YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan
YouTube TV's standard plan runs $72.99 per month and includes access to over 100 channels. The service streams live TV, sports, news, and entertainment to any device with the YouTube TV app or a web browser. You can watch on up to three devices at the same time, and the account comes with 50 hours of cloud storage to record shows.
The price you pay depends on which plan you choose and whether you add premium channels. YouTube TV raises prices periodically—the last increase happened in late 2023—so the amount you see when you sign up may differ from what you paid before if you've been a subscriber for several years.
Key Takeaways
- The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 channels with simultaneous streaming on three devices.
- Premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+, and Showtime each cost extra per month on top of the base subscription.
- YouTube TV offers a trial period before you're charged, so you can test the service and channel lineup before committing.
- The price applies to all household members on the same account, and you can create up to six user profiles.
- Taxes and fees are added at checkout and vary by location.
What channels and features come with the base plan
The $72.99 monthly plan includes major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox), cable news channels (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News), sports networks (ESPN, Fox Sports, MLB Network), and entertainment channels (HGTV, Food Network, Bravo). The full channel list changes occasionally as YouTube TV adds and removes networks, so you should check the current lineup on the YouTube TV website before signing up to confirm your must-watch channels are included.
You get 50 hours of cloud storage to record programs, which means you can save shows and watch them later without ads on most channels. The service includes a guide showing what's on now and what's coming up, and you can search by title or actor to find what you want to watch. All six household members can create separate profiles so the service learns what each person likes to watch.
Premium add-on channels and their costs
YouTube TV lets you add premium channels to your base plan for an extra monthly fee. These include Max ($9.99 per month for ad-supported or $19.99 for ad-free), Paramount+ ($5.99 to $11.99 depending on the tier), Showtime ($10.99 per month), and Starz ($8.99 per month). Other add-ons rotate in and out, so the available options may change.
Each add-on is billed separately on your monthly bill, so if you add three premium channels, you'll see three separate charges in addition to your $72.99 base plan cost. You can add or remove these channels anytime without penalty, so you can subscribe for a month to watch a specific show and then cancel that add-on the next month.
How the free trial works
YouTube TV offers a trial period—typically around one week, though the length can vary—before your payment method is charged. During the trial, you have full access to the base plan and all its channels. You can test the streaming quality, check whether your favorite channels are included, and see how the app works on your devices.
You must provide a valid payment method to start the trial, and YouTube TV will charge you automatically when the trial ends unless you cancel beforehand. You can cancel anytime during the trial period at no cost. If you decide to keep the service after the trial, your first full month of charges will appear on your next billing date.
Taxes and fees added to your bill
The $72.99 base price does not include taxes or fees. Your actual monthly charge will be higher because sales tax is added at checkout, and the tax rate depends on your state and local tax laws. Some states charge no sales tax on streaming services, while others explore their standard sales tax rate.
You'll see the total amount including taxes before you confirm your payment, so you know exactly what you'll be charged each month. If you move to a different state, your tax rate may change, which will adjust your monthly bill automatically.
How YouTube TV compares to other live TV services
YouTube TV is one of several live TV streaming services available. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month for the ad-supported plan, includes a smaller channel lineup, and allows two simultaneous streams instead of three. Sling TV costs less at $40 per month but includes fewer channels and is designed for people who only want specific networks rather than a full cable-like experience.
YouTube TV's main advantage is the larger channel count and the ability to stream on three devices at once. The main disadvantage is the higher price compared to some competitors. The best choice depends on which channels you watch most and how many people in your household need to stream at the same time.
Billing and account management
YouTube TV charges your payment method on the same day each month. You can view your billing history, update your payment method, and manage your subscription through your YouTube account settings. If your payment method fails, YouTube TV will attempt to charge you again, and your service may be paused if payment is not received.
You can pause your subscription for up to three months if you want to stop paying temporarily without losing your account and settings. When you're ready to resume, you can reactivate your account and your profiles and recordings will still be there. Canceling your subscription is permanent—you'll lose access to your recordings and profiles if you cancel and then rejoin later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my YouTube TV account with people outside my household?
YouTube TV is designed for household members only. The service allows up to six profiles per account and three simultaneous streams, which is meant for people living in the same home. Sharing your login with people in other locations may violate YouTube TV's terms of service.
What happens if I go over the three simultaneous streams?
If a fourth person tries to stream while three others are already watching, the oldest stream will stop and that person will see a message that their account is in use elsewhere. They can wait for someone else to stop watching or use a different device.
Do I have to pay for YouTube TV if I already have a YouTube Premium subscription?
YouTube TV and YouTube Premium are separate services with separate charges. YouTube Premium removes ads from regular YouTube videos and includes YouTube Music, but it does not include YouTube TV's live channels. You would need to pay for both if you want both services.
Can I watch YouTube TV on my smart TV?
Yes. YouTube TV has apps for most smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also use a streaming device like Apple TV or Chromecast to watch on any TV with an HDMI input. Check the YouTube TV website to see if your specific TV model is supported.
What happens to my recordings if I cancel my subscription?
Your recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. If you rejoin YouTube TV later, your old recordings will not be available. This is why some people pause their subscription instead of canceling if they think they might return within a few months.