As a streaming services expert, viewers often ask me: "What's the best way to cut the cord and stream shows instead?" After extensive testing and based on my experience as a TV critic, I can tell you YouTube TV and Sling TV come out on top for price and channel variety.
Still, the choice depends on your personal needs and budget. Stay tuned as I spotlight the key differences between these two services regarding cost, available channels, user experience, and more. I'll equip you with everything you need to select your ideal streaming platform.
» Here are 10 reasons why you should subscribe to a TV streaming service.
YouTube TV vs. Sling TV at a Glance
YouTube TV vs. Sling TV: Channel Selection
You can currently view content from nearly 40,000 distinct channels and streaming platforms. Here's a breakdown of the top 20 most popular channels on YouTube TV and Sling TV. For Sling TV, I'll mention channels only available on Sling Blue or Sling Orange and those requiring add-on packages.
Regarding channel selection, YouTube TV has access to all the major networks. No matter where you live, you’ll likely get ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and popular channels like ESPN, CNN, and AMC with a single subscription plan.
Sling TV takes a different approach, giving you more control over which channels you pay for. You can customize your channel lineup with three plans based on your interests. Sling Orange leans into sports and family shows, while Sling Blue covers news and entertainment.
If you want the most channels with little fuss—go for YouTube TV. But if niche networks or budget savings are your style, Sling TV lets you tailor your package.
YouTube TV vs. Sling TV: Pricing and Plans
A recent survey found that 24% of US adults now pay for at least three more streaming services than they did in 2022. This pile-up highlights why you should bundle your TV streaming services. Both YouTube TV and Sling TV offer bundled plans with other platforms. Here's what you can expect to pay:
YouTube TV Costs
- Standard package: $72.99/month for its entire channel lineup and unlimited cloud DVR.
- Spanish plan: $34.99/month and includes 30+ Spanish networks.
- Entertainment Plus: Includes HBO Max, Showtime, and STARZ original TV shows for $29.99/month.
- 4K plus: For $9/month you can stream in 4K.
- Sports Plus: $11/month or $80 annually. Includes NFL RedZone, beIN SPORTS, Fox Soccer Plus, VSiN, Outside TV+, PokerGO+, MAVTV, FanDuel TV, Stadium, Billiard TV, SportsGrid, PlayersTV, Fight Network, IMPACT Wrestling.
Sling TV Costs
- Sling Orange: $40/month. 30+ channels focused on sports and family entertainment, like ESPN, Disney Channel, and CNN.
- Sling Blue: $40/month. Over 40 entertainment and news channels like TNT, Bravo, MSNBC, and CNN.
- Sling Orange and Blue: $55/month. Combines both packages for the most comprehensive channel lineup—Stream Orange on one device and Blue on up to three devices.
- Sports Extra: $11/month. It includes ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, Longhorn Network, ESPNU, ESPNews, SEC Network, and more.
Sling also offers bundle deals:
- Total TV Deal: Includes all seven Extras plus an enhanced DVR for $21/month.
- Extras Deal: A smaller bundle with four Extras for $13/month.
- Upgrade your base DVR storage: 50 to 200 hours with the DVR Plus add-on for an additional $5/month.
YouTube TV vs. Sling TV: Sport Selection
By 2025, about 118 million US viewers will watch their favorite sports games, events, and matches via streaming platforms. If you're looking for quality sports streaming services, both YouTube TV and Sling TV have unique strengths.
YouTube TV includes all the major sports networks like ESPN, Fox Sports 1, TBS, TNT, and regional sports networks. You can access popular international leagues, including the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A.
Sling TV takes a more targeted approach by offering various sports add-ons. The Orange and Blue base packages include major sports networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports Network. You can customize your channel lineup with Sports Extra packs for channels like NHL Network, MLB Network, beIN SPORTS, and more.
Sling TV has less sports content than YouTube TV. However, the ability to hand-pick channels and leagues is ideal if you want to host a successful watch party.
Neither YouTube TV nor Sling TV offers full coverage of regional sports networks. YouTube TV has some, but fuboTV or DIRECTV Stream has more options like YES, NESN, or Bally Sports.
» Learn how to stream the NFL games for the ultimate fan experience.
YouTube TV vs. Sling TV: Streaming Quality
YouTube TV streams most channels in 1080p resolution with some content in 4K. This allows for crisp, clear picture quality while watching sports, shows, or films. The infrastructure also handles multiple simultaneous streams for households with different viewing preferences.
Sling TV streams most channels in 720p resolution, with some dropping to 480p. This can result in fuzzy picture quality at times. However, with fewer channels, Sling TV puts less strain on its network. So, while the picture quality may vary, the streaming performance is generally steady with less buffering, similar to these Sling TV alternatives.
YouTube TV vs. Sling TV: User Interface and Experience
YouTube TV offers a smooth, easy-to-use streaming experience. Its interface works well and is laid out like regular YouTube. It's simple to browse sections or search shows, and the personalized recommendations are handy.
Sling TV provides a basic but functional streaming package. The interface isn't fancy, but it gets the job done. You'll enjoy smooth, uninterrupted streaming for live events like the NBA finals, thanks to Sling's reliability. For the low price, it beats cable on simplicity and cost. New perks like pop-out videos, sports tickers, and iPhone widgets also improve the user experience.
YouTube TV vs. Sling TV: DVR Capabilities
YouTube TV stands out for its unlimited DVR storage at no extra cost. Recordings are saved for up to nine months, giving you plenty of time to watch live content later. This is an excellent perk for subscribers who value extensive capacity and access to recordings.
Sling TV offers a more constrained DVR service. By default, you get 50 hours of storage. However, you can pay an extra $5 monthly for 200 hours instead. You should be fine with Sling's limited amount if you rarely record shows. But if you frequently record many programs, you may feel frustrated by Sling TV's storage limits and extra DVR fees.
It's worth noting Sling TV's DVR has some problems. If you start watching a live show that's already started, you can't rewind it from the main home section. You have to go to the separate DVR area first to play the show from the start. Meanwhile, YouTube TV lets you rewind and play from the beginning much more easily—straight from its home screen.
YouTube TV vs. Sling TV: Value
The channel bundles and rates for YouTube TV and Sling TV differ significantly. A YouTube TV subscription runs $72.99 monthly for over 100 channels. Sling's basic $40 Orange and Blue plans only provide 30 to 40 channels. Breaking that down by value, YouTube TV grants about 1.37 channels per dollar used. Sling gives 0.75-1 channel per dollar.
YouTube TV also enables more simultaneous live streams and account profiles. Capabilities like unlimited cloud DVR, the PBS and MLB Network channels, and multi-view options are exclusive to YouTube TV.
In short, Sling TV costs less but lacks content variety, streaming flexibility, and certain functionalities. The extra $32.99 monthly premium for YouTube TV gives you superior programming, features, and cross-device access, which can be helpful if you have a family—with YouTube TV, everyone can watch what they want.
Broaden Your Entertainment Horizons
YouTube TV and Sling TV are two popular alternatives to traditional cable TV. Sling TV allows flexibility in customizing your channel lineup, while YouTube TV offers more channels and unlimited DVR storage.
Both streaming services provide major broadcast and cable channel programming without being limited by long-term contracts. They represent the future of TV streaming by providing subscribers with better pricing, interactivity, and multi-platform integration.
» Want more options? Check out our top picks for the best movie streaming services.
