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YouTube TV has expanded its lineup with genre-focused plans, but it has not discontinued its broad main plan. The main plan remains the service’s most comprehensive option at $82.99 per month, while smaller Sports, Entertainment and mixed-genre bundles give some households a lower-cost alternative. The catch: these are preset bundles, not channel-by-channel plans, and switching can affect your recordings, promotion and bill.
What changed—and what did not
YouTube TV announced a move toward genre-based packages in December 2025 and introduced the new plan lineup in 2026. The change gives subscribers more options than a single broad bundle, but headlines suggesting that YouTube TV is replacing or ending its main plan overstate what happened. The comprehensive plan remains available with more than 100 channels. YouTube describes it as its most comprehensive option. YouTube’s announcement and pricing announcement explain the rollout.
The old “Base Plan” label has effectively given way to “main plan” in YouTube’s current plan presentation. That is a naming change, not evidence that existing subscribers must move to a smaller package.
YouTube TV plan prices
The following are standard monthly prices published by YouTube for its headline plans. The official comparison page showed temporary new-customer offers when checked on August 18, 2026, but those offers were listed as ending August 26, 2026, so they should not be treated as current deals. Promotions can change and eligibility varies; check YouTube’s live plan comparison page for any offer available to you.
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- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
| Plan | Standard price | What it is aimed at |
|---|---|---|
| Main YouTube TV plan | $82.99/month | A broad lineup of 100+ channels across genres |
| Sports | $64.99/month | Sports-focused viewing, with local channels listed by YouTube |
| Sports + News | $71.99/month | Sports and news in one predefined bundle |
| Entertainment | $54.99/month | General entertainment, lifestyle and related programming |
| News + Entertainment + Family | $69.99/month | A mix of news, general entertainment and family channels |
YouTube also lists other combinations, including Sports + Entertainment, Sports + Family, Sports + News + Entertainment, Sports + News + Family, Sports + Entertainment + Family, Sports + News + Entertainment + Family, News + Entertainment, News + Family, and Entertainment + Family. The Help Center lists these plan combinations, but the public pricing announcement does not publish a standard price for every one. Confirm the actual price and availability in your account or signup flow rather than assuming each combination has a particular price. YouTube’s plan-change Help Center article has the full list.
Which plan might fit your household?
Sports: for sports-first viewing
YouTube describes the Sports Plan as a lower-cost option centered on sports and local channels. Its public comparison lists 30+ channels, major broadcasters and local channels, sports programming and analysis, unlimited DVR, Multiview, six household accounts and three simultaneous streams. YouTube’s launch announcement named networks including FS1, NBC Sports Network and ESPN networks, as well as ESPN Unlimited. Treat those examples as a guide, not a guarantee that every channel or local affiliate is available to every customer: lineups can vary by location and may change. Check the channel list for your ZIP code before switching.
The Sports Plan does not automatically include NFL Sunday Ticket. YouTube lists Sunday Ticket as a separately priced add-on for out-of-market Sunday afternoon NFL games; it also requires an active YouTube TV plan when purchased as a YouTube TV add-on. Local or nationally broadcast games may be all some viewers need. See the official NFL Sunday Ticket page for current details.
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- 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.
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- 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.
Entertainment: for general entertainment without a full bundle
The $54.99 Entertainment Plan is aimed at viewers who care more about shows, lifestyle, reality, comedy and similar programming than a broad sports or news lineup. YouTube’s examples include FX, Hallmark, Comedy Central, Bravo, Paramount, Food Network and HGTV, alongside major broadcasters. “Entertainment” does not mean every entertainment channel is included. Check the exact lineup for channels your household watches, especially if you need news, children’s programming, sports or a regional channel.
News + Entertainment + Family: for households that need those three categories
At $69.99 per month, this named package combines news, entertainment and family programming. YouTube specifically highlights Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, National Geographic, Cartoon Network and PBS Kids. It may suit a household that used the broad plan mainly for those categories rather than a full sports lineup. Confirm that its actual channel list covers your must-haves before giving up the main plan.
Mixed plans: when one genre is not enough
If your household wants sports plus news, or sports plus family channels, a combination may be a better fit than a single-category plan. But the relevant comparison is the combination’s price against the main plan—not the price of its cheapest component. Plan names do not let you select individual channels: YouTube offers preset bundles, not a fully à-la-carte service where you build a package one network at a time.
Rank #3
- 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.
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- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Enjoy the show in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
What stays the same across focused plans?
YouTube says its focused packages retain core YouTube TV features, including unlimited cloud DVR, up to six household accounts, up to three simultaneous streams under the standard service, Multiview and access to available add-ons and premium channels. Sports-related features such as Key Plays apply where supported. Check the plan details for the features and content relevant to your account; keeping the product features does not mean keeping every channel or recording.
Local channels require particular care. YouTube lists local channels with the main and Sports plans, but broadcast affiliates and regional availability depend on your market. Enter your ZIP code on the official comparison page and verify any local or regional channel you rely on. Do not assume a package has identical local coverage nationwide.
Will a cheaper plan actually lower your bill?
Compare the lineup you need, not just the headline monthly price. A focused plan costs less than the $82.99 main plan on its own, but the difference can shrink or disappear if you need add-ons or another service to replace missing channels.
Rank #4
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
For a simple starting point, compare each published standard price with the main plan: Sports is $18 less per month; Sports + News is $11 less; Entertainment is $28 less; and News + Entertainment + Family is $13 less. Those are differences between plan prices only, not a guarantee of equivalent coverage or final savings. Add any required paid extras to the smaller plan’s price, and account for replacement services if a must-have channel is absent:
Focused plan + required add-ons + replacement services = the household’s actual monthly cost.
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For example, a sports-first subscriber who can do without news and general entertainment may find the Sports Plan’s lower price worthwhile. A household needing sports, news, children’s channels and premium entertainment may have to add enough services that the main plan is simpler or better value. NFL Sunday Ticket, NFL RedZone through Sports Plus, 4K Plus and premium networks such as HBO Max are separate add-ons, not automatically part of every focused plan. Verify the current price and eligibility for each before counting it as part of a savings calculation. YouTube’s pricing announcement describes available add-ons; its comparison page explains Sunday Ticket and 4K Plus features.
Best Value
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When comparing YouTube TV with another service, use the same checklist: must-have channels, local and regional availability, DVR and household features, add-ons, and total price after promotions end. Hulu + Live TV may appeal to households that value a broader on-demand ecosystem alongside live TV; other providers may be worth checking if a particular regional sports channel or traditional-style package matters. Provider lineups and prices change, so confirm them directly rather than relying on an old comparison.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Before switching: recordings, add-ons and promotions
DVR warning: Changing plans can change which recordings you can access. If a recording is tied to a channel that your new plan no longer includes, YouTube says the DVR library updates to reflect the new plan and recordings from channels no longer included may disappear. If you upgrade again within 21 days to a plan that restores the relevant genre, YouTube says the lost DVR content can be recovered. Review important recordings before switching, and treat that 21-day period as a limited recovery window—not a promise that every recording will remain available indefinitely.
Existing add-ons carry over when you change plans, but their billing dates stay on their original monthly cycle. That means the plan’s billing adjustment and an add-on charge may not land on the same date. Canceling YouTube TV automatically cancels its add-ons. Check the post-switch account and billing details so a separate add-on charge does not look like an unexplained plan price.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIf you are on a promotional price, YouTube says switching plans causes you to lose the promotion. Do not assume an existing subscriber automatically qualifies for an offer advertised to new users. The temporary prices shown August 18, 2026—$67.99 per month for the main plan for three months, then $82.99, and $54.99 for Sports for 12 months, then $64.99—were listed as ending August 26, 2026. They are historical offer terms, not a current-price promise.
How to switch plans
- Open YouTube TV in a web browser or another eligible interface.
- Go to Settings, then Membership.
- Review your current plan and the alternatives shown for your account.
- Select the plan you want and follow the confirmation prompts.
YouTube says the new plan starts immediately and the unused portion of the old plan is credited toward the new subscription. Changing the main plan changes its billing date; add-ons keep their original billing cycle. Plan switching is not available directly inside the iOS or Android apps. If you are billed through a mobile carrier, internet provider or another billing partner, you may need to make the change through that provider, and the options may differ. If a plan is missing from your account, check with the billing provider rather than assuming it is available to every subscriber.
How to decide
- Keep the main plan if people in your household use several genres, you depend on recordings across many channels, or recreating the lineup with smaller plans and add-ons approaches $82.99.
- Consider Sports if sports dominate your viewing, you want the local channels available in your market, and you can live without channels the plan excludes.
- Consider Entertainment if your viewing centers on shows, lifestyle and comedy and you do not need the missing sports or news channels.
- Consider a mixed bundle if your household needs two or more categories and the account’s price still makes sense compared with the main plan.
- Look elsewhere if your essential channel is absent from the available bundles, regional sports coverage is decisive, or you want genuine channel-by-channel customization.
Before confirming, check your ZIP-code lineup, calculate add-ons and replacement services, consider the effect on recordings, and note whether switching forfeits a promotion. The best package is the one that covers the channels your household actually watches at a total cost it is willing to pay—not simply the one with the lowest advertised starting price.
Quick Recap
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.
