YouTube TV’s main plan is currently listed at $82.99 per month, but a new August 2026 price increase has not been confirmed by the available first-party announcements. The latest verified change is YouTube TV’s February 2026 launch of cheaper genre-focused plans. Before canceling, check whether your bill reflects an expired promotion, add-ons, taxes, or a plan change—and compare replacements by channel, ZIP code, fees, and DVR features.
What YouTube TV costs now
The official YouTube TV landing page, checked August 16–18, 2026, lists the principal plan at $82.99 per month. It includes more than 100 channels, unlimited DVR, up to six household accounts, Multiview, and Key Plays features. Local channels and regional sports networks vary by ZIP code. 4K content requires the separate 4K Plus add-on, and other add-ons can increase the bill.
No dated official notice confirming another August 2026 increase was found. A higher bill can instead result from an introductory offer ending, 4K Plus, Sports Plus, a local or regional sports fee, taxes, or a legacy promotion expiring. Compare the plan name and every line item on your bill with the current account page before deciding that the base price changed.
YouTube TV’s cheaper genre plans may be the easiest downgrade
On February 9, 2026, YouTube announced more than 10 plans organized around sports, entertainment, news, family, and other viewing habits. The announcement lists these regular prices:
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- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
| Plan | Standard monthly price | Best fit | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main plan | $82.99 | Broadest lineup, locals, sports and entertainment | Highest price |
| Sports Plan | $64.99 | Sports-focused households | Do not assume every local, regional or specialty sports network is included |
| Entertainment Plan | $54.99 | General entertainment and comedy | Not a full replacement for the main plan’s sports and news lineup |
The same YouTube announcement gives lower introductory prices for new users—$54.99 for Sports and $44.99 for Entertainment. Those are promotions, not the regular ongoing prices. YouTube has not provided, in the cited material, a complete channel grid or definitive answers for every existing subscriber about switching, recordings, add-on eligibility, local stations, or switching back. Open the plan selector in your account and verify those points before changing plans.
Who should stay on the main plan?
- Households that need a broad local lineup and several national networks.
- Families using unlimited DVR and multiple household profiles.
- Viewers who rely on Multiview or a particular combination of sports and entertainment channels.
- Anyone who would need several add-ons to recreate the main plan.
Better alternatives, depending on what you watch
Sling TV: best for a lower-cost, carefully selected bundle
Sling TV can reduce the bill when you know the exact sports, news, or entertainment networks you need. Orange and Blue have different lineups, and combining them or adding sports and premium packages can change the total. Local broadcast coverage is substantially more limited and market-dependent than YouTube TV’s, while DVR and simultaneous-stream limits depend on the package. A 2025–26 comparison chart placed Orange + Blue around the low-$60 range, but that secondary figure is not a substitute for the current checkout price. Verify your ZIP-code lineup and full post-add-on total.
Verdict: A strong budget option for channel-specific shoppers, not a guaranteed full local-channel replacement.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Philo: best for inexpensive entertainment
Philo is aimed at lifestyle, reality, documentary and general cable entertainment. It is not a like-for-like YouTube TV substitute for NFL or other major sports, local news, or comprehensive ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC coverage. Choose it when entertainment channels matter more than broadcast and sports networks.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsVerdict: The best low-cost entertainment replacement, but a poor fit for sports-first or local-news households.
Hulu + Live TV: best when the bundle already matters
Hulu + Live TV is listed at $89.99 per month for Hulu with ads, Disney+ with ads and ESPN access. The package includes more than 100 live channels, unlimited DVR and the Hulu on-demand library; a three-day trial is displayed on the official page. Local availability and blackouts apply, and programming may include ads.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Because $89.99 is higher than YouTube TV’s $82.99 main-plan price, Hulu is not a straightforward cheaper switch. It can make financial sense if you would otherwise pay separately for Hulu and Disney+.
Fubo: best for sports-focused viewers after fees
Fubo’s official pages show different labels and promotional structures. One page lists Pro at $73.99 per month; another displays Core at $79.98 per month after an introductory first month. Regional sports fees shown in the terms range from $3.99 to $16.99 per month. See Fubo’s plans page and welcome page for the offer presented to your market.
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Fubo can provide ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC and selected NBA, NHL and MLB games, but availability depends on ZIP code, plan and rights. Promotions can end after the first month, and a regional sports fee can erase the apparent saving.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Verdict: A plausible sports alternative, not automatically cheaper once regular pricing, add-ons and regional fees are included.
DIRECTV: best for a specific regional network or genre pack
DIRECTV’s streaming plans include packages such as MySports, MyEntertainment and MyNews rather than one simple YouTube TV equivalent. Its comparison page claims more regional sports network coverage than YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling in relevant markets; that is DIRECTV’s claim, and availability remains ZIP-code specific.
Promotional expiration, taxes, fees and package definitions make “starting at” prices difficult to compare. Use the checkout screen for the regular price and confirm the exact regional network before subscribing.
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Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Verdict: Worth investigating for an RSN-dependent household or someone who wants a genre pack; less attractive for a simple, low-cost switch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Compare the channels you actually use
Write down your must-haves before comparing channel counts:
- Local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, plus PBS, The CW or independent stations.
- ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, TNT, TBS and any league or conference network.
- Your regional sports network and local team rights.
- CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC and local news.
- Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, PBS and children’s programming.
- A&E, History, Lifetime, Hallmark, HGTV, Food Network, Discovery and Bravo.
National network availability does not guarantee the local affiliate. Blackouts can apply even when a network is listed. Use each provider’s ZIP-code tool, and check whether a missing channel is available only through an add-on.
| Service | Regular price evidence | Locals and sports | DVR and bundle considerations | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV main | $82.99/month | Broad lineup; market-dependent locals and RSNs | Unlimited DVR; up to six household accounts | Full-featured replacement without switching |
| YouTube TV genre plans | $54.99–$64.99 for cited examples | Verify each plan’s locals and sports | Verify recordings, add-ons and switching rules in account | Stay with YouTube TV for less |
| Sling TV | Current total must be checked at checkout | Package- and market-dependent; local gaps common | Limits vary by package; add-ons may be needed | Flexible budget bundle |
| Philo | Current total must be checked at signup | Not a full local or major-sports service | Entertainment-focused service | Low-cost cable entertainment |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99/month | Broad national and local coverage, subject to market | Unlimited DVR; Hulu and Disney+ libraries with ads | Existing Hulu/Disney+ households |
| Fubo | $73.99 or $79.98 examples, with promotions | Sports and locals vary; RSN fee may apply | Plan-dependent 4K and DVR features | Sports-first viewing |
| DIRECTV | Varies by package and promotion | Genre- and ZIP-code dependent; RSN emphasis | Fees and package rules require checkout review | Specific RSN or genre-pack needs |
Calculate the real monthly cost
Use this formula rather than the headline price:
Base plan + required add-ons + regional sports fee + taxes and fees − genuine ongoing discounts.
- Record the first full-price month, not only the trial or introductory month.
- Add the package required for every must-have channel.
- Include any local or regional sports fee.
- Check whether bundled libraries require separate apps or logins.
- Compare the result with your current bill after promotions expire.
For example, moving from YouTube TV’s $82.99 main plan to its $54.99 Entertainment Plan saves $28 per month before any add-ons, but only if the narrower lineup covers your viewing. Fubo’s $73.99 example is $9 less than YouTube TV before a possible $3.99–$16.99 regional sports fee. Hulu’s $89.99 price is higher, although its included Hulu and Disney+ libraries may replace separate subscriptions.
When an antenna is the better answer
If your only paid-TV requirement is local ABC, CBS, FOX or NBC, an over-the-air antenna plus targeted streaming subscriptions may cost less than any live-TV bundle. Reception depends on geography, building materials, antenna placement and signal strength. Use the FCC DTV reception map to assess local broadcast signals, then add only the sports or entertainment services you actually use.
Quick Recap
Switch without losing access
- Screenshot your current bill, plan name, add-ons and renewal date.
- List favorite recordings and upcoming live events; do not assume another service can transfer them.
- Check every candidate by ZIP code for local affiliates, RSNs and blackouts.
- Compare the first full-price month, including add-ons, taxes and sports fees.
- Confirm supported televisions, streaming devices, simultaneous streams and household restrictions.
- Start a trial or replacement subscription and test the channels before canceling YouTube TV.
- Read the automatic-renewal terms and cancel the old service only after the replacement works.
The practical decision
- Want the same service for less? Check YouTube TV’s Sports, Entertainment or other genre plans first.
- Want the lowest entertainment bill? Choose Philo if you can live without comprehensive locals and major sports.
- Want customizable sports or news? Price Sling with every required package and accept possible local gaps.
- Already pay for Hulu and Disney+? Evaluate Hulu + Live TV’s bundle rather than its live-TV price alone.
- Need sports depth? Compare Fubo and DIRECTV after RSN fees, promotions and ZIP-code restrictions.
- Need only broadcast stations? Try an antenna and subscribe selectively.
- Need unlimited DVR, broad locals and a simple household setup? Staying on YouTube TV may be cheaper than rebuilding the same lineup elsewhere.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
