Sling vs YouTube TV: Best Streaming Showdown
When picking between Sling TV and YouTube TV, your choice can change your streaming experience big time. Both are great for different reasons. They differ in cost, channels, and features. This makes it easier to see which one matches what you need.
YouTube TV lets you watch important NFL games, including AFC and NFC Championship games, through CBS. But Sling TV doesn’t offer CBS. This is a big deal for NFL fans. YouTube TV also has unlimited cloud DVR and lets three people watch at once. This is great for families. Sling TV gives you 50 hours of DVR, or you can pay more for 200 hours.
The fight for the top streaming service also depends on what shows and news you like to watch. Sling TV has different plans—Sling Orange and Sling Blue. You can mix them to watch what you like, from kids’ shows to world news. YouTube TV, though, has many channels in one package. This makes it easy if you want lots of options without the fuss.
Choosing the best streaming service comes down to what’s important to you. Think about the channels you want, your budget, and extra features like DVR. Both Sling TV and YouTube TV are trying to be the best. Knowing their differences can help you choose the best one for you.
Overview of Sling TV
Sling TV is a top choice for streamers who want affordable prices. It has two main options, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, for different needs and wallets. You can pick from many plans and add-ons to fit your watching habits. This makes Sling TV stand out in the streaming world.
One key thing about Sling TV is its cloud DVR. You start with 50 hours of space to save shows, but you can pay more to get 200 hours. This means you can record lots of shows at once. It’s perfect for those who like many types of shows. Plus, you can watch your recorded shows from anywhere, which is super handy.
Using Sling TV is easy, thanks to its new user interface. It lets you organize your recorded shows by type, like series or genre. It even helps you decide which old shows to delete to save space.
More devices now work with Sling TV, like smart TVs and gaming consoles. Some devices have special DVR features, like voice commands on certain TVs. Mixing Video On Demand (VOD) with DVR makes it easy to keep all your favorites in one place.
Sling TV plans cost between $46-$61 each month. This is a great deal compared to other services, which can cost up to $95.99 per month. Sling often offers deals, like starting at $23 for the first month for both main plans.
Sling TV gives you live channels and VOD from many genres. It includes big names like ESPN, Disney Channel, and CNN. With such a wide range, Sling TV is a great choice for those who want a personalized and wallet-friendly streaming option.
Overview of YouTube TV
YouTube TV shines in the streaming world with its wide range of channels and simple pricing. For $72.99 a month, you get 114 channels. This includes favorites like ABC, CBS, NBC, and ESPN, plus 7 regional sports networks.
The unlimited DVR feature of YouTube TV stands out, letting users record endless content. This beats competitors, such as Sling TV, which offers only 50 hours of DVR storage.
YouTube TV is easy to navigate, drawing in a wide range of users. It allows up to 6 accounts per subscription. This means each family member can enjoy their own favorites.
With up to 166 channels and live show access, YouTube TV offers great value. It’s a top choice for a thorough streaming service.
YouTube TV also offers 4K streaming for an extra $4.99 a month for the first year. This is perfect for anyone with a 4K-ready device, upgrading their viewing experience.
Sling TV Plans and Pricing
Sling TV has three main plans: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange & Blue Plan. Each caters to different tastes—sports, news, or a mix of both. Various pricing levels ensure good value for all customers.
Sling Orange Plan
The Sling Orange Plan is great for sports fans and families. It starts at $23 for the first month, then $46. You get 35 channels like ESPN and Disney, 50 hours of DVR space, and can stream on one device.
Its mix of sports and kids’ channels makes it a solid choice. It’s especially good if you’re choosing between Sling and YouTube TV.
Sling Blue Plan
The Sling Blue Plan appeals to those who love news and entertainment. It also starts at $23, then goes to $46. This plan offers over 40 channels, including FX and NBC, still with 50 hours of DVR.
It lets you stream on three devices at once. It’s perfect for bigger families or households.
Sling Orange & Blue Plan
The Sling Orange & Blue Plan mixes the best of both worlds. The first month is $31, then $61 after that. You get 46 channels, with 22 exclusive ones. There’s lots of sports, news, and entertainment.
It also saves you up to 34% compared to buying both plans separately.
- First Month Discounts: The deals give you 50% off the first month. It’s a great way to start cheap.
- Special Deals: You can add packages like Total TV Deal for $21/month or Sports Extra for $11/month.
- Device Compatibility: There are some limits. Sling Orange allows 1 stream, while Blue supports 3 at the same time.
Choosing between Sling TV and YouTube TV means looking at channels, prices, and value. Whether you go for the Orange, Blue, or the combined plan, Sling TV matches different needs and budgets.
YouTube TV Plans and Pricing
Looking at youtube tv plans, viewers find many choices that fit different interests. These plans offer a wide range of channels. This makes Youtube TV a strong contender among streaming services.
YouTube TV Base Plan
The YouTube TV Base Plan costs $73 a month for new users’ first six months. It comes with over 85 channels including sports, news, and entertainment. Plus, there’s unlimited DVR to record shows to watch anytime. This plan gives viewers many channels without extra fees.
Additional Channel Options
YouTube TV lets viewers customize their lineup. You can add channels like HBO Max, Showtime, and sports packages for more money. This way, viewers create a package that fits their likes and habits. The pricing model makes it easy to manage your plan.
Free Trials and Discounts
YouTube TV offers a seven-day free trial for new users. This lets them try out all the features and channels. After the trial, youtube tv has discounts that lower the cost for the first months. For example, Verizon Wireless home internet customers get $10 off YouTube TV for a year.
Such deals, with the huge channel selection and unlimited DVR, make YouTube TV great for those leaving cable. With the youtube tv discounts, it’s easier to give the service a try without paying a lot at first.
Channels Offered by Sling TV
Sling TV has many channels for different interests like sports, shows, and news. You can pick what you like to make your perfect TV plan.
Sports Channels
For sports lovers, Sling TV has lots of channels. It’s affordable, offering many major sports networks.
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPN3
- ESPNU
- FOX
- FS1
- FS2
- NBC
- NBCSN
- SEC Network
- ACC Network
- BTN
- PAC-12 Network
Entertainment Channels
Sling TV also has lots of entertainment channels. There’s drama, movies, comedy, and reality TV for everyone.
- AMC
- TNT
- Comedy Central
- HGTV
- Bravo
- FX
- USA Network
- The CW
- Syfy
- Paramount Network
News Channels
With Sling TV, keeping up with the news is easy. They have channels for US news and news from around the world.
- CNN
- Fox News
- MSNBC
- BBC America
- CNBC
- HLN
- Cheddar News
- Bloomberg TV
| Category | Highlighted Channels |
|---|---|
| Sports | ESPN, FOX, NBCSN |
| Entertainment | AMC, FX, USA Network |
| News | CNN, Fox News, MSNBC |
Channels Offered by YouTube TV
YouTube TV has a large variety of channels, pleasing all viewers. Sports fans, movie buffs, or those who follow the news will find what they’re looking for.
Sports Channels
Sports enthusiasts have a lot to enjoy on YouTube TV. It includes ESPN, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports among others. Fans can watch everything from local school matches to big-league games.
Entertainment Channels
For those who love entertainment, YouTube TV has plenty of options. It features channels like AMC, FX, and Comedy Central. These provide movies, series, and unique shows, keeping the content fresh and exciting.
News Channels
YouTube TV is also great for keeping up with the news, offering CNN, BBC World News, and ABC News. This lineup makes sure viewers are well-informed on both local and worldwide events. With YouTube TV, reliable news coverage is always available.
User Experience: Sling TV vs YouTube TV
When we look at Sling TV and YouTube TV, several things stand out. This includes how they design their interface, how easy they are to navigate, and how they function overall. Both aim to satisfy viewers, but in different ways. So, which one truly does better?
YouTube TV shines with its modern look and easy-to-use design. Finding shows and channels is simple thanks to its organization. Plus, the unlimited cloud DVR that lets you record shows for nine months is a big plus.
Sling TV offers a more tailored experience with its different subscription plans. Its design is simpler but not as polished as YouTube TV’s. Yet, it makes up for this with package options that let users pick what they want to watch. Also, you can add more DVR space, but it costs extra.
YouTube TV often gives a steadier and clearer picture. Adding 4K viewing, for more money, makes it even better for those who want top-notch quality. Sling TV, however, can have issues like buffering which can mess with your watching experience.
Both let you watch on multiple screens at once. YouTube TV lets you watch on three devices. With Sling, it depends on your plan: three for Blue and just one for Orange. This makes a big difference for families or when several people want to watch something different.
Below is a side-by-side look at how Sling TV and YouTube TV compare:
| Feature | Sling TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Interface Design | Simple and customizable | Sleek and modern |
| Ease of Navigation | Straightforward | Intuitive |
| Streaming Quality | Good but variable | High and consistent |
| Simultaneous Streams | 1 (Orange), 3 (Blue) | 3 |
| Cloud DVR | Optional Unlimited for $5/month | Unlimited for 9 months |
Choosing between Sling TV and YouTube TV depends on what matters most to you. YouTube TV excels in quality and user experience, while Sling TV offers more choices and price options. It’s about finding what fits your needs the best.
Device Compatibility
Choosing between Sling TV and YouTube TV means looking at what devices they work with. Both services work with many devices. This lets subscribers watch their favorite shows on several platforms.
Sling TV Compatible Devices
Sling TV works with a lot of devices. You can use Sling TV on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. It also works on Xbox. This means almost any device in your home can stream Sling TV. It’s great for families who all like to watch different things.
YouTube TV Compatible Devices
YouTube TV also supports many devices. It works on Android and iOS phones, tablets, smart TVs, and devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast. It also supports gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. With YouTube TV, it’s easy to watch your shows on devices you already have.
Simultaneous Streams
Sling TV and YouTube TV let you watch on multiple devices at the same time, but differently. Sling TV has a Blue plan that lets you watch on three devices at once. The Orange plan allows for one stream. The Orange & Blue plan offers a mix depending on the channel. YouTube TV lets you stream on three devices at once, no plan changing needed.
Cloud DVR Features
Let’s compare cloud DVR features from Sling TV and YouTube TV. Each offers unique benefits for viewers. We’ll look into what makes each service stand out.
Storage Capacity
Sling TV recently upgraded to unlimited cloud DVR storage. Now, users can record as much as they want. On the other hand, YouTube TV also offers unlimited storage. But, there’s a catch: recordings are kept for only nine months. Sling has the same nine-month limit for its unlimited plan.
Accessibility and Usability
For those using cloud DVR from Sling TV, it’s easy and convenient. You can keep your recordings for up to nine months. Plus, you can watch them on many different devices. Unlike old-school DVRs, you don’t have to delete shows to make room for new ones.
Yet, remember, navigating your recordings might be easier on some devices than others.
Record and Playback Options
Sling TV’s DVR lets you record as many shows at once as you like. This is great for grabbing all episodes of a season or key events. YouTube TV offers the same freedom for recordings. Both aim to simplify how you watch TV, so there’s no stress about storage space.
FAQs
What are the main differences between Sling TV and YouTube TV?
Sling TV and YouTube TV vary in pricing, channels, and features. Sling TV offers a-la-carte channel packages at low cost. Meanwhile, YouTube TV has a wide channel lineup, easy pricing, and unlimited DVR.
How much does Sling TV cost?
Sling TV has three plans: Sling Orange at /month, Sling Blue at /month, and Sling Orange & Blue for /month. Each plan is designed for different viewer interests.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
YouTube TV’s base plan is .99/month, including a broad channel selection. You can also pick extra channels.
What types of sports channels are available on Sling TV?
Sling TV offers sports channels based on your plan. Sling Orange comes with ESPN and ESPN2. Sling Blue adds FOX Sports, NBC Sports, and NFL Network. The combined plan includes channels from both.
What types of sports channels are available on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV covers a lot of sports with ESPN, ESPN2, FOX Sports, NBC Sports, and CBS Sports. It’s great for fans of all types of sports.
What devices are compatible with Sling TV and YouTube TV?
Sling TV and YouTube TV work with many devices. This includes smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
How many simultaneous streams are allowed with Sling TV and YouTube TV?
With Sling TV, you get 1 stream for Sling Orange, 3 for Sling Blue, and 4 for the combined plan. YouTube TV allows 3 streams at the same time for each account.
How do the DVR capabilities compare between Sling TV and YouTube TV?
YouTube TV gives you unlimited DVR storage for up to nine months. Sling TV starts with 50 hours. You can upgrade to 200 hours for more space, offering flexibility.
Are free trials available for Sling TV and YouTube TV?
Yes, both offer free trials. Sling TV has a three-day trial, and YouTube TV gives a five to seven-day trial. It’s a good way to try them out before buying.
