YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that costs $72.99 per month and includes local channels, sports, news, and entertainment

YouTube TV streams live television over the internet instead of through a cable box. You watch on a phone, tablet, computer, or TV device connected to the internet. The service includes ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, and about 100 other channels. You can record shows to watch later, and recordings stay available for nine months.

The base plan costs $72.99 per month as of 2024, though YouTube can change this price. You get one account per household, but up to six people in that household can have their own login and watch at the same time on different devices. Each person's watch history and recordings are separate.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels, local stations, and the ability to record shows for nine months.
  • You can watch on up to four devices at once, and up to six household members can have separate logins with their own recordings and watch history.
  • Add-on packages like sports channels, international programming, or premium movie channels cost extra and range from $10 to $20 per month each.
  • You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time without a contract, and YouTube offers a trial period before you pay.

What channels and content come with the base subscription

The base plan includes local broadcast channels in most U.S. markets — ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. You also get ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 for sports; CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News for news; and channels like HGTV, Food Network, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and AMC for entertainment and kids' programming. The full channel list varies slightly by your location because local channels depend on where you live.

You can record any show or sporting event to your library, and it stays there for nine months. If you miss a live broadcast, you can usually find it on demand through the channel's app or YouTube TV's search. YouTube TV also includes YouTube Premium, which removes ads from YouTube videos and lets you read videos to watch offline.

Add-on packages and their costs

Beyond the base plan, YouTube TV offers optional add-ons. Sports Plus adds channels like NFL RedZone, Pac-12 Networks, and regional sports networks for $10.99 per month. International packages let you watch programming from specific countries and cost between $10 and $15 per month depending on the region. Premium movie channels like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz each cost $10 to $20 per month.

You can add or remove these packages anytime without penalty. If you add a package mid-month, YouTube charges you a prorated amount for the remaining days, then the full price the next month. If you remove a package, you lose access when ready, but you can add it back later.

How many devices you can watch on at once

YouTube TV lets you stream on up to four devices at the same time. This means four people in your household can watch different channels or shows simultaneously. If a fifth person tries to start watching, YouTube will ask one of the other streams to stop.

You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, and gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox. The app works on Android and iOS phones, and you can cast to a TV from your phone using Chromecast or AirPlay. You do not need to buy any special hardware beyond what you already own.

Pausing and canceling your subscription

You can pause your YouTube TV subscription for up to three months without losing your account or recordings. While paused, you are not charged, and when you resume, your library and settings are exactly as you left them. Pausing is useful if you travel, want to take a break, or are deciding whether to keep the service.

You can cancel anytime with no contract or early termination fee. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so if you cancel on the 15th of the month but your billing date is the 20th, you keep access until the 20th. After cancellation, your account and recordings are deleted after a set period, so if you think you might return, pausing is a better option.

How to start and what to expect in the first month

To start, go to YouTube.com/tv or read the YouTube TV app on your device. You sign in with a Google account (or create one for free). YouTube offers a trial period before charging your first payment — the length of the trial changes, so check the current offer when you sign up. During the trial, you have full access to all base channels and can test the service on your devices.

After the trial ends, YouTube charges your payment method on file. Your billing date stays the same each month. You can change your payment method, update your address, or manage add-ons anytime in your account settings. If a payment fails, YouTube sends you a notice and usually gives you a few days to update your payment information before suspending your account.

Comparing YouTube TV to other live TV streaming services

Other services that stream live TV include Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month and includes Hulu's on-demand library plus live channels; it has fewer simultaneous streams (two at once on the base plan). Sling TV costs $40 to $55 per month but has fewer channels and is aimed at people who want a smaller package. FuboTV costs $79.99 per month and focuses on sports and entertainment.

YouTube TV's main advantages are the four simultaneous streams, the nine-month recording library, and the inclusion of YouTube Premium. Its main disadvantage compared to Hulu + Live TV is that it does not include Hulu's on-demand shows and movies. The best choice depends on which channels you watch most and how many people in your household need to watch at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use YouTube TV in more than one location?

YouTube TV is designed for one household. You can watch from anywhere on your phone or tablet, but your home network (the address you set up) is where you can watch on a TV device. If you travel, you can watch on mobile devices, but streaming to a TV outside your home network may not work depending on the channel's rules.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel?

Your recordings are deleted when your account is deleted. If you cancel, YouTube keeps your account for a limited time before deleting it. If you think you might return, pause your subscription instead of canceling so your library stays intact.

Do I need a cable box or special equipment?

No. YouTube TV works on devices you likely already own — phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. If your TV is not smart, you can use a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast for under $50. You do not need a cable box, satellite dish, or any contract with a cable company.

Can I share my YouTube TV account with someone outside my household?

YouTube TV is meant for one household only. Sharing with people at a different address violates the terms of service and can result in account suspension. Each person who wants their own account needs to pay for their own subscription.

What internet speed do I need for YouTube TV?

YouTube recommends at least 3 megabits per second for one stream and 35 megabits per second for four simultaneous streams. Most home internet plans meet this, but if you have slow internet or live far from your router, you may see buffering. A wired connection is more stable than Wi-Fi.