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Sling TV Review

Matt Tamanini
Matt Tamanini is the News Editor at The Streamable, where he oversees daily news coverage and editorial strategy, with a particular focus on breaking stories, streaming comparisons, and major industry events. A well-rounded journalist with a diverse background, Matt joined The Streamable in 2022 after holding key editorial roles at several high-profile outlets. He has an extensive career in sports and entertainment journalism, having served as a senior editor for BroadwayWorld, the world’s largest theater website, and as managing editor for Land-Grant Holy Land, which covers Ohio State sports.
Read full bio ›
Matt Tamanini
•
With a background in sports and entertainment reporting, he’s covered everything from Broadway to college football. He cut the cord in 2014 and has a sharp eye for streaming trends and a soft spot for Hallmark movies.
With a background in sports and entertainment reporting, he’s covered everything from Broadway to college football. He cut the cord in 2014 and has a sharp eye for streaming trends and a soft spot for Hallmark movies.

Sling is a live TV streaming service with multiple channel packages. The $45.99 per month “Sling Orange” plan offers about 30 channels, including Disney Channel and ESPN. The $45.99 per month “Sling Blue” plan offers about 40 channels, including ABC, Fox, and NBC in major markets.

To get the best deal, you can combine Orange+Blue for a total of $60.99 / month. Sling also offers a bunch of channel add-on packages starting at $6 per month.

Sling Blue or Orange+Blue users in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Houston, Fresno, Raleigh-Durham, and San Francisco do have to pay an extra $5 per month because those markets have access to their local ABC affiliate.

Sling doesn’t carry CBS in any of its packages, which could be a deciding factor for some, especially for sports enthusiasts. If you can’t live without CBS, we’d recommend simply sign up for Paramount+, which gives you live access to your local CBS affiliate.

In August 2025, Sling added Passes, allowing users access to Sling channels for shorter periods. The slimmer plans were useful for binge-watching specific movies or shows, or catching a weekend of games without needing a full monthly subscription. The Passes were available in 1-Day, 3-Day, and 7-Day options, each including 34 channels from the Sling Orange package. Those were later discontinued completely in October 2026.

For customers only looking for a few select channels, Sling’s Essential package is $19.99 per month and includes Bounce TV, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, Freeform, Grit, GSN, Hallmark Mystery, Heroes & Icons, Lifetime Movie Network, MeTV, and Start TV.

Additionally, Sling added the Sling Select plan, a smaller $29.99 bundle that offers Fox News, FS1, FX, Grit, GSN, Heroes & Icons, Lifetime Movie Network, MeTV, National Geographic, NFL Network, and Vice TV, with ABC, Fox, and NBC also being available in select markets.

Sling TV also includes access to all channels and on-demand content Sling Freestream. The lineup features a strong variety of news, entertainment, and international programming.

How much does Sling TV cost?

Sling TV is available starting at $19.99 / month. See the full list: Sling TV Pricing & Plans

Does Sling TV have a free trial?

Sling TV does not have a free trial.

Does Sling TV have a DVR?

Sling TV includes 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage. You can upgrade to Unlimited of Cloud DVR storage for $5 / month.

What channels are on Sling TV?

Sling TV includes channels including 17 top cable channels. See the full list: Sling TV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on Sling TV?

Sling TV allows up to 4 devices at the same time. See more details: Sling TV Simultaneous Streams

Does Sling TV have local channels?

Sling TV includes ABC, Fox, and NBC in most, but not all markets. See the full list: Sling TV Local Channels.

Does Sling TV have live sports?

Sling TV includes live sports from ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, NFL Network, TBS, TNT, and USA Network. See the full list: Sling TV Sports Channels.

Does Sling TV offer premium channels?

Sling TV offers premium channels like MGM+, Parmount+ with SHOWTIME, and Starz for an additional fee. See the full list: Sling TV Premium Channels.

Does Sling TV offer on demand content?

Sling TV includes on demand content from most of the channels they offer. Unlike content on your DVR, you won’t be able to skip ads.

Does Sling TV support TV Everywhere apps?

Sling TV includes access to many TV Eveywhere Apps with your Sling TV credentials. See the full list: Sling TV TV Everywhere Apps.

Does Sling TV have a TV Guide?

Sling TV includes a TV Guide similar to what you would get with your cable or satellite set-top box.

Does Sling TV have ads?

Sling TV includes ads during live viewing of shows, as well on all on-demand content. You can skip ads when you watch shows recorded to your DVR.

Does Sling TV offer 4K streaming?

Sling TV includes select 4K content as part of the service. A compatible device would be required.

Does Sling TV offer Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound?

Sling TV does not include Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound as part of the service.

Sling TV
$19.99 – $60.99 sling.com
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Sling TV News

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Review

Sling TV stands out as one of the most budget-friendly live TV streaming services, and with its recent additions, it’s leaning even harder into a new level of consumer flexibility. The core of the service remains its customizable approach with two base packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Orange, with its single stream limit, focuses on channels like ESPN and Disney, while Blue offers multiple streams and includes channels from FOX and NBC. Subscribers can still combine both for a wider, though more expensive, selection.

The most affordable way to watch Sling currently is Sling Essentials, a “skinny bundle” that starts at just $19.99 per month. This curated, budget-friendly option is ideal for those who want a handful of popular news, sports, and entertainment channels (like FOX News, FS1, and NFL Network) without the bloat of a traditional cable-like package.

Despite these new, appealing options, Sling TV still comes with its compromises. Local channel availability remains a major drawback, with no CBS and limited access to ABC, NBC, and FOX in most markets. The interface, while functional, feels less polished than competitors’, and the channel selection is leaner than that of more expensive services. However, Sling includes 50 hours of DVR with all plans, and its new offerings, like the Sling Select plan, solidify its position as the most flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional cable. For the viewer who wants to pay for exactly what they watch, Sling is no longer just a strong option; it’s practically a revolution.

PROS

  • One of the most affordable and customizable live TV streaming options
  • Sling Select plan offers a curated, low-cost option
  • Includes 50 hours of DVR storage with every plan
  • Compatible with most major streaming devices
  • Frequent deals and discounted bundles

CONS

  • Missing some local channels like CBS, and the availability of ABC, NBC, and FOX varies by region
  • Limited channel selection compared to competitors
  • Interface and navigation can feel outdated or inconsistent

Sling TV Guides

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Features

50 hours Cloud DVR

Sling TV includes 50 hours of recording space with each subscription. For $5/month, you can include a cloud DVR with Unlimited of recording space.

Unlike most cloud DVRs, Sling’s allows you to record individual episodes, all episodes of a series, or only new episodes of a series. You can also protect recordings to keep them indefinitely. If you cancel your service, Sling will keep your recording for up to 30 days in case you decide to return to the service.

Up to 4 Devices

“Sling Orange” ($45.99) lets you stream on 1 device at a time. “Sling Blue” ($45.99) allows for 3 simultaneous streams (among TV devices, smartphones, tablets, and computers).

If you subscribe to both plans, you can stream on up to 4 devices for content that is offered on both plans.

19 TV Everywhere Apps

Sling TV gives you access to 19 different TV Everywhere apps.

List of Compatible Apps

On Demand

A majority of channels offer on demand content, but you can’t skip or fast-forward through the content.

Parental Controls

In Sling TV settings, you can restrict content playback based on content ratings.

DIRECTV and Hulu Live TV also have parental control features.

International Channels Feature

Sling TV offers international content from Mexico, China, India, Brazil, and other countries, starting at $5/month.

NFL RedZone Feature

The Sports Extra ($11) add-on for “Sling Blue” includes NFL RedZone.

Video Controls Restricted Feature

When watching some programming on Sling, you may not be able to pause, fast-forward, or rewind. This setback sometimes appears at random, which can be frustrating.

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Compatible Devices

Sling TV is compatible with these devices:

Sling TV is not compatible with PlayStation, Nintendo, or onn devices.

  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Apple TV 4K
  • Google Chromecast
  • Roku
  • Android TV
  • iPhone/iPad
  • Android Phone/Tablet
  • Mac
  • Windows
  • Xbox
  • LG Smart TV
  • Samsung Smart TV
  • Sony Smart TV
  • VIZIO Smart TV
  • PlayStation
  • Nintendo
  • onn
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Channels

Local Channels

“Sling Orange” ($45.99) doesn’t include any local channels.

“Sling Blue” ($45.99) includes local ABC, Fox, and NBC channels in most major markets. Currently, Sling does not offer CBS, Telemundo, The CW or Univision for most subscribers.

If you need CBS, consider subscribing to Paramount+ with Showtime ($11.99 / month). It includes live CBS, blockbuster movies, and almost all the biggest hits from BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Smithsonian Channel.

You can get free access to CW shows with The CW apps with no subscription needed.

Local Channel Restrictions

You can only access local channels and regional sports networks when you are in your home city. For example, if you live in San Francisco and travel to New York, you won’t be able to stream any local channels.

Top Cable Channels

“Sling Orange” includes 17 of the top 35 cable channels and “Sling Blue” includes 24 top channels. The combo package has 27 most popular channels.

A number of channels can be added with their “Comedy,” “Kids,” “Lifestyle,” and “News” Extra packs ($6 each). Sling also offers a bundle of all four extra packs for only $13.

The top 35 cable channels cable channels are listed below. For a list of channels in each plan and extra packs, look at Sling TV’s full channel lineup.

Essentials

$19.99
Save with Sling $19.99 sling.com

Sling Select

$29.99
Save with Sling $29.99 sling.com

Sling Orange

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Blue

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Orange + Blue

$60.99
Save with Sling $60.99 sling.com

Sports Channels

National Sports Channels

Sling TV offers different national sports channels for in their plans. ESPN and ESPN2 are exclusive to “Sling Orange” and FS1 and USA Network are exclusive to “Sling Blue”. Both plans include TBS and TNT.

If you subscribe to the “Sling Orange + Blue” combo plan, you will receive both sets of channels.

Essentials

$19.99
Save with Sling $19.99 sling.com

Sling Select

$29.99
Save with Sling $29.99 sling.com

Sling Orange

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Blue

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Orange + Blue

$60.99
Save with Sling $60.99 sling.com

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

Sling TV no longer carries Regional Sports Networks. Previously, the service included those from Fox Sports and NBC Sports in Sling Blue.

RSNs in Other Markets

Essentials

$19.99
Save with Sling $19.99 sling.com

Sling Select

$29.99
Save with Sling $29.99 sling.com

Sling Orange

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Blue

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Orange + Blue

$60.99
Save with Sling $60.99 sling.com

Pro Sports

“Sling Blue” includes NFL Network.

Sling TV also offers a “Sports Extra” pack that includes MLB Network, NBA TV, and NHL Network.

Essentials

$19.99
Save with Sling $19.99 sling.com

Sling Select

$29.99
Save with Sling $29.99 sling.com

Sling Orange

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Blue

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Orange + Blue

$60.99
Save with Sling $60.99 sling.com

College Sports

Sling TV does not include any college sports networks as part of their standard plans.

However, the “Sports Extra” add-on includes Pac-12 Network. “Sling Orange” subscribers with “Sports Extra” will also have access to ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, ESPNU, and SEC Network.

Sling does not offer CBS Sports Network.

Essentials

$19.99
Save with Sling $19.99 sling.com

Sling Select

$29.99
Save with Sling $29.99 sling.com

Sling Orange

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Blue

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Orange + Blue

$60.99
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Other Sports Channels

The Sling TV “Sports Extra” pack offers channels like beIN Sports, ESPNEWS, Golf Channel, and Tennis Channel. The channels you receive in this add-on depends on whether you subscribe to “Sling Orange” or “Sling Blue.”

Essentials

$19.99
Save with Sling $19.99 sling.com

Sling Select

$29.99
Save with Sling $29.99 sling.com

Sling Orange

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Blue

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Orange + Blue

$60.99
Save with Sling $60.99 sling.com

Premium Channels

You can add Showtime ($10) and Starz ($9) to any Sling TV plan.

Essentials

$19.99
Save with Sling $19.99 sling.com

Sling Select

$29.99
Save with Sling $29.99 sling.com

Sling Orange

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Blue

$45.99
Save with Sling $45.99 sling.com

Sling Orange + Blue

$60.99
Save with Sling $60.99 sling.com

Add-Ons

Sling TV offers more ways to save than any other live TV streamer. The channels in each of these bundles will change, depending on your base package. You can also get a bundle deal. The 4 Extras package is $13 and includes everything from Entertainment Extra, Kids Extra, News Extra, and Lifestyle Extra. The Total TV Deal is $21-27 and includes every add-on channel.

Sling TV
$19.99 – $60.99 sling.com
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Tech Specs

  • High definition video is similar to other streaming services, but only offers 60 FPS on select channels
  • Live streaming works well, with occasional issues switching channels.
  • Live content is about 55 seconds behind cable TV, which is longest delay of any of the streaming services.
  • Long lag when switching channels, so don’t expect to channel surf.
4K
1080p
720p

720p HD
(Up to 4K UHD)

Streams are at least 720p and most are at 30 fps. Select events are available in 4K.

To reduce playback interruptions, Sling TV will adapt the stream quality to match your network connection.

30 FPS
60 FPS

30/60 FPS

Sling TV recently added 60 fps on most national sports channels, Showtime, and EPIX.

Stereo Sound

Stereo Sound

All live TV content has standard stereo audio. Some on demand content has Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.

Live Streaming Reliability
2
 
 
 
On Demand Reliability
3
 
 

Reliability

Sling recommends at least 3 Mbps for mobile devices and 5 Mbps for television devices.

We rarely had issues once a stream was started, but we often had errors starting a live stream—requi

Sling TV
$19.99 – $60.99 sling.com
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does Sling TV cost?

Sling TV is available starting at $19.99 / month. See the full list: Sling TV Pricing & Plans

Does Sling TV have a free trial?

Sling TV does not have a free trial.

Does Sling TV have a DVR?

Sling TV includes 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage.

You can upgrade to Unlimited of Cloud DVR storage for $5 / month.

What channels are on Sling TV?

Sling TV includes channels including 3 top cable channels. See the full list: Sling TV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on Sling TV?

Sling TV allows up to 4 devices at the same time. See more details: Sling TV Simultaneous Streams

Does Sling TV have local channels?

Sling TV includes ABC, Fox, and NBC in most, but not all markets. See the full list: Sling TV Local Channels.

Does Sling TV have live sports?

Sling TV includes live sports from ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, NFL Network, TBS, TNT, and USA Network. See the full list: Sling TV Sports Channels.

Does Sling TV offer premium channels?

Sling TV offers premium channels like MGM+, Parmount+ with SHOWTIME, and Starz for an additional fee. See the full list: Sling TV Premium Channels.

Does Sling TV offer on demand content?

Sling TV includes on demand content from most of the channels they offer. Unlike content on your DVR, you won’t be able to skip ads.

Does Sling TV support TV Everywhere apps?

Sling TV includes access to many TV Eveywhere Apps with your Sling TV credentials. See the full list: Sling TV TV Everywhere Apps.

Does Sling TV have a TV Guide?

Sling TV includes a TV Guide similar to what you would get with your cable or satellite set-top box.

Does Sling TV have ads?

Sling TV includes ads during live viewing of shows, as well on all on-demand content. You can skip ads when you watch shows recorded to your DVR.

Does Sling TV offer 4K streaming?

Sling TV includes select 4K content as part of the service. A compatible device would be required.

Does Sling TV offer Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound?

Sling TV does not include Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound as part of the service.

Matt Tamanini
Matt Tamanini is the News Editor at The Streamable, where he oversees daily news coverage and editorial strategy, with a particular focus on breaking stories, streaming comparisons, and major industry events. A well-rounded journalist with a diverse background, Matt joined The Streamable in 2022 after holding key editorial roles at several high-profile outlets. He has an extensive career in sports and entertainment journalism, having served as a senior editor for BroadwayWorld, the world’s largest theater website, and as managing editor for Land-Grant Holy Land, which covers Ohio State sports.
Read full bio ›

DIRECTV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new DIRECTV STREAM subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Sling TV subscribers to Sling Orange, Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.