Is YouTube Premium Worth It in 2026?
It dependsFrom $7.99/mo
Worth it if you watch 1+ hour of YouTube daily. Otherwise ad blockers solve the same problem for free.
WORTH IT IF
+No ads on any YouTube video or Shorts
+Background play on mobile (huge for podcasts)
+Offline downloads for travel
+YouTube Music included (vs $10.99 standalone)
+Family plan at $22.99 covers 6 people
NOT WORTH IT IF
−You use uBlock Origin or Brave browser on desktop
−You mostly watch on TV where ads are shorter
−You already have Spotify or Apple Music
Our Take
KEEP IT
Heavy mobile YouTube users, especially podcast listeners. Families sharing a plan.
CANCEL IT
Desktop-only users who can run an ad blocker.
THE MATH
Only valuable if you watch YouTube 1+ hour a day on mobile. Desktop users can get 90% of this for free.
More Worth-It Breakdowns
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