YouTube TV leads as the top live-streaming service in the U.S., boasting over 8 million subscribers.
In comparison, Sling TV has about 2 million subscribers, which is only a quarter of YouTube TV’s total.
However, it’s still useful to compare the two since Sling TV offers a different experience.
YouTube TV provides one main plan with numerous channels. In contrast, Sling TV gives users more options for customization and starts at a lower price.
When choosing a streaming service, the key factor is finding the channels you want at a price you can afford.
Therefore, Sling TV could be a better fit for you, but you’ll need to research your options.
Plans and Pricing
Sling TV and YouTube TV offer different options. YouTube TV has one main plan that includes over 115 channels for $73 per month, not including tax. It also offers a “Spanish Plan” with a limited selection of Spanish channels.
In contrast, Sling TV provides two basic packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Both plans include 26 channels together.
Sling Blue adds 14 extra channels and allows streaming on three devices at once. Sling Orange offers six more channels but is limited to one device at a time.
Each plan costs $40 per month, and you can try the first month for half the price. If you want both plans, the total is $55.
Overall, Sling TV gives you fewer channels than YouTube TV, but at around a 28% lower price.
YouTube TV offers unlimited recording, which is a big plus. In contrast, Sling TV starts with 50 hours of free recording.
If you need more space, you can pay an extra $5 each month for up to 200 hours of recording.
YouTube TV also lets you create up to six custom profiles for free. Each profile can be linked to a separate Google account and has its own recordings and recommendations.
This makes it easy for everyone in the household to have their own personalized experience.
Channels
Here’s a breakdown of the channels you can find on each service. Keep in mind that this information can change anytime.
Sling TV
Sling Orange includes exclusive channels such as FreeForm, Disney Channel, ESPN, and Motor Trend.
Sling Blue offers its own set of unique channels, which includes FX, MSNBC, Fox News, and Bravo.
Both plans share several channels, including CNN, A&E, AMC, and the Food Network.
You can also find channels like TLC, HGTV, National Geographic, and Travel Channel available on either plan.
YouTube TV Channels
All YouTube TV subscribers have access to a wide range of channels, including:
ABC, Animal Planet, AMC, Bravo, Cartoon Network, BET, CBS, CNN, Comedy Central, Cozi, CW, and BBC America.
You also get channels like Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, ESPN, Food Network, Fox, FX, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, MSNBC, NBC, and TBS.
Additional channels include Investigation Discovery, Nat Geo, Nickelodeon, OWN, PBS Kids, SYFY, Travel Channel, TruTV, USA, and The Weather Channel.
This variety ensures you have plenty of options for entertainment and news.
Local Channels
When it comes to local channels, the situation is straightforward. YouTube TV offers major broadcast channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS in every market.
On the other hand, Sling TV provides ABC, Fox, and NBC in select areas, but not always in your specific location.
Sling TV does not carry CBS at all. However, they do offer a product called AirTV, which is essentially a branded antenna and tuner. With AirTV, local channels can be added to your Sling TV live guide.
Overall, YouTube TV has a greater selection of local channels that are accessible to all subscribers, while Sling TV has more limited options.
Add-ons
Add-ons work differently for each service due to their plan structures. YouTube TV mainly offers add-ons for premium content.
In contrast, Sling TV provides “Extras” to enhance its smaller base plans.
This means that if you want a channel lineup similar to what YouTube TV offers, you’ll need to purchase some Extras with Sling TV.
The positive side is that these Extras are optional. This gives you the freedom to choose which ones you want and how much extra you’ll pay.
Both services offer a variety of premium add-ons, such as Paramount+, Showtime, AMC+, and STARZ. They also both include NBA League Pass. However, YouTube TV has some significant advantages.
One major feature is NFL Sunday Ticket. This service allows you to watch every out-of-market NFL game on Sundays, as long as it’s not blacked out in your area.
It’s a bit pricey, but YouTube TV is the exclusive provider of this ticket. Additionally, NFL RedZone is available on YouTube TV.
Another standout feature is the 4K Plus add-on. For an extra $10 per month, YouTube TV provides select live sports events in 4K resolution.
You also get on-demand content from channels like FX, Nat Geo, and Discovery. Plus, 4K Plus allows unlimited streams at home.
