YouTube TV Price Increase
The YouTube TV price increase was anticipated. While it only increased by $8/month. It is still a 12% increase over prior rates. In 2020, the YouTube TV price increase was $15/month (a 30% increase) over the prior subscription costs. When it first launched it was only $35 per month, which was losing money. I would expect another ~$10 YouTube TV price increase in 2024.
Why do costs keep going up? It’s more than inflation. Local networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX), Cable sports and Cable news (Fox News, CNN, MSNBC) are the most expensive channels and continue to increase their retransmission fees. Any cable, satellite or live streaming service providers that has local channels will always be more expensive and pass that cost directly on to you.
On average, TV prices increase by 10%+ each year
Some uneducated people will think they should go back to Cable and Satellite. That would be a bad idea. Remember their bill has been exponentially increasing every 6-12 month since you left mainly with sneaky TV fees.
Amidst the YouTube TV price increase 2023, cable and satellite raised prices numerous times over the last year. Xfinity being the most recent in January 2024, we are talking 10-20% price increases. Most streaming services raised their prices between June and November 2022 by an average of 11%.
Alternatives to YouTube TV
If you’re seeking an alternative to YouTube TV because of the latest price increase, here are the alternatives we recommend. Cord-cutting (shifting to streaming) is great; but the best way to save forever is combining an HD Antenna (for locals) with microbundles (for streaming). Instead of $76/ month for TV, 80+ local channels are FREE and 40+ channels for as low as $7/ month. Learn more about whole-home HD Antennas. Learn more about streaming microbundles.
Save Your Sanity
- ANTENNA w/ STREAMING – If saving the most money every month is most important, then a TV Antenna is best! Recommended due to the most flexibility and the biggest monthly savings for life. If you live in a home, then StreamWise Solutions recommends installing an attic or outdoor TV Antenna for Free HD TV. The Antenna will get you 80+ free channels for life, but most importantly it offers 100% FREE access to all the major local network channels in HD! If needed you can subscribe to less expensive Cable live streaming services month to month like Frndly, Philo, or Sling.
- KEEP YOUTUBE TV – YouTube TV might still be the best option for people living in apartments (no antenna reception), for people that need a lot of cable channels, or simplicity of 1 app. While the $8 (12%) price increase seems extreme, it’s still much less expensive than cable or satellite TV with all of their sneaky fees. It likely that YouTube TV will have another ~$10 price increase over the next year too though.
- SWITCH TO YOUTUBE TV COMPETITOR – Not recommended, since all Live streaming services with local channel are more expensive. But if you like you can do a free trial of Fubo TV. It is a bit more expensive at $94+ per mo plus tax, but it does offer Altitude Sports for Regional Sports like Avs and Nuggets. Try a free trial of DirecTV Stream. It is similar and offers even more channels including Altitude Sports plus AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain for all Colorado Rockies games – see our full DirecTV Stream review here. Not recommended due to the fact its more difficult to use and has extra fees for more streams and unlimited DVR, but Hulu Live is a direct competitor to YouTube TV. As of April 1, 2023, Hulu Live’s current price is $80 + $10 more to add a full DVR and more devices, but not recommended.
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