It would be understandable if you decided to cancel your cable service after seeing your most recent bill. The rising cost of even the most basic cable service is draining our budget. The likes of Netflix and Hulu may be found on the Internet, but there are alternatives, and two of the best are YouTube packages and Sling. Which one, nevertheless, will serve you best? This article entails the comparison between YouTube TV vs Sling TV channels. I also added the differences between Sling TV vs YouTube TV vs Hulu Live, so as to give you a better understanding about them. Why not dive in now?
YouTube TV vs Sling TV
You may watch live TV without a cable subscription with either YouTube TV vs Sling TV, two internet TV services. After subscribing to a service, you can use any compatible device to watch live TV from networks like ESPN, Fox News, and others. Let’s take a quick look at the overview and benefits of each service.
An Overview of YouTube TV
Google’s response to the growing streaming TV market is YouTube TV. YouTube TV, a spin-off incorporated directly into the user interface of the popular streaming site, provides access to more than a hundred live TV channels and thousands of on-demand films. You may watch on your smart TV, as well as on your phone or tablet. Over five million people have signed up for YouTube TV since it debuted in 2017. (That’s more than double Sling’s subscriber count.)
Unlike Sling, YouTube TV launched with every major network included in its channel lineup. This includes ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. After that, the number of available stations expanded steadily. YouTube TV is appealing because it now includes several major sports networks. To watch every out-of-market NFL game on Sunday afternoons, subscribers can add the NFL Sunday Ticket to their package. The impressive number of YouTube TV subscribers is undoubtedly due in no little part to the high quality of the service’s channel roster.
YouTube TV made the astute decision to allow users to combine it with other premium cable and subscription providers. YouTube TV lets you sign in (or sign up for) any of YouTube TV’s competitors, including HBO, Showtime, Netflix, and Hulu. You can watch even more shows and movies than you could with just YouTube TV. In sum, it’s one of the most formidable competitors in the streaming television industry. However, Sling should still be taken into account.
Best Features of YouTube TV
YouTube TV has a solid selection of channels and a number of useful extras for cord-cutters. The first major advantage of YouTube TV over Sling Orange is that it allows you to stream to three devices at once, just like Sling Blue.
YouTube TV is also great for households where multiple people share a subscription, as up to six individual accounts can be created. The digital video recorder (DVR) featured on YouTube TV is excellent.
Downsides of YouTube TV
The cost of YouTube TV has increased recently. Despite the addition of new functions and channels, the price of the service has increased since its inception. Not YouTube TV’s fault, though. As the cost of content from cable companies rises, most internet TV services have to do the same to remain profitable.
Overview of Sling TV
Sling TV has been around longer than any other internet television service. It debuted in 2015, an eon ago when measured against other online TV streaming services. It now has a large subscriber base because of its flexible package of streaming apps and cable television channels.
Sling TV’s affordability is a major selling point. There are two different Sling packages available to you, Orange and Blue. Combining Sling Blue with Sling Orange will give you access to even more channels.
Best Features of Sling TV
Sling TV’s adaptability is one of its most appealing qualities. Sling TV markets itself as an “A la carte” television service. There is a wide selection of optional “extras” that let you add channels that cater specifically to your tastes.
You might, for instance, upgrade to the “Comedy Extra” subscription if you want access to even more humor channels. There are seven additional channels available to Sling Blue members in addition to Game Show Network, MTV, and Logo. Or, if you’re more of a sports enthusiast, you can upgrade your Sling Orange subscription with the Sports Extra plan and gain access to NBA TV, ESPNU, ESPNews, and a lot more.
Downsides of Sling TV
There are a few drawbacks to using Sling TV. To begin, the subscription structure is not quite clear. There is some duplication of channels between Sling Orange and Sling Blue. For some channels, you will be charged twice.
Some essential channels are also “locked” into a specific package. For instance, if you don’t have a Sling Orange subscription, you can’t watch ESPN. There is no Sling Blue option. To further cloud the issue, several “extras” channels are available exclusively with a premium package.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV Channels
YouTube TV vs Sling TV are two services that are comparable because they both provide access to a lot of channels in the basics like lifestyle, news, and entertainment. Sling TV is a cheaper alternative to YouTube TV that allows consumers to pick from a variety of popular channels for their base package. The premium subscription from Sling TV, however, includes both of the entry-level packages’ worth of content.
When compared to Sling TV’s premium bundle, YouTube TV’s base package is more expensive. If you’re looking for an alternative to cable TV, YouTube TV has a better selection of channels and local content and is a good choice. With YouTube TV, you can add a wide variety of channels to your package for even more variety and personalization.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV: Price
What is the price difference between YouTube TV vs SlingTV? There are only two YouTube TV packages available: the $72.99 standard package and the $34.99 Spanish package. There are three different Sling plans: Sling Orange ($40/month), Sling Blue ($50/month), and Sling Orange & Blue ($55/month). Additional features for YouTube TV and Sling can be purchased for an additional fee. Even the most costly Sling package is less expensive than YouTube TV’s cheapest one.
YouTube TV vs. Sling TV: Channels
YouTube TV is a versatile service that provides access to over 100 channels of live TV, including local channels and news broadcasts, across a wide range of genres. You may watch popular shows for the whole family on Comedy Central and HGTV, or catch a game on ESPN or the NFL Network.
You may watch AMC, CNN, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, Food Network, HGTV, Lifetime, Nick Jr., TBS, and TNT with either the Sling Blue or Sling Orange plan, as they both include such channels as part of their standard package. But they all have specialized channels to reach various demographics. With ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 among its 31 channels, Sling Orange markets itself as the ideal choice for sports enthusiasts. While Orange has more overall sports channels, Blue adds FOX Sports 1 and NFL Network. Sling Blue’s 41 channels are a wonderful fit for anyone who wants to keep up with different news and entertainment programs in addition to watching Sunday sports. There are a total of 48 channels available on the Sling Orange and Blue Plans.
Do local channels exist on YouTube TV vs Sling TV?
Local stations are available on both YouTube TV vs Sling TV, but YouTube TV has a far larger selection. Subscribers to YouTube TV can watch local stations from networks like CBS, Fox, ABC, NBC, PBS, Univision, and Telemundo. Due to its focus on regional NBC Sports broadcasts, the service is lacking in some local sports coverage
Two of Sling TV’s three packages—the Blue and the Orange & Blue—include certain local channels. Subscribers in certain areas, like New York get access to local Fox and NBC stations. An HD antenna is required to receive local broadcasts from networks like ABC, SBC, CW, PBS, Telemundo, and Univision.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV: Quality
The quality of live and on-demand streaming television is dependent on the network’s capacity to support the traffic. At times, both YouTube TV vs Sling TV have resolution caps set at 720p. There’s nothing either service can do if the network is only broadcasting in 720p. Better quality is possible for both live and on-demand content. Sling’s highest quality stream is 1080p60, a higher frame rate version of actual 1080p, while YouTube TV’s highest quality stream is 1080i (significantly inferior to true 1080p).
Sling TV vs YouTube TV: Not Included Items
If we’re going to take the time to compare the features of different streaming TV services, we may as well take a look at the ones they don’t offer, too. The most popular sports and entertainment networks are missing from YouTube TV. But Sling is missing the most fundamental cable networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and so on. When compared to one another, it’s clear that neither service is ideal.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV: DVR Storage
What is the difference between the DVR capacities of YouTube TV vs Sling TV? With enough DVR storage, you can save the episodes and movies you want to watch for later viewing. While YouTube TV’s DVR storage is infinite, recordings older than nine months will be deleted. Sling provides 50 hours of DVR storage, with additional space being available for purchase. If your DVR storage becomes full, only the oldest recordings will be deleted. Before you delete something permanently, you can choose to bring it back.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV: Package Deals and Add-ons
Several a la carte add-ons including a Sports Plus package are available through YouTube TV. HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, and The Weather Channel are just some of the channels you may add on. The Sports Plus upgrade costs an extra $10.99 monthly and provides access to 14 channels, such as NFL RedZone and Fox Soccer Plus. (The Sports Plus package does not include NBA League Pass or MLB.TV; these services can be had individually.) 14 Spanish-language channels, including Fox Deportes, ESPN Deportes, and CNN en Espaol, are included with the Spanish upgrade.
Add-on packages are available for each Sling TV plan, and users may even buy networks a la carte. Sports Extra, Comedy Extra, Kids Extra, News Extra, Lifestyle Extra, Hollywood Extra, and Heartland Extra are just a few of the extras that can be included in a bundle. Many popular news and sports channels are already included in the Sling Blue & Orange Plan, making the add-ons ideal for those with narrower viewing preferences.
Although there are some differences between the Blue and Orange packages in terms of the channels they offer, both cost an additional $6 per month, with the exception of the Sports package, which costs an additional $11 per month. Movie rentals and pay-per-view selections are also available through Sling TV. All of Sling TV’s bundles, plus DVR Plus, which allows subscribers to record up to 200 hours of TV, can be had for just $21 per month.
Entertainment channels like Showtime, Starz, and MGM+ are accessible to Sling TV subscribers for as little as $1.99 per month; however, HBO Max is not. However, there is a smaller selection than with YouTube TV.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV: Differences
When comparing YouTube TV to Sling TV, the latter is the more cost-effective choice. A couple of million people have signed up for Sling TV since its 2015 debut as one of the first and most outstanding streaming TV services. Sling’s affordability and minimal channel lineup are major selling points, and the service’s flexibility is on par with that of YouTube TV. Hundreds of channels are unnecessary for certain people. Some people are looking for a couple of dozen necessities.
Sling provides a better selection of sports and entertainment for viewers than YouTube TV does, but neither service offers the full complement of popular cable networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox. The fact that it comes in two distinct bundles is indicative of this. Sling Orange is geared more toward sports and family programming, while Sling Blue is more interested in the latest news and popular shows. Sling offers a variety of packages to meet your specific need for cable television, including ESPN, CNN, Disney Channel, and AMC.
You can also tailor your channel lineup to your preferences for just $6 extra per month with Sling’s add-on channel packages. When comparing Sling to YouTube TV, the service’s extensive personalization possibilities stand out as a major plus for Sling. When it comes to “a la carte” television streaming, Sling was practically a pioneer.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV vs Hulu Live
Hulu + Live TV costs a little more than YouTube TV vs Sling TV combined, at $69.99 (with ads) or $82.99 (with ads on Hulu and Disney+) per month. Nonetheless, the subscription is the greatest option for television enthusiasts because it provides access to Disney+ and ESPN+ in addition to 70+ stations.
When it comes to local content, though, Hulu + Live TV is on par with YouTube TV. All three services offer a wide variety of similar channels, although YouTube TV’s Base Plan has the largest selection (over 100) followed by Hulu + Live TV’s (over 70) and Sling TV’s (over 30).
Read Also: Hulu Live vs YouTube TV: A Full Comparison
What You Need to Know About YouTube TV vs Sling TV
The following are things you need to know about YouTube TV vs Sling TV:
- Pay-per-view events, such as live sports games and special broadcasts, are available to Sling TV subscribers for an additional one-time price.
- Up to three people can use the same YouTube TV vs Sling subscription to view any channel on up to three different devices at once.
- Sling regularly offers free preview weekends, during which customers can watch a premium network or service for free over the course of a weekend. Showtime, NBA League Pass, and several more premium channels have all been on offer in the past.
- YouTube Premium is YouTube’s other video subscription service, and it is not to be mistaken for YouTube TV. In exchange for removing ads from most videos, YouTube Premium does not provide live TV broadcasts.
- The “Multi-View” function, newly added by Sling TV, allows users to watch up to four channels at once in a split-screen box. Although it’s not available on all gadgets, it comes in handy for major athletic events.
Device Support For Sling TV vs YouTube TV Is About The Same
Sling TV vs YouTube TV, two of the biggest names in internet television, both work with the same set of devices. The following devices are compatible with both Sling TV vs YouTube TV:
- Electronics with the Android operating system
- Mobile gadgets using Apple’s iOS
- The Browsers
- Chromecast
- To be watched on an Amazon Fire TV
- Roku
- IPod TV
- One Xbox
There are, however, a few distinctions. Not only does Sling TV support
- Facebook’s Portal
- Oculus
- Select Samsung and LG smart TVs
- AirTV Player
However, YouTube TV has better smart TV compatibility. In addition to Samsung and LG, it also works with Sharp, VIZIO, and Hisense smart TVs.
However, unless you’re using a more niche gadget, device support for both of these services is roughly the same. Both services are compatible with all of the most popular devices, including Roku and the Amazon Fire TV.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV Both Offer a Free Trial
Sling TV vs YouTube TV currently offers free trial periods of 7 days. Check out YouTube TV and Sling’s websites, as they both routinely offer discounts for free streaming devices.
YouTube TV is offering a free trial for the first 7 days of service. And if you’re curious about Sling TV, sign up for a free trial now.
Is Sling TV or YouTube TV Cheaper?
When comparing prices, Sling TV is more affordable, but YouTube TV offers more channels and a limitless DVR.
Why Is YouTube TV Better?
When it comes to cloud-based DVR services, YouTube TV is one of the few that offers unlimited capacity for its users. When it comes to cloud DVR storage, some services charge more or place restrictions on how much you can store. Advantages of YouTube TV’s cloud DVR include: You can record as much as you want at once.
Can I Watch Many Channels on YouTube TV at Once?
YouTube TV, like Sling, lets you watch on up to three devices at once. However, YouTube TV does not support Multi-View, so whatever you see on the screen is all you’ll get without any split-screen or other viewing choices.
Can I Get Sling From Outside the US?
To date, Sling has only been released in the USA. But that doesn’t mean that people who live in other countries can’t sign up for streaming TV services. Find out what services are available in your country for watching TV online.
YouTube TV and YouTube Premium may sound similar, but they are very different services. YouTube Premium is a paid service that allows users to watch videos without advertising and save them to watch later, among other features. Although they share a name, using them simultaneously requires two completely distinct subscriptions.
Which Is better, Sling Orange or Sling Blue?
There are three different channel packages available to Sling users, with Sling Orange and Sling Blue being two of them. You can choose from a variety of packages, each tailored to your specific wants and needs as a TV viewer. While Sling Orange prioritizes sports and family programming, Sling Blue gives more weight to news and entertainment options. Sling Orange and Blue is another option for those who want the best of both worlds at a lower price.
Final Thoughts
Depending on your needs, you may prefer YouTube TV vs Sling TV as a streaming service. YouTube TV, despite its higher price tag, is a superior option for someone who values the breadth and depth of cable TV, especially in terms of local programming. YouTube TV also provides more a la carte choices for purchase, allowing subscribers greater freedom to tailor their subscriptions. However, Sling TV is also best suited for those who are content with a more stripped-down selection of entertainment and sporting events.
- How Many Devices Can You Stream With YouTube TV? Explained!
- How Many People Can Watch YouTube TV at Once? An In-Depth Look
- HOW TO SET UP YOUTUBE TV FAMILY SHARING IN 7 EASY STEPS
- HOW MUCH IS SLING: Sling TV Packages & Pricing Breakdown
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