YouTube TV Price Increases to $64.99 per Month Effective June 30, 2020
Google-owned YouTube TV is increasing its monthly price to $64.99 effective June 30, 2020.
This is unfortunate, but not unexpected, news.
YouTube TV, for many, is the best live-TV streaming service alternative for those looking to cut the traditional pay-TV cord.
I agree with that view, especially since Playstation Vue ceased operation earlier this year.
Unfortunately, it’s likely for this very reason that YouTube TV is now raising its monthly subscription price by $15.
Streaming TV a Lower-Cost Alternative?
Approximately four years or so ago, live-TV streaming became a more cost-effective alternative to the high-priced cable and satellite TV packages that many were stuck with.
This held true for a few years until the prices streaming services charged began to increase.
Initially the price increases were small enough that the streaming services remained a more cost-effective alternative.
Over the past year or so, the price gap between live-TV streaming services and cable and satellite packages has narrowed significantly.
And with YouTube TV’s sizable price increase, the difference is even less so when the number of channels that are available and system integration (DVR) and ease of use are considered.
There are still deals to be had, but a more focused look at exactly what you want out of your viewing experience and the price differential between services must be made.
Traditional TV Service
I’ve been a DirecTV subscriber for a number of years now.
The only reason I’ve stayed with DirecTV is because I’ve been able to get retention deals that have kept my monthly bills in what I deem a reasonable range ($45-$65 per month).
The past few years, my retention calls have saved me money but inched upwards from the past year’s charges.
I’m now at about $65 per month, and had decided that at this year’s retention call, anything more than a few dollars of increase would send me over to YouTube TV.
With YouTube TV’s price increase, now I’ll have to re-think that plan.
It seems the price advantage of live-TV streaming has all but disappeared, at least for services that closely mimic traditional pay-TV service.
What do you think? Are you more willing to go with a traditional cable or satellite package if the streaming alternative’s price is comparable? Or are you fine with getting rid of that type of entertainment all together and watching services like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu only?
