YouTube TV has revolutionized the way we consume live television, offering a unique blend of traditional TV and modern streaming capabilities. As the platform continues to grow in popularity, many users are left wondering: how much do you pay for YouTube TV? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of YouTube TV pricing, exploring the various plans, add-ons, and features that can impact your monthly bill.
Understanding YouTube TV Pricing
YouTube TV offers a single base plan, which includes access to over 85 live TV channels, including local networks, sports, and news. The base plan costs $64.99 per month, with no contracts or hidden fees. However, this price can vary depending on your location, with some areas offering discounted rates for promotional periods.
Base Plan Channels
The YouTube TV base plan includes a diverse range of channels, including:
- Local networks: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS
- Sports: ESPN, FOX Sports, NBC Sports, and NFL Network
- News: CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, and CNBC
- Entertainment: AMC, Bravo, Discovery, and HGTV
Add-ons and Premium Channels
While the base plan offers a robust channel lineup, YouTube TV also provides various add-ons and premium channels to enhance your viewing experience. These add-ons can be purchased separately or bundled with your base plan, and prices vary depending on the channel or package.
Premium Channels
YouTube TV offers a range of premium channels, including:
- HBO: $14.99 per month
- Showtime: $10.99 per month
- Starz: $8.99 per month
- Epix: $4.99 per month
Add-on Packages
In addition to premium channels, YouTube TV offers several add-on packages that can be added to your base plan. These packages include:
- Sports Plus: $10.99 per month (includes NFL RedZone, MLB.TV, and more)
- Entertainment Plus: $29.99 per month (includes HBO, Showtime, and Starz)
- Spanish Plus: $14.99 per month (includes Univision, Telemundo, and more)
Cloud DVR and Simultaneous Streams
YouTube TV also offers a range of features that can impact your pricing, including cloud DVR and simultaneous streams.
Cloud DVR
YouTube TV’s cloud DVR allows you to record live TV and store it in the cloud for up to nine months. The base plan includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, but you can upgrade to a premium DVR plan for $19.99 per month. This plan includes additional features, such as the ability to fast-forward through commercials and watch recordings offline.
Simultaneous Streams
YouTube TV allows you to stream content on up to three devices simultaneously, making it easy to share with family members or roommates. However, if you need more simultaneous streams, you can upgrade to a premium plan for $14.99 per month. This plan includes up to five simultaneous streams.
YouTube TV Pricing Comparison
When it comes to pricing, YouTube TV is competitive with other live TV streaming services. Here’s a comparison of YouTube TV’s pricing with other popular services:
| Service | Base Plan Price | Premium Channels | Add-on Packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $64.99 per month | HBO: $14.99 per month, Showtime: $10.99 per month | Sports Plus: $10.99 per month, Entertainment Plus: $29.99 per month |
| Hulu with Live TV | $64.99 per month | HBO: $14.99 per month, Showtime: $10.99 per month | Sports Add-on: $9.99 per month, Entertainment Add-on: $7.99 per month |
| Sling TV | $30 per month | HBO: $15 per month, Showtime: $10 per month | Sports Extra: $10 per month, Comedy Extra: $5 per month |
YouTube TV Promotions and Discounts
YouTube TV occasionally offers promotions and discounts for new and existing users. These deals can include discounted rates for the base plan, free trials for premium channels, and more.
New User Promotions
New users can take advantage of a free trial period, which typically lasts five days. During this time, you can test out the service and its features without committing to a paid plan.
Existing User Discounts
Existing users can also take advantage of discounts and promotions, such as discounted rates for premium channels or add-on packages. These deals are usually offered through email or in-app notifications.
YouTube TV Pricing Verdict
YouTube TV’s pricing is competitive with other live TV streaming services, offering a robust channel lineup and range of features for a flat monthly fee. While add-ons and premium channels can increase your monthly bill, they offer additional value and flexibility. Ultimately, the cost of YouTube TV depends on your individual needs and preferences.
By understanding the various plans, add-ons, and features available, you can make an informed decision about whether YouTube TV is right for you.
What is YouTube TV and how does it work?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. It works by allowing users to stream live TV content over the internet, without the need for a traditional cable or satellite subscription. This means that users can watch their favorite TV shows and channels on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Google Chromecast.
YouTube TV uses a cloud-based DVR system, which allows users to record and store their favorite shows and movies in the cloud. This means that users can access their recordings from anywhere, at any time, as long as they have an internet connection. Additionally, YouTube TV offers a range of features, including the ability to create up to six individual profiles, each with its own personalized recommendations and DVR storage.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
The cost of YouTube TV varies depending on the plan you choose. The base plan, which includes access to over 85 channels, costs $64.99 per month. This plan includes a range of popular channels, including local networks, sports, and news. There are also several add-on options available, including additional sports and entertainment channels, which can be added to the base plan for an extra fee.
In addition to the base plan, YouTube TV also offers a range of premium add-ons, including HBO, Showtime, and Starz. These add-ons can be added to the base plan for an extra fee, which varies depending on the add-on. For example, the HBO add-on costs an additional $14.99 per month, while the Showtime add-on costs an additional $10.99 per month.
What channels are included with YouTube TV?
YouTube TV includes a range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. Some of the most popular channels included with the base plan include ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and CNN. YouTube TV also includes a range of sports channels, including NFL Network, MLB.TV, and NBA TV. Additionally, users can add premium sports channels, such as NFL RedZone and MLB.TV, for an extra fee.
In addition to the channels included with the base plan, YouTube TV also offers a range of add-on channels, including entertainment channels like HBO and Showtime. These add-ons can be added to the base plan for an extra fee, which varies depending on the add-on. For example, the HBO add-on includes access to a range of popular TV shows and movies, including Game of Thrones and Westworld.
Can I record shows with YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV includes a cloud-based DVR system, which allows users to record and store their favorite shows and movies in the cloud. This means that users can access their recordings from anywhere, at any time, as long as they have an internet connection. The DVR system is included with the base plan, and users can record up to 9 months of content.
The DVR system is easy to use, and users can record shows and movies with just a few clicks. Users can also set up series recordings, which allows them to record every episode of a particular show. Additionally, users can stream their recordings on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Can I watch YouTube TV on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, YouTube TV allows users to watch on up to three devices at the same time. This means that users can watch their favorite shows and movies on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. This feature is included with the base plan, and users do not need to pay an extra fee to watch on multiple devices.
However, it’s worth noting that some add-ons, such as the HBO add-on, may have restrictions on simultaneous streaming. For example, the HBO add-on only allows users to stream on up to two devices at the same time. Users should check the terms and conditions of each add-on to see if there are any restrictions on simultaneous streaming.
Is YouTube TV available in my area?
YouTube TV is available in most areas of the United States, but availability may vary depending on your location. To check if YouTube TV is available in your area, you can visit the YouTube TV website and enter your zip code. This will show you which channels are available in your area, including local networks and sports channels.
If YouTube TV is not available in your area, you may want to consider other live TV streaming services, such as Hulu with Live TV or Sling TV. These services may offer similar channels and features to YouTube TV, and may be available in your area.
Can I cancel YouTube TV at any time?
Yes, YouTube TV is a month-to-month service, which means that users can cancel at any time. There are no contracts or cancellation fees, and users can cancel their subscription online or through the YouTube TV app. If users cancel their subscription, they will still have access to YouTube TV until the end of their billing cycle.
It’s worth noting that users may be eligible for a free trial period when they sign up for YouTube TV. During this time, users can try out the service and see if it’s right for them. If users cancel their subscription during the free trial period, they will not be charged a fee.