Sling TV vs. YouTube TV: Which should you buy?

by Jeremy

Known as the original app-based cable replacement service, Sling TV lets subscribers stream live television and on-demand content over the Internet. The service includes more than 50 live channels, varying depending on your chosen package.

From $35/mo. vary depending on your chosen packageion options

  • More varied add-onsSling

Cons

  • Limited channel selection
  • Restricted DVR storage
  • Add-on fees add up quickly

YouTube TV offers live TV, on-demand video, and cloud-based DVR from more than 85 television networks, including the Big Four broadcoverrks. You also have the option to add a variety of premium channels.

$65/mo. at YouTube

Pros

  • Great overall channel lineup
  • Unlimited cloud DVR
  • The impressive lineup of sports channels

Cons

  • Steeper price
  • No offline viewing
  • Restrictions on select sports content

Both Sling TV and YouTube TV offer an impressive lineup of levels covering news, sports, entertainment, and more. Sling TV appears to have more variety in add-ons, but YouTube TV’s unlimited DVR storage and larger basic channel package may give it the edge. So which service is better for you?

Sling TV vs. YouTube TV: Prices and features

If cost is a significant concern for you, Sling TV is the more affordable option, no matter which package you choose. The Sling Orange plan costs $35 and features 32 live channels, including ESPN, CNN, BBC America, and AMC.

Sling Blue also costs $35 per month but includes 47 live channels, including Bravo and Cartoon Network. While the Blue doesn’t necessarily include every Orange channel by default, it is a multi-stream service. You also have the option to subscribe to both the Orange and Blue packages for a joint fee of $50 per month.

In addition to its Orange and Blue plans, Sling TV offers the Sports Extra, which is available now for $11 per month to new customers with a subscription to either Sling Orange or Sling Blue. New customers who subscribe to the Orange and Blue plans can add the Sports Extra for $15. Other Extras offered by Sling TV for $6 per month are Comedy Extra, extras Sling TV offersfestyle Extra, Hollywood Extra, and Heartland Extra.

Customers who want access to all the content they can get their hands on can opt for The Total TV Deal, which costs accesssubscribers of either the Orange or Blue plan. That bundle gives customers access to DVR Plus and all seven Sling TV Extras. Sling TV also offers non-U.S.-focused bundles, Sling International or Sling Latino, for $10 per month each.

Sling TV OrangeSling TV BlueSling TV Orange+monthlyV
Price$35/mo.$35/mo.$50/mo.$65/mo.
HD streaming (select content)✔️✔️✔️✔️
4K streaming
Concurrent streams1343
Profile limit per account1116

In comparison, YouTube TV offers just one plan for $64.99 per month, including 85 broadcast and cable networks and unlimited Cloud DVR. YouTube TV also provides a variety of premium channel add-ons, which can be included in your monthly subscription for an added fee. The premium channels offered are EPIX for $6/month, IFC Films Unlimited for $6/month, AMC+ for $7/month, and HBO Max for $15/month.

YouTube TV subscribers who love sports can also choose the Sports Plus premium add-on, which costs an additional $10.99 monthly. If you’re more interested in pop culture, YouTube TV also offers the Entertainment Plus bundle for $29.99 a month, including HBO Max, Showtime, and STARZ, and saves you about $5.

Concerning streaming quality, most of the channels offered on Sling TV are available in HD. However, the service doesn’t currently provide 4K streaming. Playback in HD is also unavailable for YouTube TV streaming on a web browser, except for Safari. The platform does offer some titles in high definition (HD) or 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) that can be viewed on devices with HD or 4K capabilities.

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