How Much Does YouTube TV Cost? Full Breakdown & Hidden Fees Explained

How much does YouTube TV cost? Full breakdown of pricing and hidden fees explained

Alright, here’s the deal—you’re probably wondering: “How much does YouTube TV actually cost?” Well, I get it. These subscription services are starting to feel like a full-time job trying to figure out all the fees and add-ons. But don’t worry, I’m here to help clear it all up.

Let’s get into it, shall we?

How Much Does YouTube TV Cost Per Month?

So, first things first: the base plan for YouTube TV starts at $82.99/month. Seems simple enough, right? You get over 100 channels, including everything from news to sports, to your favorite shows. If you’re someone who’s constantly glued to live TV, this might be all you need. But, before you click “subscribe,” keep reading. Because, well… there are a few things you might not have considered.

Want the good stuff like 4K streaming? Yeah, that’ll cost you a bit more. You’ll need to add on the 4K Plus add-on for an extra $19.99/month. Honestly, if you’ve got a 4K TV, it’s probably worth it, but I guess it depends on how much you care about having the sharpest picture.

Then, if you’re like me and need to catch every game possible, there’s the Sports Plus Add-On for $10.99/month. Trust me, this one’s a must-have if you’re into sports. Otherwise, you’re probably stuck watching those weird replays on social media, and we all know that doesn’t cut it.

Also, if you like premium content like HBO Max, that’ll set you back $14.99/month. It’s definitely worth it if you’re a fan of shows like Euphoria or Game of Thrones. But hey, if you’re more of a Netflix person, maybe skip this one.

What Are the Hidden Fees for YouTube TV?

Alright, so you’ve got the base plan price, but let’s be real: YouTube TV can end up being more expensive than you think. Taxes, fees, and those sneaky add-ons can add up quickly. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

Taxes and Fees

Let’s face it—nobody loves taxes. Depending on where you live, they can range from 5% to 10%. Plus, there are a few extra fees that might be added depending on your state. So yeah, that $82.99 might not be the final price.

Extra Equipment Costs

You’ll need a device to stream YouTube TV—Roku, Apple TV, or even just a smart TV. If you don’t already have one, that’ll add anywhere from $30 to $100 to your upfront costs. It’s not a huge deal, but still something to keep in mind.

Add-Ons

The more extras you add on, the more you pay. All those shiny features—like Sports Plus or HBO Max—can really stack up if you’re not paying attention. So, before you hit subscribe, check what’s already included in your base plan and cancel anything you don’t need.

How Much Is YouTube TV with Taxes and Fees?

Here’s where it gets a little tricky. The base plan is $82.99/month, but once you add taxes and any additional features, you’ll probably end up paying somewhere between $90 and $115/month depending on where you live. Add in any special channels or features, and your total can easily push over the $100 mark.

Can You Share YouTube TV with Your Family?

Yes! This is one of my favorite things about YouTube TV. You can share your account with up to 6 people in your household, which means if you’ve got family members or roommates, they can enjoy it too.

However, there’s a catch. YouTube TV is pretty strict about the same household rule. They don’t want you sharing your account with someone across the country, so make sure everyone you share with is under the same roof. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.

How Much Does YouTube TV Cost for Add-Ons?

Now let’s talk about the add-ons. YouTube TV offers some cool extra features, but they come with extra costs. Here’s what you can expect:

  • How much does NFL Sunday Ticket cost on YouTube TV? The NFL Sunday Ticket is available for $349.00 for the season, or you can opt for the NFL Sunday Ticket + RedZone package for $389.00.
  • How much does RedZone cost on YouTube TV? RedZone is included in the NFL Sunday Ticket, but if you’re looking for just RedZone, it’s available for an additional $10.99/month with the Sports Plus add-on.

Is YouTube TV Worth It?

Here’s the thing: YouTube TV is solid if you’re into live TV. You get a huge variety of channels, including those you can’t get on regular streaming services. If you’re into sports, news, and having everything in one place, it’s probably worth it.

But if you’re mainly watching on-demand stuff, like Netflix or Hulu, you might not get as much out of it. If that’s the case, there are cheaper alternatives. Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV might be better choices if you want to keep the costs down.

Comparison table of YouTube TV pricing, channels, and features with other streaming services

How to Save Money on YouTube TV

So you’re sold on YouTube TV, but you don’t want to break the bank. I got you. Here are a few money-saving tips:

Use the Free Trial

Don’t skip the 7-day free trial. It’s the best way to try out the service without committing. Test out all the features, channels, and see if it’s really worth it before you pull out your wallet.

Share Your Account

Got family or roommates? Share the cost! The more people you add to your account, the cheaper it is for everyone.

Cancel Unused Add-Ons

If you’re not using Sports Plus or don’t need HBO Max, cancel it! That can save you a lot over time.

Pick the Right Plan

YouTube TV offers a couple of different pricing tiers. If you don’t need all the extra features, go with the basic plan to save some cash.

Note: If you’re running into age restrictions while trying to watch videos on YouTube, take a look at this guide on how to turn them off for an easy solution.

Final Thoughts

So, is YouTube TV worth the cost? It really depends on your needs. If you’re into live TV, sports, and premium channels, then it’s a solid option. But if you’re just looking for something to watch on a lazy Sunday, there might be cheaper alternatives that fit the bill.

Just make sure you keep an eye on the add-ons and hidden fees. You don’t want to get hit with a surprise charge on your bill!