YouTube Premium has been around long enough that most people have formed a firm opinion about it without necessarily knowing exactly what they are getting. The value proposition depends almost entirely on how you use YouTube – for some users it is an obvious purchase, for others it is genuinely unnecessary. Here is an honest breakdown of what you get and what it costs.

What Does YouTube Premium Include?

• Ad-free video playback – No pre-roll, mid-roll, or banner ads on any YouTube video.
• Background play – YouTube continues playing when you switch apps or lock your phone screen. This is the feature most users value most highly.
• Offline downloads – Download videos to watch without an internet connection (within the YouTube app, not as a file to your device).
• YouTube Music Premium – Full access to YouTube Music with ad-free listening, background play, and offline downloads.
• YouTube TV discount – In some regions, Premium subscribers receive a discount on YouTube TV add-ons.
• Early access to experimental features – Premium subscribers occasionally get early access to new YouTube features.

YouTube Premium Plans and Pricing (2026)

• Individual plan – Approximately $13.99 per month in the US (prices vary by region).
• Family plan – Around $22.99 per month, covering up to 6 family members in the same household.
• Student plan – Approximately $7.99 per month, available to eligible students with a valid university email address.
• Annual plan – Paying annually saves roughly two months compared to monthly billing.

Prices differ significantly by country. In many markets outside the US, YouTube has set regional pricing that makes Premium considerably cheaper.

What Is YouTube Premium Lite?

YouTube Premium Lite is a cheaper tier that removes ads from videos but does not include background play, offline downloads, or YouTube Music Premium. It is designed for users whose primary frustration with YouTube is the ads rather than the other Premium features.

Premium Lite is priced lower than the full Premium plan – approximately $7.99 per month in the US – and is currently available in a limited number of markets. It is a reasonable option for users who are not interested in YouTube Music and do not need background or offline play.

Who Should Get YouTube Premium?

Worth it if: You use YouTube daily for more than 30-60 minutes, you listen to YouTube with your phone screen locked (podcasts, music, background audio), you regularly use YouTube Music, or you travel frequently and want offline access to videos and playlists.

Not worth it if: You only watch YouTube occasionally, you primarily watch on a Smart TV where background play is irrelevant, or you already pay for a competing music service like Apple Music or Spotify.

Free Alternatives to YouTube Premium

• YouTube Vanced / ReVanced – Third-party modified apps that block ads without a subscription (use at your own risk, as they violate YouTube’s terms of service).
• Browser ad blockers – Extensions like uBlock Origin block ads on YouTube in desktop browsers.
• Picture-in-picture workaround (iPhone) – On iOS, playing YouTube through Safari and switching to PiP provides background play without Premium in some regions.

Free Trial

YouTube regularly offers a one or two month free trial for new Premium subscribers. Check the YouTube app or website for the current offer. The trial includes full Premium features, and you can cancel before it ends to avoid being charged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does YouTube Premium remove all ads?

Yes. With Premium, all video ads are removed across the YouTube app and website when signed in to your account. Ads in live streams from some creators may occasionally still appear due to third-party integrations.

Can I use one Premium subscription on multiple devices?

Yes. Your Premium benefits apply to any device where you are signed in to your Google account, including phones, tablets, computers, and Smart TVs.