Sling TV vs FuboTV: Best Live TV Streaming Service 2026

Looking to cut cable and want to know whether Sling TV or FuboTV is the better live TV streaming service this year? This guide breaks down all the key differences to help you decide.

#How Do Sling TV and FuboTV Compare on Price?

First, let’s look at the base packages, add-ons, and premiums to see how Sling TV and FuboTV stack up on pricing.

#Sling TV Packages

Sling TV keeps things straightforward with just two main packages to choose from, Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Their channel listings overlap somewhat, but each plan has some exclusives.

Sling Orange provides 30+ channels for $40/month. Popular channels include ESPN, CNN, BBC America and AMC.

Sling Blue also runs $45/month but has 40+ channels. Networks like Fox Sports 1, NBC Sports Network, and FX are Sling Blue exclusives.

For the maximum variety, you can combine them both as Sling Orange + Blue for $60/month. Together they deliver 50+ channels.

Sling also has Extra channel add-ons focused on themes like comedy, lifestyle, Hollywood and more. Extra packages cost $6/month each.

For premium channels, Sling provides Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and more starting at $3/month.

#FuboTV Packages

FuboTV takes a more traditional approach with package tiers similar to cable TV bundles.

The Pro plan starts at $79.99/month with 180+ channels. The higher-end Elite plan has 250+ channels for $89.99/month.

Rather than themed add-ons, Fubo groups additional channels into packages around categories like sports, entertainment, world cinema and so on. These premium add-ons start at $7.99/month.

For premium movie channels, you can add services like Showtime, Epix and Starz for $5-12/month each.

Price Comparison

Sling TV clearly comes out cheaper for base packages. But once you factor in add-ons, FuboTV starts becoming more competitive. Still, Sling TV remains one of the most affordable live TV streaming options available.

#Which Service Has Better Channels and Sports Coverage?

Now let’s look at the channel and sports coverage comparisons.

#Channel Lineups

Sling TV has two solid starting lineups with Sling Orange and Sling Blue, but far less variety than FuboTV out of the box.

Sling Orange provides 30+ popular channels with focus on sports via ESPN alongside entertainment. Sling Blue counters with 40+ channels emphasizing news and entertainment.

FuboTV comes stocked with over 180 channels on Pro and more than 250 channels if you spring for the Elite package. So Fubo clearly has larger base packages.

However, Sling battles back with Extras and premium add-ons allowing you to build up your channel count a la carte style.

See how Sling TV vs FuboTV stack up across some of the most popular networks:

FuboTV carries most major entertainment and sports networks. But you lose out on key Turner channels like TBS and TNT due to a carriage dispute.

Fubo is great for sports fans since you can access ESPN streaming on FuboTV.

Sling TV comes up short on sports coverage but gives you more control to choose channels a la carte through Extras.

So channel variety goes to FuboTV, while Sling TV offers more customization.

#Sports Content

If sports are a priority, FuboTV is easily the superior choice.

Fubo positions itself as a sports-centric service, and you’ll find extensive sports programming from international soccer to college football to niche sports like cycling and poker.

Sling TV has ESPN and other mainstream sports channels. But sports fans will find the coverage too basic, especially once they start needing regional sports networks (RSNs) to follow local teams.

For the biggest sports selection, FuboTV is the clear winner. Casual sports fans on a budget may find Sling TV sufficient.

#Local Channels

Access to ABC, CBS, Fox and other local broadcast stations varies widely by region with streaming services.

FuboTV provides exceptional coverage of local stations across the US. So there is a good chance you can watch local news and network TV on FuboTV.

Sling TV has more limited local access. You may need to supplement with an HD antenna if you require local channels.

For local broadcast access, FuboTV is the better choice.

See how FuboTV compares to DIRECTV Stream for channel lineups. Or check out FuboTV on LG TVs and Vizio smart TVs for device support.

#How Do the Features Stack Up?

Beyond just channels, here are the key differences in features between these two streaming providers.

#Cloud DVR

DVR functionality allows you to record and replay content as you want.

FuboTV comes out ahead, offering 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage standard. You can even upgrade to unlimited storage hours.

Sling TV only provides 50 hours of DVR storage on its base packages. However, you can pay $5/month extra to increase to 200 hours of storage space.

For DVR functionality, FuboTV is clearly superior with 10x more storage without any add-on fees.

When weighing FuboTV vs Hulu Live, their DVR storage or where they offer local channels differ.

Compare YouTube TV vs Sling on DVR, streams allowed and other features beyond just channels.

#Simultaneous Streams

Want to watch on multiple devices at once or share an account with family? Here’s how Sling TV and FuboTV compare on simultaneous streams allowed:

• Sling Orange allows 1 stream

• Sling Blue allows 3 streams

• Sling Orange + Blue allows 4 streams

• FuboTV allows up to 10 streams depending on tier

FuboTV again wins out with significantly higher simultaneous streams permitted, making it better suited for larger households.

#4K Capability

Both Sling TV and FuboTV offer some 4K Ultra HD content to take advantage of the latest TV technologies.

4K provides sharper imagery with more dynamic colors and contrast compared to HD. Its benefits really shine through on large screens and movies.

FuboTV includes 4K programming on select sporting events, movies and shows as part of packages.

With Sling TV 4K content costs $5/month extra through their “Hollywood Extra” add-on. Available 4K fare includes movies and events.

If you have a 4K TV, FuboTV integrates 4K viewing better through its base plans whereas Sling makes you pay more.

#What About User Experience and Device Support?

Usability touches like the interface design, account options and device access also contribute to satisfaction with a streaming provider.

#Interface

Both Sling TV and FuboTV provide well-designed interfaces that make finding and watching content easy across platforms.

Sling TV has a clean horizontal menu across apps and devices for quick access to channels plus on demand content.

FuboTV’s vertical sidebar interface will feel instantly familiar for cable TV converts with logical organized menus around live, sports, shows and more.

In terms of ease of use Sling TV vs FuboTV ends up a draw. Both offer intuitive navigation that improves over cable TV.

#Account Personalization

Want to fine tune preferences on an individual profile basis?

FuboTV allows customization through up to 6 user profiles per account. Each profile can set favorites, recordings, recommendations and so on.

Sling TV just has a single account experience. No personalized profiles.

For a customized experience per family member, FuboTV delivers better options.

#Devices

Both providers offer extensive device support across phones, tablets, streaming devices, smart TVs, game consoles and more.

You can watch Sling TV and FuboTV on platforms like:

• Android and iOS

• Android TV and Apple TV

• Amazon Fire TV

• Roku

• Chromecast

• Web browsers

• Xbox and more

Device availability is very similar, though Sling TV goes a bit deeper supporting niche platforms like Oculus and AirTV.

For device support details, see Sling TV on Firestick or Sling TV on Samsung smart TVs.

But for most mainstream devices, you’ll be covered equally well with either streaming provider.

#Original Programming

While focused on live TV, Sling TV and FuboTV both include some exclusive original programming in their lineups.

Sling TV has over a dozen original shows such as “Chrissy’s Court”, “Mapleworth Murders” and more through their Sling TV Originals. Content spans reality, true crime, comedy and drama.

FuboTV doesn’t produce its own originals, but carries exclusive cycling, soccer and motorsports leagues you won’t find other places. Much of this international niche sports content Fubo funds themselves.

If you want original entertainment alongside live TV, Sling TV provides more options. For unique live niche sports, check out FuboTV.

#Bottom Line

• Channel variety: FuboTV has significantly more base channels across entertainment, news and especially sports. Over 250 channels come standard.

• Sports coverage: FuboTV is the undisputed leader here with extensive national and regional sports networks. Sling TV trails badly lacking most RSNs.

• Cloud DVR: FuboTV includes 1000 hours of DVR storage standard compared to just 50 hours initially on Sling TV.

• Streaming: FuboTV allows more simultaneous streams making it better for larger households.

• Pricing: Sling TV starts cheaper at $40/month but FuboTV becomes more competitive when you factor in add-ons.

• Originals: Sling TV has more original entertainment while FuboTV focuses on exclusive live niche sports.

For sports fans or larger channel bundles, FuboTV usually makes more sense even with the higher starting price.

For alternatives to FuboTV, services like Philo TV and YouTube TV offer their own benefits.

If you want to build an a la carte live TV package on a budget, Sling TV gives you more flexibility.

Pick Sling TV if you:

• Want lots of customization

• Don’t care much about sports

• Have 1-2 people in your household

• Prefer buying channels individually

Otherwise go with FuboTV for the fuller content package and unlimited DVR storage. Try out free trials of both services to choose what ultimately works better for your needs.

#Frequently Asked Questions

#Which streaming service costs less?

Sling TV starts at just $40/month while FuboTV’s entry Pro package runs $79.99/month. Once you factor in add-ons, pricing gets closer since Sling extras add up quickly. Sling TV still allows more a la carte control over your monthly bill.

#Does FuboTV or Sling TV have better DVR?

FuboTV provides far superior DVR with 1,000 hours of included cloud storage. Sling only has 50 hours on its base plans, though you can pay $5/month extra for 200 hours. Fubo also lets you upgrade to unlimited storage.

#Which service is better for sports fans?

FuboTV has far more national sports networks, regional sports networks and college sports channels. It also carries international soccer leagues and niche sports like cycling. Casual sports viewers who only need ESPN may find Sling TV sufficient, but serious fans should go with FuboTV.

#Can you get local channels on Sling TV or FuboTV?

FuboTV provides extensive support for local ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates in most US regions. Sling TV local channel availability is more limited, and you may need a separate HD antenna to fill the gaps.

#What’s the difference between Sling Orange and Sling Blue?

Sling Orange focuses on sports via ESPN channels while Sling Blue emphasizes entertainment and news content like Fox and NBC. Their channel lineups overlap around 20% with each having exclusive options. You can combine both for $60/month to get the full selection.

#How many devices can stream at once?

Sling Orange allows just 1 stream, Sling Blue allows 3, and the combined plan allows 4. FuboTV supports up to 10 simultaneous streams depending on your tier, making it a much better fit for larger households.

#Does Sling or FuboTV offer 4K content?

FuboTV includes 4K viewing for select sporting events, movies and shows as part of its standard packages. Sling TV charges $5/month extra for 4K access through the Hollywood Extra add-on, so FuboTV is the better value if 4K matters to you.