Although it may not be a household name like Netflix or Hulu, Sling TV has carved out a significant niche in the streaming wars. Launched back in 2015, it was the pioneering service to offer live TV streaming, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional cable subscriptions. Subscribers enjoy access to dozens of popular channels, a DVR service, and the flexibility to watch on up to three devices, whether at home or on the go. Dive into the details below to discover more about Sling TV, including its channel offerings, sports coverage like MLB games, and monthly pricing.
What Is Sling TV?
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Sling TV is a subscription-based live TV service that offers an array of popular channels, live sports, news, and more, without any long-term commitment. It's a top choice for cord cutters looking for an affordable alternative to pricier options like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. Sling TV offers various plans tailored to specific interests, rather than a generic content lineup. Each plan comes with 50 hours of DVR storage, allowing you to record live TV and enjoy your favorite shows and movies at your convenience.
A key distinction—and a reason for its lower cost—is that Sling TV does not include local channels such as ABC, CBS, and NBC. Instead, it recommends pairing your subscription with an HD antenna (sold separately) to access local programming.
Sling TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV devices, PS5, PS4, Xbox consoles, select Samsung, LG, and Vizio smart TVs, Google TV, Xfinity devices, TiVo, and more.
Does Sling TV Have a Free Trial?
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Unlike other live TV streaming services like Fubo, Sling TV does not offer a free trial for new subscribers. However, it does provide a free streaming service called Sling Freestream, which features numerous free channels and ad-supported content at no cost.
What Channels Does Sling TV Include?
Sling TV offers two primary plans: Orange and Blue. Both plans cost $45.99 per month but cater to different interests with distinct channel lineups. If you want comprehensive coverage, you can combine the Orange and Blue plans for $60.99 per month, accessing all 46 channels, including 22 exclusive ones.
The Orange plan is ideal for sports fans and families, including channels such as ESPN, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Food Network, Lifetime, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, TBS, and more. It offers 35 channels (with eight exclusive to this plan) and allows streaming on one device at a time, with the option to add more.
The Blue plan targets pro football enthusiasts and news aficionados, featuring 43 channels (16 of which are exclusive news and entertainment channels). Key channels include CNN, Bloomberg TV, Fox (in select markets), FS1, Fox News, MSNBC, and NFL Network. This plan supports streaming on up to three devices simultaneously.
Can You Watch Live Sports on Sling TV?
Yes, Sling TV offers live sports, though most local games require an HD antenna (sold separately) for viewing. Given that channels are divided between the Orange and Blue plans, you'll need to choose based on your preferred sports networks.
The Orange plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, while the Blue plan features NFL Network and FS1. These channels cover a variety of live sports events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. For avid sports fans, consider adding Sling's sports bundle to access additional channels like NCAA-specific networks, NFL Redzone, MLB Network, NBA TV, NBC Golf, and the Tennis Channel. This service also allows you to watch March Madness games.
How Much Does Sling TV Cost?
Sling TV's Orange and Blue plans are priced at $45.99 per month each, or you can combine them for $60.99 per month to access all channels. Currently, there's a limited-time offer of 50% off your first month, regardless of the plan you choose. For even greater savings, you can prepay for three months of Sling TV for as low as $99.
You can enhance your subscription with additional features. For instance, the Unlimited Cloud DVR upgrade costs an extra $5/month and allows you to save all live sports events for up to three days using its Auto Record feature. Sports enthusiasts can add a sports bundle for $11-15/month (depending on your base plan) to gain access to more live sports coverage. For those interested in NFL games, here's how to watch NFL games online.
For more information on other streaming platforms, check out guides on 2024 Hulu Subscriptions, Netflix Plans, ESPN+ Plans, and Disney+ Plans.
