YouTube TV gives you a third options between the choice of cable or satellite TV, and all you need to get started is Wi-Fi. While the service isn't exactly cheap, starting at $82.99 per month (as per the most recent price hike for new subscribers that will also go into effect for existing ones starting January 13, 2025), the selection of live channels and on-demand content make it a top contender. With that in mind, we've gathered everything you need to know about YouTube TV to make an informed decision.
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is one of the most expansive cable replacement streaming platforms currently available in the United States right now. Like Hulu with Live TV, Fubo, or Sling TV, YouTube TV provides access to many live TV channels, including the Big Four broadcast networks and PBS in most markets. Both platforms also include on-demand video content, but only YouTube TV features unlimited cloud-based DVR storage.
YouTube TV subscribers also have access to various region-specific channels and programming, including a variety of professional sports, for one flat monthly fee. There's also access to Discovery channels — including Animal Planet, HGTV, Food Network, and more.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
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YouTube TV offers one plan for $82.99 per month ($59.99 for the first three months) and has over 100 broadcast and cable networks, including ESPN, HGTV, and TNT. Additionally, YouTube TV's base plan includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and an impressive lineup of live sports coverage. Looking for 4K support? The 4K Plus add-on gives you 4K viewing, unlimited simultaneous streams at home, and the ability to watch recordings offline.
YouTube TV also offers a variety of premium channel add-ons, which can be added to your monthly subscription for an extra fee. This ranges anywhere from an extra $4 per month for PBS Documentaries to $29 for the NBA League Pass. Other popular add-ons might include Cinemax ($10 per month), Acorn TV ($6 per month), and Shudder ($6 per month).
There are also add-on bundles, like the Sports Plus premium add-on that costs an additional $11 per month. The Entertainment Plus bundle is $30 a month. That bundle also includes Max (formerly HBO Max), Showtime, and STARZ and saves you about $5 compared to adding each channel separately.
Additionally, there's the NFL Sunday Ticket bundle which is 209 on top of the regular Base Plan fee. At the time of this writing, it's on for just $49 for the remainder of the 2024 season. This provides access to every remaining Sunday game. Note that a few U.S. locations are excluded from this offering, so check your options when signing up.
A third option is the Spanish Plus plan, which is $7 per month and provides access to Spanish networks along with unlimited DVR space. It also maintains the option for six household accounts and three streams at a time. Abuela might just love this option!
What channels are on YouTube TV?
The sheer number of programs that are available to be watched, recorded, and re-watched on YouTube TV is staggering. If you picked up a subscription to stay caught up on your favorite shows, then you'll need to know how to find them. There are simply too many channels to list here, but you can find the full list of YouTube TV channels on the official site.
What devices support YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is accessible on most streaming devices, including Roku, Chromecast with Google TV, and Apple TV. You can also stream YouTube TV on a selection of smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Vizio, Hisense, and Sharp. Here's what other devices are compatible with YouTube TV:
| Platform | YouTube TV |
|---|---|
| AirTV Players | ✔️ |
| Android phones/tablets | ✔️ |
| Android TV | ✔️ |
| Chromebook | ✔️ |
| Chromecast | ✔️ |
| Google Nest | ✔️ |
| Apple TV | ✔️ |
| Fire tablets | ✔️ |
| FireTV devices | ✔️ |
| Roku | ✔️ |
| Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X | ✔️ |
| PS4, PS5 | ✔️ |
| Google Nest Hub | ✔️ |
| Nintendo Switch | ❌ |
| Oculus Quest | ❌ |
| TiVo Stream 4K | ✔️ |
| Echo Show | ❌ |
| Smart TVs | Fire TV Edition TVs, Hisense, LG, Roku TVs, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Vizio |
| Xfinity Flex devices | ✔️ |
| Peloton | ✔️ |
Check YouTube TVs device support page to check for your specific model.
You will also be able to access YouTube TV on mobile devices via web browser and by downloading the YouTube TV app on your computer.
YouTube TV also launched a 4K streaming add-on in June 2021, bringing higher resolution content to several networks already available on the platform for an extra $10 per month for the first year after which it's $20 per month. The 4K Plus add-on also allows subscribers to download content for offline viewing, which wasn't previously available on YouTube TV.
Account limits, profiles, and parental controls
Like various other streaming platforms, each YouTube TV subscription allows for up to six separate user accounts. This allows each viewer in a household to customize suggestions and private DVR libraries within their individual account. Regarding simultaneous streaming, YouTube TV allows users to stream on up to three different devices at the same time.
YouTube TV also offers the option to add parental controls, blocking certain content from younger viewers on the account. All you need to do is tap the lock icon in the top corner of any page in the app and enter the numbers that appear. You can also set a custom passcode, which must be entered when selecting more mature content.
Does YouTube TV offer a free trial?
Yes! While the exact amount of time can vary depending on when you sign up, YouTube TV generally offers some kind of free trial throughout the year. You might, for example, be offered five days of the streaming service for free, but there have been times when YouTube TV offers up to 30 days for 100% free. You'll just have to check and see which trial is being offered when you're interested in trying the service. Signing up for the free trial will give you access to all YouTube TV channels and the service's unlimited DVR space for a limited time.
Once the free trial expires, you'll automatically be charged $59.99 per month for three months, then $82.99 per month for as long as you keep your subscription. There are no hidden fees or contracts associated with your membership, so you can cancel at any time.
