YouTube TV vs. PlayStation Vue: Which Streaming TV Service Is Best?

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NEWS ALERT: PlayStation Vue is shutting down! Sony announced that the live TV streaming service will no longer be available as of January 30, 2020. See Team Clark’s guide to compare other streaming options.


YouTube TV is a popular live TV streaming service for sports fans, but many Clark.com readers tell us that PlayStation Vue should not be overlooked.

Competitors like DirecTV Now, Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV have skinny TV bundles for around $50 a month or less, but PlayStation Vue may be a better fit for YouTube TV users who want to switch. Here are two reasons why…

YouTube TV vs. PlayStation Vue Comparison

  1. Price: PlayStation Vue has two streaming TV bundles that cost about the same as YouTube TV or less: “Access” for $49.99/month and “Core” for $54.99/month. These prices went up $5/month in July 2019.
  2. Channel list: PlayStation Vue’s “Core” plan includes many of the same channels as YouTube TV, including regional sports networks.

Important note: Local broadcast stations and regional sports networks will vary by location. Enter your zip code on YouTube TV and PlayStation Vue’s websites to see what’s available in your area.

Other Key Features to Consider 

Price and channel lineups aren’t the only main factors to consider when choosing a streaming TV service. Here are some of the major differences between YouTube TV and PlayStation Vue:

Cloud DVR

  • YouTube TV: No storage limits; recordings kept for up to 9 months
  • PlayStation Vue: Unlimited episodes on up to 500 programs; recordings kept for up to 28 days

Multiple Streams 

  • YouTube TV: Up to three devices at a given time
  • PlayStation Vue: Up to five devices at a given time

Supported Devices for TV 

  • YouTube TV: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One and more
  • PlayStation Vue: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, PlayStation consoles and more

Final Thought 

With YouTube TV and PlayStation Vue Access both priced at $49.99 per month, the best choice for you will likely come down to the channel lineup.

Although the channel lists are similar, they’re not identical. That’s why I recommend that you make a list of your must-have channels and use the search bar in our channel comparison chart to see which service is the best fit.

If you notice a lot of channels that you don’t want with both of these plans, see our list of the best cable TV alternatives!

Price hikes are frustrating, but keep in mind that cable TV rates are also going up. It’s still possible to cut your pay TV bill in half by switching to an internet-based streaming TV service.

First-time streamer? Start with our step-by-step guide to cutting the cord!

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Streaming TV Reviews: Which Service Do You Want to Learn About?

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fuboTV
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