YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan as of 2024
YouTube TV's main plan runs $72.99 monthly and includes live TV from over 100 channels, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to watch on multiple devices at once. The price has risen several times since the service launched — it started at $35 per month in 2017. YouTube has added channels and features along the way, which accounts for some of the increases.
You can add premium channels like HBO Max, Paramount+, or Showtime for extra fees ranging from $10 to $23 per month depending on which one you choose. A YouTube TV membership also gives you access to YouTube's ad-free video service as part of the same subscription, though you pay separately if you want YouTube Music Premium.
The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices including Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Chromecast. You can stream on up to three devices at the same time with the base plan.
Key Takeaways
- The base YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live TV channels plus cloud DVR.
- You can add individual premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime for $10 to $23 extra per month.
- The service allows simultaneous streaming on up to three devices, which is higher than most cable packages.
- YouTube TV does not charge setup fees, equipment rental fees, or long-term contracts.
- Prices may vary slightly by location and can change, so checking the YouTube TV website directly gives you the current rate for your area.
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, Fox News, MSNBC), sports networks (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports), and entertainment channels like Bravo, HGTV, and Discovery. The full list runs to over 100 channels, though the exact lineup can shift when YouTube adds or removes networks.
Cloud DVR storage is unlimited, meaning you can record shows and keep them for up to nine months without paying extra. You can fast-forward through most commercials on recorded content. The service also includes YouTube Originals and YouTube Premium's ad-free video experience on YouTube's main platform.
Family members can create separate profiles within one account, and each person gets their own recommendations and watch history. You can set parental controls to restrict content by rating.
Premium channel add-ons and their costs
YouTube TV lets you add premium channels individually rather than forcing you into a larger bundle. HBO Max costs $19.99 per month, Paramount+ runs $12.99 or $5.99 depending on whether you want the ad-free version, and Showtime is $10.99 monthly. Other options include Starz ($10.99), Cinemax ($10.99), and The Roku Channel ($9.99).
These prices are what YouTube charges for the add-ons through its platform. The channels themselves may offer lower prices if you subscribe directly to them outside YouTube TV, so compare before adding. For example, Paramount+ costs less if you pay Paramount directly than if you add it through YouTube TV.
You do not have to commit to any add-on for a set period — you can add or remove them month to month.
How YouTube TV compares to cable and other streaming services
YouTube TV's $72.99 base price is lower than most traditional cable packages, which typically start around $100 to $150 monthly before taxes and fees. Cable also charges equipment rental (usually $10 to $15 per box), installation fees, and often requires a contract. YouTube TV has none of those.
Compared to other live TV streaming services, YouTube TV sits in the middle. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month for the ad-supported version, while Sling TV starts at $39.99 but carries fewer channels. FuboTV runs $79.99 monthly. YouTube TV generally offers more channels than Sling but fewer than some cable alternatives.
If you only want on-demand streaming without live TV, Netflix, Disney+, and Max are cheaper individually — ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month — but they do not include live sports or news channels. Many people use YouTube TV for live content and add a separate streaming service for movies and shows.
Taxes, fees, and what the final bill looks like
The advertised $72.99 price does not include taxes, which vary by state and locality. Your actual bill will be higher once taxes are added — typically 5 to 10 percent depending on where you live. YouTube TV does not charge separate equipment fees, installation fees, or regional sports fees the way cable does.
If you add premium channels, each one appears as a separate line item on your bill. A bill with the base plan plus HBO Max and Paramount+ would show three charges: $72.99 + $19.99 + $12.99 = $105.97 before taxes.
YouTube bills monthly on the same date each month. You can cancel anytime without penalty, and the service stops when ready rather than charging you for a final month.
How to check your current plan and billing details
Log into your YouTube TV account on any device and go to Settings, then Membership. This page shows your current plan, the date your next bill is due, and a list of any add-ons you have active. You can also see your full billing history and read past invoices from this same section.
If you want to add or remove a premium channel, the Membership page has buttons to manage each one. Changes take effect when ready, and you are charged or credited on a prorated basis if you make changes mid-month.
YouTube sends billing reminders a few days before your monthly charge. If you need to update your payment method, that option is also in Settings under Membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube TV offer a free trial?
YouTube TV occasionally offers free trial periods, usually lasting a week or two, but these promotions change. Check the YouTube TV website directly to see if a trial is currently available in your area. Trials typically require a payment method on file, and the service will charge you after the trial ends unless you cancel.
Can I share my YouTube TV account with people outside my household?
YouTube TV's terms of service state that the account is for household members only. The service can detect when you are streaming from different locations and may ask you to verify your home address. Sharing with people outside your home may violate the terms and could result in account suspension.
What happens if I pause my subscription?
YouTube TV does not offer a pause option. You can cancel your membership and rejoin later, but you will lose your cloud DVR recordings and any credits. When you rejoin, you start fresh with a new account.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
No. YouTube TV charges only the monthly subscription price, taxes, and any premium channel add-ons you choose. There are no equipment fees, installation fees, regional sports fees, or surprise charges. Your bill is the base plan price plus add-ons plus taxes.
Can I get a discount if I pay yearly instead of monthly?
YouTube TV does not offer annual payment plans or discounts for longer commitments. You pay month to month at the current monthly rate. Some promotional offers may appear occasionally, but these are announced on the YouTube TV website.