YouTube TV’s 4K Plus is a good upgrade for sports fans but less so for everyone else. Here’s a closer look at what to expect before paying.
Category: YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service in the United States and offers a similar experience to DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu Live TV and Sling TV. YouTube TV first launched in 2017 but it was not until 2019 when the service became available nationwide. Since then, YouTube TV has gone on to become an extremely popular way to stream live TV with the unlimited cloud DVR one of its major selling points. However, the unlimited recording experience is only one of the benefits on offer, with YouTube TV considered a premium service overall and a popular option for sports fans.
Recommended reading: YouTube TV review
Table of contents
- How much is YouTube TV monthly?
- What channels do you get with YouTube TV?
- Which devices work with YouTube TV?
- What is the downside of YouTube TV?
- Is YouTube TV worth getting?
How much is YouTube TV monthly?
A YouTube TV subscription currently costs $72.99 per month. This is just the base cost with the overall subscription price dependent on the premium networks or add-ons bundled with the main plan. While there are cheaper live TV services available, a base YouTube TV subscription is comparable on price to the cheapest DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, and Hulu Live TV plans. YouTube TV typically offers a 7-day free trial to all new subscribers.
While a subscription currently costs a minimum of $72.99 per month, it is worth being aware that the base price may increase in the future. YouTube TV has encountered multiple price increases since launch with the most recent arriving in March 2023 and increasing the cost by $8 per month. YouTube TV does not lock prices in, so even though a consumer signs up today at the current price, there are no guarantees the monthly cost will be the same next month or in six months from now.
What channels do you get with YouTube TV?
YouTube TV currently provides access to more than 100 live TV channels covering news, entertainment, sports and more. Some of the popular channels on offer with the base subscription include:
- ABC
- Discovery
- ESPN
- Fox
- Nat Geo
- NBC
- Paramount
- SEC Network
In addition to the channels bundled with a standard subscription, YouTube TV also offers the option to add premium networks. There is also the option to bundle channel packs that add a number of similar channels to the base plan, such as the Sports Plus add-on.
YouTube TV does provide access to some local channels. However, all local channels might not be available everywhere as this will largely depend on carriage agreements and the channels available in the subscriber’s individual location.
Whether it is local or national channels, the YouTube TV channel lineup is subject to change at any time. Therefore while a subscriber may sign up today with the expectation of a specific selection of channels, it is possible the channels could change in the future.
Which devices work with YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is available to stream on a variety of different platforms and devices, including smart TVs, streaming players, smartphones and more. While the service can be watched through a browser, the YouTube TV app is available to download on many newer devices running on a number of popular operating systems including:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV/Google TV
- Apple TV
- HiSense TVs
- LG TVs
- Microsoft Xbox
- Samsung TVs
- Sony PlayStation
- Vizio TVs
Once downloaded, the subscriber will be required to sign in using their YouTube TV subscription credentials before being able to watch any of the live TV channels or on demand content.
For consumers without a supported device, YouTube TV’s supported device list is not final and it is possible additional devices will be added at a later time.
What is the downside of YouTube TV?
The main downside of YouTube TV is the cost. At $72.99 per month, it is one of the more expensive live TV services around and the price will be even higher if adding additional features, such as 4K support, or expanding the selection of channels. YouTube TV is a premium service and the monthly cost reflects its premium benefits. For those specifically wanting an affordable live TV service, there are other options available which will likely be more suitable.
Recommended reading: Live TV price comparison
Price aside, YouTube TV is not a perfect live TV option and some subscribers may encounter other downsides as well. For example, the inability to manually delete recordings from the DVR library, limitations when watching away from home, having to pay extra each month for 4K streams, and the number of devices that can be used at the same time.
Is YouTube TV worth getting?
Yes, YouTube TV is worth a subscription but the service does come with a number of caveats. The first is the price. So long as an individual or household is willing to pay the higher monthly cost then YouTube TV offers a premium and rich live TV streaming experience. If the price is a little too high then there are other services with considering, including Sling TV.
Other caveats that might affect whether YouTube TV is the right service for an individual home include the selection of channels, the number of simultaneous streams, and the list of supported devices.
This is just an overview of what YouTube TV is, offers, and its main limitations. There are a number of more granular aspects that may also affect whether YouTube TV is worth getting and many of these are covered in the individual guides below.
An NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube TV requires an annual subscription, but what happens if you then cancel YouTube TV after signing up?
Whether signed up to NFL Sunday Ticket or considering it, understanding how many devices you can watch on at the same time is important.
YouTube TV has made some big changes recently and especially when it comes to sports, but is multiview simply covering over a bigger issue?
Here’s how much NFL Sunday Ticket will cost you when purchased through YouTube or YouTube TV, including the option to bundle with RedZone.
YouTube TV offers multiple add-ons and upgrades for the base package. So many that going all in would cost you as much as $450 per month.
YouTube TV subscribers have faced multiple price increases over the years. Here’s a look back at how the price of a subscription has changed.
2022 was pretty good for YouTube TV. With Sunday Ticket and Mosaic Mode coming, 2023 could be an even better year for the live TV service.
NFL Network is included in the YouTube TV base live TV package at no additional cost, but subscribers will need to pay extra for NFL RedZone.
With more than 100 live TV channels, YouTube TV is a good option for sports fans. However, NHL Network is notably missing from the lineup.
YouTube TV’s premium Sports Plus add-on can be a great way to expand the selection of sports channels that a subscription provides access to.
YouTube TV is worth the $65 monthly price, but it’s not a perfect live TV streaming service and won’t be the best option for every home.
Wondering if YouTube TV is your best option? This live TV streaming checklist covers the main points you should be aware of before signing up.
Currently subscribed to YouTube TV and looking for a replacement? Here are some of the cheaper live TV services that are worth considering.
The cost of an NBA League Pass subscription through YouTube TV depends on whether signing up on a monthly basis or for the full season pass.
YouTube TV is a very good option for homes looking to watch TBS over the internet. However, it’s not the cheapest live TV service around.
Lifetime is not one of the channels included with a YouTube TV subscription, but it is possible to access Lifetime for just $7 per month.
YouTube offers a student discount on some of its subscription services, but not YouTube TV. However, sharing is one way to save on the cost.
A&E Networks is one of the channels that’s currently missing from YouTube TV’s lineup. However, a $7 subscription could be the answer.
YouTube TV is one of the best ways to stream live TV over the internet but that doesn’t mean it’s the best live TV service for every home.
