What Sling TV is and how much it costs

Sling TV is a live television streaming service that lets you watch cable and broadcast channels over the internet instead of through a traditional cable box. You pay a monthly subscription and stream to your TV, phone, tablet, or computer. There is no contract — you can cancel anytime.

Sling offers three base plans. Sling Orange costs around $40 per month and includes ESPN, Disney Channel, and about 30 other channels. Sling Blue costs around $40 per month and includes Fox, NBC, and about 40 other channels. Sling Orange + Blue, which combines both, costs around $55 per month. Prices change periodically, so check the Sling website for current rates.

You can add channel packages on top of the base plan — sports, news, international, or kids channels — for $6 to $15 per month each. You can also add premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime for $10 to $15 per month each. Most people start with one base plan and add nothing else.

Key Takeaways

  • Sling TV streams live cable and broadcast channels over the internet with no contract, and you can cancel at any time.
  • The two main plans cost around $40 per month each, or $55 for both combined, and prices vary by region and change over time.
  • You need a compatible device — a Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer — to watch.
  • You can stream to one device at a time on Sling Orange, or three devices at once on Sling Blue or the combined plan.
  • Sling does not include local broadcast channels in most areas, so you may need an antenna to watch network TV live.

What devices work with Sling TV

Sling works on most modern streaming devices. You can watch on a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, or any smart TV with the Sling app built in. You can also watch on your phone, tablet, or computer using the Sling app or website.

You do not need a cable box or satellite dish. You only need an internet connection fast enough to stream video — Sling recommends at least 25 megabits per second for HD quality, though it will work on slower connections at lower quality.

If you already own a streaming device, you likely do not need to buy anything new. If you do not have one, a Roku Streaming Stick or Fire Stick costs $30 to $50 and works well with Sling.

How many people can watch at the same time

The number of simultaneous streams depends on which plan you choose. Sling Orange allows one stream at a time — only one person in your household can watch at once. Sling Blue allows three simultaneous streams, so three people can watch different channels at the same time. Sling Orange + Blue also allows three simultaneous streams.

If you live alone or with one other person, Sling Orange is usually enough. If you have a larger household or want people to watch different things at the same time, Sling Blue or the combined plan is necessary.

Local channels and network TV

Sling does not include your local ABC, NBC, CBS, or Fox stations in most areas. This means you cannot watch local news, local sports, or network shows live through Sling alone. You can watch network shows on-demand the next day through the network apps, but not live.

If you want to watch local channels live, you have two options. You can buy an over-the-air antenna for $20 to $60 and plug it into your TV — this gives you free access to local broadcast channels. Or you can add a local channel package through Sling in some markets, though availability is limited.

Many people use Sling for cable channels and an antenna for local channels. This combination often costs less than a traditional cable package.

Recording and on-demand content

Sling includes a cloud DVR feature that lets you record programs and watch them later. The free version gives you 10 hours of storage. You can upgrade to 200 hours of storage for about $5 per month.

Sling also includes on-demand content from the channels in your plan. You can rewatch recent episodes of shows, but you cannot watch full seasons or older content the way you can with Netflix or Hulu. The on-demand library is smaller than what you get with a traditional cable subscription.

Comparing Sling to other streaming options

Sling is different from Netflix or Hulu because it streams live television, not just on-demand shows and movies. If you want to watch live sports, news, or cable channels as they air, Sling is designed for that. If you only want to watch shows and movies on your schedule, a service like Netflix or Hulu is a better fit.

Other live TV streaming services exist, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV. YouTube TV costs more but includes local channels in most areas. Hulu + Live TV bundles live TV with Hulu's on-demand library. FuboTV focuses on sports. Each has different channel lineups and prices, so compare based on which channels matter to you.

Many people combine Sling with a free or low-cost service like Tubi or Pluto TV to fill gaps in their entertainment. Others use Sling for live TV and add Netflix or Hulu for on-demand content.

How to set up Sling TV

Setting up Sling takes about 10 minutes. First, download the Sling app on your device or go to the Sling website. Create an account with your email and password. Choose your plan and enter payment information — Sling accepts credit cards and PayPal. Your service starts immediately.

Once you are signed in, you can browse channels and start watching. You can change your plan, add channel packages, or cancel anytime from your account settings. There is no installation appointment or technician visit required.

If you have trouble with the app or streaming quality, Sling offers customer support through chat, email, and phone. Response times vary, but most issues are resolved within a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Sling on multiple TVs at the same time?

It depends on your plan. Sling Orange allows one stream total, so you cannot watch on two TVs at once. Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue allow three simultaneous streams, so you can watch on up to three devices at the same time — including multiple TVs, phones, or tablets.

Do I need a cable box or satellite dish?

No. Sling streams over the internet, so you only need a compatible device and a broadband connection. You do not need any cable or satellite equipment.

What happens if my internet goes out?

You cannot watch Sling without an internet connection. If you want to watch something offline, you would need to record it first using the cloud DVR feature, but even that requires internet to set up the recording.

Can I pause or rewind live TV?

Yes. Sling includes a feature called Cloud DVR that lets you pause, rewind, and fast-forward live TV. You can also restart a program from the beginning if you tune in late, though this depends on the channel and how recently the show started.

Is there a contract or early termination fee?

No. Sling has no contract and no cancellation fee. You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings, and your access stops at the end of your billing period.