While it may not be as widely recognized as 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, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional cable subscriptions. With a variety of popular channels, DVR services, and the flexibility to watch on up to three devices simultaneously, Sling TV has become a go-to for cord-cutters. Below, we delve deeper into what Sling TV offers, including channel lineups, sports coverage like MLB games, and pricing details.
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 live TV streaming service that provides access to a diverse array of popular channels, live sports, and news, without requiring a long-term commitment. It's an attractive option for those looking to cut the cord, offering more budget-friendly alternatives to services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. Sling TV's unique selling point is its tailored plans that cater to specific viewer interests, rather than a generic content package. Every plan comes equipped with 50 hours of DVR storage, enabling you to record and watch your favorite shows and live TV at your convenience.
A key differentiator (and the reason for its affordability) is that Sling TV does not include 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's versatility extends to its compatibility 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 other live TV streaming platforms such as Fubo, Sling TV does not provide a free trial for new subscribers. However, they do offer a free streaming service called Sling Freestream, which provides numerous free channels and ad-supported content at no cost to the user.
What Channels Does Sling TV Include?
Sling TV offers two primary plans: Orange and Blue. Both plans are priced at $45.99 per month, but they cater to different viewing preferences. For those who want the full package, you can combine the Orange and Blue plans for a comprehensive 46-channel lineup (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 such as ESPN, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Food Network, Lifetime, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, TBS, and more. It includes a total of 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, on the other hand, is designed for pro football fans and news aficionados, offering 43 channels (16 of which are exclusive news and entertainment channels). Notable channels include CNN, Bloomberg TV, Fox (in select markets), FS1, Fox News, MSNBC, NFL Network, and others. This plan supports streaming on up to three devices simultaneously.
Can You Watch Live Sports on Sling TV?
Indeed, Sling TV offers live sports viewing, although access to local games typically requires an additional HD antenna. Given the division of sports channels between the Orange and Blue plans, you'll need to choose which sports networks align with your interests when subscribing.
The Orange plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, while the Blue plan offers NFL Network and FS1 instead. This setup allows viewers to watch various live sporting events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. For avid sports fans, adding the sports bundle to your subscription can unlock additional channels like NCAA-specific networks, NFL Redzone, MLB Network, NBA TV, NBC Golf, and the Tennis Channel, among others.
This also means that you can enjoy March Madness games through this service.
How Much Does Sling TV Cost?
As mentioned earlier, Sling TV's Orange and Blue plans each cost $45.99 per month, with the option to combine them for $60.99 per month to access all channels. Currently, there's a promotional offer of 50% off your first month, regardless of which plan you select. For further savings, you can prepay for three months of service starting at $99.
To enhance your Sling TV experience, you can opt for additional upgrades. If you're a frequent DVR user, consider upgrading to the Unlimited Cloud DVR for an extra $5 per month, which includes the Auto Record feature to save 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), providing access to an even broader range of live sports. For comprehensive NFL coverage, explore how to watch NFL games online.
For more insights into streaming services, check out guides on 2024 Hulu Subscriptions, Netflix Plans, ESPN+ Plans, and Disney+ Plans.
