YouTube TV Raises Subscription Price to $82.99
The Dream of Cheap TV Is Dying—And You’re Paying the Price
You cut the cord for a reason.
Cable was overpriced, cluttered with junk channels, and bound by rigid contracts. You wanted something sleek, modern, and cost-effective. Enter YouTube TV—a savior for cord-cutters when it launched in 2017 at just $35 per month. Fast-forward to 2025, and that dream is cracking wide open.
YouTube TV has officially raised its base subscription price to $82.99 per month, a sharp $10 jump that has sparked outrage, confusion, and a flood of cancellations.
If you’re wondering why your bill keeps climbing while your experience stays the same—or worse, becomes more bloated—you're not alone.
This is no longer just a price increase. It’s a turning point.
Click Here to Get YouTube TV 3 Months Free
What Is YouTube TV and Why Was It So Popular?
YouTube TV began with a simple premise: give people live TV without the hassle of cable. It promised:
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Access to over 100 channels, including local broadcasts, sports networks, and news
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Unlimited cloud DVR storage
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The ability to stream on multiple devices simultaneously
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A modern, ad-free interface
It worked. Millions flocked to the service, enjoying seamless integration with smart TVs, mobile devices, and even voice assistants. As of 2025, YouTube TV commands over 9.4 million subscribers—a number that once seemed like proof that streaming was the future.
But that future is becoming less affordable.
The $82.99 Price Tag: Why It’s Happening and When It Hits
When Does It Start?
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Immediately for new subscribers
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January 13, 2025 for current users
So if you're a current customer, enjoy that lower rate while you can. It’s vanishing fast.
Why the Increase?
Google blames the usual suspects:
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Rising content licensing costs from networks and sports leagues
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Infrastructure investments to improve reliability and stream quality
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More channels being bundled into the base package—whether you want them or not
The official message: "We’re delivering more value."
The unofficial feeling among users? “You’re charging us more for things we didn’t ask for.”
Click Here to Get YouTube TV 3 Months Free
How Did We Get Here? A History of Steady Increases
This isn’t the first hike—and it likely won’t be the last. Take a look at the journey:
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2017: $35/month
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2018: $40/month
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2020: $64.99/month
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2023: $72.99/month
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2025: $82.99/month
In less than eight years, YouTube TV has more than doubled in price. That “cord-cutting savings” you once celebrated? It’s been slowly eaten away, one rate increase at a time.
How Users Are Reacting—and It Isn’t Pretty
Social media exploded after the announcement.
People didn’t just post complaints—they posted screenshots of their cancellation confirmations. Subreddits dedicated to cord-cutting were flooded with alternatives. Twitter users accused Google of becoming “the new Comcast.” Frustration isn’t just simmering—it’s boiling.
The biggest grievance? Lack of choice. Subscribers feel like they’re being forced to pay more for networks they never watch, all in the name of “value.”
And with alternatives available, people are asking: why stay?
Click Here to Get YouTube TV 3 Months Free
Who Still Benefits from YouTube TV?
Despite the backlash, YouTube TV isn’t without value—especially for users who:
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Watch a lot of live sports or local TV
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Want unlimited DVR storage
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Appreciate a polished, user-friendly interface
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Prefer one consolidated streaming platform for household use
For families with multiple viewers, the service’s six-user account model still makes sense. And for tech-savvy users who like integration with Google Home, it remains seamless.
But what if you're not using all those perks?
How YouTube TV Compares to Its Competitors
With the price jump, it’s time to assess whether YouTube TV still holds its own in the market. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Hulu + Live TV
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Price: $82.99/month (same as YouTube TV)
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Pros: Includes Disney+ and ESPN+
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Cons: Interface is less sleek, limited DVR features
FuboTV
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Price: $79.99/month
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Pros: Sports-heavy packages, multiple streams
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Cons: Lacks Turner networks, costs rise with add-ons
Sling TV
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Price: $40–$55/month
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Pros: Inexpensive, highly customizable
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Cons: Fewer local channels, limited DVR unless upgraded
DirecTV Stream
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Price: $86.99/month and up
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Pros: Closest to traditional cable
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Cons: Complex pricing, requires commitment for best deals
In short: YouTube TV remains competitive—barely. But as others catch up in content and surpass it in pricing flexibility, loyalty is being tested.
Click Here to Get YouTube TV 3 Months Free
Streaming Is Becoming Cable All Over Again
Let’s zoom out.
Once upon a time, cutting cable meant saving hundreds per year. Now, many households subscribe to:
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YouTube TV or Hulu Live
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Netflix
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Disney+
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Max
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Peacock
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Paramount+
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Apple TV+
Add those together and you could be paying more than $150/month—without including internet costs.
Streaming, the so-called savior, is slowly becoming the very thing it replaced. With added complexity, rising prices, and ads sneaking back in, many users feel duped.
And price hikes like YouTube TV’s only fuel the fire.
What Can You Do Now?
You’re not stuck. You have real options—and they don’t all involve rage-quitting your subscription.
Take Advantage of New Subscriber Deals
YouTube TV knows its pricing stings. That’s why they’re offering a limited-time 3-month promo at $59.99/month for new users. It’s their way of softening the blow—and recapturing canceled accounts.
If you’ve never tried the service, now might be the best time.
Click Here to Get YouTube TV 3 Months Free
Pause Instead of Cancel
Not ready to cut ties completely? Use the pause subscription feature.
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No billing for up to 6 months
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Keep your DVR recordings
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Resume without re-registering
It’s a smart way to test alternatives without burning the bridge.
Explore Budget Alternatives
If your needs are simple, try these:
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Philo – $25/month with 60+ channels
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Tubi or Pluto TV – Free live streaming with ads
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Peacock Premium – $5.99/month with live sports and shows
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Amazon Prime Channels – Add individual networks only
Mixing a few budget options may give you more for less.
Is It Still Worth It? Only You Can Decide
YouTube TV is walking a tightrope. It’s betting that:
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Users will tolerate higher pricing
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Competitors won’t leap ahead in features or savings
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The convenience of all-in-one live TV will win in the end
And maybe it will.
But only if users still feel like they’re getting what they paid for. At $82.99/month, the bar has never been higher.
If YouTube TV is still the right platform for your needs—great. Take advantage of the free trial or limited-time discount. But if not? This might be your cue to walk away.
Either way, don’t settle for less than what your money deserves.
