YouTube TV has revolutionized the way we consume live television, offering a unique blend of traditional TV and online streaming. As the popularity of this service continues to grow, many potential subscribers are left wondering: how much does YouTube TV cost? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of YouTube TV’s pricing, exploring the various plans, add-ons, and features that can impact your overall cost.
YouTube TV Pricing Plans
YouTube TV offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets. The base plan, simply called “YouTube TV,” is the most popular option. This plan costs $64.99 per month and includes:
- Access to over 85 live TV channels, including local networks, sports, and news
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and store as many shows as you want
- Up to three simultaneous streams, making it easy to share with family members or roommates
- Access to YouTube TV’s on-demand library, featuring a vast collection of TV shows and movies
In addition to the base plan, YouTube TV also offers a few add-ons that can enhance your viewing experience. These include:
- HBO Max: This popular streaming service is available as an add-on to YouTube TV, costing an additional $14.99 per month. With HBO Max, you’ll gain access to a vast library of content, including popular TV shows and movies, as well as exclusive HBO content.
- Starz: This premium channel is available as an add-on to YouTube TV, costing an additional $8.99 per month. With Starz, you’ll gain access to a range of original TV shows and movies, including popular titles like “Outlander” and “Power.”
- Showtime: This premium channel is available as an add-on to YouTube TV, costing an additional $10.99 per month. With Showtime, you’ll gain access to a range of original TV shows and movies, including popular titles like “Homeland” and “Billions.”
YouTube TV Add-Ons: A Closer Look
In addition to the add-ons mentioned above, YouTube TV also offers a range of other add-ons that can enhance your viewing experience. These include:
- NBA League Pass: This add-on is perfect for basketball fans, offering access to live and on-demand NBA games. The cost of NBA League Pass varies depending on the number of teams you want to follow, with prices starting at $28.99 per month.
- MLB.TV: This add-on is perfect for baseball fans, offering access to live and on-demand MLB games. The cost of MLB.TV varies depending on the number of teams you want to follow, with prices starting at $24.99 per month.
- Spanish-language channels: YouTube TV offers a range of Spanish-language channels, including Univision, Telemundo, and ESPN Deportes. These channels are available as an add-on, costing an additional $14.99 per month.
YouTube TV’s Sports Plus Add-On
YouTube TV’s Sports Plus add-on is a must-have for sports fans. This add-on costs an additional $10.99 per month and includes access to a range of sports channels, including:
- NFL RedZone
- MLB.TV
- NBA League Pass
- NHL Network
- PAC-12 Network
With Sports Plus, you’ll gain access to a vast range of live and on-demand sports content, making it easy to stay up-to-date with your favorite teams and players.
YouTube TV’s DVR and Streaming Features
One of the key benefits of YouTube TV is its unlimited cloud DVR storage. This means that you can record and store as many shows as you want, without worrying about running out of space. YouTube TV’s DVR is also highly customizable, allowing you to set up recordings, pause live TV, and fast-forward through commercials.
In addition to its DVR features, YouTube TV also offers a range of streaming features that make it easy to watch your favorite shows on the go. These include:
- Simultaneous streams: YouTube TV allows up to three simultaneous streams, making it easy to share with family members or roommates.
- Mobile apps: YouTube TV has mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, making it easy to watch your favorite shows on the go.
- Chromecast support: YouTube TV supports Chromecast, making it easy to cast your favorite shows to your TV.
YouTube TV’s Availability and Compatibility
YouTube TV is available on a range of devices, including:
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
- Smart TVs (select models)
- Streaming devices (Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV)
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One)
YouTube TV is also compatible with a range of browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
YouTube TV’s Availability in Different Regions
YouTube TV is currently available in the United States, with plans to expand to other regions in the future. If you’re outside of the United States, you may not be able to access YouTube TV, although you can still access YouTube’s on-demand content through the YouTube app.
YouTube TV vs. Other Streaming Services
YouTube TV is just one of many streaming services available, and it’s natural to wonder how it compares to other options. Here’s a brief comparison of YouTube TV with some of its main competitors:
- Sling TV: Sling TV is a popular streaming service that offers a range of channels, including ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. Sling TV’s pricing starts at $30 per month, making it a more affordable option than YouTube TV.
- Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV is a streaming service that offers a range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. Hulu with Live TV’s pricing starts at $64.99 per month, making it a similar option to YouTube TV.
- AT&T TV Now: AT&T TV Now is a streaming service that offers a range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. AT&T TV Now’s pricing starts at $50 per month, making it a more affordable option than YouTube TV.
YouTube TV’s Unique Features
While YouTube TV may not be the cheapest option, it offers a range of unique features that set it apart from other streaming services. These include:
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage: YouTube TV’s unlimited cloud DVR storage is a major benefit, allowing you to record and store as many shows as you want.
- Customizable DVR: YouTube TV’s DVR is highly customizable, allowing you to set up recordings, pause live TV, and fast-forward through commercials.
- Integration with YouTube: YouTube TV’s integration with YouTube means that you can easily access YouTube’s on-demand content, including music videos, vlogs, and educational content.
YouTube TV’s Drawbacks
While YouTube TV is a popular streaming service, it’s not without its drawbacks. Some of the main drawbacks include:
- Limited channel selection: YouTube TV’s channel selection is limited compared to some other streaming services, with around 85 channels available.
- No option to purchase individual channels: YouTube TV doesn’t offer the option to purchase individual channels, which may be a drawback for some users.
- No support for 4K streaming: YouTube TV doesn’t currently support 4K streaming, which may be a drawback for users with 4K TVs.
Conclusion
YouTube TV is a popular streaming service that offers a range of benefits, including unlimited cloud DVR storage, customizable DVR, and integration with YouTube. While it may not be the cheapest option, YouTube TV’s unique features make it a great choice for users who want a comprehensive streaming experience. With a range of pricing plans and add-ons available, YouTube TV is a great option for users who want to customize their streaming experience to suit their needs and budget.
| Plan | Price | Channels | DVR Storage | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $64.99/month | 85+ | Unlimited | 3 |
| HBO Max Add-On | $14.99/month | HBO Max content | N/A | N/A |
| Starz Add-On | $8.99/month | Starz content | N/A | N/A |
| Showtime Add-On | $10.99/month | Showtime content | N/A | N/A |
Note: Prices may vary depending on the region and availability of channels.
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.