Which is better Sling TV or YouTube TV?
Alright my friends, are you thinking bout cutting the cord but still wanna catch your shows live?
Then you came to the right place, cause I’m gonna break down these streaming services Sling TV and YouTube TV to help you pick which one fits you best.
They both let you ditch cable while keeping up with your favorite channels.
Sling does it à la carte style where you craft your lineup, while YouTube gives you an all-inclusive bundle.
Prices vary YouTube has one flat monthly fee while Sling has options.
When it comes to what devices you can use, I think they both have you covered no matter if you like TV, mobile, or tablet viewing best.
And while YouTube packs the most channels together, Sling lets you bump up your numbers buffet-style by adding packages.
I’ll also let you in on how their free trials work so you can test drive before committing.
Overall both are great cable replacements depending on your budget and if a customized experience or complete package is more your vibe.
Hope this overview gives you what you need to pick the streaming champ for your crew.
What are Sling TV and YouTube TV?
Both Sling TV and YouTube TV are great options for streaming live cable channels without a traditional cable or satellite subscription.
Sling TV lets you build your channel lineup by choosing different packages and add-ons to create a custom bundle of over 200 channels.
They have all the basics covered, like local stations, news, sports, and entertainment, plus premium networks like HBO and Showtime are also options.
You can watch live TV or record shows on the cloud DVR and watch them whenever it is convenient for you.
YouTube TV takes a different approach by giving you access to over 100 channels right off the bat as part of the regular subscription.
All the local networks and national channels you would expect are there from the get-go, along with sports, movies, shows, YouTube Originals, and another programming.
Unlimited cloud-based DVR storage is included, so you never miss your favorite programs even if you’re not home when they air live.
Additional premium channels like HBO Max, Starz, and more can also be added on for even more viewing options.
Both services provide flexibility and choice when it comes to building the right cable alternative for individual needs and budgets.
The channel selections, premium add-ons, and cloud DVR features make either Sling TV or YouTube TV a good streaming option worth considering.
Sling TV and YouTube TV are both live TV streaming services that cater to different preferences and budgets. Let’s explore the key distinctions between the two:
What are the differences between Sling TV and YouTube TV?
- Cost: Sling TV is the more economical option, with plans starting at $35 per month for either Sling Orange or Sling Blue, or $50 per month for both. YouTube TV, on the other hand, has a single plan costing $65 per month, which includes over 100 channels.
- Channel Selection: YouTube TV boasts a more extensive channel lineup, particularly in the realm of local and sports channels. It covers all four major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC), while Sling TV only offers FOX and NBC in select markets. YouTube TV also provides more regional sports networks, such as YES Network and NESN, along with premium channels like HBO and Showtime. Sling TV, while having a smaller channel base, allows you to tailor your package with add-ons like Sports Extra, Comedy Extra, and Kids Extra.
- Features: YouTube TV takes the lead in terms of features, offering unlimited cloud DVR storage, six simultaneous streams, and three user profiles. Sling TV, on the other hand, has limited DVR storage (50 hours), three simultaneous streams (one for Sling Orange, three for Sling Blue, and four for both), and no user profiles. However, Sling TV holds certain advantages over YouTube TV, such as the ability to watch on more devices, such as AirTV, Oculus, and Portal, and the option to rent or purchase movies and shows on demand.
Here’s a summary table of differences between Sling TV and YouTube TV:
| Feature | Sling TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starts at $35 per month | $65 per month |
| Channels | Smaller selection, but customizable | A larger selection, including local and sports |
| Features | Limited cloud DVR storage, three simultaneous streams, no user profiles | Unlimited cloud DVR storage, six simultaneous streams, three user profiles |
| Additional advantages | Watch on more devices, rent or purchase movies and shows on demand | None |
The popularity of SlingTV and YouTube TV
So these days, there are tons of options for getting your TV without a bulky cable box, right?
Two services that a lot of folks use are Sling TV and YouTube TV.
They both let you cut the cord but still watch live channels whenever you want.
Sling is kind of like a build-your-own cable package; you pick different channel bundles or “add-ons” to put together the lineup that works for you.
Last time I checked, they had over 200 channels to choose from across movies, shows, sports, news, you name it.
And some premium channels like HBO and Showtime are options too if you want to upgrade. It’s pretty neat that you can customize it yourself.
They also let you DVR stuff to watch later, just like a regular cable box.
YouTube TV is a little different in that you automatically get over 100 channels right off the bat as part of the basic subscription.
All the locals, big national brands, sports leagues, etc. are in there from the get-go, which is handy. On top of that, you can binge-watch stuff on demand or record unlimited shows to the cloud DVR, which is perfect for busy families like mine.
Oh, and don’t forget HBO Max, Starz, and whatever other premium channels you can add down the road if you feel like splurging.
In the end, both Sling TV and YouTube TV are good options that can replicate that cable experience online these days.
You just kind of have to see which one’s channel package and features are the best fit for your household’s viewing habits and budget.
Here is a table comparing the popularity of Sling TV and YouTube TV:
| Service | Subscribers (Q2 2023) |
|---|---|
| YouTube TV | 5.3 million |
| Sling TV | 2.33 million |
Price of Sling TV and YouTube TV
When it comes to pricing, Sling TV gives you a few different choices, depending on your preferred channels.
They’ve got the Sling Orange plan for $35/month, the Sling Blue plan for $35, or you can combine Orange and Blue for $50 total.
Each one includes different stations, so it just depends on what you want access to.
On top of your base plan, extra channel packs or premium channels like HBO can be added for a small fee each month if needed.
YouTube TV is simpler in that they have just one main package that’s only $65 per month—no need to mix and match.
For that all-inclusive price, you automatically get every channel and feature they offer, from local networks to DVR storage to their original shows.
And just like with Sling, you can tack on any individual extra channels a la carte down the road for a bit more cash.
So with Sling, you can mix it up between different channel lineups, while YouTube TV gives you everything under one flat rate.
Devices supported by Sling TV and YouTube TV
Sling TV and YouTube TV are both versatile streaming services that can be enjoyed on a variety of devices, including:
- Smart TVs: Android TV, LG, Samsung, Vizio
- Streaming devices: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku
- Gaming consoles: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Mobile devices: Android, iOS
- Web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
Channel count of Sling TV and YouTube TV
When it comes to how many channels you get, YouTube TV blows Sling out of the water right off the bat.
YouTube packs in over 100 different stations as part of its standard plan.
Meanwhile, Sling’s basic packages only offer around 30 to 50 max, depending on if you go with their Orange, Blue, or Orange+Blue option.
That said, Sling is pretty customizable; you can beef up your selection by adding different channel packages and premium channels to your lineup, so your total channel amount has more upward flexibility over time.
YouTube TV’s offerings are pretty set in stone by comparison to its fixed 100+ stations.
Where YouTube TV may have the edge in terms of quantity, Sling keeps things nicely tailored to your preferences, with all the options to put together your perfect lineup.
Both cover the necessities like local networks, major sports leagues, news, shows, and originals.
So YouTube has quantity on lock, but Sling gives customization die-hards a chance to curate their channel mix to a T.
Both aim to satisfy your inner cord-cutter, just in slightly different yet effective ways.
Trials of Sling TV and YouTube TV
Both of these streaming services wanna let folks test-drive them free of charge before fully committing. But they each do the test drive a little differently.
Sling gives you the shortest ride at just 3 days to sample one of their core channel lineups.
But if you want to try any premium add-ons like HBO, you get a whole week with those.
Nice perk. The best part is Sling doesn’t even need your credit card – risk-free to check it out.
YouTube TV lets you kick the tires way longer with a 2-week trial run of their basic plan. Add-on channels also get a solid 7-day test period.
The only catch is YouTube does require your payment info upfront just in case you forget to cancel. At least it’s a generous time to fully experience everything in their package.
So whether the shorter, lower-commitment test run of Sling is better for you or YouTube’s extra long, all-access pass trial suits your style.
They both give cord-cutter curious folks a fair chance to see if they vibe with the service before diving in for real.
Conclusion
When it comes to these streaming cable services, Sling TV and YouTube TV each have their pros and cons depending on your style.
Sling is tops if you’re trying to watch without breaking the bank.
By letting you pick and choose custom channel bundles, you truly only pay for what you’ll watch. It’s pretty dope having that flexible control over your lineup.
But YouTube TV might be better if you find yourself parked in front of the tube constantly.
Since they pack over 100 channels into one flat fee, it ensures you’ll never be left wanting when cravings strike. Plus throwing in unlimited DVR is clutch for TV junkies.
So if value is your jam, Sling’s a la carte model plays to that strength.
But YouTube edges out on the overall user experience thanks to its more complete offering.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong giving each of ’em a spin during the free trials to see firsthand how they vibe with your habits.