If you’re cutting the cord in 2025, YouTube TV is likely on your radar. With live channels, unlimited DVR, and on-demand access, it feels like cable — without the box. But is the price still worth it?
Let’s break down the current cost, what’s included, how it compares to competitors, and whether it’s the right choice for your streaming setup this year.
How Much Does YouTube TV Cost in 2025?
The base plan for YouTube TV currently costs $72.99 per month. This gives you access to over 100 live channels including major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and CNN.
But that’s just the starting point.
Plan / Add-on | Monthly Cost | What You Get |
Base Plan | $72.99 | 100+ channels, unlimited DVR, 3 streams |
4K Plus Add-on | $9.99 | 4K streaming, offline downloads, unlimited streams |
Sports Plus Add-on | $10.99 | NFL RedZone, beIN SPORTS, and more |
Entertainment Plus | $29.99 | Max, Showtime, Starz bundle |
NFL Sunday Ticket (standalone) | $349/year or $99/month | Full out-of-market NFL games |
📌 Note: Prices may vary slightly by location or promotion. Source.
How YouTube TV Pricing Has Changed Over Time
Like most streaming services, YouTube TV has steadily raised its prices:
Year | Monthly Price |
2017 | $35 |
2018 | $40 |
2019 | $50 |
2020 | $64.99 |
2023 | $72.99 |
2025 | Still $72.99 (as of May) |
Why the increase? Licensing fees. As content deals grow more expensive, YouTube passes that cost to users — much like traditional cable.
What’s Included in the Base Plan?
You get a strong mix of channels covering news, sports, entertainment, and local affiliates. Here’s a sample of what’s included:
- News: CNN, MSNBC, Fox News
- Sports: ESPN, FS1, CBS Sports
- Local: NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox (based on location)
- Entertainment: AMC, FX, HGTV, Comedy Central
- Kids: Disney, Nickelodeon
Other features:
- Unlimited DVR (saved for up to 9 months)
- Streaming on 3 devices simultaneously
- Up to 6 household profiles
See the full channel list on YouTube TV’s official site →
How It Compares to Other Live TV Streaming Services
Service | Price (Base Plan) | Channels | DVR | Notable Extras |
YouTube TV | $72.99 | 100+ | Unlimited | Optional 4K, Sunday Ticket |
Hulu + Live TV | $76.99 | 85+ | Unlimited | Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ |
Sling TV | $40–$55 | 30–45 | 50 hrs | Lower price, fewer channels |
Fubo | $79.99 | 150+ | 1000 hrs | Great for sports fans |
Philo | $25 | 70+ | Unlimited | No sports or local channels |
🧠 YouTube TV sits in the middle: not the cheapest, but a solid all-around value if you want both sports and local coverage.
How to Lower Your YouTube TV Bill
- Skip add-ons: Only pay for what you watch regularly.
- Share with family: Add up to 5 family members (within your household).
- Look for discounts: YouTube sometimes offers 2-week free trials or promotional bundles.
- Cancel seasonally: Pause your subscription during months you watch less live TV.
What Real Users Are Saying
“YouTube TV has become my go-to, especially with NFL games. But I wish the base price included 4K.” – Reddit user
“Love the DVR and channel selection. Hated the price jump though.” – YouTube comment
“Switched from Sling and never looked back. Everything just works better on YouTube TV.” – Trustpilot review
Final Thoughts: Is YouTube TV Worth It?
If you want live TV with no long-term contract, YouTube TV offers a strong mix of channels, smooth user experience, and unlimited DVR — all without a cable box.
✅ It’s ideal for households who still watch local news, sports, and live events.
❌ If you mostly stream on-demand shows or want the cheapest plan possible, services like Hulu, Philo, or even a mix of standalone apps might save you money.
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