YouTube TV offers more channels (100+) and includes cloud DVR at no extra cost, while Sling TV is cheaper ($40/month vs $72.99/month) and more flexible with customizable channel packages. YouTube TV is better for comprehensive live TV coverage, whereas Sling TV suits budget-conscious viewers willing to accept fewer channels.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Budget-friendly live TV streaming service with customizable channel packages starting at $40/month.
Google's live TV streaming service with 100+ channels and unlimited cloud DVR
Starting Monthly Price. Base Channel Count. Cloud DVR Storage. Simultaneous Streams. Customizable Packages. Free Trial Period. International Sports Coverage
Choose YouTube TV if you want the most comprehensive live TV experience with 100+ channels, unlimited DVR, and 3 simultaneous streams built-in—ideal for families and sports fans despite the higher $72.99 monthly cost. Choose Sling TV if you prioritize affordability and flexibility, preferring to pay $40/month for a curated channel selection and customize your package based on actual viewing habits.
Sling TV: Unlimited recordings | YouTube TV: Unlimited
Sling TV: No (1080p max) | YouTube TV: Yes ($9.99/month add-on)
Sling TV: 30-50 channels | YouTube TV: 70+
Sling TV: Limited regional availability | YouTube TV: 95%+ of US markets
Sling TV: 50 hours | YouTube TV: Unlimited
Sling TV: Full à la carte customization | YouTube TV: Genre-based plans (2026)
Sling TV: $0 (baseline) | YouTube TV: +$32.99
Sling TV: Yes, anytime | YouTube TV: Yes, anytime
Sling TV: Minimal (DVR-dependent) | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: 7 days | YouTube TV: No free trial (5-day trial historically)
Sling TV: 50+ devices | YouTube TV: 40+ devices
Sling TV: 50 (upgradeable to 200) | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: Yes (Orange tier) | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: Not included | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: $40/month | YouTube TV: $73.99
Sling TV: 20 sports channels | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: Not supported | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: 1 stream | YouTube TV: 3 streams
Sling TV: Month-to-month | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: 30-50 channels | YouTube TV: 150+
Sling TV: 4 screens | YouTube TV: 3 screens
Sling TV: Minimal (add-ons only) | YouTube TV: ~3,000
Sling TV: None | YouTube TV: None included
Sling TV: 3 options (Orange/Blue/Combo) | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: $479.88/year | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: 3-4 networks (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC) | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: 200 hours ($6.99/month) | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: No | YouTube TV: Yes (included)
Sling TV: 15-20 channels | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: 3,000+ titles | YouTube TV: N/A
Sling TV: 30-50 channels | YouTube TV: 100+ channels
Sling TV: $52.00 (base $40 + $12 add-on) | YouTube TV: $72.99 (included)
Sling TV: Requires Sports Extra add-on ($11/month for 10 sports channels) | YouTube TV: Included (ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports, MLB Network, Pac-12, others)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: $60 (intro) / $83 (standard)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 100+ live channels
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: All plans included
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Standard feature (no ads)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 6 accounts standard
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Moderate (licensed dominant)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: $82.99/month
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 6 simultaneous
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: $95.99/month
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 20+ networks
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: $0.49/channel
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 6 simultaneous streams
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 2026 (multiview, interactive features)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 150+ channels
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: YouTube Premium, YouTube Music
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Excellent with quick guide navigation
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 270 days (9 months)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Minimal (YouTube originals only)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Standard coverage only
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: None (unlimited included)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: No official bundles
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Varies (included in channels)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Limited (under 50)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Included via ESPN networks
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: YouTube only
Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Not available
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 100+ total channels
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 90% of U.S. markets
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Minimal original content focus
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 3,000+ (sports only)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: All major broadcasts (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 150 channels
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes ($79.99/month)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: $995.88/year
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 100+ channels
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 1 fixed lineup
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 10+ channels
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 15+ channels
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: No (separate subscriptions needed)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 0 (separate subscription required)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 3 (no upgrade needed)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: $15.99 (separate sub)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 4.4/5 (user reviews 2026)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: All major (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: 0 (separate purchase)
Sling TV: N/A | YouTube TV: Most major networks
How to choose between Sling TV and YouTube TV
Sling TV vs YouTube TV — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Sling TV vs YouTube TV. Contains 167 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Sling TV vs YouTube TV.
Can I save money with Sling TV compared to YouTube TV?
Yes, significantly. Sling TV's base package starts at $40/month versus YouTube TV's $72.99/month—a savings of $412.68 annually. However, if you need multiple streams and sports content, the gap narrows when accounting for Sling TV's $12/month multi-stream add-on and potential $11/month Sports Extra package, bringing Sling to $63/month. YouTube TV still costs more but includes everything without add-ons.
Which service is better for sports fans?
YouTube TV is superior for sports fans. It includes ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports 1, MLB Network, NFL Network, NBA TV, and Pac-12 Network in the base package. Sling TV requires a $11/month Sports Extra add-on for comparable coverage. If you watch multiple sports simultaneously, YouTube TV's 3 included streams beat Sling's 1 default stream (or $12/month for 3 streams).
How much DVR storage do I actually get with each service?
YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage at no cost, with recordings kept for 9 months. Sling TV provides 50 hours free (enough for ~20-30 shows depending on length), or you can upgrade to 200 hours for $5/month. For heavy DVR users, YouTube TV's unlimited option saves $60/year in add-on costs versus Sling TV's premium tier.
Can I watch on multiple TVs at the same time?
YouTube TV allows 3 simultaneous streams by default, letting family members watch different content on 3 devices. Sling TV allows only 1 simultaneous stream unless you pay $12/month extra for 3 streams. If you have 2+ household members watching different programs, YouTube TV includes this feature; Sling TV charges extra or limits viewing flexibility.
Sling TV offers a 7-day free trial (often available without requiring a credit card upfront). YouTube TV discontinued its free trial in 2023 and currently offers no trial period. This gives Sling TV an advantage for testing the service risk-free before committing financially.
How to Choose Between Sling TV and YouTube TV
Starting Monthly Price: Sling TV has $40.00, while YouTube TV has $72.99.
Base Channel Count: Sling TV has 30-50 channels, while YouTube TV has 100+ channels.
Cloud DVR Storage: Sling TV has 50 hours (paid add-on: $5/month for 200 hours), while YouTube TV has Unlimited included.
Simultaneous Streams: Sling TV has 1 (paid tier: 3 streams for +$12/month), while YouTube TV has 3 included.
Customizable Packages: Sling TV has Yes (Sling Orange, Blue, Orange+Blue), while YouTube TV has No (fixed package).
Free Trial Period: Sling TV has 7 days, while YouTube TV has No free trial (was 14 days, discontinued).
International Sports Coverage: Sling TV has Limited (requires add-ons like Sports Extra), while YouTube TV has Comprehensive (includes ESPN, Fox Sports, MLB Network).