While not as widely recognized as Netflix or Hulu, Sling TV has carved a niche in the streaming landscape as the pioneer of live TV streaming since its launch in 2015. It offers a budget-friendly alternative to traditional cable, providing access to numerous popular channels, DVR functionality, and the flexibility to stream on up to three devices at home or on the go. Below is a detailed overview of Sling TV, including its channel offerings, sports content (such as MLB games), and monthly pricing.
What Is Sling TV?
Sling TV
50% off your first month!$45.99 now $23.00 at Sling TVSling TV is a subscription-based service delivering live TV, including popular channels, sports, and news, without requiring long-term contracts. It’s a go-to option for cord-cutters due to its affordability compared to platforms like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, offering tailored plans to suit varied interests rather than a generic channel package. Every plan includes 50 hours of DVR storage, enabling users to record live TV, favorite shows, and movies for later viewing.
A key distinction (and a reason for its lower cost) is that Sling TV excludes local channels like ABC, CBS, and NBC. To access these, Sling suggests pairing your subscription with an HD antenna (purchased separately).
Sling TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, PS5, PS4, Xbox consoles, select Samsung, LG, and Vizio smart TVs, Google TV, Xfinity devices, TiVo, and more.
Does Sling TV Offer a Free Trial?
Sling TV Freestream
Explore it at Sling TVUnlike competitors like Fubo, Sling TV does not provide a free trial for new users. However, it offers Sling Freestream, a free, ad-supported streaming service with a variety of channels and content at no cost.
Which Channels Are Available on Sling TV?
Sling TV offers two main plans: Orange and Blue, both priced at $45.99 per month, each with a distinct channel lineup based on viewer preferences. For comprehensive access, you can combine the Orange and Blue plans for $60.99 per month, unlocking all 46 channels, including 22 exclusive ones.
The Orange plan is ideal for sports enthusiasts and families, featuring channels like ESPN, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Food Network, Lifetime, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, TBS, and more. It includes 35 channels (eight exclusive to this plan) and supports streaming on one device at a time, with the option to add more.
The Blue plan caters to professional football fans and news enthusiasts, offering 43 channels (16 exclusive news and entertainment channels), including CNN, Bloomberg TV, Fox (in select markets), FS1, Fox News, MSNBC, NFL Network, and more. It allows streaming on up to three devices simultaneously.
Can You Stream Live Sports on Sling TV?
Yes, Sling TV supports live sports streaming, though local games typically require an HD antenna (sold separately). With channels split 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 prioritizes NFL Network and FS1. You can watch various live sports, including NFL, NBA, and MLB, but avid fans may want to add the sports bundle for access to additional channels like NCAA networks, NFL Redzone, MLB Network, NBA TV, NBC Golf, and the Tennis Channel, among others.
This setup also allows you to watch March Madness games.
What Are Sling TV’s Subscription Costs?
Sling TV’s Orange and Blue plans are each priced at $45.99 per month, or you can combine them for $60.99 per month to access all channels. A limited-time offer provides 50% off your first month, regardless of the plan. For additional savings, prepaying for three months starts at $99.
You can enhance your subscription with add-ons for extra features or channels. For frequent recorders, the Unlimited Cloud DVR upgrade costs $5 per month and saves live sports events for up to three days with its Auto Record feature.
Sports enthusiasts can add a sports bundle for $11–15 per month (depending on your base plan) to access more live sports. For NFL fans, here’s a guide to watching NFL games online.
For more streaming service insights, explore guides on 2024 Hulu Subscriptions, Netflix Plans, ESPN+ Plans, and Disney+ Plans.
