As a consumer, I could not find any website making a simple comparison of DIRECTV vs Sling TV. Therefore, I decided to make one. At Path of EX, it is my hobby to bring the best deals for you and make the decision of buying the right thing easy for you. After reading this article, you should be able to decide whether DIRECTV or Sling TV suits your requirements. To provide you with a bang for the buck, I have extensively researched both TV providers’ benefits and customer reviews. 

DIRECTV vs Sling TV 

DIRECTV has the most comprehensive list of channels to let you watch whatever you love. It offers two different services, including DIRECTV stream (formerly known as AT&T TV) and DIRECTV satellite. DIRECTV stream is aimed at backpackers or anyone else who would love to enjoy a mix of live and on-demand TV.  Sling TV offers two basic plans and 1 premium plan that covers almost everything in terms of channels. The orange plan is focused more on sports, cartoons, or overall family requirements. The blue plan is more about sports, entertainment, and news.  Also, read DIRECTV vs Hulu TV: What Should You Choose?

Plans and Price Comparison of DIRECTV and Sling TV

You get 3-month premium networks along with your subscription. The subscription ranges between $49.99/mo with 75+ channels to $129.99/mo with 150+ channels. DIRECTV Satellite is claimed to be the #1 satellite TV service that comes with 99% reliability in terms of its channel connection. In the package, you get a professional dish installation, access to NFL SUNDAY,  a good quality DVR, and again, just like DIRECTV stream, 3-month premium networks. The subscription ranges between $64.99/mo with 165+ channels to $139.99/mo with 340+ channels. You can pick any package suitable for your requirements.  Sling TV Orange Plan is the cheapest TV plan that you can buy in 2022. It is priced at $35/mo and the best part is that you do not see any ads. The number of screens, however, is limited to 1 per subscription. In this Orange Plan by SLING, you get a total of 32 Live channels. The major channels are Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, etc. SLING TV Blue Plan covers a total of 43 Live channels, the major ones being Bravo, Discovery, FX, etc. That’s not all, you can use the same subscription on a total of 3 screens. Also, read DIRECTV vs YouTube TV: Who’s the Better Choice? All these benefits come at a price of $50/mo. SLING TV Orange and Blue Plan will cost you $50/mo but is better than its counterparts. It allows you to use the same subscription on 3 different screens with 51 Live channels to give you the best of both worlds. 

Channel Comparison of DIRECTV and Sling TV

DIRECTV has four different plans in which the Entertainment plan offers 165+ channels, the Choice plan offers 200+ channels, Ultimate Plan offers 70+ channels, and the Premier plan offers 340+ channels. Whereas Sling TV offers you a list of 50+ channels in its most expensive plan of $50/mo. The list of channels is as follows:  Also, read YouTube TV Review | Plans, Speed, and Video Quality

Sports Channels on DIRECTV

 Sling TV Channel list in 2022

Sports Channels of Sling TV

In this category, I think DIRECTV does a better job in terms of Sports channels. On the other hand, Sling TV is focused more on the streaming of mixed channels.  Also, read Get Apple TV Plus Free with T-Mobile Magenta Max

Availability Comparison of DIRECTV and Sling TV

You may ask whether DIRECTV is available in your area. Let me tell you that only in the United States. Here is the list of states it is available in the United States:  Sling TV is also a US-based service, and you will not be able to use it outside the US region. Both DIRECTV and Sling TV are US-based operators but DIRECTV offers its services in more states than Sling TV. Therefore, DIRECTV has the upper hand. Alongwith that, DIRECTV is a better choice for sports lovers because of its extensive sports channels inclusion.

Device Compatibility of DIRECTV and Sling TV

Sling TV is available on Android, iOS, and Chromecast platforms. Along with that, you can access Sling TV on the following TVs:

User Interface Comparison of DIRECTV and Sling TV

Sling TV’s app is called Slingbox 500, and overall its user interface is very simplistic. You get a LIVE TV Tab, TV Gallery Tab, Web Gallery, Apps, What’s New, and Settings. Youtube features, however, can be accessed from the UI in the US only.  The DIRECTV user interface is in blue color and has a vintage look to its interface. You can see the time, the playlist, and the top movies. It has round corners with a gradient finish and the DIRECTV logo at the top.  Both TV providers offer a similar type of user interface, but DIRECTV gives you more options to browse from. Also, you can monitor DVR space right on the app. My vote goes to DIRECTV in this case.

Cloud DVR Comparison Between DIRECTV and Sling TV

With Sling TV, you will pay $5.00/mo for using a DVR with 200 hours of storage. DIRECTV on the flip side sends you their first Genie DVR, which can be connected to your TV and stores for up to 200 hours. However, each additional set-top box will attract a fee of $7.00/mo. Hence, my vote goes to Sling TV in this case. 

Who wins, DIRECTV or Sling TV?

In my comparison, I have found DIRECTV to be a better contender in terms of its general channels, sports channels as well as the user interface. Sling TV offers you choices at a lower cost. However, it will not suit the requirements of sports enthusiasts. 

Wrapping Up

This completes my comparison between DIRECTV vs Sling TV. A limited period offer is going on on DIRECTV’s website, where you can save between $40 and $120. For more buck-saving tips, keep scrolling Path of EX.

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