YouTube TV 4K Plus costs $9.99 per month on top of your base subscription

The 4K Plus add-on is a separate monthly charge added to whatever YouTube TV plan you already pay for. As of now, it costs $9.99 per month. You do not need to switch plans or cancel your current subscription — you add it as an extra feature to your existing account.

This price applies whether you have the standard YouTube TV plan or any other tier. The add-on is optional, meaning you can turn it on or off each month without penalty. If you cancel it, your account reverts to standard resolution streaming the next time you watch.

YouTube TV occasionally runs promotional pricing for new subscribers to this add-on, so the introductory rate may differ from the regular $9.99 monthly cost. Check your account settings or the YouTube TV app to see if any current offers explore to you.

Key Takeaways

  • The 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 per month and stacks on top of your existing YouTube TV subscription.
  • You get 4K resolution streaming on compatible devices and the ability to read shows to watch offline.
  • The add-on is month-to-month with no contract, so you can cancel anytime without extra fees.
  • Not all YouTube TV content is available in 4K, and your device and internet speed must support it.
  • Promotional pricing may be available for new add-on subscribers, though the standard rate is $9.99 monthly.

What the 4K Plus add-on actually gives you

The main feature is 4K Ultra HD streaming on live TV and on-demand content that supports it. This means sharper picture quality on larger screens, though not every channel or show broadcasts in 4K. Sports events, select movies, and some original content are more likely to be available in 4K than daily news or talk shows.

The add-on also includes offline downloads, which lets you save shows and movies to your device to watch without an internet connection. This is useful for travel or when your connection is unreliable. Downloaded content expires after a set period, typically 30 days, depending on the show's licensing.

You also get simultaneous streaming on up to four devices at once, compared to three devices on the base plan. This matters if your household watches on multiple screens during the same hour.

Which devices support 4K streaming

4K streaming works on newer smart TVs, tablets, and phones that have 4K-capable screens. Roku devices (4000 series and newer), Google TV devices, Apple TV 4K, and Amazon Fire TV devices generally support it. Older streaming devices, computers, and phones with standard resolution screens will not display 4K even if you have the add-on.

Your internet connection also matters. YouTube TV recommends at least 35 Mbps read speed for 4K streaming. If your connection is slower, the app will automatically drop to a lower resolution to avoid buffering, even if you are paying for 4K.

Check your device's specifications before purchasing the add-on. If you are unsure whether your TV or streaming device supports 4K, search the model number plus "4K support" or look in the device's settings menu for resolution options.

How to add 4K Plus to your account

Open the YouTube TV app or website and go to your account settings. Look for the "Memberships" or "Add-ons" section — the exact name varies depending on whether you are on a phone, tablet, or computer. Select "4K Plus" and confirm the monthly charge. The add-on activates when ready, though it may take a few minutes for 4K content to appear in your library.

You can also manage the add-on through your Google account settings if you subscribed through Google Play. The process is the same: find the subscription section, locate YouTube TV, and add 4K Plus from there.

Once active, 4K content will be marked in the YouTube TV app so you know which shows and movies you can watch in higher resolution. Not everything will have a 4K label, which means it is only available in standard resolution.

When 4K Plus makes sense for your household

If you have a large 4K TV (55 inches or larger) and watch a lot of sports, movies, or YouTube Originals, the add-on is worth considering. The picture difference is noticeable on bigger screens. If your TV is smaller than 43 inches or you mainly watch news and talk shows, the upgrade may not be worth $9.99 per month.

The offline read feature is most useful if you travel frequently or have an unreliable internet connection. If you always have stable broadband at home and rarely watch on the go, downloads may not justify the cost.

Consider your internet speed before committing. If your connection regularly drops below 35 Mbps, 4K streaming will buffer or downgrade to standard resolution, defeating the purpose of the add-on.

Canceling 4K Plus if you change your mind

You can cancel the add-on anytime through the same account settings where you added it. There is no cancellation fee or waiting period. Your subscription ends at the end of your current billing cycle, and you will not be charged again.

If you cancel mid-month, you keep access to 4K streaming until your billing date arrives. After that, your account reverts to standard resolution. Any shows you downloaded will remain on your device but may not play if the read license has expired.

YouTube TV does not penalize you for canceling and re-adding the add-on later, so you can turn it on for a month to watch a major sporting event and turn it off afterward if you want to save money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try 4K Plus for free before paying?

YouTube TV occasionally offers free trial periods for the 4K Plus add-on, usually for a week or two. Check your account settings or the YouTube TV app to see if a trial is currently available. If no trial appears, you will need to pay the full $9.99 to test it.

Will my bill go up if I add 4K Plus?

Yes, your monthly bill increases by $9.99 when you add the feature. This is in addition to whatever you currently pay for your YouTube TV plan. The charge appears on the same billing date as your regular subscription.

Do I need a faster internet plan to use 4K Plus?

You do not need to change your internet plan, but YouTube TV recommends at least 35 Mbps for 4K streaming. If your current speed is lower, 4K content will buffer or drop to standard resolution automatically. Test your speed at speedtest.net to see if you meet the requirement.

Can I use 4K Plus on my phone or tablet?

Technically yes, but it only works if your phone or tablet has a 4K-capable screen, which most do not. Phones and tablets typically have standard resolution displays, so 4K streaming will not look different than regular streaming. The feature is most useful on large 4K TVs.

What happens to my downloads if I cancel 4K Plus?

Downloaded shows remain on your device, but they may not play if the read license has expired. Most downloads are valid for 30 days. After you cancel the add-on, new downloads are not possible, but existing ones may still work depending on their expiration date.