For those who are no longer on cable, two more directly competing options are Sling TV and YouTube TV (not to be confused with regular YouTube). But if you want to keep up with the NFL or watch more episodes of Phineas and Ferb, which is the better choice?
We've examined the libraries and features of both services to try to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Available on streaming devices, mobile phones, TVs and more.
Over 100 live channels.
Unlimited DVR recording space.
More live sports channels can be added for an additional monthly fee.
Lack of regional sports activities.
Customizable channel lineup.
Plans include 32 to 46 channels.
Available on a variety of devices and platforms.
Includes 50 hours of free DVR storage.
Local channels are not supported.
Sling TV and YouTube TV offer similar live TV experiences, but at very different prices.
YouTube TV is available on a wider range of devices (smartphones, streaming devices, smart TVs, tablets, etc.) and offers a greater number of individual channels.
Its NFL Sunday Ticket add-on package is arguably the most affordable version you'll find, while the basic YouTube TV subscription offers unlimited DVR storage. However, in some areas it's not as strong at keeping up with regional MLB, NBA, NFL and other competitions.
However, Sling TV offers a smaller channel library but starts at a lower price. It can be viewed on almost as many devices and platforms as YouTube TV (though not quite), and allows you to add premium channels for an additional fee.
In comparison, where it falls short is its library and more limited DVR space (50 hours by default, upgradeable to 200 hours). Sling TV also doesn’t support local channels and recommends connecting a TV antenna.
YouTube TVWorks with Smart TVs such as Fire TV, Hisense, LG, Samsung and Visio.
It also runs on video game consoles such as PlayStation 4 or 5 and Xbox One and newer.
Works with most modern smartphones and tablets.
Playable on most current streaming devices.
Compatible with most modern Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, as well as select Chrome and Amazon Fire models.
Runs on Xbox Series X|S.
Support for multiple smart TVs and streaming devices.
It's likely that at least one device you own, whether it's a smartphone, smart TV, or video game console, supports either streaming app. That said, Sling TV's compatibility and usability are a bit limited compared to YouTube TV.
Both apps run on a variety of modern smartphones and tablets (Android and iOS). They also work with many current smart TVs and streaming devices—and YouTube TV works on even more. For example, Sling TV is available on Xbox Series X|S, but YouTube TV covers Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PS5.
There are over 100 channels in the basic plan.
NFL Sunday Ticket is available at most locations and can be purchased individually or bundled with a basic subscription
More premium channels, such as MGM+ and Showtime, can be added for a fee.
Some broadcast and on-demand content contain advertising.
Ads cannot be skipped, but it is possible to fast forward in DVR recording or catch up on live TV.
32 channels for Orange plan.
There are 42 channels in the Blue plan.
There are a total of 46 channels in the Orange + Blue plan.
Past broadcasts can be relived on demand.
Local channels require an antenna.
While there's often some overlap, channel availability varies across live TV streaming platforms, as does Sling TV and YouTube TV. Many major channels are on both channels, such as CBS, NBC, HGTV, and CNN, although some channels are only on Sling TV's Orange package, while others are only on the Blue package.
Of course, some channels on Sling TV aren't on YouTube TV, but overall, YouTube TV offers a much wider channel library: more than 100 channels, compared to less than 50 (without add-ons). However, greater choice does come at a tangible cost.
However, NFL coverage is where YouTube TV shines most. Its NFL Sunday Ticket plans can be purchased individually or bundled with a basic plan for a lower price. You can watch it on any device connected to your account, it doesn't force you into a contract, and it covers local and national games (including out-of-market Sunday games).
Unfortunately, monthly payment plans are not available in Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, or Tennessee; in these states, you must pay up front.
$72.99 per month for over 100 live channels, unlimited DVR space, and up to three simultaneous streams.
NFL Sunday Ticket costs $87.25 four times ($349 total), or $44.75 four times ($179 total) when bundled with the Basic plan.
Spanish package $34.99 per month (30+ Spanish channels, but not including 100+ other options).
Add 4K support and unlimited streaming for $9.99 per month.
Individual premium channel add-ons are $1.99 per month and up.
Max, Paramount+, Showtime and Starz bundle is $9.99 per month.
The 32-channel Orange plan is $40 per month.
The 42-channel Blue package is $45 per month.
Orange + Blue is $60 per month for a total of 46 channels.
Upgrade to 200 hours of DVR storage for an additional $5 per month.
Both Sling TV and YouTube TV have similar pricing structures. Each of them has several basic subscription plans that you can build on later (a la carte) to get more channels or other features.
No matter how you look at it, Sling TV is the cheaper option among the basic plans, even if you prefer the $60 per month Orange + Blue plan. The DVR-upgraded Sling TV bundle is still less expensive than a basic YouTube TV subscription ($65 per month versus $72.99 per month). That said, YouTube TV's DVR limit (which is none) is significantly greater than Sling TV's limit, no matter which plan combination you choose.
If you're looking for the streaming equivalent of cable TV or a lower initial price point, Sling TV may be better. However, as you add more features and channels, this cost will increase. It's also not available on many platforms compared to YouTube TV, and you may find the DVR limitations disappointing.
YouTube TV is nearly double the price of Sling TV's most affordable plan, and is still a bit more expensive than the Orange + Blue bundle + DVR storage. However, even without paying the extra fee, the extra cost includes about twice as many channels. It offers unlimited DVR storage at any level and works with a wider range of devices. It also supports three simultaneous streams from the start, with the option to pay more for unlimited streams.
Despite the higher overall cost, YouTube TV does offer a more robust package. However, there are gaps in the libraries of both services. So if you want a specific channel, make sure one (or two) offers it before signing up.
