How Much Is YouTube TV? Is It Budget-Friendly?

💸 YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month, with additional add-ons that can increase your subscription cost. 💸

YouTube TV has been making waves as a serious contender in live TV streaming. But with its ever-evolving pricing, the question remains – is YouTube TV budget-friendly? Whether you’re looking to cut the cable cord, catch live sports, or just find a simple way to watch your favorite shows, understanding how much YouTube TV costs can help you decide if it’s worth your hard-earned cash. Let’s breakdown the cost, features, and whether it’s the best option for your budget.

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How much does YouTube TV cost?

YouTube TV’s pricing can be divided into different tiers based on your needs, including monthly and yearly subscriptions. Let’s explore how much it will set you back and what you get for the price.

Monthly Subscription

The monthly subscription for YouTube TV costs $72.99. This includes access to over 100 live channels, such as news, sports, and entertainment, making it a comprehensive option for live TV lovers. The subscription also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and watch all your favorite shows later. No contracts exist, so you can cancel anytime without being locked in.

Add-ons: YouTube TV offers several add-on packages if you’re looking for specialized content. Popular add-ons include premium channels like HBO Max ($16/month) and Showtime ($29.99/month). You can also add packages like Sports Plus ($10.99/month), which provides access to niche sports channels. These add-ons can quickly raise your monthly bill, so consider your selections.

Yearly Subscription

Unlike other services, YouTube TV does not offer a discounted yearly subscription – you’re stuck with the month-to-month pricing. This flexibility allows users to cancel during offseasons (like after sports seasons) to save money. There’s no yearly commitment, which could be a plus if you’re just trying out the service.

Cancellation Policy: YouTube TV makes it easy to cancel anytime without penalties. Simply navigate to your account settings and opt for cancellation, which will take effect at the end of your current billing cycle – no surprises or extra charges.

YouTube TV features and add-ons to consider

YouTube TV offers features that make it more versatile compared to traditional cable. Here’s what you need to know:

Password Sharing

YouTube TV allows you to share your subscription across multiple accounts – up to six users per household can be added, each with their own login and personalized content library. This feature is included in the standard subscription, making it ideal for families. However, these users must reside at the same primary residence, and sharing the service with friends outside of your home could flag your account.

Simultaneous Streaming

YouTube TV allows up to three simultaneous streams at no extra cost. That means you can watch the game in the living room while someone else catches up on a favorite show in another room. However, if you need more simultaneous streams, YouTube TV offers a 4K Plus add-on, which costs $19.99/month and allows unlimited streams on your home network.

Offline Streaming

Currently, offline streaming is available only through the 4K Plus add-on. This feature allows users to download recordings from their DVR to watch offline. It’s a useful perk for those who travel frequently or want to watch without worrying about data, but it does come at an extra cost.

YouTube TV vs. other streaming services

It’s essential to see how YouTube TV stacks up against the competition regarding pricing and features.

YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live

Hulu Live costs $75.99 monthly, slightly higher than YouTube TV. Hulu Live includes access to live TV channels and Hulu’s entire on-demand library, a significant value-add that YouTube TV doesn’t offer. This might sway your decision if you’re into binge-watching popular Hulu series. Learn more about Hulu Live pricing.

YouTube TV vs. Disney+

Disney Plus costs $14.99 monthly for the Disney Bundle (including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+). This makes it cheaper than YouTube TV but doesn’t offer live TV channels or DVR services. Disney Plus pricing is likely a better value for you if you mainly watch Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars content. Learn more about Disney Plus cost.

YouTube TV vs. ESPN+

ESPN Plus costs $10.99 per month and is great for sports enthusiasts, but it lacks live broadcast channels and offers primarily ESPN’s original content. If live sports across various networks are your priority, YouTube TV might be worth the extra cost for its broader channel selection. Learn more about ESPN Plus pricing.

YouTube TV vs. HBO Max

HBO Max costs $9.99 monthly, focusing on movies, series, and HBO originals. It’s a great choice if you’re into blockbuster movies and premium HBO content, but you won’t get live TV channels. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive viewing experience, YouTube TV plus an HBO add-on could be an option. Learn more about HBO Max cost.

YouTube TV vs. Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year and includes access to Amazon Prime Video and additional perks like free shipping. It doesn’t have live TV channels. If you’re more interested in original series, movies, and shopping perks, Amazon Prime pricing might offer better value than YouTube TV. Learn more about Amazon Prime cost.

Is YouTube TV worth it?

Let’s compare its monthly cost to saving or investing that amount to determine whether YouTube TV is worth the price. At $72.99 per month, you’re spending roughly $875.88 per year on a streaming service. Imagine instead you saved or invested that money:

• Savings account: With an average high-yield savings account rate of 4.5% (as of 2024), you could end up with around $914.14 by the end of the year. It’s not a huge gain, but still more than spending it.
• Investing in the S&P 500:  Hypothetically, if you were to invest $875.88 with an average growth rate of 10% (which is approximately the growth rate of the S&P over the past 30 years), your investment could grow to $963.47 annually. Of course, no one can predict what will happen in the future and investing comes with the risk of loss.

Of course, the value you get from YouTube TV also depends on how much you use it and how it enhances your lifestyle. If the live TV channels and sports coverage add significant enjoyment to your life, it could be worth the cost. On the flip side, reconsidering your streaming expenses could be a wise move if you’re trying to save or invest.

Is YouTube TV a budget-friendly option?

YouTube TV offers an extensive selection of live TV channels, unlimited DVR, and the ability to share accounts within your household – all for $72.99 monthly. It provides flexibility with no contracts, but adding premium channels and features can quickly raise the cost. If you love live TV but want to avoid cable, YouTube TV is definitely worth considering. The extra monthly expense might be better invested or saved if you’re trying to cut costs. Ultimately, the value of YouTube TV depends on your viewing habits and financial priorities.

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