As the world of streaming services continues to evolve, YouTube TV has emerged as a popular choice for cord-cutters and those seeking an alternative to traditional cable television. With its promise of live TV, on-demand content, and cloud DVR, YouTube TV seems like an attractive option. However, the question on everyone’s mind is: how much does YouTube TV really cost? In this article, we will delve into the details of YouTube TV’s pricing, exploring the various factors that affect its cost and providing you with a clear understanding of what to expect from this streaming service.
Introduction to YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that was launched in 2017. It offers a range of channels, including local networks, sports, news, and entertainment options. With YouTube TV, you can watch live TV, record shows and movies using the cloud DVR, and access on-demand content. The service is available on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV.
Base Package and Add-ons
The base package of YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month, which includes access to over 85 channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and more. However, this price does not include any add-ons, which can significantly increase the overall cost. Some of the popular add-ons include:
YouTube TV offers a range of add-ons, such as HBO, Showtime, and Starz, which can be added to your base package for an additional fee. These add-ons can range from $10 to $15 per month, depending on the service. For example, adding HBO to your YouTube TV subscription will cost you an extra $14.99 per month.
Additional Features and Fees
In addition to the base package and add-ons, there are other features and fees that you should be aware of. For instance, YouTube TV offers a cloud DVR service, which allows you to record shows and movies. However, the cloud DVR comes with some limitations, such as a storage limit of 9 months. If you want to keep your recordings for longer, you will need to upgrade to the “4K Plus” add-on, which costs an extra $19.99 per month.
Another feature that may incur an additional fee is the ability to stream on multiple devices at the same time. With the base package, you can only stream on up to 3 devices simultaneously. If you want to stream on more devices, you will need to upgrade to the “4K Plus” add-on, which allows for unlimited simultaneous streams.
Comparison with Other Streaming Services
When it comes to pricing, YouTube TV is not the cheapest option available. However, it offers a unique combination of live TV, on-demand content, and cloud DVR, which sets it apart from other streaming services. Here is a comparison of YouTube TV’s pricing with some of its competitors:
| Streaming Service | Base Package Price | Number of Channels |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $64.99 | 85+ |
| Hulu with Live TV | $64.99 | 65+ |
| AT&T TV Now | $69.99 | 45+ |
| Sling TV | $35 | 30+ |
As you can see, YouTube TV is priced similarly to Hulu with Live TV and AT&T TV Now, but it offers more channels than both services. Sling TV, on the other hand, is significantly cheaper, but it offers fewer channels and no cloud DVR.
Hidden Costs and Fees
While the base package and add-ons are the main costs associated with YouTube TV, there are some hidden costs and fees that you should be aware of. For example, if you want to watch 4K content, you will need to upgrade to the “4K Plus” add-on, which costs an extra $19.99 per month. Additionally, some channels may require you to pay an extra fee to access their content. For instance, the NFL Sunday Ticket, which allows you to watch out-of-market NFL games, costs an extra $293.94 per season.
Taxes and Fees
Another cost that you should factor in is taxes and fees. YouTube TV charges a regional sports fee, which can range from $10 to $20 per month, depending on your location. This fee is used to support local sports teams and events. Additionally, you may be charged a broadcast TV fee, which can range from $10 to $15 per month. This fee is used to support local broadcast stations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of YouTube TV can vary significantly depending on the add-ons and features you choose. While the base package costs $64.99 per month, adding features like HBO, Showtime, and Starz can increase the cost to over $100 per month. Additionally, hidden costs and fees, such as the regional sports fee and broadcast TV fee, can add to the overall cost. However, with its unique combination of live TV, on-demand content, and cloud DVR, YouTube TV remains a popular choice for cord-cutters and those seeking an alternative to traditional cable television. By understanding the various costs and fees associated with YouTube TV, you can make an informed decision about whether this streaming service is right for you.
It’s worth noting that YouTube TV regularly offers promotions and discounts to new and existing customers. These promotions can include free trials, discounted prices, and bundle deals. By taking advantage of these promotions, you can reduce the cost of YouTube TV and make it more affordable. Ultimately, the key to getting the most out of YouTube TV is to carefully consider your viewing habits and choose the add-ons and features that best meet your needs.
What is YouTube TV and how does it work?
YouTube TV is a live streaming service that allows users to watch their favorite TV shows, sports, and news programs without the need for a traditional cable or satellite subscription. It works by streaming content over the internet, using a variety of devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV. With YouTube TV, users can access a wide range of channels, including local networks, sports channels, and cable networks, as well as add-on channels for additional fees.
The service also includes features like cloud DVR, which allows users to record and store their favorite shows and watch them later, as well as the ability to stream on multiple devices at the same time. YouTube TV also offers a range of customization options, including the ability to add or remove channels, and to create a personalized home screen with favorite channels and shows. Overall, YouTube TV is designed to provide a flexible and convenient alternative to traditional TV viewing, with a range of features and options that allow users to tailor their viewing experience to their individual needs and preferences.
How much does YouTube TV cost and what is included in the base package?
The base package for YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month, which includes access to over 85 channels, including local networks, sports channels, and cable networks. The base package also includes features like cloud DVR, with unlimited storage, and the ability to stream on up to three devices at the same time. Some of the channels included in the base package include ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, FOX Sports, and CNN, as well as a range of cable networks like AMC, Bravo, and the Food Network.
In addition to the base package, YouTube TV also offers a range of add-on channels and features, which can be added to the base package for an additional fee. These add-on channels include options like HBO, Showtime, and Starz, as well as sports packages like NFL RedZone and MLB.TV. Users can also add additional features, like the ability to stream on up to six devices at the same time, or to upgrade their cloud DVR storage. Overall, the cost of YouTube TV will depend on the individual user’s needs and preferences, but the base package provides a solid foundation for a wide range of viewing options.
What devices are compatible with YouTube TV and how do I stream content?
YouTube TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV. Users can stream content using the YouTube TV app, which is available for download on a variety of devices, including Android and iOS devices, as well as streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV. The app allows users to browse and select channels, as well as access features like cloud DVR and the ability to stream on multiple devices at the same time.
To stream content on YouTube TV, users simply need to open the app, select the channel or show they want to watch, and press play. The app will then stream the content over the internet, using the device’s internet connection. Users can also use the app to schedule recordings, access their cloud DVR library, and customize their viewing experience with features like closed captions and parental controls. Overall, streaming content on YouTube TV is easy and convenient, with a user-friendly interface and a range of features that make it easy to find and watch favorite shows and channels.
Can I use YouTube TV to watch live sports and events?
Yes, YouTube TV offers a wide range of live sports and events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games, as well as college sports and international sports events. The service also includes access to sports channels like ESPN, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports, which provide live coverage of a wide range of sports events. In addition, YouTube TV offers add-on sports packages, like NFL RedZone and MLB.TV, which provide additional coverage of specific sports leagues and events.
To watch live sports and events on YouTube TV, users can browse the available channels and select the event they want to watch. The service also includes features like live scores and stats, as well as the ability to set reminders for upcoming events. Users can also use the cloud DVR feature to record live sports and events, and watch them later at their convenience. Overall, YouTube TV provides a comprehensive and convenient way to watch live sports and events, with a range of channels and features that make it easy to stay up-to-date on favorite teams and sports.
How does YouTube TV’s cloud DVR work and what are its limitations?
YouTube TV’s cloud DVR allows users to record and store their favorite shows and watch them later, with unlimited storage and the ability to keep recordings for up to nine months. The cloud DVR feature is included in the base package, and allows users to record multiple shows at the same time, as well as schedule recordings in advance. Users can access their cloud DVR library using the YouTube TV app, and watch recorded shows on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
One limitation of YouTube TV’s cloud DVR is that it is subject to the terms of the service’s content licensing agreements, which may restrict the availability of certain shows or channels for recording. Additionally, some shows may not be available for recording due to copyright or other restrictions. However, YouTube TV’s cloud DVR is generally a convenient and flexible feature that allows users to watch their favorite shows on their own schedule. Users can also use the feature to fast-forward through commercials, and to watch recorded shows without interruptions.
Can I use YouTube TV to watch TV shows and movies on demand?
Yes, YouTube TV offers a range of TV shows and movies on demand, including current and past episodes of popular TV shows, as well as a selection of movies and documentaries. The service includes a library of on-demand content, which can be accessed using the YouTube TV app, and users can browse and select shows and movies to watch at their convenience. YouTube TV also offers add-on channels and features, like HBO and Showtime, which provide additional on-demand content, including popular TV shows and movies.
To watch TV shows and movies on demand on YouTube TV, users can browse the available content using the app, and select the show or movie they want to watch. The service also includes features like personalized recommendations, which suggest shows and movies based on the user’s viewing history and preferences. Users can also use the app to create a watchlist, which allows them to keep track of shows and movies they want to watch, and to receive notifications when new episodes or content become available. Overall, YouTube TV provides a convenient and flexible way to watch TV shows and movies on demand, with a range of content and features that make it easy to find and watch favorite shows and movies.