Are you tired of paying high monthly fees for YouTube Premium? Many users love the features, ad-free videos, offline downloads, background play, and YouTube Music, but the subscription cost can feel overwhelming. That’s why people everywhere are looking for how to get YouTube Premium cheaper without losing any benefits.
Here’s what you’ll discover in this guide:
- Official ways to save, such as student, family, and annual plans.
- How to use a VPN to unlock lower prices in other countries.
- Extra tips for managing subscriptions and cutting costs.
If you’ve been holding back from subscribing because of the price, there are smarter ways to get the same benefits without paying full cost. By exploring official discounts, family or student plans, and even regional pricing tricks with VPNs, you can cut your bill significantly. Keep reading to discover how to get YouTube Premium cheaper and choose the option that works best for your budget.
1. Why YouTube Premium is worth it
YouTube Premium may look pricey at first glance, but the benefits make it more than just a luxury add-on. It improves your viewing and listening experience by removing interruptions and adding features that free YouTube simply cannot offer. From saving time to giving you more control over when and how you watch, Premium delivers real value. Below are the key reasons why many users consider it worth the subscription cost:
- Ad-free experience: No interruptions before, during, or after videos, helping you save time and enjoy smooth viewing. Over time, this can add up to hours of distraction-free watching.
- Offline downloads: Save videos directly to your device and watch them anytime, even without internet. Perfect for travel, commuting, or areas with poor connectivity.
- Background play: Keep videos or music playing while you use other apps or lock your screen, ideal for podcasts or playlists on the go.
- YouTube Music Premium included: Gain unlimited access to millions of songs, curated playlists, and offline downloads, removing the need to pay for another music app.
- All-in-one value: Instead of paying for separate streaming and music services, Premium combines them into one subscription, maximizing convenience and cost-effectiveness.
2. Official ways to get YouTube Premium cheaper
Not everyone knows that YouTube offers official plans designed to help users save money. By choosing the right one, you can cut costs significantly without breaking any rules. Here are the three most popular options:
2.1. Use the student plan
If you’re a student, YouTube offers nearly a 50% discount compared to the regular subscription. Verification is handled through SheerID, which requires proof of enrollment at a recognized institution. This makes it one of the easiest and most legitimate ways to save money.
2.2. Try the family plan
The family plan allows one account holder to share YouTube Premium with up to five other family members living in the same household. By splitting the cost among six people, the price per person becomes far cheaper than paying for an individual plan. This is ideal for families or even roommates who want to share.
2.3. Choose the annual plan
Paying upfront for 12 months often comes with a discount compared to monthly billing. While it requires a larger payment at once, the overall savings throughout the year make it worthwhile. For example, instead of paying $13.99 each month in the U.S., the annual plan reduces the cost by several dollars over time.
3. How to get YouTube Premium cheaper with VPN
Using a VPN is one of the most common ways people reduce their YouTube Premium cost. By connecting to a country where subscription prices are lower, you can often save more than 70% compared to U.S. pricing. However, this approach requires careful setup to avoid payment or account issues. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Choose a reliable VPN service with servers in countries where YouTube Premium is cheaper (such as India, Turkey, or Argentina).
Step 2: Connect to a server in the chosen country and verify your IP address shows the correct location.
Step 3: Open YouTube Premium’s sign-up page in your browser or app. You should now see local pricing for that country.
Step 4: Click Subscribe and select your preferred plan (individual, family, or student if eligible).
Step 5: Enter a valid payment method that works in the selected region. Some users use international cards, virtual cards, or local payment methods via third-party services.
Step 6: Confirm your subscription and double-check that the new reduced rate is reflected in your account.
4. Top 3 VPNs for getting YouTube Premium cheaper
Not all VPNs work well with streaming services. The best options are fast, reliable, and secure, ensuring a smooth connection when signing up. Here are three recommended providers:
4.1. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most reliable choices for getting YouTube Premium at a lower price. It has a huge server network worldwide, fast speeds, and strong security features to keep your connection private while streaming or subscribing.
- Large server network for easy access to cheaper regions
- Very fast speeds for streaming and sign-ups
- Strong security with a no-logs policy
4.2. Surfshark
Surfshark is known for being both budget-friendly and feature-rich. It lets you connect unlimited devices on one account, making it great for families or people with many gadgets. It also performs well with streaming services and comes with useful privacy tools.
- Unlimited devices on one subscription
- Works reliably with streaming platforms
- Extra features like ad-blocking and anti-tracking
4.3. IPVanish
IPVanish is simple and user-friendly, perfect for beginners who want quick access to cheaper YouTube Premium rates. While its server network is smaller, it still offers fast connections and solid privacy protection.
- Easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile
- Fast enough for streaming and browsing
- Strong encryption and clear security policies
5. YouTube Premium price comparison by country
YouTube Premium prices vary drastically depending on where you live. Factors like cost of living, local regulations, and Google’s pricing strategy create big differences worldwide. For example, while U.S. users pay nearly $14 per month, people in India or Turkey pay just a fraction of that.
Below is a comparison of individual monthly plans across different countries, converted into USD for easier reference:
| Countries | Monthly price(Local Currency) | Difference |
| United States | $13.99 | – |
| Nigeria | $0.86(1,100[NGN]) | -$13.13 |
| India | $1.57(129[INR]) | -$12.42 |
| Argentina | $1.67(1,899[ARS]) | -$12.32 |
| Turkey | $2.15(57.99[TRY]) | -$11.84 |
| Ukraine | $2.69(99[UAH]) | -$11.30 |
| Philippines | $2.69(159[PHP]) | -$11.30 |
| Vietnam | $3.24(79,000[VND]) | -$10.75 |
| Malaysia | $3.81(17.9[MYR]) | -$10.18 |
| Indonesia | $3.83(59,000[IDR]) | -$10.16 |
| Brazil | $4.68(24.9[BRL]) | -$9.31 |
| Romania | $5.13(26.0[RON]) | -$8.86 |
| Sweden | $6.11(69[SEK]) | -$7.88 |
| Saudi Arabia | $6.40(23.99[SAR]) | -$7.60 |
| Norway | $6.50(69[NOK]) | -$7.49 |
| Poland | $6.50(25.99[PLN]) | -$7.49 |
| Mexico | $6.92(139[MYR]) | -$7.07 |
| Japan | $8.60(1,280[JPY]) | -$5.39 |
| Singapore | $8.44(11.98[SGD]) | -$5.55 |
| Denmark | $9.03(69.0[DKK]) | -$4.96 |
| Canada | $9.41(12.99[CAD]) | -$4.58 |
| Hong Kong | $9.94(78[HKD]) | -$4.05 |
| New Zealand | $10.05(17.99[NZD]) | -$3.94 |
| Australia | $10.96(16.99[AUD]) | -$3.03 |
| Netherlands | $11.75(11.99[EUR]) | -$2.24 |
| Italy | $11.75(11.99[EUR]) | -$2.24 |
| Germany | $12.74(12.99[EUR]) | -$1.25 |
| France | $12.74(12.99[EUR]) | -$1.25 |
| United Kingdom | $14.60(12.99[GBP]) | +$0.61 |
| Switzerland | $15.90(15.9[CHF]) | +$1.91 |
This comparison shows how much you can save by subscribing from another region, especially with the help of a VPN.
6. Tips for saving money on subscriptions
Managing subscriptions wisely can help you cut costs not only on YouTube Premium but also on other digital services. Many people end up paying for apps they rarely use or miss out on special deals because they don’t track their expenses. By following some smart habits, you can enjoy your favorite platforms without overspending.
- Watch for promotions: YouTube and other services sometimes run seasonal discounts, trial offers, or bundle deals. Taking advantage of these can save you a significant amount over time.
- Cancel unused subscriptions: If you notice you’re not using Premium or other services often, pausing or canceling them helps prevent wasted money. You can always re-subscribe when you need them again.
- Compare alternatives: Look at whether other platforms like Spotify, Netflix, or Apple Music provide similar benefits at a lower cost. Sometimes switching services gives you better value for money.
- Use bundles when available: Some providers package services together, like music, video, and cloud storage, at a lower combined price. Bundles are especially useful for families or users who need multiple apps.
Read more:
7. FAQs about YouTube Premium pricing
Even after exploring discounts and hacks, many people still have questions about YouTube Premium pricing. Here are some of the most common ones:
Is the student plan available worldwide?
No, the YouTube Premium student plan is only available in select countries. To qualify, you must verify your student status through SheerID. Always check YouTube’s official eligibility list to confirm whether your region supports student discounts before applying.
Can I use VPN for YouTube Premium safely?
Yes, you can use a VPN to get cheaper Premium, but it comes with risks. Google may flag unusual activity if your payment method doesn’t match the selected country, or even restrict your account. To minimize issues, always choose a reliable VPN and consider using a local payment option.
How many people can join a family plan?
The YouTube Premium family plan allows the account holder to share benefits with up to 5 additional members, making a total of 6 people. However, all members must live in the same household and confirm their address regularly, or they may lose access.
Does YouTube Premium ever go on sale?
Yes, Google occasionally offers free trials, discounts, or regional promotions for Premium. These offers are not frequent, so it’s best to act quickly when they appear. Checking YouTube’s official promotions page or signing up for email alerts can help you catch deals on time.
What happens if I cancel before my billing cycle ends?
If you cancel Premium early, you won’t lose access immediately. Your account will continue to enjoy Premium features until the end of the current billing period, after which it automatically reverts to the free version. You won’t be charged extra unless you re-subscribe.
8. Conclusion
Finding smarter ways to manage your subscription can make a big difference in your monthly budget. From official options like student, family, and annual plans to advanced methods such as using a VPN for regional pricing, there are multiple strategies that help cut costs. By applying these tips, you now know exactly how to get YouTube Premium cheaper while still enjoying all its perks, ad-free viewing, offline downloads, background play, and full access to YouTube Music. This way, you keep every benefit of Premium without overspending.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Student and family plans offer the biggest savings through official discounts.
- Annual plans and occasional promotions help you cut long-term costs.
- VPN regional pricing can unlock the lowest rates, but comes with risks to consider.
- Smart subscription management ensures you only pay for what you use.
By choosing the method that fits your needs, you can enjoy Premium’s best features, ad-free viewing, music, and downloads, without the heavy price tag. For more smart tech-saving guides, explore Tech How-To Simplified category on Safelyo today.
