Comparing YouTube TV to DirecTV Now, Sling TV and PlayStation Vue
A YouTube TV comparison guide.
On Tuesday, Google introduced the company’s new YouTube TV streaming service. When it launches later this year, the over-the-top (OTT) internet television service will take aim at other products already on the market, including DirecTV Now, PlayStation Vue, and Sling TV.
Although some of the YouTube TV details aren’t yet known, we already have a good idea how it compares to the other services. Take a look:
Content
When it comes to programming, not all over-the-top (OTT) internet television services are created equal. The differences are best highlighted by these five points:
Networks: ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC
The big four networks, ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC are all handled differently on each service, both for live TV and on-demand streaming.
Live TV streaming
- YouTube TV: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, in select cities only.
- DirecTV Now: ABC, Fox, and NBC, but not CBS, in select cities only.
- PlayStation Vue: Depends on your location, not CBS
- Sling TV: Depends on your location, not CBS
Networks, on demand
- YouTube TV: Most likely all four, perhaps in select cities only initially
- DirecTV Now: ABC, FOX, and NBC
- PlayStation Vue: ABC, FOX, and NBC
- Sling TV: ABC, FOX, and NBC, only in select markets
ESPN
The No. 1 sports network is available on all four services, depending on the package you select.
Premium channels
HBO is offered on all four packages, while Showtime is limited to Sling TV and YouTube TV.
Price
When it comes to price, the devil is definitely in the details.
YouTube TV
At launch, Google is offering one $35 package for YouTube TV. This includes the 40 channels shown below: