YouTube TV Price Increase: The End of Affordable Streaming?

YouTube TV users got some surprising news recently – the popular streaming service that offers a variety of live TV channels, sports, and streaming shows has raised its prices. Starting on January 13, 2025, subscribers will see their monthly bill jump from $72.99 to $82.99. That’s a 14% increase, and a whopping 137% increase from the original $35 a month price when YouTube TV first launched in 2017.

Unsurprisingly, this price hike has caused quite a stir among subscribers, with many taking to social media to express their frustration. After all, many of us ditched cable in favor of streaming services like YouTube TV because they were supposed to be more affordable and flexible. But now, with prices climbing so high, it feels like we’re back to square one.

If you’re already a YouTube TV subscriber, you may be feeling the pinch. With a monthly cost that’s nearly as high as traditional cable packages, adding in other streaming services like Netflix and Hulu can quickly add up to a hefty bill. And it’s not just YouTube TV – other services like Apple TV+ and Netflix have also seen price increases over the years.

For those looking to save a few bucks, bundling services with Amazon Prime can help offset some of the costs. But even then, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the streaming landscape is getting more expensive by the day.

If you’re a sports fan, YouTube TV’s price hike may be particularly frustrating, as many subscribers were drawn to the service for its sports offerings, especially during football season. And with the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl right around the corner, the timing of the price increase is no coincidence.

As streaming services continue to raise prices and shuffle their content libraries, it’s worth considering whether the convenience is still worth the cost. While bundling services can help save some money, it’s clear that the days of inexpensive streaming are behind us. The streaming bubble may soon burst, and subscribers will have to decide whether the convenience is worth the price.