YouTube TV's base plan and current pricing

YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for its standard plan as of 2024. This is the main subscription tier and includes access to live TV channels, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to watch on multiple devices at once. The price has increased several times over the past few years — YouTube raised it from $64.99 to $72.99 in October 2023.

The standard plan lets you stream on up to three devices at the same time. You get unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means you can record shows and keep them as long as you want without running out of space. You also get access to YouTube's on-demand content library alongside the live channels.

YouTube TV does not offer a free tier or a cheaper base option. If you want to use the service, you pay the full monthly price. There is no annual payment option that gives you a discount — you pay month to month.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV's standard plan costs $72.99 per month and includes live TV channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and simultaneous streaming on three devices.
  • The 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 per month extra and gives you 4K video quality, one additional simultaneous stream, and offline downloads.
  • Sports Plus add-on runs $9.99 per month and adds channels like NFL RedZone, NBA League Pass, and other sports-focused networks.
  • YouTube TV charges month to month with no long-term contract, and you can cancel anytime without a penalty.
  • Your total bill depends on which channels are available in your area and which add-ons you choose.

Add-ons that increase your monthly bill

YouTube TV offers two main add-on packages that cost extra on top of the base $72.99 monthly fee. The 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 per month and gives you the ability to watch select content in 4K resolution. It also adds one more simultaneous stream (bringing your total to four devices at once) and lets you read shows to watch offline on the YouTube TV app.

The Sports Plus add-on also costs $9.99 per month. This add-on includes channels and services focused on sports, such as NFL RedZone, NBA League Pass, Pac-12 Networks, and others. If you watch a lot of sports, this add-on may give you access to games and coverage you would not see on the base channels included in your standard plan.

You can add one, both, or neither of these add-ons. If you add both, your monthly bill would be $72.99 plus $9.99 plus $9.99, which equals $92.97 before any taxes your area may charge. You can turn add-ons on and off month to month — there is no commitment to keep them.

What channels come with the base plan

The channels included in your $72.99 monthly subscription depend on where you live. YouTube TV carries major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox in most areas. It also includes cable news channels like CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, as well as sports channels like ESPN, FS1, and regional sports networks in some markets.

The exact lineup varies by location because local broadcast rights are sold by region. You can check which channels are available in your specific area by entering your zip code on YouTube TV's website before you subscribe. This is important because the channel list is one of the main reasons people choose or reject the service.

Beyond live TV, your subscription includes access to YouTube's on-demand library of shows, movies, and other content. You also get YouTube Premium features like ad-free viewing on YouTube itself.

How billing works and when charges appear

YouTube TV charges you on the same day each month. If you sign up on the 15th, you will be charged on the 15th of every month going forward. Your first charge happens right away when you start your subscription, not at the end of a trial period.

YouTube TV does not currently offer a free trial. In the past it did, but as of 2024 you pay the full monthly price starting on day one. The charge appears on your credit card or payment method on file within a few days of your billing date.

If you cancel your subscription, you keep access through the end of your current billing period. You will not be charged again after that date. There is no cancellation fee or penalty for stopping your subscription at any time.

Comparing YouTube TV to other live TV services

Several other services offer live TV streaming, and their prices have moved closer to YouTube TV's over time. Hulu with Live TV costs $76.99 per month for its ad-supported plan (or $82.99 without ads). Sling TV starts at $39.99 per month for its Orange plan but includes fewer channels than YouTube TV. FuboTV costs $79.99 per month and focuses heavily on sports.

The main differences between these services are the channel lineup, the number of simultaneous streams, cloud DVR storage, and regional availability. YouTube TV includes unlimited DVR storage on its base plan, while some competitors charge extra for storage or limit how much you can record. The channels available to you also depend on your location and which service has negotiated rights in your area.

If you are trying to decide between services, the best approach is to check which channels matter most to you, then see which service carries them in your zip code. Price alone does not tell you whether a service is worth it — the channel list is usually the deciding factor.

Taxes and fees that may be added to your bill

The $72.99 base price does not include taxes or fees. Depending on your state and local tax rules, your actual monthly bill may be higher. Sales tax rates vary widely — some states charge no sales tax on streaming services, while others add 5 to 10 percent or more.

YouTube TV does not add separate fees on top of the subscription price the way some cable companies do. You will not see a "broadcast fee" or "equipment fee" added to your bill. The only charges beyond the subscription price itself are taxes that your state or locality requires.

To know your exact total bill, you need to know your local tax rate. You can find this by checking your state's tax authority website or by looking at a past bill from another streaming service you use. Once you know the tax rate, multiply it by $72.99 (plus any add-ons) to see what you will actually pay each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause my YouTube TV subscription instead of canceling it?

YouTube TV does not offer a pause feature. You can cancel anytime and restart later, but there is no way to temporarily stop your subscription while keeping your account active. If you cancel, your recordings and preferences will be saved for 9 months, so you can pick up where you left off if you come back.

Does YouTube TV charge different prices in different states?

The base price of $72.99 per month is the same everywhere in the United States. However, your total bill will vary depending on your state and local sales tax rates. Some states charge no tax on streaming services, while others add significant amounts.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel?

Your recordings stay in your account for 9 months after you cancel. If you restart your subscription within that time, you can watch them again. After 9 months, they are deleted. You do not lose access to them when ready when you cancel — you have a grace period to decide whether to come back.

Can I share my YouTube TV account with family members in other homes?

YouTube TV allows you to create multiple profiles within one account, but all users must be on the same home network to watch at the same time. If family members live in different houses, they would each need their own subscription. YouTube TV uses your home address to verify this.

Is there a student discount for YouTube TV?

YouTube TV does not offer a student discount. The price is $72.99 per month for everyone. However, if you are a student, you may be able to get YouTube Premium (ad-free YouTube) through a student plan, which is separate from YouTube TV.