YouTube TV Free Trial 2026 - How to Get It and How Long It Lasts
YouTube TV offers a free trial for new subscribers that ranges from 5 to 21 days depending on current promotions. With plans now starting at $54.99/mo, the trial is a risk-free way to test whether YouTube TV has the channels, DVR quality, and streaming performance you need before committing. Here is everything you need to know about the trial, including how to cancel before you are charged.
Current Trial Details (April 2026)
How to Start Your Free Trial
Visit YouTube TV
Go to tv.youtube.com/welcome/ and click 'Try it free.' The current trial length will be displayed on the sign-up page.
Choose a Plan
Select from Entertainment ($54.99), Sports ($64.99), Family ($59.99), or the full Base Plan ($82.99). You will not be charged during the trial.
Enter Payment
Add a credit card or payment method. This is required but you will not be charged until the trial ends. You can cancel any time before then.
Start Watching
Access all channels in your plan immediately. Set up DVR recordings, add family members, and test on all your devices.
What the Free Trial Includes
Included in Trial
- Full access to all channels in your selected plan
- Unlimited cloud DVR recording with 9-month retention
- Up to 6 family accounts with individual DVR and recommendations
- 3 simultaneous streams (standard for all plans)
- Access on all supported devices (smart TVs, phones, tablets, web)
- Local broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC where available)
- On-demand content from supported networks
Not Included in Trial
- 4K Plus add-on ($9.99/mo) - must subscribe separately
- Sports Plus add-on ($10.99/mo) - NFL RedZone, beIN Sports
- Entertainment Plus ($29.99/mo) - Max, Paramount+, Starz bundle
- NFL Sunday Ticket (~$349/season) - purchased separately
- Spanish Plus ($14.99/mo) - additional Spanish channels
- Individual premium channels (may have their own trial offers)
How to Cancel Before Being Charged
If you decide YouTube TV is not right for you, canceling is straightforward. The key is to cancel before your trial end date. YouTube TV will send an email reminder before the trial expires, but we recommend setting your own calendar reminder for 24 hours before the trial ends.
Open Settings
Go to tv.youtube.com, click your profile icon, and select Settings. Then go to Membership.
Cancel Membership
Click 'Deactivate' or 'Cancel membership.' YouTube TV will show what you will lose and may offer a discount to stay.
Confirm
Confirm the cancellation. Your access continues until the trial end date. No partial month charges apply.
Pro Tip: Time Your Trial Around Major Events
If you are considering YouTube TV primarily for sports, time your free trial to coincide with a major event. Starting a trial during NFL Playoff weekend, March Madness, or the first week of the NFL season lets you test YouTube TV when it matters most. You will get the most value from your trial days and the best sense of how the service handles live sports under heavy load.
YouTube TV also tends to offer longer trial periods (14-21 days) during the start of football season in September and during March Madness in March. These extended trials align with their subscriber acquisition strategy and give you more time to evaluate the service.
Another strategy: if you are trialing a genre plan and realize you need more channels, you can upgrade to a higher plan during the trial. Your trial period continues on the new plan. This lets you test the cheapest plan first and only upgrade if you genuinely miss specific channels.
Ready to Try YouTube TV?
Start your free trial with any plan. No commitment, cancel any time before the trial ends. Plans start at $54.99/mo.
Start Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the YouTube TV free trial?
The YouTube TV free trial length varies between 5 and 21 days depending on current promotions and your account status. The standard trial is typically 5-7 days, but YouTube TV periodically extends it to 14 or 21 days during promotional periods or major sporting events. Check the YouTube TV sign-up page for the current trial length in your area.
Can I try the new YouTube TV genre plans for free?
Yes, YouTube TV offers free trials on all plan types, including the new genre-based plans launched in 2026. You can trial the Entertainment plan ($54.99/mo), Sports plan ($64.99/mo), or any other genre plan. The trial length and availability may vary by plan type.
What is included in the YouTube TV free trial?
The free trial includes full access to all channels in your selected plan, unlimited DVR recording, up to 6 family accounts, and 3 simultaneous streams. Premium add-ons like Sports Plus, 4K Plus, and Entertainment Plus are generally not included in the free trial but some may offer their own separate trial periods.
How do I cancel YouTube TV before being charged?
To cancel during your free trial, go to YouTube TV settings, select Membership, and click Cancel or Pause Membership. You must cancel before the trial end date to avoid being charged. YouTube TV will send a reminder email before the trial expires. You can also set a calendar reminder for the day before the trial ends.
Can I get a second YouTube TV free trial?
YouTube TV limits free trials to one per Google account and one per household. If you have previously used a free trial, you generally cannot get another one. However, if a significant amount of time has passed (12+ months), some users report being able to access a new trial. Using a new Google account may also qualify for a trial, though YouTube TV tracks by household address and payment method.