YouTube TV vs Sling: Which Streaming Service is Right for You?
When it comes to cable TV alternatives, YouTube TV and Sling TV are two of the most popular options on the market. Both services offer live TV streaming, but there are some key differences to consider when choosing between them.
One major factor to consider is channel selection. According to CableTV.com, YouTube TV offers over 391 local channels from ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and even PBS, while Sling TV has only 36 local channel affiliates across the entire nation, which come from ABC, NBC, and FOX networks. This makes YouTube TV the clear winner for those looking for a wide range of local programming options.
However, channel selection is not the only consideration when choosing between these two services. Other factors to consider include pricing, device compatibility, and user experience. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between YouTube TV and Sling TV to help you make an informed decision about which service is right for you.
Pricing
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a streaming service is pricing. Both YouTube TV and Sling TV offer different pricing plans to choose from. Below is a breakdown of the pricing for each service.
YouTube TV Pricing
YouTube TV offers two plans: Base and Spanish. The Base plan costs $64.99 per month and includes over 85 channels, including local channels in most areas. The Spanish plan costs $7 more per month and includes all the channels in the Base plan plus additional Spanish-language channels.
YouTube TV also offers a free trial of the service for new subscribers. This trial lasts for seven days and allows users to test out the service before committing to a subscription.
Sling Pricing
Sling TV offers three plans: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue. Sling Orange costs $35 per month and includes over 30 channels, mostly focused on sports and family programming. Sling Blue costs $35 per month and includes over 45 channels, including local channels in select markets. Sling Orange + Blue costs $50 per month and includes all the channels in both the Orange and Blue plans.
In addition to these plans, Sling TV also offers a variety of add-ons, including premium channels like HBO and Showtime, starting at an additional $10 per month. Sling TV also offers a free trial of the service for new subscribers. This trial lasts for three days for Sling Orange and seven days for Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue.
Overall, both YouTube TV and Sling TV offer competitive pricing plans. Users should consider their budget and the channels they want to watch when deciding which service to choose.
Channels
When it comes to choosing a live TV streaming service, one of the most important factors to consider is the number of channels offered. In this section, we’ll take a look at the channels offered by YouTube TV and Sling TV.
YouTube TV channels
YouTube TV offers over 85 channels in its base package, including major networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. It also includes popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and TBS. In addition to the standard channels, YouTube TV offers add-ons such as Showtime and NBA League Pass for an additional fee.
One area where YouTube TV stands out is in its offering of local channels. According to CableTV.com, YouTube TV has 391 local channels from ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and even PBS. This makes it an excellent choice for viewers who want access to local news and programming.
Sling channels
Sling TV offers two base packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Sling Orange includes over 30 channels, including ESPN and Disney Channel. Sling Blue, on the other hand, includes over 45 channels, including FOX, NBC, and USA. Both packages offer different channel lineups, so viewers will need to choose the package that best fits their needs.
One downside to Sling TV is its lack of local channels. According to CNET, Sling TV offers few to no local channels. This means that viewers may miss out on local news and programming.
Overall, both YouTube TV and Sling TV offer a variety of channels, but YouTube TV has a clear advantage when it comes to local channels. Viewers who prioritize access to local news and programming may want to consider YouTube TV over Sling TV.
Features
When it comes to features, both YouTube TV and Sling TV offer a variety of options for cord-cutters. Here’s a breakdown of the key features for each service:
YouTube TV features
YouTube TV offers a cloud DVR with unlimited storage, which means you can record as many shows and movies as you want and keep them for up to nine months. You can also create up to six user profiles, each with their own personalized recommendations and DVR library. Another unique feature of YouTube TV is its ability to stream on up to three devices at the same time, which is perfect for families or roommates who want to watch different shows simultaneously.
Additionally, YouTube TV offers a range of add-ons, including premium channels like HBO and Showtime, as well as sports-specific packages like NBA League Pass and MLB.TV. You can also access YouTube Originals, which are exclusive shows and movies produced by YouTube.
Sling features
Sling TV offers a more customizable experience, with three different base packages to choose from: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue. Each package comes with a different set of channels, so you can choose the one that best fits your viewing preferences and budget. Sling also offers a cloud DVR, although it only comes with 50 hours of storage unless you pay extra for more.
One unique feature of Sling TV is its ability to add on “Extras” packages, which include additional channels and content based on specific interests like sports, news, or kids’ programming. Sling also allows you to stream on multiple devices at once, although the number of streams depends on which package you choose.
Finally, Sling TV offers a unique “Free Trial” program that lets you test out the service for three days before committing to a subscription. This can be a great way to get a feel for the service and see if it’s the right fit for you.
User Experience
When it comes to choosing between YouTube TV and Sling TV, user experience is an important factor to consider. Both services offer a range of features and options, but the way they are presented and accessed can make a big difference in the overall user experience.
YouTube TV User Experience
YouTube TV has a clean and easy-to-use interface that is consistent across all devices. The service offers a personalized home screen that displays recommended content based on the user’s viewing history. Users can easily navigate through the available channels and content using the menu and search function.
One of the standout features of YouTube TV is the ability to record unlimited content to the cloud DVR. This means users can record as much content as they want without worrying about running out of space. The DVR also allows for easy playback and fast-forwarding through commercials.
Another feature that enhances the user experience of YouTube TV is the ability to watch on multiple devices simultaneously. Users can stream on up to three devices at once, making it easy for families or roommates to watch their favorite shows without having to fight over the remote.
Sling User Experience
Sling TV also offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The service allows users to customize their channel lineup based on their preferences, which can be a big advantage for those who only want to pay for the channels they actually watch.
One of the standout features of Sling TV is the ability to watch live TV on-the-go. The service offers a mobile app that allows users to stream live TV on their smartphones or tablets. This can be a big advantage for those who travel frequently or want to watch TV while commuting.
However, one downside of Sling TV is the limited DVR storage. The service only allows users to record up to 50 hours of content, which may not be enough for heavy TV watchers. Additionally, the DVR does not allow for fast-forwarding through commercials, which can be frustrating for some users.
Overall, both YouTube TV and Sling TV offer a good user experience with their own unique features and benefits. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and which features are most important to the user.
Conclusion
After comparing YouTube TV and Sling TV, it is clear that both streaming services have their strengths and weaknesses. YouTube TV offers a larger selection of channels and a better DVR, but it comes at a higher price point. Sling TV, on the other hand, offers more affordable plans and a greater level of customization.
For those who prioritize having access to a wide range of channels and a reliable DVR, YouTube TV may be the better choice. However, for those who are more budget-conscious or prefer the ability to customize their channel lineup, Sling TV may be the way to go.
Ultimately, the decision between YouTube TV and Sling TV will depend on individual preferences and priorities. It is recommended that potential subscribers carefully consider their needs and compare the features and pricing of both services before making a decision.
