Sling TV is a live TV streaming service that costs between $15 and $65 per month depending on which channel package you choose

Sling TV lets you watch live television and on-demand shows through an app on your phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device instead of through a cable box. You pay a monthly fee, choose from a few different channel packages, and can cancel anytime without a contract. The service is owned by Dish Network but operates independently from traditional cable.

The basic packages start at $15 per month for Sling Orange (Disney, ESPN, CNN, and about 30 other channels) or Sling Blue (Fox, NBC, local channels in some areas, and about 45 channels). You can also combine both for $30 per month. Add-on packages for sports, international channels, or premium networks like HBO Max cost extra, ranging from $6 to $15 each.

Key Takeaways

  • Sling TV offers three base packages: Sling Orange ($15/month), Sling Blue ($15/month), or both combined ($30/month), with different channel lineups in each.
  • You can add premium channels and sports packages separately, which typically cost $6 to $15 per add-on per month.
  • The service works on most devices including phones, tablets, computers, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and some smart TVs, but you need to check compatibility for your specific device.
  • Sling TV does not require a contract, so you can pause your subscription for up to three months or cancel whenever you want.
  • You can stream on one or two devices at the same time depending on which package you choose, so household members may not all watch simultaneously.

What channels come with each Sling TV package

Sling Orange includes ESPN, Disney Channel, CNN, Food Network, HGTV, and about 30 other channels focused on entertainment and news. Sling Blue includes Fox, NBC, local channels in select markets, and about 45 channels total, with more sports and news options than Orange. If you want both, you get all channels from both packages for $30 per month.

The channel lineup changes occasionally as Sling negotiates with networks, so the exact list available to you depends on when you sign up and where you live. You can see the full current list on Sling TV's website before you pay. Local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) are available in some cities but not all — check whether your area is covered before subscribing if local news or sports matter to you.

Add-on packages and premium channels

Beyond the base packages, Sling TV offers add-ons for sports (like NBA League Pass or Pac-12), international channels, and premium networks. These typically cost $6 to $15 per month each. Common add-ons include Sports Extra ($11/month for additional sports channels), Heartland ($6/month for rural and western programming), and various international packages.

Premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz can be added separately. Some of these cost more through Sling TV than if you subscribed to them directly, so compare prices before adding them. Sling TV also offers a cloud DVR feature that lets you record programs and watch them later; the basic version is free but limited to 10 hours of storage, and you can upgrade to 200 hours for about $5 per month.

What devices work with Sling TV

Sling TV works on phones and tablets (iOS and Android), computers (Windows and Mac), and most streaming devices including Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Android TV. Some smart TVs have Sling TV built in, but not all — check your TV's app store or Sling TV's website to confirm your model is supported.

You cannot use Sling TV on a traditional cable box or satellite receiver. If you want to watch on your television, you need a compatible streaming device, a smart TV with the app, or a computer or tablet connected to your TV. Sling TV does not provide any hardware; you supply your own device.

How many people can watch at the same time

With Sling Orange, you can stream on one device at a time. With Sling Blue, you can stream on two devices at the same time. If you combine both packages ($30/month), you get three simultaneous streams. This means if you have three people in your household who want to watch different things at the same time, you need the combined package.

Sling TV does not restrict where you watch from, so you can log in from different locations. However, the service does monitor for account sharing across multiple households and may restrict access if it detects unusual patterns. The terms of service allow one household to use the account, though enforcement varies.

Pausing and canceling your subscription

Sling TV has no contract, so you can cancel anytime without penalty. You can also pause your subscription for up to three months if you want to take a break without losing your account settings and preferences. Pausing costs nothing and is useful if you know you will not watch for a few months but want to keep your account active.

To cancel or pause, log into your account online or contact Sling TV customer service. Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so if you cancel mid-month, you keep access until the end of that month. If you cancel and want to return later, you can reactivate your account, though you may need to set up your preferences again.

How Sling TV compares to other streaming services

Sling TV is a live TV service, which means it focuses on channels and live programming rather than on-demand shows and movies. This is different from Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu, which are primarily on-demand services. If you want live sports, news, or cable channels, Sling TV is designed for that. If you want a large library of movies and shows to watch whenever you want, you need a different service.

Other live TV streaming services include YouTube TV ($72.99/month), Hulu with Live TV ($76.99/month), and FuboTV (starting at $79.99/month). These typically cost more than Sling TV but include more channels and simultaneous streams. Sling TV is usually the cheapest option if you only want a few channels or do not need local channels in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need internet to watch Sling TV?

Yes, Sling TV streams over the internet, so you need a broadband connection. The service recommends at least 5 Mbps for standard definition and 25 Mbps for 4K, though most households with standard internet can stream without problems. If your internet cuts out, your stream will pause or buffer.

Can I watch Sling TV on my phone without WiFi?

Yes, if you have a cellular data plan. Sling TV works on mobile data, though streaming uses significant data — a one-hour show typically uses 1 to 3 GB depending on video quality. Check your data limits before streaming on cellular.

What happens if I go over my simultaneous stream limit?

If someone tries to watch on a third device when you only have two streams included, that stream will not start. You will see a message saying you have reached your limit. You either need to stop watching on another device or upgrade to a package with more simultaneous streams.

Is there a free trial for Sling TV?

Sling TV occasionally offers free trial periods, usually three to seven days, but these are not always available. Check Sling TV's website to see if a trial is currently offered. Trials require a payment method on file, and you must cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.

Can I use a VPN with Sling TV?

Sling TV's terms of service do not allow VPNs, and the service actively blocks VPN connections. If you try to use a VPN, your stream may not work. This is because Sling TV is required to enforce geographic restrictions on certain content.