With so many streaming services competing for NFL fans, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. NFL+, Sling TV, and YouTube TV are three of the most popular options — but each serves a very different type of viewer. Some are cheap but limited, others are more expensive but nearly all-inclusive.
This guide will break down the differences, costs, features, pros, and cons of each service, helping you decide which offers the best value for NFL streaming in 2025.
NFL+ – The Budget Choice
Price: $6.99/month (Basic) or $14.99/month (Premium)
Best For: Casual fans who don’t mind watching on mobile devices.
Features
- Live local and primetime games (on mobile and tablets only)
- Game replays and condensed versions
- Audio of every game (home, away, and national radio feeds)
Pros
- Cheapest official NFL option
- Perfect for fans who watch casually on the go
- Replays allow you to catch up if you miss a live game
Cons
- Mobile-only — no Smart TV or desktop streaming
- Does not include every out-of-market game
- Limited international availability
👉 Verdict: Great for mobile-first fans on a budget, but not a full solution.
Sling TV – The Budget-Friendly Cable Alternative
Price: From $40/month (Sling Orange or Sling Blue)
Best For: Fans who want TV flexibility at a lower cost than cable.
Features
- ESPN, FOX, NBC (in select markets)
- Works on TVs, streaming devices, and mobiles
- Add-on options for sports bundles
Pros
- More affordable than YouTube TV or Hulu
- Flexible plans (Orange = ESPN, Blue = FOX/NBC)
- Works on nearly any device
Cons
- Does not include CBS (many NFL games air here)
- Availability of FOX and NBC varies by location
- May still require another service for full NFL coverage
👉 Verdict: Best for cost-conscious fans who don’t need every game, but want primetime coverage.
YouTube TV – The All-In-One Solution
Price: $72.99/month (NFL Sunday Ticket available for $349/season)
Best For: Fans who want complete coverage with unlimited DVR.
Features
- 100+ channels including ESPN, FOX, NBC, CBS
- NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market Sunday games
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Supports multiple devices
Pros
- Nearly complete NFL coverage in one subscription
- Best DVR features for fans who can’t watch live
- Easy setup across all devices
Cons
- Higher price compared to Sling or NFL+
- Sunday Ticket is an expensive add-on
- Still subject to some regional restrictions
👉 Verdict: Best for serious fans or families who want a one-stop solution.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Service | Monthly Cost | Device Support | NFL Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL+ | $6.99 | Mobile, Tablet | Local + primetime games only | Casual/mobile fans |
| Sling TV | $40+ | TV, Laptop, Mobile | ESPN, FOX, NBC (no CBS) | Budget-conscious cord cutters |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | All devices | Nearly full coverage + DVR | Hardcore fans & families |
Which Is the Best Value in 2025?
- NFL+ → Cheapest, but too limited for full coverage.
- Sling TV → Best balance for budget-conscious fans, but not complete.
- YouTube TV → Expensive, but the most complete all-in-one option.
👉 For fans who want everything in one place, YouTube TV offers the best value despite its price.
👉 For fans who want cheap, mobile-only access, NFL+ is the simplest option.
👉 For fans who want a budget-friendly TV experience, Sling TV is the sweet spot.
👉 For worldwide fans who want full coverage at lower cost, our recommended alternative solution may be the best choice.
