Is YouTube Premium worth it if I hate ads?

Yes—if you watch YouTube regularly and genuinely hate ads, YouTube Premium is generally worth the cost. In the US, the individual plan is $13.99/month (when purchased directly through web/Android, or $18.99/month if billed through the iOS App Store), while a family plan is $22.99/month.

It is most likely worth the subscription price if you:

• Watch YouTube daily: If you watch hours of content a week, the cost breaks down to pennies per hour to bypass constant interruptions.
• Watch on TV or gaming consoles: Ad-blockers are difficult or impossible to set up on smart TVs, streaming sticks, and consoles, making Premium the only reliable way to get an ad-free experience there.
• Listen to long-form content: It prevents mid-roll ads from interrupting sleep tracks, podcasts, lectures, or music.
• Want background play or downloads: It allows you to lock your phone screen or use other apps while audio continues, and download videos for offline use (great for commutes or flights).
• Can replace another music app: It includes YouTube Music Premium, meaning you can cancel Spotify or Apple Music to offset the cost.

It is likely not worth it if:

• You only watch occasionally (a few videos a week).
• You primarily watch on a desktop browser or Android device where free ad-blocking extensions/browsers are easy to use.
• You already pay for another music service and have no plans to switch.

The Verdict: If you use YouTube on a TV or mobile device frequently and find ads highly disruptive, the time and frustration saved easily justify the $14/month. Otherwise, stick to free desktop ad-blockers.