Is YouTube TV Worth It in 2025? A Complete Breakdown

Posted on by

YouTube TV costs $82.99/month in 2025—making it one of the priciest live TV streaming services. Is it still worth it? I break down the pros, cons, and whether the Entertainment Plus bundle adds real value. Read on for my full review.

YouTube TV has cemented itself as one of the top live TV streaming services, but its price has steadily climbed. As of 2025, the base plan costs $82.99/month. That’s nearly double what it cost at launch, and it puts YouTube TV in direct competition with Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.

Here’s what you get with the base plan:

  • 100+ channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, ESPN, CNN, FX, TNT, Disney, Nickelodeon, and more.
  • Unlimited cloud DVR with recordings stored for 9 months.
  • 3 simultaneous streams (upgrade available for unlimited).
  • 5.1 surround sound on supported devices.
  • Local channels are included in most markets.

The platform also offers a 4K Plus add-on ($9.99/month) for higher resolution, offline downloads, and unlimited home streams.

Pros of YouTube TV

  • Best-in-class channel lineup (78 of the top 100 networks, more than any competitor).
  • Unlimited DVR with no storage caps.
  • User-friendly interface across TVs, consoles, and mobile devices.
  • Reliable for sports fans with ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB Network.

Cons of YouTube TV

  • High price ($82.99/month, or nearly $1,000/year).
  • 4K content requires an add-on.
  • Competitors like Hulu + Live TV include Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra cost, which may be more appealing for some households.

The Entertainment Plus Bundle: Is It Worth It?

One of YouTube TV’s most popular add-ons is Entertainment Plus, which bundles:

  • Max (formerly HBO Max)
  • STARZ
  • Paramount+ with SHOWTIME

All for $29.99/month.

Why It’s a Good Deal

  • Buying these separately would cost around $37–$40/month, so the bundle saves you about $7–$10/month.
  • If you’re already planning to subscribe to at least two of these services, the bundle is a no-brainer.
  • Max alone brings prestige dramas and blockbuster films, while Paramount+ with SHOWTIME covers both live TV and premium originals.

Why It Might Not Be Worth It

  • Some content access is limited compared to standalone apps (e.g., Paramount+ with SHOWTIME doesn’t always sync perfectly with YouTube TV’s library).
  • If you only want one premium channel, subscribing directly may be cheaper.
  • No free trial for the bundle—though individual services sometimes offer them.

Final Verdict: Is YouTube TV Worth It in 2025?

  • For sports fans and households looking for a true cable replacement, the answer is still a resounding yes: YouTube TV is still worth it. The unlimited DVR and wide channel lineup make it one of the most complete streaming packages available.
  • For budget-conscious streamers: Probably not. Sling TV or Philo can save you $30–$ 40 per month if you don’t need every channel.
  • For premium content lovers: The Entertainment Plus bundle is worth it if you’d otherwise subscribe to multiple services. If you only want one, skip the bundle and buy directly.

Key Takeaway

YouTube TV in 2025 is expensive but powerful. It’s ideal for households that want the closest alternative to cable without a contract. The Entertainment Plus bundle sweetens the deal for premium TV fans, but only if you’re already planning to watch across multiple networks.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.