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SlingTV vs. YouTubeTV Compared
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What Does YouTube TV Provide?
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR, 100+ premium channels, and extensive sports coverage.
- Sling TV is a cheaper option with customizable packages and AirTV integration for local channels.
- Personal preference dictates the choice: YouTube TV for sports fans, Sling TV for affordability and channel variety.
Both YouTube TV and Sling TV are top-rated streaming television services that provide live and on-demand TV shows without rigid, long-term cable subscriptions. We compared each platform to determine which one is the best overall.
SlingTV vs. YouTubeTV Compared
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to expensive cable packages, which require unsightly set-top boxes and offer bloated channel bundles, then you might be thinking of switching to a streaming service. Sling TV and YoutTube TV both offer similar services, including multiple simultaneous streams, 720p video resolution, and cloud DVR recording. In addition, with both services, you can add premium channels to your package, such as SHOWTIME, AMC+, and STARZ.
However, there are also a few notable differences to consider before cutting the cable.
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YouTube TV |
Sling Orange |
Sling Blue |
Sling Orange + Blue |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Price per month |
$72.99 |
$40 |
$40 |
$55 |
|
Number of Channels |
100+ |
31 |
41 |
47 |
|
Cloud DVR |
Unlimited |
50hrs |
50hrs |
50hrs |
|
Simultaneous Streams |
3 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Local channels |
ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and PBS in most regions |
None |
NBC and FOX in some regions |
NBC and FOX in some regions |
|
Compatible devices |
Smart TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Xbox One, PS4, PS5 |
Smart TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Xbox One, Oculus Go |
Smart TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Xbox One, Oculus Go |
Smart TVs, Apple TV. Chromecast, Fire TV, Xbox One, Oculus Go |
What Does YouTube TV Provide?
One of the notable differences between the two is that with YouTube TV you get unlimited cloud DVR recording space, as opposed to only 50 hours with Sling TV (although it is possible to upgrade to 200 hrs of storage for an extra $5 a month).
In addition, YouTube has a lot more to offer in terms of regional TV shows, with access to over 300 local TV channels from ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS. And, for those who love sports, you get four ESPN channels, two FOX Sports channels, CBS Sports Network, SEC Network, and Big Ten Network included.
Is Sling TV Better?
If you want to save some money, Sling TV is certainly cheaper. The Orange and Blue packages are only $40 a month, and they have no long-term tie-ins. However, they offer far fewer channels and, depending on the package you select, may include very few local channels, if any at all. Sling has three different packages that offer different channel selections. The Blue package gives you Fox and NBC, Sling Orange provides access to ESPN and Disney, while the combined Blue and Orange package allows you to stream on up to four devices at once.
If the lack of local channels is a deal-breaker for you, then another nifty feature of Sling TV is that it integrates with AirTV Anywhere, which is a separate device that connects an HD antenna to your home Wi-Fi, allowing you to watch all of your favorite local news and sports shows and even record them to watch later.
Ultimately, the question of which streaming service wins out is a matter of personal choice. If you are eager to keep up with the latest sports action, both local and national, then YouTube TV is definitely going to give you a lot more content. However, if you are looking for a great selection of channels and the ability to stream over multiple devices without spending a fortune, then perhaps Sling TV will be a smarter option.
