Sling TV is cheaper than YouTube TV but YouTube TV offers access to more channels. Further complicating matters is the availability of add-ons, as they can drastically affect the price and channel lineups. For example, adding multiple channel packs to Sling TV not only results in a more similar channel lineup to YouTube TV, but also a similar monthly cost.
A standard Sling TV subscription costs a minimum of $46 a month. While Sling offers two different base plans – Sling orange and Sling Blue – it doesn’t matter which one a household initially signs up for, as both start at the same $46 monthly rate. It is also possible to combine these two plans to benefit from both channel lineups, with the bundled Sling Orange & Blue plan costing a minimum of $61 a month.
In contrast, a standard YouTube TV subscription costs $82.99 a month. While YouTube TV also offers a Spanish plan, it doesn’t offer more than one English-language package like Sling TV does.
For those simply looking for the cheapest live TV service, it is Sling TV. From $46 a month, Sling’s base plan is almost $40 cheaper than YouTube TV’s base plan. Even if opting for the combined Sling Orange & Blue plan, Sling is still $20 a month cheaper than YouTube TV.

$46-61/mo
- 35+ channels
- 1-3 streams
- 50-Hour DVR
Deal: First month starting at $23.

$83/mo
- 100+ channels
- 3 streams
- Unlimited DVR
Deal: Save $78 over 6 months
Sling TV And YouTube TV Cost Per Channel
Although Sling TV is the cheapest on paper, these two services are very different. This is reflected in their respective prices with one of the biggest differences being the number and selection of channels. While Sling TV offers either 35+ or 45+ channels, depending on the plan, YouTube TV’s base subscription unlocks access to more than 100 channels.
Based on this difference, YouTube TV offers access to more than double the number of channels of either Sling TV base package.
YouTube TV | Sling TV | |
---|---|---|
Price p/m | $83 | $46+ |
Channels | 100+ | 35+ (Orange) 45+ (Blue) |
If taking a look at the cost per channel of Sling Blue, then the $46 monthly price for 46 channels breaks down to around $1 per channel. If comparing to the more limited Sling Orange plan, the average cost per channel works out to be $1.31.
In contrast, YouTube TV’s 100+ channels for $83 per month averages out at a minimum of $0.83 per channel.
Using this very blunt price comparison, YouTube TV is technically cheaper per channel than Sling TV.
Another factor is add-ons. While both Sling TV and YouTube TV offer add-ons, Sling TV subscribers are more likely to consider adding channels to compensate for the fewer channels included with the base packages. This is probably why Sling offers so many different channel packs, with the price ranging from $6 to $21 a month.
For those looking to quickly increase the number of channels they have access to, Sling offers a Total TV Deal add-on. The $21/mo add-on unlocks access to a minimum of 68 additional channels.

As this is on top of the channels included with the base plan, the potential number of channels increases to more than 100 for Sling Orange (at $67 a month) and more than 110 for Sling Blue (from $67 a month).
Even though YouTube TV offers more than the 100 advertised channels with its base package, it doesn’t offer enough to reduce the cost-per-channel to a lower rate than Sling TV when factoring in Total TV Deal. Ignoring the fact that one service’s channel lineup may suit some homes better than the other, Sling TV is the cheaper option when factoring in Total TV Deal.
Choosing Between Sling TV And YouTube TV
Starting at $46 a month, Sling TV offers really good value and is significantly cheaper than YouTube TV’s $83/mo base plan. However, these base plans are very different with YouTube TV providing access to a far greater number of channels, and at a lower cost per channel.
By bundling either the Sling Orange ($46/mo) or Sling Blue ($46+/mo) plan with the Total TV Deal add-on ($21/mo), subscribers are able to increase the number of channels to at least 100.
With this combined base and add-on price totaling a minimum of $67 a month, the bundle offers access to a very similar number of channels at a cheaper price than the $83 YouTube TV base plan.

$46-61/mo
- 35+ channels
- 1-3 streams
- 50-Hour DVR
Deal: First month starting at $23.
Of course, if you want as many premium channels as possible, and don’t mind paying more each month, then YouTube TV might be the better option. Although the TV Deal increases the number of Sling TV channels to a similar level, YouTube TV carries a greater number of premium channels in general.

$83/mo
- 100+ channels
- 3 streams
- Unlimited DVR
Deal: Save $78 over 6 months
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