In a move that has left many subscribers disappointed, YouTube TV has announced another significant price increase for its streaming TV service. The monthly subscription cost has now soared to $82.99, up from the previous $72.99.
This latest hike, which the company attributes to "the rising cost of content and the investments we make in the quality of our service," comes just a year after the previous $8 increase. It means the YouTube TV of today is drastically different from the $35-per-month service many signed up for initially.
The new $82.99 price tag puts YouTube TV on par with Hulu + Live TV, another major player in the streaming TV space. Even Sling TV, long considered the budget option, has recently raised its monthly rates by $5.99. It seems that affordability is no longer a key selling point for these live TV streaming services.
Despite the price increase, YouTube TV maintains that its core benefits remain unchanged. Subscribers still get access to over 100 channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage, up to six user accounts per household, and three concurrent streams. However, features like 4K streaming still require an additional fee, making the service feel less of a value proposition.
Customers are understandably frustrated by the constant price hikes, with many questioning whether YouTube TV is still worth the investment. The service has become significantly more expensive over the years, and it remains to be seen whether it can justify the rising costs in the eyes of its user base.
As the streaming TV landscape continues to evolve, consumers will have to weigh the pros and cons of each service, balancing their content needs with their budgets. For those who have been with YouTube TV since its early days, the decision to stick with the service or explore alternatives has become increasingly complex.
Only time will tell if YouTube TV can maintain its position as the "very best of the streaming TV services" amidst the ever-increasing costs. For now, subscribers must decide whether the service's benefits still outweigh the rising price tag.
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