If you’ve been relying on YouTube TV as your go-to for live TV, there’s some news that might leave a dent in your wallet.
The service is raising its price yet again, and the increase has sparked mixed reactions among subscribers.
What was once a budget-friendly option for cord-cutters is now edging closer to traditional cable costs.
This isn’t the first time YouTube TV has raised its rates, but the new price tag has left many wondering: Is it still worth it, or is this the beginning of the end for affordable streaming?
Here’s what’s happening with the popular streaming service.
Yes, YouTube TV’s price has increased again to $82.99 per month. The latest hike raises the base plan price by $10, from $72.99 to $82.99. For new subscribers, the change is effective immediately, while existing users will see the increase on their next billing cycle starting January 13, 2025.
Why Did YouTube TV Raise Its Prices?
YouTube TV cites “rising content costs” and ongoing investments in its service as the reasons for the price adjustment. In an email to subscribers, the platform said,
“We are committed to bringing you features that are changing the way we watch live TV, like unlimited DVR storage and multiview.”
Since its launch in 2017 at $34.99 per month, YouTube TV has undergone numerous price hikes as it added more channels and features. The most recent increase before this was in March 2023, when the monthly fee rose to $72.99.
While these improvements have made YouTube TV a robust streaming option, they’ve also driven the cost to nearly $1,000 annually.
This places YouTube TV among the most expensive streaming services, matching Hulu + Live TV’s current rate. The service also faces criticism for losing some programming, such as MLB Network, which once set it apart as a must-have for sports fans.
How Are Subscribers Reacting?
The reaction to the price increase has been mixed. On one hand, some users appreciate the platform’s features like live TV and unlimited DVR, which rival cable packages.
On the other hand, most people are frustrated by the steep cost and the shrinking financial advantage of cord-cutting.
Many have noted that adding up multiple subscriptions across platforms—YouTube TV, Netflix, Disney+, and more often surpasses the price of traditional cable bundles.
Subscribers who feel the pinch have options to pause or cancel their memberships at any time, as YouTube TV emphasizes its flexible cancellation policy.
Oh…scrap all that. This is too expensive now. Just look at Twitter (X) community notes below:
Is YouTube TV still worth the price, or are cord-cutting costs getting out of hand?
Averagebeing’s Take: YouTube TV’s price hike makes it clear: Streaming isn’t the cheap alternative it used to be. Will the quality justify the price, or will users start saying goodbye to one of the priciest streaming services out there? Only time will tell.
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