Twitch Turbo is a monthly subscription that removes ads and unlocks extra features
Twitch Turbo is a paid subscription you buy directly from Twitch (not from a streamer). It costs $8.99 per month and removes most video ads from the platform — both the ads that play before a stream starts and the mid-roll ads that interrupt streams. You also get a custom chat badge, an exclusive emote, and the ability to upload custom channel emotes if you are a content creator.
Turbo is separate from channel subscriptions. When you subscribe to an individual streamer's channel, that money goes partly to the streamer and partly to Twitch. Turbo is a platform-wide service that benefits you across all of Twitch, regardless of which channels you watch.
The subscription renews automatically each month on the same date you signed up. You can cancel at any time through your account settings, and your access ends at the end of the current billing period — you do not get a refund for the remaining days.
Key Takeaways
- Twitch Turbo costs $8.99 per month and removes most ads from all streams you watch on the platform.
- You get a Turbo-exclusive chat badge and an extra emote slot, but Turbo does not give you channel-specific perks like subscriber-only chat.
- Streamers do not receive money from Turbo subscriptions — the fee goes entirely to Twitch.
- Your subscription renews automatically each month unless you cancel through your account settings.
- Turbo is different from channel subscriptions, which are paid directly to individual streamers and come with channel-specific benefits.
What ads Turbo actually removes
Turbo removes most pre-roll ads (the ads that play before a stream starts) and mid-roll ads (ads that interrupt a live stream). However, it does not remove all ads on Twitch. Some ads are baked into the stream by the streamer themselves — for example, if a streamer reads an advertisement for a product during their broadcast, Turbo will not block that.
Ads on the Twitch website itself (like banner ads on the homepage or in the sidebar) may still appear even with Turbo active. The subscription is focused on video ads within streams, not display advertising across the site.
If you watch a stream where the streamer has enabled ads frequently, Turbo will have a noticeable impact on your viewing experience. If you watch streamers who rarely run ads, you may not notice much difference.
Turbo benefits beyond ad removal
Along with ad removal, Turbo gives you a Turbo badge that appears next to your username in chat on every channel. This badge is visible to everyone and shows that you have an active Turbo subscription. Some viewers use it to show support for the platform itself.
You also receive one additional emote slot in your account. This means you can upload and use one custom emote across Twitch, even if you do not have a channel subscription. If you are a streamer, this extra emote slot can be useful for building your channel's emote library.
Turbo does not give you access to subscriber-only chat, exclusive streams, or other perks that come from channel subscriptions. Those benefits are separate and come from subscribing to an individual streamer's channel.
How Turbo differs from channel subscriptions
A channel subscription is a monthly payment you make to a specific streamer's channel. The money is split between the streamer and Twitch (the exact split depends on the streamer's contract, but it is typically 50/50 or 70/30 in the streamer's favor). Channel subscriptions come with perks like subscriber-only chat, custom badges, and access to exclusive emotes.
Turbo is a platform-wide subscription that you pay to Twitch directly. None of the $8.99 goes to any streamer. You get the same ad-free experience and the same Turbo badge on every channel you visit. Turbo does not give you channel-specific perks like subscriber-only chat or access to a streamer's exclusive emotes.
Many viewers have both Turbo and channel subscriptions. Turbo removes ads everywhere, while a channel subscription supports a specific streamer and unlocks that channel's subscriber benefits.
How to start and cancel a Turbo subscription
To start a Turbo subscription, log into your Twitch account and go to your account settings. Look for the "Subscriptions" section and select "Manage Turbo." You will be asked to confirm your payment method and billing address. Twitch accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
Your subscription begins when ready and renews automatically on the same date each month. You will receive a confirmation email with your receipt and renewal date.
To cancel, return to the "Manage Turbo" section in your account settings and select "Cancel Turbo." Your access continues until the end of your current billing period. If you cancel on the 15th of the month and your renewal date is the 20th, you keep Turbo until the 20th, then it stops.
If you want to pause rather than cancel, Twitch does not offer a pause option. You must cancel and then restart the subscription later if you want to resume.
Turbo on mobile and other devices
Turbo works on the Twitch mobile app (both iOS and Android) and removes ads there as well. The ad removal is tied to your account, so as long as you are logged in, your Turbo benefits follow you across devices.
If you watch Twitch on a web browser, a smart TV app, or a gaming console, Turbo will remove ads on those platforms too. The subscription is account-based, not device-based, so you do not need to set it up separately on each device.
If you log out of your account or watch Twitch without logging in, you will see ads even if you have an active Turbo subscription. Make sure you are signed in to use your benefits.
When Turbo might not be worth it
If you watch only a few streamers who rarely run ads, Turbo may not save you much time. Some streamers disable ads entirely or run them only once per hour, so the ad removal benefit is minimal.
If you primarily watch on mobile and use an ad blocker in your browser, you may already be blocking most ads without paying for Turbo. However, ad blockers do not work on the Twitch mobile app, so Turbo is the only way to remove ads there.
If you are on a tight budget and already have channel subscriptions to streamers you support, the extra $8.99 per month may not fit your spending. The choice between Turbo and channel subscriptions depends on whether you value platform-wide ad removal or supporting specific streamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do streamers make money from Turbo subscriptions?
No. Turbo revenue goes entirely to Twitch. Streamers do not receive any portion of the $8.99 monthly fee. If you want to support a specific streamer financially, you need to buy a channel subscription to their channel instead.
Can I use Turbo with a VPN or in a different country?
Turbo is available in most countries where Twitch operates, but pricing and availability may vary by region. If you are traveling or using a VPN, your billing address and payment method must match the country where your account is registered. Contact Twitch support if you have questions about your specific location.
What happens to my Turbo if I get banned from Twitch?
If your account is suspended or banned, your Turbo subscription is typically suspended as well. If your ban is temporary, Turbo resumes when your account is restored. If your account is permanently banned, you lose access to Turbo and should contact Twitch support about a refund for unused time.
Does Turbo work on streams that are behind a paywall?
Some streamers use third-party services to put their streams behind a paywall separate from Twitch subscriptions. Turbo does not remove ads on those streams because they are not hosted directly by Twitch. You would need to pay the streamer's paywall fee separately.
Can I gift a Turbo subscription to someone else?
Twitch does not offer Turbo gift subscriptions. You can only buy Turbo for your own account. If you want to support someone else, you could gift them a channel subscription to a streamer they watch instead.