Although it may not be as well-known as Netflix or Hulu, Sling TV has made significant strides in the streaming industry since its debut in 2015, becoming the first service to offer live TV streaming. Positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to traditional cable, Sling TV provides its subscribers with a variety of popular channels, a DVR service, and the flexibility to stream content on up to three devices simultaneously, whether at home or on the go. Dive into the details below to discover more about Sling TV, including its channel offerings, sports coverage (including MLB games), and monthly pricing.
What Is Sling TV?
### Sling TV
250% off your first month!$45.99 save 50%$23.00 at Sling TVSling TV is a subscription-based service that delivers live TV streaming, offering an array of popular channels, live sports, and news without the need for a long-term commitment. It's a top pick for those looking to cut the cord, as it's more affordable than major competitors like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. Sling TV's plans are tailored to different interests, providing a more personalized content experience than a generic, one-size-fits-all approach. Each plan comes with 50 hours of DVR storage, enabling you to record and watch your favorite live TV 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. However, Sling suggests complementing your subscription with an HD antenna (purchased separately) to access these local channels.
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?
### Sling TV Freestream
16See it at Sling TVUnlike many live TV streaming services such as Fubo, Sling TV does not offer a free trial for new subscribers. However, it does provide a free streaming option through Sling Freestream, which offers a variety of free channels and ad-supported content at no cost.
What Channels Does Sling TV Include?
Sling TV offers two primary plans: Orange and Blue, each priced at $45.99 per month, but with different channel lineups to cater to various preferences. For those who want comprehensive coverage, you can combine the Orange and Blue plans for a total of 46 channels, including all 22 exclusive channels, at a combined rate of $60.99 per month.
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 in total, 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 fans and news aficionados, offering 43 channels, with 16 being exclusive news and entertainment channels. Highlights include CNN, Bloomberg TV, Fox (in select markets), FS1, Fox News, MSNBC, NFL Network, and others. The Blue plan allows streaming on up to three devices simultaneously.
Can You Watch Live Sports on Sling TV?
Absolutely, Sling TV provides access to live sports, though local games may require an additional HD antenna (sold separately). With channels split between the Orange and Blue plans, your choice will depend on which sports networks you prioritize.
The Orange plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, while the Blue plan offers NFL Network and FS1 instead. Across these channels, you can enjoy a range of live sports events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. For avid sports fans, adding the sports bundle to your subscription can unlock additional channels like NCAA networks, NFL Redzone, MLB Network, NBA TV, NBC Golf, and the Tennis Channel.
This setup also allows you to watch March Madness games on the service.
How Much Does Sling TV Cost?
As mentioned earlier, Sling TV's Orange or Blue plans are priced at $45.99 per month, or you can opt for the combined plan at $60.99 per month. Currently, there's a limited-time offer providing 50% off your first month, no matter which plan you choose. For further savings, you can prepay for three months of service starting at $99.
You can enhance your Sling TV experience with additional upgrades. For instance, if you enjoy recording live TV, you can upgrade to the Unlimited Cloud DVR for an additional $5 per month, which 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 per month (depending on your base plan), granting access to even more live sports coverage. If you're keen on catching NFL games throughout the season, explore how to watch NFL games online.
For more insights on streaming services, take a look at the 2024 Hulu Subscriptions, Netflix Plans, ESPN+ Plans, and Disney+ Plans.
