Although it may not be as widely recognized as Netflix or Hulu, Sling TV has carved out a significant niche in the streaming industry since its launch in 2015. As the pioneer of live TV streaming services, Sling TV offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional cable, providing subscribers with access to a variety of popular channels, a DVR service, and the flexibility to watch content on up to three devices, whether at home or on the go. Below, you'll find a comprehensive overview of Sling TV, including details on its channel offerings, sports coverage such as MLB games, and monthly pricing.
What Is Sling TV?
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Sling TV is a subscription-based live TV streaming service that delivers a wide range of popular channels, live sports, and news without the need for a long-term commitment. It's a top choice for those cutting the cord, offering a more budget-friendly option compared to services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. Sling TV's unique selling point is its tailored plans, which cater to specific viewer interests rather than a generic content lineup. Each plan comes with 50 hours of DVR storage, enabling you to record and enjoy your favorite programs at your convenience.
A key distinction of Sling TV, and a primary reason for its affordability, is its exclusion of local channels like ABC, CBS, and NBC. To access these, Sling recommends pairing your subscription with an HD antenna, which is sold separately.
Sling TV is compatible with a vast array 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 such as Fubo, Sling TV does not provide a free trial for new subscribers. However, it does offer Sling Freestream, a free streaming service with numerous channels and ad-supported content at no cost.
What Channels Does Sling TV Include?
Sling TV offers two main plans: Orange and Blue. Both plans are priced at $45.99 per month but provide different channel selections tailored to various viewer preferences. For those who want a comprehensive experience, you can opt for both the Orange and Blue plans combined, which gives you access to a 46-channel lineup, including 22 exclusive channels, for $60.99 per month.
The Orange plan, ideal for sports enthusiasts and families, includes channels such as ESPN, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Food Network, Lifetime, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, TBS, and more. It features 35 channels, with eight being exclusive to this plan, and allows streaming on one device at a time, with the option to add more.
The Blue plan, designed for football fans and news aficionados, includes 43 channels, with 16 exclusive news and entertainment channels. Highlights 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?
Absolutely, Sling TV provides access to live sports, though most local games require an additional HD antenna. With the channels divided between the Orange and Blue plans, you'll need to choose which sports networks matter most to you.
The Orange plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, while the Blue plan offers NFL Network and FS1. These channels cover a wide range of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. For avid sports fans, adding Sling's sports bundle is recommended, as it provides access to additional channels such as NCAA networks, NFL Redzone, MLB Network, NBA TV, NBC Golf, and the Tennis Channel. This service also allows you to watch events like March Madness.
How Much Does Sling TV Cost?
As mentioned, Sling TV's Orange and Blue plans are available for $45.99 per month each, or you can combine them for $60.99 per month to enjoy all available channels. Currently, Sling is offering a limited-time deal with 50% off the first month of any subscription. For further savings, you can prepay for three months for as low as $99.
To enhance your viewing experience, you can add upgrades to your Sling TV subscription. For an additional $5 per month, you can upgrade to Sling's Unlimited Cloud DVR, which includes an Auto Record feature that saves live sports events for up to three days. Sports enthusiasts can also add a sports bundle for $11-15 per month (depending on your base plan) to access more live sports.
For more information on streaming services, explore guides on 2024 Hulu Subscriptions, Netflix Plans, ESPN+ Plans, and Disney+ Plans.
