5 reasons why PlayStation Vue is better than cable

3. PlayStation Vue doesn't have contracts, hidden fees or extra equipment

Sling TV opened my eyes to a better solution to cable. It's live TV streaming on almost any device without a monthly contract or any hidden fees.

The way PlayStation Vue's payment system is everything I liked about Sling TV and more.

PlayStation Vue

You don't need any additional equipment to run Vue, which means you won't have hidden fees like installation, equipment and service. Service is paid month-to-month like PlayStation Plus and the contract can be canceled without a fee.

As a downside, however, you'll need a pretty fast connection to keep up a solid stream - probably around 10 Mbps down. It's not more than most online games require, so if you're a frequent fragger in Call of Duty or a regular Messi on the pitch in FIFA 15 you shouldn't worry about it.

4. Vue is tied directly to the PlayStation Store and PlayStation Network

Arguably one of the greatest aspects of Vue is that it works on the hardware more than 20 million gamers already own. Its second greatest aspect piggybacks off the first, and that's that it has the power of the PlayStation Network behind it.

Where other services can only offer streamed content, live TV or video-on-demand movies, Vue offers all of those from within the same app by directly linking to the PlayStation Store. It's not all roses though: Any film purchased from the Store still costs money.

PlayStation Vue

While direct access to the PlayStation Store works really well for buying a film or checking out additional content, the way Vue hooks into PSN might be the next big social experiment.

Imagine a more social viewing experience where your friends can share what they're watching with you. Imagine sending them a message with a link to a show you want them to check out, or be able to join your party where you're hosting the latest episode of Archer.

None of these social functions are possible on the service right now, unfortunately. But a representative from Sony said the company is looking to integrate Vue on a system level, and these could be a handful of the many possible ways they go about doing it.

5. It's launching on PS3 and PS4, and coming to iPad

Where and how we watch TV is changing, and Sony is looking to capture that in the way it offers its new service.

A few years ago, the only place to catch cable was on the couch in your living room. Sure, now there are a handful of cable apps and live TV services that allow you to take your Better Call Saul addiction on the road with you, but they're not ubiquitous yet.

PlayStation Vue

PlayStation Vue will eventually accommodate both camps - the living room pragmatist and the on-the-go Millennial - when it launches on iPad later this year. Until then we'll see versions of the service on PS4 and PS3, two of Sony's most widely spread products.

And this is only how PlayStation Vue will work in the next six months. Just how it will grow and evolve alongside the PS4 remains to be seen. That journey, just like the service itself, is one I can't wait to watch.

Nick Pino

Nick Pino is Managing Editor, TV and AV for TechRadar's sister site, Tom's Guide. Previously, he was the Senior Editor of Home Entertainment at TechRadar, covering TVs, headphones, speakers, video games, VR and streaming devices. He's also written for GamesRadar+, Official Xbox Magazine, PC Gamer and other outlets over the last decade, and he has a degree in computer science he's not using if anyone wants it.