YouTube TV's current pricing and what's included
YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan as of 2024. That price includes access to over 100 live TV channels, cloud DVR storage with no expiration date, and the ability to watch on multiple devices at once. The service lets you create up to six separate user profiles on one account, so family members can have their own watch history and recommendations.
YouTube TV also offers an add-on called YouTube TV Premium for $14.99 per month extra. This removes ads from YouTube's on-demand content (not the live TV channels, which still carry ads). If you already pay for YouTube Premium separately, adding YouTube TV Premium costs $6.99 more instead of the full $14.99.
The base $72.99 price is what most people pay, but YouTube occasionally runs promotional rates for new members — typically a discount for the first few months. These offers change and are not always available, so check the YouTube TV website to see what's current in your area.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's standard plan costs $72.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and six user profiles per account.
- YouTube TV Premium costs $14.99 extra per month to remove ads from YouTube's on-demand library, though live TV channels still show ads.
- The price you see may vary temporarily if YouTube is running a promotional offer for new members in your region.
- You can cancel anytime without a contract, and your access stops at the end of the billing period you paid for.
How the cloud DVR works and what it costs
Cloud DVR storage is included at no extra cost with YouTube TV. You can record as many programs as you want, and the recordings stay in your library indefinitely — there is no storage limit and no expiration date. This is different from some cable providers, which limit how many hours you can keep or charge extra for DVR.
You can fast-forward through commercials on most recorded programs. The exceptions are sports events and some live broadcasts, where YouTube TV is contractually required to show ads in real time. If you record a show and want to watch it later without ads, YouTube TV Premium removes ads from on-demand content, but that does not affect live TV recordings.
Simultaneous streams and household rules
Your YouTube TV account allows three simultaneous streams on the base plan — meaning three people can watch different channels at the same time. If you need more, YouTube TV offers a 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 per month, which increases simultaneous streams to four and adds access to 4K resolution on compatible devices and channels.
YouTube TV defines your household as the primary location where you use the service. You can watch outside your home, but the service is designed for one household to share one account. If people in different homes want to use the same account, YouTube TV may ask you to verify your home network or may restrict access.
Channels included and what varies by location
YouTube TV includes major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), cable news channels (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC), sports networks (ESPN, Fox Sports, regional sports channels), and entertainment channels. The exact lineup depends on your location and changes when YouTube TV adds or removes channels due to licensing agreements.
Before you sign up, you can enter your zip code on the YouTube TV website to see which channels are available in your area. This matters most if you follow a specific sports team or regional news station. Some channels that appear in one state may not be available in another.
How to cancel and what happens to your recordings
YouTube TV has no contract, so you can cancel anytime through your account settings. Your access ends at the end of the billing period you already paid for — if you cancel mid-month, you keep access until the next billing date. You do not get a refund for the unused portion of the month.
When your account ends, your recordings are deleted. YouTube TV does not let you download or export your DVR library, so if you want to keep a recording, you need to watch it before you cancel. Some programs are available on-demand through YouTube TV's library even after you cancel, but that depends on licensing and is not may provide.
Comparing YouTube TV to other live TV streaming services
YouTube TV is one of several live TV streaming options. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month and includes Hulu's on-demand library. Sling TV starts at $39.99 per month but includes fewer channels. FuboTV costs $79.99 per month and emphasizes sports. Each service has different channel lineups, so the right choice depends on which channels matter to you.
YouTube TV's main advantages are unlimited cloud DVR with no expiration, six user profiles instead of the typical four, and integration with YouTube's on-demand library. The trade-off is that it costs more than Sling TV and does not include as much on-demand content as Hulu + Live TV. Check the channel list for your zip code on each service's website to compare what you would actually get.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pause my YouTube TV subscription instead of canceling?
YouTube TV does not offer a pause option. You can cancel and rejoin later, but your recordings will be deleted when you cancel. Some promotional rates for new members may not apply if you rejoin within a certain time frame, so check the terms before canceling if you plan to return.
Does YouTube TV work on all devices?
YouTube TV works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV, and gaming consoles. You can download the YouTube TV app on most platforms. The 4K Plus add-on only works on devices that support 4K, so check your device's specs before paying for that tier.
What happens if I share my YouTube TV password with someone outside my household?
YouTube TV's terms of service restrict sharing to one household. If the service detects use from multiple locations, it may ask you to verify your home network or restrict access. Repeated violations could result in account suspension, though enforcement varies.
Is there a student discount for YouTube TV?
YouTube TV does not currently offer a dedicated student discount. YouTube Premium (the ad-free version of YouTube's on-demand service) does have a student plan, but that is separate from YouTube TV. Check YouTube's website for current student offers, as these change periodically.