YouTube TV’s cheaper channel bundles are starting to roll out
Last month, YouTube TV announced that cheaper “genre-specific” plans would soon be available. However, it did not share prices or any information on the actual channel packages. The first batch of packages have finally been revealed, and they may not be as cheap as expected.
Currently, YouTube TV’s full basic plan costs $83 per month. This is a tough pill to swallow if you’re only interested in a handful of channels. Initial enthusiasm for streaming live TV services was due to the idea that they could offer fewer channels at a lower price than cable. At this point, that dream has completely eroded. But that’s why YouTube TV’s smaller packages looked promising.
The first batch of four genre-specific packages includes: Sports Package, Sports + News Package, Entertainment Package, and News + Entertainment + Family Package. Here is how the channels and prices are distributed.
- Sports Plan ($64.99/month, or $54.99/month for new users): FS1, NBC Sports Network, all ESPN networks, ESPN Unlimited (coming this fall) and more.
- Sports + News Package ($71.99/month or $56.99/month for new users): CNBC, Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, plus CSPAN, Bloomberg, Fox Business, and more.
- Entertainment plan ($54.99/month or $44.99/month for new users): Comedy Central, Bravo, Paramount, Food Network, HGTV, and more.
- News + Entertainment + Family Package ($69.99/month or $59.99/month for new users): Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, National Geographic, Cartoon Network, PBS Kids, and more.
As mentioned, the full Basic plan costs $83 per month, so the biggest discount is the Entertainment plan with a savings of $28. Prices for new users are significantly better; however, they come with fine print. The new user price for the Sports plan is valid for the first year, but other plans only benefit from the new user price for three months.
It is also worth mentioning that standard YouTube TV features are also included in these plans. Multiview, unlimited DVR, multiple members on your account, etc. Plus, you can always purchase the optional add-ons to add a few more channels to your package.
YouTube TV says these plans will launch this week, but that’s just the beginning. It will roll out more than 10 genre-specific plans over the coming weeks. So, if this first harvest doesn’t interest you, keep your eyes peeled.
Source: YouTube TV
After the latest YouTube TV price hike, this change needs to be made
Like many others, I use streaming services as a less expensive alternative to cable TV. After enjoying YouTube TV for almost five years and facing countless price increases, I’m looking for other options. And for me, the best option would be a cheaper YouTube TV tier.
