YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan

YouTube TV is a live television streaming service that charges $72.99 monthly for access to over 100 channels. This is the standard plan and includes local broadcast networks, cable news, sports, and entertainment channels. The price went up from $64.99 in late 2022 and has remained at $72.99 since then.

You can watch on up to three devices at the same time with the base plan. The service includes a cloud DVR that stores recordings for up to nine months at no extra cost. You get one household account, which means everyone in your home shares the same login and viewing history.

YouTube TV does not require a contract. You can cancel anytime without a penalty, and you keep access through the end of the month you paid for.

Key Takeaways

  • The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 channels plus unlimited cloud DVR storage.
  • You can stream on three devices at once, but all viewers share one account and one household location.
  • Premium add-ons like sports packages and movie channels cost between $10 and $15 per month each.
  • YouTube TV offers a free trial period before you are charged, though the length varies by promotion.
  • The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Google TV.

What channels come with the base plan

The $72.99 plan includes ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox in most markets, plus cable channels like CNN, ESPN, HGTV, Food Network, Bravo, and AMC. You also get local news stations in your area. The exact channel list depends on your location because some regional sports networks and local channels vary by market.

YouTube TV does not include HBO Max, Showtime, or Paramount+ as part of the base plan. Those are add-ons you pay for separately. The service also does not carry some cable channels that other live TV services offer, so if you have specific channels in mind, check the full channel list on YouTube TV's website before signing up.

Add-on packages and their costs

YouTube TV offers several premium add-ons beyond the base plan. Sports Plus costs $10.99 per month and adds channels like NFL RedZone, Pac-12 Networks, and regional sports networks. Movie networks like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz each cost between $10 and $15 per month when added through YouTube TV.

The Spanish-language package adds channels like Univision, Telemundo, and Spanish-language sports for $34.99 per month. You can add or remove any of these packages anytime without penalty. Most people add only one or two, so the total bill typically stays between $85 and $100 per month with add-ons.

How many people can watch at once

The base plan allows three simultaneous streams. This means three people can watch different channels or the same channel on different devices at the same time. If a fourth person tries to watch while three streams are active, they will see a message that the limit has been reached.

All viewers must be in the same household location. YouTube TV uses location data to enforce this rule, so you cannot share your account with someone who lives in a different city or state. If you travel, you can watch from outside your home for a limited time, but the service is designed for one household only.

Free trial and how to start

YouTube TV periodically offers free trial periods before charging your payment method. The length of the trial varies — sometimes it is seven days, sometimes longer — depending on current promotions. You will see the trial length and start date before you confirm your account.

To start, you need a Google account and a valid payment method. YouTube TV will charge you on the first day after your trial ends unless you cancel before that date. You can cancel through your account settings at any time, and you will keep access through the end of the month you paid for.

Comparing YouTube TV to other live TV services

YouTube TV is one of several live television streaming options. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month and includes Hulu's on-demand library along with live channels. Sling TV starts at $40 per month but includes fewer channels. DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) costs $79.99 per month for its base plan.

The choice depends on which channels matter most to you and whether you want on-demand content included. YouTube TV has the largest simultaneous stream limit at three, while some competitors allow only one or two. Check the channel list for each service against the channels you actually watch before deciding.

What happens if you cancel

When you cancel YouTube TV, your access ends at the end of the current billing month. You do not get a refund for the unused portion of the month. Your recordings and watch history are deleted once your account is fully closed.

If you cancel and then sign up again later, you start fresh with a new account. You can reactivate within 30 days of cancellation and keep your previous settings, but after 30 days the account is gone. There is no penalty for canceling, and you can sign up again anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use YouTube TV on my phone and TV at the same time?

Yes, as long as you are not exceeding three simultaneous streams. You can watch on your phone while someone else watches on a TV, and a third person can watch on a tablet or computer. The fourth stream will be blocked until one of the others stops.

Do I need a cable box or special equipment?

No. YouTube TV works on any device with the YouTube TV app or a web browser. You do not need a cable box, satellite dish, or special hardware. Common devices include phones, tablets, computers, Roku, Apple TV, Google TV, Fire TV, and Chromecast.

Can I share my YouTube TV account with family who live far away?

No. YouTube TV is designed for one household only and uses location data to enforce this. Family members who live in a different city or state cannot use your account. They would need their own subscription.

What if I do not want to pay for add-ons?

You do not have to buy any add-ons. The $72.99 base plan stands alone and includes over 100 channels. Add-ons are entirely optional, and you can use YouTube TV indefinitely with just the base plan.

Is there a way to pay less than $72.99 per month?

YouTube TV does not offer a lower-priced tier. The $72.99 plan is the only option for YouTube TV itself. If you want to spend less on live television, Sling TV and other services offer lower starting prices, though they include fewer channels.