Lots of people are dropping traditional cable these days. Bills get too high, and you end up paying for channels you never watch. Streaming services for live TV have stepped in to fix that. YouTube TV is one of the most popular options out there. It gives you live channels, plenty of on-demand stuff, and a solid DVR feature. Curious about how much is YouTube TV? I’ll walk you through the costs and what you get in return.
Google launched YouTube TV back in 2017. It quickly picked up steam because it’s simple and packed with channels. You can watch on phones, tablets, smart TVs, or computers. No need for cables or dishes, just decent internet. The big question for most people is the price.
The Base Price for YouTube TV Right Now
As of early 2026, the standard plan for YouTube TV runs $82.99 a month. That gets you more than 100 channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and sharing for up to six accounts in one household. You can stream on three devices at the same time.
New customers often get better deals. Right now, there’s a promo where you pay $59.99 a month for the first two months. That saves you $46 overall. Offers like this come and go, so check the site when you’re ready to sign up.
Exciting update for 2026: YouTube TV is rolling out new “Plans” early this year. These are genre-based packages, like sports, entertainment, or news. You’ll have over 10 options to choose from. This could mean lower prices if you skip stuff you don’t watch. For example, a Sports Plan might land in the $60 to $70 range based on early guesses. The full base plan stays at $82.99 for now, but these add flexibility.
Keep in mind taxes and local fees tack on a few bucks, depending on where you live. Sometimes regional sports charges pop up, too.
Channels You Get with YouTube TV
One big draw is the YouTube TV channels. The lineup covers pretty much everything most people want. Locals like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC show up based on your area.
Some favorites include:
- Entertainment picks: AMC, Bravo, Comedy Central, FX, HGTV, TLC, TNT
- Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, NFL Network, NBA TV
- News: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, BBC World News
- Family stuff: Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network
- Extras: Discovery, Food Network, Hallmark, Paramount Network, USA
Over 100 channels total, and PBS in lots of spots. Sports lovers get regional networks for hometown teams. Punch in your zip code on the YouTube TV website to see exactly what’s available near you.
You can bolt on premium channels, too. More on that shortly.
Free Trial for YouTube TV
If you’re on the fence, grab the YouTube TV free trial. It’s usually 7 to 14 days for new sign-ups, but promos stretch it longer sometimes. You get full access during the trial, DVR and all.
Just add a payment method when you start, but cancel before it ends, and you won’t pay a dime. Perfect way to test the streams and channel list.
Sometimes bundles with other services give extended trials or discounts. Keep an eye out around holidays for sweet deals.
Add-Ons to Customize Your Plan
The base keeps things straightforward, but add-ons let you tweak it.
Common ones:
- 4K Plus for a better picture and offline downloads, about $9.99 a month
- Entertainment bundle with Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, and Starz for $29.99
- Sports Plus for extras like NFL RedZone, around $10.99
- Single premiums like Max on its own
This way, you only pay for what you really use. Add something for a season, drop it later.
The unlimited DVR holds recordings for nine months. No worries about space.
Why People Like YouTube TV Features
The extras make it stand out for many.
Stuff like:
- Three streams at once, more with 4K
- Six separate profiles
- Simple guide and search
- Voice commands on most devices
- Multiview to watch several games together
Since it’s tied to YouTube, creators might appreciate the connection. You can even check how to see your subscribers on YouTube right in Studio for your channel stats.
It runs smoothly on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, smart TVs, phones, you name it.
Good and Bad Sides of YouTube TV
Nothing’s perfect.
Good parts:
- Tons of channels, great for sports and locals
- That unlimited DVR
- Easy family setup
- Steady streaming most times
Not so good:
- Costs more than some competitors
- Channel drops happen now and then due to disputes
- Not fully pick-and-choose yet, though 2026 plans help
It fits best for big families or die-hard sports watchers.
Comparing YouTube TV to Others in 2026
How does it stack up?
- Hulu + Live TV: About $76.99, bundles Disney+ and ESPN+, but fewer streams
- Fubo: Cheaper start, but fees add up, strong on sports and international
- Sling TV: Starts at $40 something, way fewer channels, and locals
- DirecTV Stream: Close in price, more premium add-ons
YouTube TV wins on channel count and DVR often. Those new genre plans could shake things up.
Does the Price Make Sense for YouTube TV?
For users who watch a lot of live stuff, especially games or news, it pays off. The channels and perks bring the price back up to $82.99. If you barely watch live TV, cheaper services or just an antenna might work better.
With those 2026 plans hitting soon, options grow. Try the free trial to see for yourself.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
Taxes vary by state. Regional sports networks add $10 or so in some areas if you have teams. No equipment rentals, though, that’s a plus over cable.
Signing Up and Getting Started
Head to tv.youtube.com, pick the plan, and add payment. Quick setup. Use a Google account for ease.
Wrapping It Up!
Sorting out how much is YouTube TV boils down to your watching habits. At $82.99 a month for the base, it’s not the cheapest, but the YouTube TV channels and features deliver for live TV fans. Grab that YouTube TV free trial to test it yourself. With new plans coming in 2026, things get even more tailored.
Compare to your needs, budget, and what you watch most. Sports nuts or big households often find it worth every penny. Others might lean toward slimmer services. Either way, cutting the cord feels good when it fits right. Check the official site for the freshest deals and channel checks in your area.
FAQs
- What’s the monthly cost for YouTube TV now?
Base plan is $82.99. New users get $59.99 for two months in the current promo.
- Is there a free trial with YouTube TV?
Yeah, new users get one, often 7 to 14 days or longer with deals. Full features included.
- How many channels come with it?
More than 100, locals, sports, news, and entertainment.
- Those new 2026 plans, when do they start?
Early 2026, with genre bundles for potentially cheaper options.
- Can you add premium networks?
Yes, bundles or singles like Max or sports extras for additional monthly fees.
