You might be wondering, “Is YouTube TV free?” In short, the answer is no—YouTube TV is a subscription-based service. But don’t worry; if you’re new to the service, you can take advantage of a free trial to see if it fits your needs before you commit to paying. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about YouTube TV’s pricing, how to get that free trial, and some handy tips to make the most of your experience—all written in a friendly, straight-shooting American style.
What Is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV has been a popular choice among cord-cutters who want the best of live TV without the high price tag and hassle of traditional cable. Launched as a way to bring hundreds of channels to your streaming device, YouTube TV offers over 100 live channels including local networks, sports, news, and entertainment. One of its standout features is the unlimited cloud DVR, which lets you record your favorite shows and sports events without worrying about storage limits.
But here’s the kicker—while it offers a ton of great features, YouTube TV isn’t free. The standard subscription is roughly $83 per month. However, if you’re just curious about the service, you can start with a free trial before the monthly charges kick in.
Is YouTube TV Free?
No, YouTube TV is not free. It’s a paid service that requires a monthly subscription. The service does offer a free trial for new users, which is a great way to explore what it has to offer without immediately shelling out money. Once the trial period is over, you’ll need to decide if you want to keep the service—and if not, make sure you cancel before you get charged.
Breaking Down the Cost
Before diving into how to sign up for the free trial, let’s talk about the costs:
- Monthly Subscription: YouTube TV’s regular plan costs about $83 per month. This fee grants you access to a wide range of channels, unlimited DVR storage, and the ability to stream on multiple devices.
- Additional Add-Ons: For sports fans, there’s even an option to add NFL Sunday Ticket (if available in your area), but keep in mind that add-ons will increase your monthly bill.
- Free Trial Period: New users typically get a 7-day free trial, though the duration of the trial can sometimes vary with promotions.
So, while YouTube TV isn’t free forever, the trial period gives you a risk-free window to test everything out.
How to Get a Free Trial on YouTube TV
Getting your free trial of YouTube TV is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Visit the YouTube TV Website or Download the App
- On a Computer: Open your web browser and go to youtube.com/tv.
- On a Mobile Device: Download the YouTube TV app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android).
- On a Smart TV or Streaming Device: Many smart TVs and devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV support YouTube TV. Simply navigate to the app store on your device and download the YouTube TV app.
2. Click on the “Try it Free” Button
Once you’re on the website or app, look for the prominent “Try it Free” button. This button is usually front and center on the homepage. Click it to begin the sign-up process.
3. Sign In or Create a Google Account
- Existing Google Account: If you already use a Google account (like for Gmail or YouTube), simply sign in with your credentials.
- New Account: If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one. This process is quick and free.
4. Enter Your Payment Information
You’ll be prompted to enter your payment details. Don’t worry—you won’t be charged until your free trial period ends. This is standard practice for most subscription services. Just make sure you have a valid credit or debit card ready.
5. Start Your Free Trial
After entering your payment information, confirm your subscription and you’re all set. You’ll now have full access to all of YouTube TV’s features for the duration of your free trial period. Enjoy streaming live TV, exploring the channel lineup, and testing out the unlimited cloud DVR!
Making the Most of Your Free Trial
Here are a few tips to help you get the best out of your YouTube TV free trial:
Test the Features
- Explore the Channel Lineup: Take time to browse through all the channels available. Make a note of your favorites and check if your local channels and sports networks are available.
- Try the Cloud DVR: Record a few shows or sports events to see how the DVR performs. The unlimited cloud DVR is one of YouTube TV’s standout features.
- Stream on Different Devices: Try streaming on your smart TV, smartphone, or tablet. This will give you a good idea of how well the service works on various platforms.
Monitor Your Trial Period
- Set a Reminder: Free trials are typically 7 days long. Set a reminder a day or two before the trial ends so you can decide whether to continue with the subscription or cancel it.
- Cancellation Process: If you decide YouTube TV isn’t for you, cancel before the trial ends. The cancellation process is straightforward and can usually be done through your account settings.
Compare with Other Services
- Do a Side-by-Side Comparison: Use your trial period to compare YouTube TV with other live TV streaming services (like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV). This can help you decide which service best fits your needs.
- Check Out User Reviews: Look at recent user reviews and ratings. Websites like CNET, Consumer Reports, and Decider offer insights into the service’s performance and user satisfaction.
Common Questions About YouTube TV and Its Free Trial
Q: Is YouTube TV free after the trial?
A: No, once the trial period ends, you will be charged the standard subscription rate of about $83 per month unless you cancel.
Q: Can I cancel my free trial at any time?
A: Yes, you can cancel your trial at any time during the trial period. If you cancel before the trial ends, you won’t be charged.
Q: Do I need a special device to watch YouTube TV?
A: No, YouTube TV works on a variety of devices including smart TVs, streaming boxes (like Roku and Apple TV), smartphones, tablets, and even computers.
Q: How long is the free trial period?
A: Typically, the free trial period lasts for 7 days. However, promotional offers might sometimes extend this period.
Final Thoughts
While YouTube TV is not a free service in the long run, its free trial offers a great opportunity to experience what the platform has to offer without any financial commitment. For around $83 per month, you get access to over 100 channels, an unlimited cloud DVR, and the flexibility to watch on multiple devices. During your trial, make sure to explore all its features, test the streaming quality, and compare it with other services to see if it meets your expectations.
Remember, the key to making the most of any free trial is to set a reminder to review your subscription before the trial ends. That way, you can decide whether you want to continue enjoying live TV via YouTube TV or explore other options that might better suit your viewing habits.
In today’s streaming landscape, services like YouTube TV are reshaping how we watch live television. Whether you’re into sports, news, or your favorite TV shows, the free trial is your chance to see if YouTube TV is the right fit for your lifestyle. Happy streaming!
