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YouTube TV now costs $82.99/month, with promo rates for new users.
Major add-ons include 4K streaming, NFL access, and premium channels.
A Paramount dispute could remove 24 key channels soon.
As the streaming battle rages on, YouTube TV continues to be a top contender among live television services. With more than 8 million subscribers, the Google-owned service boasts a solid lineup, add-ons with flexibility, and good DVR functionality.
With increasing prices and impending content disputes, many are wondering if it is worth it anymore. Let’s take a look at what they have to offer, along with new pricing and what they need to think about.
The fundamental strength of YouTube TV comes in its base plan, which has more than 100 live channels that span a broad range, including news, sports, entertainment, and local affiliates such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. It also has cable staples such as ESPN, CNN, FX, and AMC.
A highlight is its cloud DVR that has no limits on space, allowing users to record and save material for as long as nine months. The service accommodates up to six profiles within an account with three streams at the same time, which accommodates family and group households.
It is available on all the major devices, from smart TVs and mobile phones to tablets and browsers, which makes it a convenient experience for customers who are used to multi-device watching.
YouTube TV’s affordability was once its selling point, but it is no longer the case. In January 2025, the service increased its monthly base price from $72.99 to $82.99, its largest jump to date.
The reason, YouTube TV says, is to help cover “rising content acquisition costs.” For many subscribers, the justification rings weak.
“I chopped the cord for the sake of money,” said a subscriber from Bengaluru. “Now YouTube TV is getting as expensive as cable, what’s the point?
To ease the pain, Google is providing a $59.99/month promotional price to new customers, good for the first three months. There’s also a 10-day free trial for new subscribers.
YouTube TV’s add-on pricing model lets viewers create a la carte plans with multiple add-ons. What’s the price?
4K Plus ($9.99/month): Enables 4K resolution, unlimited home Wi-Fi streams, and offline DVR playback.
Sports Plus ($10.99/month): Includes channels such as NFL RedZone, Fox Soccer Plus, and TVG.
NFL Sunday Ticket (from $378/year): A requirement for football enthusiasts seeking Sunday out-of-market games.
Entertainment Plus ($29.99/month): Bundles HBO Max, Showtime, and STARZ together.
Spanish Plus ($14.99/month): Provides over 25 Spanish-language channels.
Subscribers can also select premium channels à la carte, such as AMC+, MGM+, and Shudder, for between $1.99 and $10.99/month.
The catch? With only a few add-ons, a subscriber can easily pay more than $100/month.
Also Read: Best YouTube Channels for Learning Video Editing in 2025
A potential fight with Paramount Global might dramatically alter YouTube TV’s content library. Through mid-2025, carriage fee negotiations have been stalled, threatening 24 channels, including CBS, BET, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central.
Without a deal, those channels would vanish from the service as soon as July, angering viewers who depend on them for live sports, news, and children’s programming.
To help soften the blow, YouTube TV has announced it will provide subscribers with a $8 monthly discount if the Paramount channels are dropped. Nevertheless, the uncertainty is troubling.
That will depend on what you require from your TV service.
If you want a cable-like experience without the contract, YouTube TV is still one of the most feature-rich live streaming alternatives available. It’s particularly great for sports enthusiasts and families with multiple profiles required.
For cost-conscious consumers, the value proposition is eroding. Alternatives such as Sling TV, Philo, and even Hulu + Live TV present slimmer (and less expensive) options, albeit sometimes fewer features or channels.
Before you sign up, think about how much you watch live TV and what channels are most important. The standard plan, while good, won’t suffice for specialty interests without add-ons. And as prices rise, the service is no longer a cheap option.
Nevertheless, with its simplicity, generous DVR, and broad channel selection, YouTube TV provides one of the best one-stop solutions, if you’re willing to pay.
Whether the cost worth it? That’s now an extremely personal one.
Also Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Download YouTube Videos on Your Phone
1. How much does YouTube TV cost in 2025?
The base plan costs $82.99/month, though new users can get it for $59.99/month for the first three months.
2. Does YouTube TV offer a free trial?
Yes, YouTube TV provides a 10-day free trial for first-time users.
3. Can I watch sports like the NFL on YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV includes major sports channels and offers the NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on.
4. Is YouTube TV losing any channels this year?
Possibly, 24 Paramount-owned channels like CBS and MTV may be removed due to a carriage dispute.
5. Does YouTube TV support 4K streaming?
Yes, but only through the 4K Plus add-on, which costs $9.99/month.
