Sling TV vs. AT&T TV NOW

If you’re trying to decide which streaming service to get and you’ve narrowed it down to Sling TV and AT&T TV NOW, then you’re in the right spot. We’re here to help you make that difficult decision. So let’s dive in.

Sling TV doesn’t offer HBO, and this is Sling’s biggest fault. But it has lower package prices for those trying to save as much money as possible.

AT&T TV NOW has some premium channels included (you heard me: included) in its plan and has more channels overall.

Although Sling TV doesn’t have the king of premium channels, HBO, Sling TV is our winner.

How do Sling TV’s and AT&T TV NOW’s price compare?

Sling TV has a more affordable price tag than AT&T TV NOW

Sling TV has two inexpensive options if you’re OK sacrificing a chunk of channels to keep prices down, but if you want the full suite of what Sling TV has to offer, you’ll need the more expensive package.

With AT&T TV NOW, you can get up to 140 channels. Now, the price tag is a little high, but you’ll get a plethora of popular lifestyle, sports, kids, and news channels.

Does Sling TV and AT&T TV NOW have hidden fees?

Sling TV charges an extra $5 per month for its 50-hour cloud DVR (that’s not even worth $5). AT&T TV NOW doesn’t have any fees, whatsoever.

For some, it might be nice that the cloud DVR is optional if you’re not really into recording. DVRs are super convenient, but the more you can customize your service, the better chance you have of getting exactly what you want.

Although AT&T TV NOW doesn’t charge extra for its cloud DVR, Sling TV is still the overall cheaper option.

Which channels do Sling TV and AT&T TV NOW have?

If you want top channels like the Hallmark Channel, Cartoon Network, and Univision … AT&T TV NOW is your service

Depending on the plan you get, both services have an almost equal amount of popular channels. If you love your Hallmark Channel Christmas movies and your kids love Paw Patrol, AT&T TV NOW is for you.

Of course, AT&T TV NOW will have more popular channels because of its overall channel count, but check out the channel lineup for Sling TV and AT&T TV NOW, just in case. Price aside, though, AT&T TV NOW wins this section.

^{Data effective 8/13/2020. Offers are subject to change.}

Sling TV vs. AT&T TV NOW local channels

Back in the day, cable was the most reliable way to get good channels. But times have changed—and if you want to cut the cord and still watch ABC, FOX, CBS, CNN, or CNBC, check out both services to see if they offer them in your area.

• Check AT&T TV NOW’s available networks here.
• Check Sling TV network availability here.

Sling TV vs. AT&T TV NOW premium channels

An upside to AT&T TV NOW: HBO Max is included in the MAX package; STARZ channels are included in the ULTIMATE and PREMIER packages; and CINEMAX and HBO are included in the PREMIER package. It’s a solid win for everyone in the family with the variety.

And it can’t be overlooked that Sling TV doesn’t have HBO at all (or CINEMAX)!

So if you can live without Succession or The Wire, you’ll do great with Sling TV. But if you and your kids want to catch the cute new Scoob! series, you’ll have to pay a little extra for AT&T TV NOW. (Who doesn’t want to watch Scooby-Doo and the gang?)

^{Data effective 8/13/2020. Offers are subject to change.}

Which sports channels does Sling TV and AT&T TV NOW have?

The section you’ve all been waiting for (*drumroll*): the sports channel lineup. And we must say, AT&T TV NOW is a clear championship winner in this department.

If you’re looking for the most sports channels, AT&T TV NOW can get you as many as 20 sports channels, whereas Sling TV only offers eight.

So, it’s not hard to see that AT&T TV NOW is the option for sports aficionados.

Sling TV has the following sports channels:

• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPN3
• NFL Network
• NBC Sports Network (NBCSN)
• NBC Sports
• FS1
• Stadium

And AT&T TV NOW has the following sports channels:

How do Sling TV’s and AT&T TV NOW’s DVR compare?

AT&T TV NOW obviously beats Sling TV in the DVR game.

With 500 hours of DVR storage, that means AT&T TV NOW could let you record 30 Criminal Minds episodes, 10 Phineas and Ferb episodes, 20 Lifetime movies, and 40 MLB and NBA games, and still have space leftover.

Sling TV comes with 10 hours of DVR storage (not enough) or you must pay $5 for only 50 hours of DVR storage. Nope, you don’t get a choice to have more than just 50 hours (c’mon Sling).

Does Sling TV or AT&T TV NOW give you a better user experience?

Sling TV’s channel guide is easy to navigate, while AT&T TV NOW’s can be a little frustrating

Sling TV’s user experience is a bit smoother than AT&T TV NOW’s.

The Sling TV channel guide is similar to that of traditional cable. It has channel scrolling, time scrolling, and channel categories. There’s also a view that lets you see next week’s schedule so you can scope out which action movies you want to watch while cuddling with a glass of wine.

AT&T TV NOW’s channel guide is about the same as Sling’s, with some key differences. When you click on one of the genre tabs, you get a listing of only the current showings and what’s on for the next couple of hours. And if you want to exit the genre tab, you have to exit the channel guide altogether.

That’s not very convenient—or intuitive.

Which devices can you watch Sling TV and AT&T TV NOW on?

These days, we want our streaming service to be compatible with our phones, tablets, and TVs. After all, your commute on public transit is the perfect time to catch up on The Expanse.

Download the app on these devices so you can watch your TV show while on the train or waiting in a long line.

You can stream Sling TV on these devices:

• iPhones, iPads (iOS 9 and up, iPhone 4.0 and up)
• Android smartphones, tablets, and TVs
• Amazon Fire TV
• Apple TV
• Roku
• Xbox One
• Google Chromecast

Stream AT&T TV NOW all day long on these devices:

• iPhone, iPad (iOS 9 and up, iPhone 4.0 and up)
• Android smartphones and tablets
• Roku TV, Streaming Stick, Premiere, Ultra, Express, etc.
• Apple TV
• Amazon Fire TV, Stick, and Cube
• Google Chromecast
• Samsung Smart TV
• Chrome, Safari

Recap: Sling TV is the winner

Sling TV is more affordable, but AT&T TV NOW has more live TV channels

After comparing price, channels, DVR, user experience, and the bonuses, Sling TV comes out ahead. AT&T TV NOW is a great option for the family with its variety, and for premium-channel and sports fanatics, but Sling TV is a great option for anyone trying to save a buck.

• Pricing: All of Sling TV’s plans ($30–$45) are cheaper than AT&T TV NOW’s plans ($55–$183).
• Channels: AT&T TV NOW is perfect for those who want lots of live TV channels rather than just 50 or less. You’ll just have to make sure Sling TV’s channel lineup will satisfy the family’s watching needs. And don’t forget that Sling doesn’t have HBO or CINEMAX.
• Sports channels: AT&T TV NOW holds the championship belt between the two because it has a great variety of sports channels with major sports coverage. Sling TV only offers eight sports channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1.
• DVR: AT&T TV NOW lets you save 500 hours of recordings for 90 days versus Sling TV’s DVR that gives you 50 hours of storage for a $5/mo. fee.
• User experience: Sling TV has a simple cable-like channel guide and AT&T TV NOW gives a rough channel guide experience.

If you’re still on the fence, you can dive into the nitty-gritty details in our full reviews:

• Sling TV Review
• AT&T TV NOW Review

What do you think?

Do you have Sling TV or AT&T TV NOW? What’s your experience with it been? Or do you like a different streaming service better? Drop us a comment below!

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