Is Apple TV worth it in 2026? Apple raised the price to $14.99 a month this year, but it also added every MLS match and Formula 1 coverage at no extra cost. That makes it a very different deal than it was a year ago.
This guide covers current pricing, what you get, how the annual plan and Apple One change the math, and who should subscribe or skip it. It’s based on current pricing and published plan details rather than personal testing, so confirm the price on Apple’s checkout screen before you pay.
Disclosure: I don’t earn a commission on streaming services. This post is independent research to help you decide where your money goes. Prices last updated October 18, 2026, before taxes.
Apple TV Pricing in 2026
Apple TV (formerly Apple TV+) has one plan with no ad-supported tier:
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Apple TV monthly | $14.99/month |
| Apple TV annual | $119/year (about $9.92/month) |
| Apple One Individual (includes Apple TV) | $21.95/month |
| Apple One Family | $27.95/month |
| Apple One Premier | $39.95/month |
The monthly price rose from $12.99 to $14.99 in late August 2026, and the increase applies to existing subscribers too. The annual plan also rose, from $99 to $119.
The annual plan is the best deal here. Twelve monthly payments add up to $179.88, so paying $119 upfront saves about $60 a year. It pays off as long as you’d keep the subscription for at least eight months.
New subscribers get a 7-day free trial, and buying a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV device has often come with a few months free. Check whether you have an unclaimed offer before you pay.
For a side-by-side of every major service, see my full streaming price list for 2026.
What You Get With Apple TV
Apple TV has a smaller library than Netflix or HBO Max, but nearly all of it is original content, and the quality is consistently high:
- Original series: Shows like Severance, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, The Morning Show, and Shrinking are the main reasons people subscribe.
- Original films: Apple releases big-budget movies on the service after their theater runs.
- MLS soccer: Starting in 2026, every MLS regular-season match, the playoffs, and Leagues Cup are included in the standard subscription. The separate MLS Season Pass, which used to cost $14.99 a month or $99 a season, is gone.
- Formula 1: Apple now carries F1 in the US, and the subscription includes F1 TV Premium.
- No ads: Every subscriber gets the ad-free experience.
- Family Sharing: One subscription can be shared with your Apple Family Sharing group.
Is Apple TV worth it for the library alone? If you like prestige dramas and comedies, yes. If you want a huge back catalog of older shows and movies to browse, Apple TV will feel thin.
Is Apple TV Worth It for Sports Fans?
This is the biggest change in 2026. MLS fans used to pay for Apple TV and then pay again for the Season Pass. Now one subscription covers both, which roughly halves the cost for soccer fans.
Add F1 coverage, and Apple TV becomes one of the better-value services for fans of those two sports. If you don’t follow MLS or F1, the sports additions don’t change much for you.
Apple TV vs Apple One
If you already pay for Apple Music or extra iCloud storage, Apple One may be cheaper than paying for each service separately. Apple One Individual at $21.95 includes Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage.
If Apple TV is the only Apple service you want, Apple One doesn’t make sense. Pay for Apple TV on its own, ideally on the annual plan. For the full math, read my Apple One breakdown.
Apple TV Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ High-quality originals: Some of the most acclaimed shows in streaming
✅ No ads on any plan: No interruptions, ever
✅ MLS and F1 included: A real bonus for sports fans in 2026
✅ Strong annual discount: About $60 a year cheaper than paying monthly
✅ Family Sharing: One subscription covers your household
Cons
❌ Small library: Far fewer titles than Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max
❌ Price went up again: $14.99 is now on the high end for a single-tier service
❌ No cheaper ad-supported option: Unlike most competitors
❌ Few licensed classics: Little to binge once you finish the originals
Who Should Get Apple TV?
Apple TV is worth it if:
- You love prestige series like Severance or Slow Horses
- You follow MLS or Formula 1
- You can pay annually and get it for under $10 a month
- You already use Apple devices and Family Sharing
Apple TV probably isn’t worth it if:
- You want a big library to browse every night
- You’re looking for the cheapest possible streaming plan
- You’d only watch one show. In that case, subscribe for one month, binge it, and cancel.
Trying to decide between services? Start with my reviews of Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple TV worth it in 2026? Yes for fans of its original shows, MLS, or F1, especially on the $119 annual plan. If you want a large library, Netflix or HBO Max is a better fit.
How much is Apple TV per month? Apple TV costs $14.99 a month or $119 a year in the US, before taxes.
Does Apple TV have ads? No. Apple TV has a single ad-free plan and no ad-supported tier.
Is MLS included with Apple TV? Yes. Starting in 2026, MLS matches are included in the standard Apple TV subscription, and the separate Season Pass has ended.
Do I need an Apple device to watch Apple TV? No. The Apple TV app runs on many smart TVs, streaming sticks, and game consoles, and you can also watch at tv.apple.com.
Is Apple One cheaper than Apple TV? Only if you also use Apple Music or iCloud+. If you only want Apple TV, the standalone annual plan is cheaper.
Final Verdict: Is Apple TV Worth It?
So, is Apple TV worth it in 2026? For most people who enjoy its originals, yes, and the $119 annual plan makes it one of the better values in streaming. MLS and F1 fans get even more for the money. If you want endless options to browse, the small library is a real drawback, so subscribe for a month, catch up on the big shows, and cancel.
My rating: 4.0 / 5
To see how Apple TV fits into your full streaming budget, try the free Subscription Cost Calculator.
