(istock/EKIN KIZILKAYA)
If you’ve been considering cutting the cord and switching to YouTube TV, you’re probably asking yourself: “How much will this actually cost me?” At first glance, it seems simple — a monthly subscription with access to live TV and on-demand content. But here’s the interesting part… mounting costs, add-ons, and regional fees can sneak up faster than you expect. In this article, we’ll break it all down, giving you a real-world picture of your potential expenses.
Base Subscription Cost
The base plan for YouTube TV currently starts at $72.99 per month (as of September 2025). This covers over 100 channels including sports, news, and entertainment. In my experience, this is competitive compared to traditional cable, especially since it comes without the hassles of contracts and equipment rentals.
That said, if you’re a sports fanatic or love premium channels, the cost can rise quickly. For instance, adding HBO, Showtime, or Starz can add $15–$20 per channel monthly.
Add-On Packages
YouTube TV offers optional add-ons such as:
- Sports Plus – $10.99/month for extra sports channels.
- Entertainment Plus – $14.99/month for premium movie channels.
- 4K Plus – $19.99/month for 4K streaming and additional screens.
On the flip side, if you only stick to the base plan, these add-ons aren’t necessary, but they can make a huge difference for families or cord-cutters who want a cinematic experience at home.
Hidden Fees & Mounting Costs
(YouTube/YouTube TV)
Here’s where many people get tripped up: mounting costs. No, I don’t mean TV brackets — I mean costs that slowly increase your monthly bill. Examples include:
- Regional sports networks that vary by location.
- Taxes and regulatory fees, which differ state by state.
- Equipment or cloud DVR overages if you hit storage limits.
In my experience, these hidden costs can add an extra $5–$15 monthly, which is enough to make you reconsider if you’re budgeting carefully.
Family of Four
Let’s take a practical example. A family of four wants:
- Base YouTube TV plan: $72.99
- HBO: $14.99
- 4K Plus: $19.99
Monthly total = $107.97. Add regional taxes of $7, and suddenly the total jumps to $114.97. That’s nearly $1,380 per year — something many cord-cutters underestimate initially.
Tips to Keep Costs Down
(YouTube/YouTube TV)
- Stick to the base plan if you don’t need premium channels.
- Share accounts responsibly with household members to split add-on costs.
- Monitor DVR usage to avoid storage fees.
This makes YouTube TV surprisingly practical for those who don’t want hidden surprises in their bill.
So, how much will you really pay for YouTube TV? It starts at $72.99, but mounting costs, add-ons, and taxes can quickly increase the monthly total. Understanding these details can help you plan your budget and avoid sticker shock.
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FAQs
1. Is YouTube TV cheaper than cable?
Yes, the base plan is often cheaper, but add-ons and taxes can bring costs closer to traditional cable.
2. What are the main add-ons for YouTube TV?
Popular add-ons include Sports Plus, Entertainment Plus, and 4K Plus — all adding $10–$20/month.
3. Are there hidden fees in YouTube TV?
Yes, mounting costs like regional sports networks, taxes, and DVR overages can increase your monthly bill.
4. How can I minimize YouTube TV costs?
Stick to the base plan, share accounts with household members, and monitor DVR usage to avoid extra charges.
5. Does YouTube TV offer 4K streaming?
Yes, with the 4K Plus add-on ($19.99/month), you can stream in ultra HD and get extra screens.
