Although it may not be as widely recognized as giants like Netflix or Hulu, Sling TV has carved out a significant niche in the streaming wars. Launched in 2015, it pioneered the concept of live TV streaming, positioning itself as an affordable alternative to traditional cable subscriptions. Subscribers enjoy access to a variety of popular channels, a DVR service, and the flexibility to watch content at home or on the go across up to three devices. Dive into the details below to discover more about Sling TV, including the channels it offers, sports coverage like MLB games, and its monthly pricing.
What Is Sling TV?
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Sling TV is a subscription-based live TV streaming service that offers a range of popular channels, live sports, news, and more, without any long-term commitment. It's a go-to 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 approach features different plans tailored to specific viewer interests, rather than a one-size-fits-all model. All plans come with 50 hours of DVR storage, allowing you to record and watch your favorite shows and movies at your convenience.
A key differentiator (and a factor in its lower pricing) is that Sling TV does not include local channels such as ABC, CBS, and NBC. Instead, it suggests pairing your subscription with an HD antenna (sold separately) to access local content.
Sling TV is compatible with a wide 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 platforms like Fubo, Sling TV does not provide a free trial for new subscribers. However, it does offer Sling Freestream, a free streaming service that features 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 priced at $45.99 per month, but with distinct channel lineups tailored to different interests. For comprehensive coverage, you can combine the Orange and Blue plans for $60.99 per month, accessing the full 46-channel lineup, including all 22 exclusive channels.
The Orange plan is designed for sports fans 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, with eight exclusive to this plan, and supports streaming on one device at a time (with options to add more).
The Blue plan caters to pro football enthusiasts and news aficionados, offering 43 channels, including 16 exclusive news and entertainment channels. Highlights include CNN, Bloomberg TV, Fox (in select markets), FS1, Fox News, MSNBC, NFL Network, and more. This plan allows for simultaneous streaming on up to three devices.
Can You Watch Live Sports on Sling TV?
Yes, Sling TV offers live sports viewing, though most local games require an additional 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, ideal for a variety of sports including NFL, NBA, and MLB. The Blue plan, on the other hand, focuses on NFL Network and FS1. For avid sports fans, adding the sports bundle to your subscription can unlock even more channels like NCAA-specific networks, NFL Redzone, MLB Network, NBA TV, NBC Golf, and the Tennis Channel. This also means you can catch March Madness games through the service.
How Much Does Sling TV Cost?
Sling TV's Orange or Blue plans are priced at $45.99 per month, with the option to combine them for $60.99 per month to access all channels. There's a current promotion offering 50% off your first month, making it an attractive deal. For further savings, you can prepay for three months for as low as $99.
You can enhance your Sling TV experience with additional upgrades. For avid DVR users, the Unlimited Cloud DVR upgrade costs an extra $5/month and includes an Auto Record feature that saves live sporting events for up to three days. Sports enthusiasts can add a sports bundle for $11-15/month (depending on the base plan) to access more live sports content. For comprehensive NFL coverage, explore how to watch NFL games online.
For more on streaming platforms, check out guides on 2024 Hulu Subscriptions, Netflix Plans, ESPN+ Plans, and Disney+ Plans.