Cord cutting has become a real trend. It is cheaper and even more flexible than cable. Now, you are probably confused between Playstation TV vs Sling TV, which have recently become very popular. Below, we will take a look at the differences and comparison of the two streaming services to help you decide the best one for your money.
After reading this article, you will understand better about:
– What Playstation TV and Sling TV offer and their costs
– What devices that are supported by these streaming services
– The supported streams and available channels on each service
– The trial period of Playstation TV vs Sling TV
– Which streaming service that is generally more recommended
Overview
Playstation TV can be quite expensive. There are four subscription options. You can choose between Access ($45 per month for 45+ channels), Core ($50 per month for 60+ channels), Elite ($60 per month for 90+ channels), and Ultra ($80 per month for 90+ channels including HBO and Showtime). The add-on packages start from $9 and up to $15. See also: Roku 2 XS vs XD.
This is the streaming service with the highest channel count for the moment. However, it is also among the most expensive. The pricing is a bit confusing because the channels offered will depend on where you live. Of course, one of the main advantages that Playstation TV offers is the ability to integrate seamlessly with PS4 and the Playstation ecosystem. So, it is a no-brainer to adopt for a PS4 player. It even has exclusive channels for Playstation Plus subscribers.
Sling TV, Blue ($25 per month for 40+ channels), and Orange + Blue ($40 per month for 45+ channels). Each additional channel or feature pack usually ranges from $5 to $20 per month.
Sling TV is the most flexible streaming service in the market, at least when it comes to pricing options. It implements an a-la-carte model which consists of base channel packages and various add-on options. The Orange bundle includes ABC and Disney channels (including ESPN and ESPN+). The Blue bundle includes Fox, NBC, and some other sports channels.
Supported Devices
What devices are supported by Playstation TV vs Sling TV? This is an important thing to consider, especially if you prefer to use a specific platform.
Playstation TV is quite flexible because it can work with various smart televisions. It supports Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV. It is also compatible with popular mobile devices including Android, iOS, Fire Tablets, and Nvidia Shield.
It supports Windows, Mac, and most web browsers. Furthermore, you can use it with Roku and Chromecast. Needless to say, it can be accessed from Playstation 3, Playstation 4, and Playstation 4 Pro.
Sling TV can be your choice if you ain’t a PS4 player. It doesn’t support Playstation devices, but it supports Xbox One. In addition, it can also work with Airplay and AirTV. It is compatible with a number of platform-specific devices including several LG Smart TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Samsung Blu-ray players, ZTE devices, Xiaomi Mi Box, and Xfinity X1.
Of course, Sling TV supports the usual popular platforms. It is compatible with Android and iOS devices, Windows, Mac, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Nvidia Shield, and the Chrome web browser.
Simultaneous Streams
The next important difference between Playstation TV vs Sling TV is the number of allowed simultaneous streaming activities. If you only use a single device, this is nothing to be worried about. But, if there are several devices or family members that will access the service, you should consider a solution that allows multiple simultaneous streams.
Playstation TV is better in this aspect. It allows a family to share one subscription account by creating up to 10 different user profiles. Furthermore, it will allow up to 5 simultaneous streams. So, multiple family members will be able to watch their preferred channels without disturbing the others.
Sling TV depends on the subscription. Orange only allows one streaming activity at a time, so this is good and cost-efficient for personal use. Blue, on the other hand, allows up to three simultaneous streams, so it is a more fitting choice for family use.
Available Channels
Playstation TV comes with a whopping number of channels, and you can expand your library even further with the add-on packages. Again, you can get discounts if you are a Playstation Plus subscriber. There are solid sports channels with full game replays, and great cable channels.
However, the DVR capabilities are somewhat limited. You need to add the programs to your My Shows list in order to save them temporarily for varying durations. The maximum is 28 days after the content is aired. Some channels can’t be recorded due to streaming rights.
Sling TV has a decent number of channels. There are live streams for NBC and Fox. The sports channel availability is good. There is a feature called “Game Finder”, which will help you find live and upcoming sports events. Unfortunately, Sling TV no longer has access to HBO and Univision channels because of a licensing dispute with AT&T.
Nevertheless, the other channels are still good. There are some cable channels. Some channels support video-on-demand, catch-up watching, and rewind/fast-forwarding features. 50 hours of Cloud DVR is available for $5, and can be accessed by most devices except Xfinity X1.
Free Trial
Lastly, consider the trial period. Both Playstation TV and Sling TV provide short trial periods for new users. This is good to allow you to see the available content before actually spending your money.
Playstation TV has a shorter trial period, which goes for 5 days. Well, this is still better than having no trial at all. But you will need to manage your time properly to get the most out of the trial.
Sling TV is slightly better with a trial period of 7 days. So, you get a full week to see what channels that the plan offers. You won’t miss the Saturday night’s broadcasts.
Playstation TV vs Sling
Conclusion
If you are a PS4 player and you want to access HBO, Playstation TV is great. Otherwise, Sling TV is generally more recommended because it is more cost-efficient. It has a decent range of channels and a flexible pricing structure. It also has Cloud DVR which will allow you to save your favorite scenes.