Sling TV Vs DirecTV Now- Which is the better Livestreaming TV Service?
A lot of people are now moving from cable to Livestreaming Services because it is a more affordable way to access TV channels. Sling TV and DirecTV Now are among the popular live streaming TVs that you can subscribe to at affordable monthly prices.
Livestreaming TV Services have now taken the mantle of providing TV services. Live streaming TVs allow you to subscribe to their TV services without signing any yearly contract which serves as a great benefit to you. This is because it prevents you from experiencing inflation of monthly subscription fees after the year ends. In addition to this, both Sling TV and DirecTV Now provide you with a DVR that allows you to record all you favourite movies and shows and watch them later.
Table of Contents
When to use Sling TV
Sling TV is best for cord cutters who are looking to get top-notch TV channels at an affordable price. Without doubt, this live streaming TV provides you with a wide variety of channels that you can access depending on the TV package that you subscribe for. In addition to this, Sling TV also gives their subscribers flexibility of choosing to watch their favourite on-demand or rented content.
When to use DirecTV NOW
If you are willing to invest in livestreaming TV and want all premium channels then DirecTV NOW is a very good choice to consider. In addition to this, it also offers you a variety of local sports league networks which makes it ideal for you if you are a sports fan. This includes channels such as the NFL Network that broadcasts the whole NFL season throughout the year.
Sling TV Vs DirecTV NOW Feature Comparison
Features |
Sling TV |
DirecTV NOW |
Monthly Price |
$30/mo.-$45/mo. |
$55/mo.-$183/mo. |
Cloud DVR Storage |
Up to 10Hrs ($5/mo. for 50 hours) |
Up to 500 hrs |
Simultaneous Streams |
Up to 4 screens |
Up to 3 screens |
Channel Count |
50+ channels |
125+ |
Number of packages |
3 |
10 |
How we evaluate Sling TV and DirecTV NOW
For sure, Sling TV and DirecTV NOW are both remarkable live streaming TV services in the market today. However, they do come with a few differences therefore we followed a specific criteria to properly evaluate both Sling TV and DirecTV NOW:
- Channel Count– Total number of channels a TV service has to offer
- Price– This is the total cost of TV packages available
- Picture Quality– It is the video clarity offered by the DVR
- Packages offered– Variety of TV packages you have to choose from
- DVR storage space– This is the amount of space you have to save your shows
Sling TV Vs DirecTV NOW Overview
Sling TV Review
Sling TV lets you customize your own package with your favourite TV channels. It is widely known for its affordable Livestream TV packages as compared to other Livestream TV providers. Its lowest plan costs $30/mo. and will give you up to 47+ channels which you can choose from. However, if you want the premium channels like ESPN, you will be required to dig in to your pockets and pay $45/mo. It’s also important to note that their most premium package offers 50+ channels. In addition to this, Sling TV offers its clients a 7 day free trial as long as you sign up with your email and credit card. Once you are satisfied with the service, you will get $10 off from your first three months with the livestreaming platform.
However, Sling’s DVR and user interface are not the best that you will find on the market. It is a bit difficult to manoeuvre through Sling’s home page and to various TV programmes. When it comes to its DVR, the storage space is really wanting. Sling could definitely do better. Your DVR will have the capability of storing up to 10 watching hours and you will have to add some few bucks to get more storage which might be a bit costly at the end of every month.
| Features | |
| Price | $30-$45/mo. |
| Number of Packages | 3 |
| Channel Count | 50+ |
| User Profiles | 1 |
| Simultaneous Streams | Up to 4 |
| DVR Storage | Up to 10Hrs ($5/mo. for 50 hours) |
| Details | View plan |
Pros
- It is highly customizable.
- Has some premium networks like ESPN.
- Has flexible options.
- Equipped with Parental control feature.
Cons
- Few hours of DVR storage.
DirecTV NOW Review
DirecTV NOW is a livestreaming service that offers you a wide variety of channels that are still on offer on Cable. For sure, you can get your most coveted channel line-up on this livestreaming service but it comes at a cost. This is because DirecTV NOW is the most expensive livestreaming TV Service as compared to other livestreaming TV services.However, you will get access to 10 TV packages that you can choose from choose from if you consider to subscribe to their services.
It might be costly but you will get value for your money at the end of the day. If you are a movie junkie, DirecTV NOW got you covered. It is packed with a number of movie channels as well as television show. Binge watching will therefore be a non-issue. Not only is it equipped with movie channels but you will also have the best sports channel line-up, lifestyle shows, news and many more. Nonetheless, DirecTV NOW has also improved their user interface making it easier to navigate through the channels.You will also get decent DVR Cloud storage of up to 500hrs for packages above $65 and up to 20hrs for international packages.
| Features | |
| Price | $55/mo.-$183/mo. |
| Cloud DVR Storage | Up to 500 Hours |
| Channel Count | 45-125+ |
| Contracts | No |
| Video Quality | 1080p |
| Streams | 3 |
| Number of Packages | 10 |
| Details | Check Here |
Pros
- Has a lot of TV packages.
- The DVR has good cloud storage.
- Has a variety of channels.
- Has International TV packages.
Cons
- Costly as compared to other livestreaming TV services.
How does Sling TV and DirecTV NOW Compare?
Variety of TV packages
We all want to get the best value for money with the best TV channels a livestreaming service has to offer.Here, DirecTV NOW offers you a wider variety of channels as compared to Sling TV. This is because DirecTV NOW offers you 10 TV packages whereby 3 packages are exclusively for international channels. Sling TVon the other handoffers you only 3 TV packages that you can choose from. However, with Sling TV you will have more customizable TV packages that will best suit your needs.
Simultaneous streams
Simultaneous streams will enable multiple users to watch different TV channels from various devices irrespective of whether someone else is watching.Sling TV has more simultaneous streams as compared to DirecTV NOW. This is because Sling TV allows you up to 4 simultaneous streams whereas DirecTV NOW offers up to 3 simultaneous streams.
DVR Storage
All the top- notch live streaming services provide you with a DVR that allows you to record your best series and movies. However, DirecTV NOW provides you with a better DVR as compared to Sling TV’s DVR. This is because their DVR comes with a storage space of up to 500 hours which is more than Sling TV’s DVR storage space.
Conclusion
For sure, Sling TV is one of the most recommended live streaming services in the market today. However, DirecTV NOW is the overall winner as compared to Sling TV. This is because DirecTV Now offers you a wider variety of channels and a better DVR as compared to Sling TV.
FAQs
Is it possible to watch Sling TV using a VPN?
Not directly because Sling TV blocks any addresses associated with VPNs.
Can I get DirecTV NOW as an app on my TV?
Yes, however you will need a smart TV that supports the DirecTV NOW app.
