storage, and personalized recommendations.
YouTube TV defines a household as people living in the same home. If you travel or stay somewhere else temporarily, you can still watch, but YouTube periodically checks that your account is being used primarily from your home address. Sharing your login with people outside your household may result in YouTube asking you to verify your home location or restricting access.
Cloud DVR storage and how long recordings last
Every YouTube TV plan includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost. You can record any program and keep it for up to nine months. After nine months, YouTube TV automatically deletes the recording to make room for new content. You can manually delete recordings whenever you want if you need the space sooner.
The DVR works across all your devices, so you can start watching a recorded show on your TV and finish it on your phone or tablet. You can also fast-forward and rewind through recorded programs, and YouTube TV remembers where you stopped watching so you can pick up where you left off.
Pausing and resuming your subscription
You can pause your YouTube TV subscription for up to three months without losing your settings, recordings, or payment method. When you pause, you stop being charged, and your account stays inactive. You can resume at any time during that three-month window and pick up exactly where you left off.
If you pause for longer than three months, YouTube TV will cancel your subscription automatically. You can still rejoin later, but you will need to set up your account again. There is no penalty for pausing or canceling, and you will not be charged for any months you are paused.
Comparing YouTube TV to other streaming TV services
YouTube TV's $72.99 price sits in the middle of the streaming TV market. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month for the ad-supported plan, while Sling TV starts at $39.99 monthly but includes fewer channels. FuboTV runs $79.99 per month and focuses more heavily on sports. The right choice depends on which channels matter most to you and how many people in your household need to watch at the same time.
YouTube TV's main advantage is its cloud DVR storage, which is unlimited and free on all plans. Most competitors charge extra for DVR or limit how much you can record. YouTube TV also allows three simultaneous streams on the base plan, while some competitors limit you to two. However, YouTube TV does not include as many premium cable channels as Hulu + Live TV, so check the channel list for your area before deciding.
How to check if YouTube TV is available in your area
YouTube TV is available in most of the United States, but some rural areas and territories may not have service. You can check availability by entering your zip code on YouTube TV's website. The site will show you which local channels are available in your area and let you preview the full channel lineup before you commit.
If YouTube TV is not available in your area, the website will tell you that during the check. In that case, you may want to look at Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV, which have different coverage areas and may serve your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch YouTube TV on my phone or tablet?
Yes. YouTube TV works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast. You can watch on up to three devices at the same time with the base plan. The YouTube TV app is available on iOS and Android.
Do I need a contract or can I cancel anytime?
You can cancel anytime without a contract or penalty. You can also pause your subscription for up to three months if you want to take a break without losing your settings. You will not be charged for any month you are paused or after you cancel.
What happens if I go over my three simultaneous streams?
If a fourth person tries to watch at the same time, YouTube TV will ask one of the other viewers to stop watching or will prompt you to add an extra member for $14.99 per month. You can also upgrade to a plan with more simultaneous streams if your household grows.
Are there any hidden fees or taxes I should know about?
The $72.99 price is the base cost, but your actual bill may be higher depending on your state and local taxes. YouTube TV does not add hidden fees on top of the monthly price. If you add the YouTube Premium add-on or extra household members, those costs will show separately on your bill.
Can I record sports games and watch them later?
Yes. You can record any live sports game, and it will stay in your cloud DVR for up to nine months. You can watch it anytime on any of your devices, and you can fast-forward through commercials if the recording includes them.