On this page
YouTube TV is the more complete cable replacement: over 100 channels including your local stations, unlimited cloud DVR and three streams at once, for about $83 a month. Sling TV is cheaper and more modular: about $46 a month for Orange or Blue, or about $61 for both, with fewer channels and limited locals. If you want everything in one place, YouTube TV. If you want to spend less and don't mind adding an antenna, Sling.
Side by side
| YouTube TV | Sling Orange | Sling Blue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | $83/month | $46/month | $46/month ($61 with Orange) |
| Channels | 100+ | About 30 | About 40 |
| Local channels | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC in most areas | Very limited | Some FOX and NBC markets, extra fees apply |
| DVR | Unlimited, recordings kept 9 months | 50 hours (upgrade available) | 50 hours (upgrade available) |
| Streams at once | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Contract | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly |
Figures are US list prices and published features at the time of writing, based on the services' own pages and Tom's Guide's comparison. Both change often, so check before signing up.
Why pick YouTube TV
- Local channels included in most areas, so no antenna needed.
- Unlimited DVR, with recordings kept for up to nine months.
- More sport across national sports networks.
- Up to six household accounts, each with its own recommendations and DVR.
It's close to cable's price but without the contract or box rental. See YouTube TV for your area's channel list.
Why pick Sling
- Much cheaper, especially if one package (Orange or Blue) covers what you watch.
- Modular: add extras packs rather than paying for everything.
- Pairs well with an antenna, which gives you locals free.
- Sling Freestream, its free ad-supported tier, adds hundreds of free channels without a subscription.
Orange leans towards sport and family channels, Blue towards news and entertainment. Orange allows only one stream, which matters in a busy house.
The combination most households end up with
Sling Blue or Orange, plus an antenna for locals, plus free apps like Pluto TV and Tubi. That covers a remarkable amount for around $46 a month. See how to watch local channels free and the best free live TV apps.
Other options worth comparing
- Hulu + Live TV: similar in scope to YouTube TV, and bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ in many plans.
- Fubo: sports-focused, with plans in a similar price range to YouTube TV.
- DirecTV Stream: the closest to a traditional cable package, including some regional sports networks.
- Philo: a cheaper entertainment-only option without sport or local news.
All are monthly with no contract, so you can switch around the sports season.
Free trials and promotions
Both YouTube TV and Sling regularly run introductory discounts. Use them around the shows or games you care about, so you judge each service on your real viewing. Cancel before the full price starts if it isn't for you.
Devices
Both have apps on Fire TV, Roku, Google TV, Apple TV, most smart TVs, phones and browsers. You don't need any special hardware, and neither requires sideloading or playlists; see free live TV apps for what you can add at no cost.
Summary
YouTube TV: everything in one, including locals and unlimited DVR, at a higher price. Sling: cheaper and modular, best with an antenna. Both are licensed, monthly and easy to cancel.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting Sling Orange allows one stream.
- Paying for locals you could get free with an antenna.
- Keeping a sports package through the off-season.
Our pick
- Sports fans and families with several TVs: YouTube TV.
- Budget-first, news and entertainment: Sling Blue plus an antenna.
- Not sure: try one month of each around the shows you actually watch. Neither has a contract.
Both are licensed, legal IPTV services and work on every major streaming device. For the wider picture of what streaming costs against cable, see IPTV vs cable.
Frequently asked questions
- Is YouTube TV or Sling better?
- YouTube TV is better if you want local channels, lots of sport and unlimited DVR in one package. Sling is better value if you want cable news and entertainment channels without paying for locals, especially if you add an antenna.
- How much do YouTube TV and Sling cost?
- At the time of writing, YouTube TV's base plan is about $83 a month. Sling Orange or Blue is about $46 each, or about $61 for both. Promotions and regional fees change prices often.
- Does Sling have local channels?
- Only some, in some markets, and following a January 2026 price change some local channels cost extra. Many Sling users add an antenna for locals instead.
- How many screens can watch at once?
- YouTube TV allows three streams at once on the base plan. Sling Orange allows one and Sling Blue allows three.
- Can I watch YouTube TV or Sling away from home?
- Yes on the move within the US, with some limits on local channels based on your home area. Both restrict viewing outside the US.
- Do YouTube TV and Sling have contracts?
- No. Both are monthly and can be cancelled any time.
- Which is better for news?
- Sling Blue covers the main cable news channels at a lower price; YouTube TV adds local news through its local stations.
- Does Sling have DVR?
- Yes, 50 hours included, with an upgrade available.
- Is YouTube TV worth it without sports?
- Less so. Sling or free services plus an antenna are better value if you don't watch sport.
Written by
Editor
Sam edits IPTVTips and tests players on Fire TV, Google TV and Apple TV. Replace this bio with your real editor's background.
More from Sam
Comments
Sign in to ask a question or share what worked for you.
Sign in to commentNo comments yet. Questions about a step that didn't work for you are welcome.