PlayStation Vue vs. Sling TV

Which is the best live TV streaming service for you?

Jump to: Packages & Pricing | Content | Equipment | Resolution | Simultaneous Streaming | Advantages & Disadvantages | FAQs

The Bottom Line

PlayStation Vue is ideal for people who want variety. You get more channels included in the base packages without shelling out for a bunch of add-ons. And the DVR storage is outstanding—you can’t get much better than unlimited.

Sling TV is perfect for people who want an affordable option that’s easy to customize. All the base packages are cheaper than PlayStation Vue, and you can customize your channel selection with a wide variety of add-ons. Unfortunately, the DVR storage is limited to 50 hours. That’s a bit of a squeeze.

Packages & Pricing

Free Trials

Before we jump into the packages, here’s an awesome heads up: both providers offer a free trial so you can check out the service before you buy. Neither provider requires you to sign a contract, so it’s no strings attached. You can cancel anytime.

• PlayStation Vue lets you try the Access, Core, or Elite packages for 5 days free. There is no free trial with the Ultra package.
• Sling TV has a free 7-day trial on any of its packages.

Now that you know about the free trials, let’s take a look at the plans each provider offers and see how they compare.

The basic package is Access, and each higher-tier package builds on from there.

• Access offers about 45 channels, including ESPN and a handful of local stations that vary with location.
• Core adds some sports channels like NFL Network and NBA TV, as well as regional sports channels.
• Elite adds additional news, family, and movie channels like EPIX—it’s basically the whole PlayStation Vue lineup minus HBO® and SHOWTIME®.
• Ultra adds HBO and SHOWTIME, giving you the full PlayStation Vue channel selection.

The PlayStation Vue package you should choose really depends on what type of programming you like. Elite gives you more channels for the price, but no PlayStation Vue package is a bad deal by any means.

Sling TV packages are very different from PlayStation Vue. You can choose from two options: Orange or Blue. From there, you can add extra channel packs (Sports, News, Lifestyle, Kids, etc.). Blue and Orange have different channels, so choosing one over the other can be a complicated process.

For example, Sling Orange has fewer channels overall but includes big names like ESPN and Disney. Whereas Sling Blue has more channels along with NBC and FX channels. It’s basically like choosing between cheese and chocolate.

If you really can’t decide, the good news is that you can get both with Sling Orange + Sling Blue. It costs $15 more than a single package but you’re getting double the channels. The deal is good, but it’s a little frustrating that Sling splits up the channels in a way that steers you toward the most expensive combo option.

Content

Original Content

Currently, neither PlayStation Vue nor Sling TV produces original content. They’re focused on streaming live TV. Rumors floating around the internet say that Sony might create original content for PlayStation Vue, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Live Streaming and On-Demand Content

PlayStation Vue and Sling TV are both live streaming services. That means you can tune into a channel on one of these platforms just like you can with cable TV. You’ll get access to your favorite programs when they air—no delays or waiting for the season to end, like you get with some streaming services. You’ll also get local channels, but which ones you get vary by location.

There’s also plenty of on-demand content on both platforms. The available selection varies by channel, but it’s fairly similar to what you’d find with a cable TV service.

Channels (Base, Add-Ons, Etc.)

Sling TV is the definite winner when it comes to extra channels, with genre-based add-ons for comedy, international programming, kids programming, local stations, and more.

PlayStation Vue offers a sports pack, Spanish-language programming, and a handful of others. But it makes up for the lack of add-ons with larger base packages and significantly more local channel partnerships.

Each provider allows you to subscribe to premium channels à la carte, including HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ, and more. But you’ll get some of those included when you get into the higher PS Vue packages.

Equipment

First things first, PlayStation Vue doesn’t require a PlayStation console to stream live TV. That’s a common misconception that trips a lot of folks up.

As far as what you do need, both PlayStation Vue and Sling TV work on common streaming boxes like Apple TV and Chromecast, as well as iOS and Android phones and tablets. Sling TV has the accessibility edge here, though—there are a few devices where you’ll find a Sling TV app but not PS Vue, including Roku TVs and Xbox consoles.

Best Streaming Devices

The main thing to consider with streaming devices is the interface. PlayStation Vue and Sling are available on most devices, so it comes down to the experience, which is generally different on each device.

We’re fans of Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Apple TV offers the Apple ecosystem, Siri control, and iTunes movies and music, in addition to PlayStation Vue and Sling TV. Amazon Fire TV is also a great experience with a strong ecosystem and a useful interface thanks to Alexa support. Either will serve you well with both providers.

DVR

The PlayStation Vue DVR records an unlimited amount of content from up to 500 programs at no additional charge—and it’s included with the service. That’s pretty sweet. The only stipulation is that the content deletes after twenty-eight days.

Sling TV is not quite as stellar with its cloud DVR. It lets you record only fifty hours of content, and it costs $5 extra per month. Compared to the included DVR and unlimited hours of storage you get with PS Vue, that doesn’t look so great.

Resolution/Quality

Both services are limited to 1080p HD resolution. While it’s kind of a bummer that there’s no 4K option, 4K streaming is still a pretty rare thing. Why? It’s hard to do it without buffering.

Recommended Internet Speed

You’ll need about 10 Mbps for streaming video to ensure a stable, fast connection. If lots of people are streaming from the same connection, multiply 10 Mbps by the number of users to get the speed you need.

Simultaneous Streaming

These two services handle multiple streams very differently, so it’s good to know your limitations—especially when you live in a household with lots of streamers.

• PlayStation Vue lets you stream on up to 5 devices at once from one account.
• Sling TV varies based on the plan:
  • Sling Orange lets you stream on only 1 device at a time.
  • Sling Blue lets you stream on 3 devices at once.
  • Sling Orange + Sling Blue lets you stream on up to 4 devices at once.

Advantages and Disadvantages of PlayStation Vue and Sling TV

FAQ about PlayStation Vue and Sling TV

Do you need a PlayStation for PlayStation Vue?

No, PlayStation Vue is a streaming service that’s completely independent from the PlayStation console. You don’t need a PlayStation console to watch PlayStation Vue. It’s available on most major streaming devices, as well as iPhone, iPad, and Android.

Does PlayStation Vue have BET?

PlayStation Vue does not currently offer BET. BET is a Viacom channel, and PS Vue doesn’t offer any Viacom channels at this time, including Nickelodeon, BET, or MTV. That could change soon though.

Does Sling TV have MTV?

Sling TV offers MTV but not as part of the base packages. It’s available in the Comedy add-on package, which is an extra $5 per month

Can I watch Sling TV on my smart TV?

Yes, just as long as your smart TV supports it. This will vary from model to model, so you’ll have to consult with your TV manufacturer to get the details on your specific television set. Sling provides setup instructions for Samsung and LG smart TVs.

What internet speed do I need for Sling TV?

Sling TV recommends a minimum of 5 Mbps for streaming on a TV or computer. It recommends 25 Mbps if multiple users will be streaming simultaneously.