Sling TV vs. YouTube TV: Which streaming service is better for you?

YouTube TV vs. Sling overview

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YouTube TV vs. Sling

YouTube TV vs. Sling – which should you choose? When it comes to cutting the cord or just choosing between two services, it’s important to pick the best one for your individual needs.

YouTube TV is one of the most popular services out there, right on par with other streaming giants like Hulu, Max and Netflix. Its combination of channels, DVR capabilities, sleek user interface and premium add-on options make it a desirable choice for many. 

But, YouTube TV’s price isn’t for everyone. Sling offers more package variety at cheaper prices than YouTube TV’s base plan making it a solid contender when choosing between the two. 

Below we will break down the important features of each service to help you choose whether YouTube TV or Sling is best for your budget and viewing needs. 

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Cost comparison: YouTube TV vs. Sling TV

When it comes to price, YouTube TV is more expensive than Sling. YouTube’s membership starts at $72.99/mo. and Sling’s packages range from $40.00 – $55.00/mo. 

While Sling is cheaper up front, adding on channels and DVR hours can rack up the price while YouTube TV has more channels in general and unlimited DVR up front.

 There are no cancellation fees with either service, but YouTube TV has more straightforward pricing since it offers one base plan. Both services offer promotional pricing, but if you’re looking for the cheapest service, Sling is your winner. 

Premium add-ons

With YouTube TV you can choose from over 25 add-on options from premium networks like Max, SHOWTIME STARZ and MGM+. NFL Sunday Ticket is also exclusively available on YouTube TV as an add-on option. 

Sling also offers a variety of add-on packages ranging from $6.00 – $21.00/mo. and standalone premium add-on channels including SHOWTIME, STARZ and MGM+ for up to $10.00/mo. 

Price winner: Sling

YouTube TV vs. Sling: Channel lineup

YouTube TV offers 100+ channels while Sling’s various packages offer 31 – 43 channels with its plans. You can add-on channels with both services, but YouTube TV comes out on top when it comes to channel count. 

Popular channels

Both services have their fair share of popular channels like Disney, ESPN, TBS and AMC, but Sling’s channel lineup varies based on which package you choose. 

Sports channels

Sling and YouTube TV both have great sports channel options. YouTube TV offers more in number but Sling offers a cheaper price for plans that include many popular sports channels like ESPN and Fox Sports. Combined with its sports add-on pack, Sling is a great choice if you’re a sports lover. 

Local channels 

YouTube TV offers over 391 local channels while Sling offers less than 50, and YouTube TV also offers more premium channel add-ons than Sling like Max and AMC+. 

With over 100 channels and more premium and local channel options than Sling, YouTube TV is the clear winner. While it’s more expensive, you’re paying for a robust channel lineup with many add-on options. 

Channel lineup winner: YouTube TV

Does Sling or YouTube TV have a better user experience? 

User interface 

YouTube TV’s interface is organized, responsive and easy to use. It has three categories at the top of the screen to organize your content: Library, Home and Live. Your DVR content lives in your library and Home is where you’ll notice YouTube TV resembling other services with its featured content on display and an option to choose which content you want. The Live section shows you currently playing and upcoming live TV.

Sling’s user interface isn’t anything out of the ordinary and employs the traditionally scrollable rows of content like YouTube TV and other services. It has ‘Home’, ‘Guide’ and ‘On-Demand’ sections to organize its content as well as a DVR tab. While Sling is functional, YouTube TV has a sleeker, more organized interface. 

User profiles and multiple streams 

YouTube TV lets you stream on up to three devices at once (with an option for unlimited streams for an extra fee) and create up to six user profiles. Sling TV permits subscribers to watch content on up to three devices if they subscribe to Sling Blue and four devices with Sling Orange + Blue. Sling allows users to create up to four user profiles.

DVR storage 

A central selling point for YouTube TV is its DVR capabilities. It offers users unlimited cloud DVR storage while Sling has a 50 hour limit. 

Supported devices 

User experience winner: YouTube TV

Which live-streaming service should you choose? Our Pick: YouTube TV

Overall, YouTube TV’s robust channel lineup and unlimited DVR capabilities make it our preferred pick over Sling. 

While Sling is cheaper, YouTube has the channels you’ll likely want without extra add-on fees and more premium and local channels to choose from. If you’re not concerned with channel count and want the cheaper option, then Sling is still a solid choice – just remember to look over what you’re getting in each Sling package before you commit.

Need high-speed internet for your streaming? 

YouTube TV recommends at least 3 Mbps to stream standard definition video, 13 Mbps to stream HD video and 25 Mbps for 4k Plus streamers. 

Sling recommends at least 5 Mbps for single-stream users and at least 25 Mbps for households with multiple devices and users. 

Keep in mind that with multiple devices connected at once in the same household, you’ll need the recommended speed for each device to avoid video lag. 

If you need more speed with your internet plan, check your address with Allconnect to show your options.

Written by

Camryn Smith

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