YouTube TV has revolutionized the way we consume live television, offering a unique blend of traditional TV and modern streaming capabilities. With its base package starting at $64.99 per month, YouTube TV provides access to over 85 channels, including local networks, sports, and news. However, to enhance your viewing experience, YouTube TV offers various add-ons that can significantly impact your monthly bill. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of YouTube TV add-ons, exploring their costs, benefits, and whether they’re worth the extra expense.
Understanding YouTube TV’s Base Package
Before we dive into the add-ons, it’s essential to understand what’s included in YouTube TV’s base package. For $64.99 per month, you’ll get:
- Over 85 channels, including local networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC), sports (ESPN, FOX Sports), and news (CNN, MSNBC)
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and store as many shows as you want
- Three simultaneous streams, making it easy to share with family members or roommates
- Access to YouTube TV’s mobile app, enabling you to watch on-the-go
While the base package offers an impressive channel lineup, you may find that it’s missing some of your favorite networks or features. This is where add-ons come in – allowing you to customize your YouTube TV experience to suit your viewing habits.
Add-Ons: Enhancing Your YouTube TV Experience
YouTube TV offers a range of add-ons, each designed to enhance your viewing experience in unique ways. Here are some of the most popular add-ons, along with their costs:
- HBO Max: $14.99 per month (or $139.99 per year)
- Starz: $8.99 per month
- Showtime: $10.99 per month
- Epix: $4.99 per month
- AMC+: $6.99 per month
- Acorn TV: $4.99 per month
- BritBox: $6.99 per month
- Shudder: $5.99 per month
- Sundance Now: $6.99 per month
- CuriosityStream: $2.99 per month
- NBA League Pass: $28.99 per month (or $199.99 per season)
- MLB.TV: $24.99 per month (or $129.99 per season)
- NFL RedZone: $10.99 per month (or $34.99 per season)
As you can see, the costs of add-ons vary significantly, ranging from $2.99 per month for CuriosityStream to $28.99 per month for NBA League Pass. It’s essential to carefully consider which add-ons are worth the extra expense, based on your viewing habits and preferences.
Channel Add-Ons: Expanding Your Channel Lineup
In addition to the premium networks listed above, YouTube TV also offers channel add-ons that allow you to expand your channel lineup. These add-ons include:
- Spanish Plan: $34.99 per month (includes 28 Spanish-language channels)
- Hindi Plan: $14.99 per month (includes 12 Hindi-language channels)
- <strong_Portuguese Plan: $14.99 per month (includes 12 Portuguese-language channels)
- Italian Plan: $14.99 per month (includes 12 Italian-language channels)
These channel add-ons are ideal for viewers who want to access international content or expand their language options.
Feature Add-Ons: Enhancing Your Viewing Experience
YouTube TV also offers feature add-ons that enhance your viewing experience. These include:
- 4K Plus: $9.99 per month (includes 4K streaming, offline viewing, and unlimited streams at home)
- Add-on Networks: $2.99 per month (includes access to additional networks, such as FOX Soccer Plus and GOLTV)
The 4K Plus add-on is particularly noteworthy, as it offers 4K streaming, offline viewing, and unlimited streams at home. However, it’s essential to note that not all content is available in 4K, and you’ll need a compatible device to take advantage of this feature.
Are Add-Ons Worth the Extra Expense?
Whether or not add-ons are worth the extra expense depends on your individual viewing habits and preferences. If you’re a fan of premium networks like HBO Max or Showtime, the additional cost may be justified. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider alternative streaming options or stick with the base package.
To help you make an informed decision, let’s consider a few scenarios:
- If you’re a sports fan, the NBA League Pass or MLB.TV add-ons may be worth the extra expense, especially if you follow a specific team or league.
- If you’re a fan of international content, the Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, or Italian plans may be a good option, depending on your language preferences.
- If you want to enhance your viewing experience with 4K streaming and offline viewing, the 4K Plus add-on may be worth considering.
Ultimately, the decision to add extra channels or features to your YouTube TV subscription depends on your individual needs and budget.
Conclusion
YouTube TV’s add-ons offer a range of options for enhancing your viewing experience, from premium networks to feature add-ons. While the costs of add-ons can add up quickly, they may be worth the extra expense if you’re a fan of specific networks or features. By carefully considering your viewing habits and budget, you can make an informed decision about which add-ons are right for you.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments and pricing changes. Whether you’re a new or existing YouTube TV subscriber, understanding the costs and benefits of add-ons can help you get the most out of your subscription.
| Add-on | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HBO Max | $14.99 per month (or $139.99 per year) | Access to HBO Max content, including popular TV shows and movies |
| Starz | $8.99 per month | Access to Starz content, including popular TV shows and movies |
| Showtime | $10.99 per month | Access to Showtime content, including popular TV shows and movies |
| Epix | $4.99 per month | Access to Epix content, including popular TV shows and movies |
| AMC+ | $6.99 per month | Access to AMC+ content, including popular TV shows and movies |
| Acorn TV | $4.99 per month | Access to Acorn TV content, including British TV shows and movies |
| BritBox | $6.99 per month | Access to BritBox content, including British TV shows and movies |
| Shudder | $5.99 per month | Access to Shudder content, including horror movies and TV shows |
| Sundance Now | $6.99 per month | Access to Sundance Now content, including independent movies and TV shows |
| CuriosityStream | $2.99 per month | Access to CuriosityStream content, including documentaries and educational programs |
| NBA League Pass | $28.99 per month (or $199.99 per season) | Access to NBA games and content |
| MLB.TV | $24.99 per month (or $129.99 per season) | Access to MLB games and content |
| NFL RedZone | $10.99 per month (or $34.99 per season) | Access to NFL RedZone content, including live games and highlights |
By understanding the costs and benefits of YouTube TV’s add-ons, you can make an informed decision about which options are right for you. Whether you’re a sports fan, a fan of premium networks, or simply looking to enhance your viewing experience, YouTube TV’s add-ons offer a range of options to suit your needs.
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 channels on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Chromecast and Apple TV.
YouTube TV also offers a range of features, including cloud DVR, which allows users to record and store shows and movies in the cloud, and multi-device support, which allows users to watch on multiple devices at the same time. Additionally, YouTube TV offers a range of add-ons, which can be used to customize the service and add additional channels and features.
What are the different types of add-ons available on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV offers a range of add-ons, including channel add-ons, which allow users to add specific channels to their service, and feature add-ons, which add additional features and functionality. Some examples of channel add-ons include HBO, Showtime, and Starz, while feature add-ons include 4K Plus, which adds support for 4K video, and unlimited screens, which allows users to watch on multiple devices at the same time.
In addition to these add-ons, YouTube TV also offers a range of premium add-ons, which bundle together multiple channels and features at a discounted price. These add-ons can be a good option for users who want to customize their service and add a range of channels and features.
How much do add-ons cost on YouTube TV?
The cost of add-ons on YouTube TV varies depending on the specific add-on and the user’s location. Channel add-ons typically cost between $5 and $15 per month, while feature add-ons can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per month. Premium add-ons, which bundle together multiple channels and features, can cost $20 to $50 per month or more.
It’s worth noting that some add-ons may also offer free trials or discounts for new users, so it’s worth checking the YouTube TV website for the latest pricing information. Additionally, users can cancel their add-ons at any time, so they can try out different options and see what works best for them.
Can I customize my YouTube TV service with add-ons?
Yes, one of the main benefits of YouTube TV is the ability to customize the service with add-ons. Users can choose from a range of channel and feature add-ons to create a service that meets their specific needs and interests. This means that users can add the channels and features they want, and avoid paying for things they don’t need.
For example, a user who is a big fan of HBO might add the HBO channel add-on to their service, while a user who wants to watch 4K video might add the 4K Plus feature add-on. By customizing their service with add-ons, users can create a personalized TV experience that meets their unique needs and preferences.
Are add-ons available on all YouTube TV plans?
Most add-ons are available on all YouTube TV plans, including the base plan and the Spanish plan. However, some add-ons may only be available on certain plans, so it’s worth checking the YouTube TV website for the latest information.
In general, users can add most channel and feature add-ons to their service, regardless of the plan they are on. However, some premium add-ons may only be available on higher-tier plans, so users may need to upgrade their plan to access these add-ons.
Can I cancel my add-ons at any time?
Yes, users can cancel their add-ons at any time. This means that users can try out different add-ons and see what works best for them, without being locked into a long-term contract. To cancel an add-on, users simply need to go to the YouTube TV website, navigate to the “Settings” page, and click on the “Cancel” button next to the add-on they want to cancel.
It’s worth noting that canceling an add-on will not affect the user’s base YouTube TV service, so they will still be able to watch live TV and access their cloud DVR. However, they will no longer have access to the channels and features included in the canceled add-on.