This article has been just updated: January 15, 2024
If you’re trying to cut down your monthly expenses, cord-cutting— canceling your cable or satellite TV subscription in favor of an alternative internet-based service—is among the first things you should consider.
It’s no secret that cable and satellite TV providers are charging their customer way too much for what they offer. According to Data provider S&P Global Market Intelligence, customers’ cable and satellite TV bills have soared 53 percent since 2007, to $100.98 in 2017. As if that wasn’t enough, the customers of most cable and satellite TV providers, including Comcast and AT&T, are expected to pay even more the next year.
The good news is that you’re not at the mercy of cable and satellite TV providers and their greedy pricing strategies. With Sling TV, you cat ditch cable or satellite TV for online video and save a lot of money each month in the process.
What Is Sling TV?
Sling TV is an American over-the-top internet television service that allows subscribers to watch many live and on-demand TV channels on a wide range of compatible devices. It was first introduced in 2015 at the Consumer Electronics Show. Whereas as cable and satellite TV services come on dedicated lines, Sling TV and other over-the-top internet television services come in over the internet. Sling TV states that you should have a broadband home internet connection of at least 5 Mbps (25 Mbps or higher is recommended) to enjoy the service.
Sling TV is owned by Dish Network, a US television provider that provided services to 13.7 million television and 580 thousand broadband subscribers. According to Dish, Sling TV is meant as a complement to subscription-based online services, including Netflix and Amazon Video, instead of being a full substitute for traditional cable and satellite TV.
Because Sling TV comes in over the internet, its picture quality is highly dependent on your internet connection. With a broadband home internet connection of at least 25 Mbps, you shouldn’t see much difference compared with most cable and satellite TV services. With a slower connection, you might encounter occasional picture quality drops and stutter. Audio is commonly available in stereo, but some video-on-demand (VOD) content is available in 5.1 surround sound.
As of now, Sling TV is only available in the US, and the company said that it had no plans to extend the availability to other countries for the foreseeable future.
Sling TV Pricing
With Sling TV, you don’t get to select which channels you want to pay for. Instead, your choice is limited to three packages:
- Sling Orange: Costs $25 per month and offers 22 channels, including ESPN and Disney. Sling Orange is limited to one simultaneous stream at a time.
- Sling Blue: Costs $25 per month and offers 35 channels, including Fox and NBC. Sling Blue is limited to three simultaneous streams.
- Sling Orange + Blue: Costs $40 per month and includes all channels from Sling Orange and Sling Blue. This package is limited to four simultaneous streams, but only one at a time of Orange channels.
In addition to these three packages, you can also purchase bundles of extra channels for $5 per bundle per month:
- Broadcast Extra: Unimas, Univision, ABC
- Sports Extra: Campus Insiders, NBA TV, NHL Network, Outside Television, Pac-12, Univision Deportes, beIN Sports, ESPN Bases Loaded, ESPN Buzzer Beater, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN-SEC Network, ESPN-SEC Network+, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, Motorsport TV, NFL Redzone, Golf Channel
- Comedy Extra: TruTV, CMT, GSN, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Spike, TV Land, El Rey
- Heartland Extra: FamilyNet, Outdoor Channel, PixL, RFD-TV, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network
- Hollywood Extra: Epix, Epix 2, Epix Drive-In, Epix Hits, Fandor Festival, HDNet Movies, Turner Classic Movies, Sundance TV
- Kids Extra: Nick Jr., BabyTV, Boomerang, DuckTV, NickTunes, Sling Kids, TeenNick, Disney Junior, Disney XD
- News Extra: BBC World News, CGTN, Euronews, France24, HLN, NDTV 24×7, News18, RT Network, TheBlaze, Fusion, CNBC, MSNBC
- Lifestyle Extra: BET, Cooking Channel, DIY Network, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Lifetime Movie Network, VH1, Vibrant, We TV, Z Living HD, FYI, E!, Oxygen Network
There are also four premium channels:
- Cinemax: costs $10 a month with Sling Orange and $10 with Sling Blue
- Showtime: costs $10 a month with Sling Orange and $10 with Sling Blue
- HBO: costs $15 a month with Sling Orange and $15 with Sling Blue
- Starz: costs $9 a month with Sling Orange and $9 with Sling Blue
Sling TV Compatibility
Sling TV is compatible with a wide range of services:
- TV boxes: Roku (TVs, boxes and streaming sticks), Apple TV (2015 and newer only), Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Xbox One, Android TV, Channel Master, Samsung Smart TV
- Mobile devices: all Android and iOS mobile devices
- Computers: all Windows and Mac computers
It’s not compatible with PlayStation (3 or 4), Xbox 360, and Apple TV (pre-2015 versions).
Benefits of Sling TV
The main benefit of Sling TV, when compared with cable and satellite TV services, is its low price. The service starts at just $25 a month, which is a bargain considering how many channels you get. Instead of depending on a cable box, you can watch Sling TV on many different connected devices, including your Smart TV, streaming box, game console, smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Because the user interface of Sling TV is similar to that of Netflix, finding interesting content is much easier. Instead of reading confusing titles and vague descriptions, you can simply scan your eyes over thumbnail images and instantly see what’s interesting and what’s not. The On Now section displays all shows that are currently airing, and an easy-to-use search function lets you find specific content in a matter of seconds.
There are no contracts to worry about, and you can cancel your subscription at any time with no penalties—no questions asked.
Downsides of Sling TV
The most important downside of Sling TV compared with cable and satellite TV services is the fact that you’re allowed to watch it from only one or three devices, depending on whether you go with the Sling Orange or the Sling Blue package respectively.
Let’s say you’re watching Sling TV in the living room and your spouse decides to connect from the bedroom. When Sling TV detects that someone else wants to connect to it, it lets you choose which device to continue streaming.
There’s also the fact that Sling TV comes with fewer channels than most cable and satellite TV services. Local channels are especially few and far between, which is why Sling TV encourages its customers to use an over-the-air antenna and control it with the Sling TV app.
Apart from local channels, you might also miss Animal Planet, Discovery channels, Fox News, MLB Network, Nickelodeon, OWN, TLC, and your favorite regional sports networks (RSNs).
Conclusion
If you feel that you’re paying way too much money for your cable or satellite TV subscription, Sling TV might be the ideal cord-cutting solution for you. Even though Sling TV recently increase the price of one of its packages, it still remains very affordable, offering a wide selection of popular channels and plenty of extras to boot. When combined with a subscription-based online service, such as Netflix and Amazon Video, Sling TV guarantees that your rainy Sunday afternoons and cozy winter evening will be anything but boring.
FAQ
What is Sling TV and how does it work as a streaming service?
Sling TV is an over-the-top (OTT) streaming service that offers a variety of live television channels without the need for a traditional cable or satellite subscription. Users access Sling TV through an internet connection and compatible device, choosing from various channel packages that include news, sports, entertainment, and more. Viewers can watch live TV or on-demand content within their selected package options.
Can you list the compatible devices for streaming Sling TV?
Sling TV is compatible with a wide array of devices including smart TVs, streaming media players (like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast), mobile devices (iOS and Android), gaming consoles (Xbox), web browsers, and digital media players. This compatibility offers users the flexibility to stream content wherever and whenever they choose.
What are the current package options available on Sling TV?
Sling TV primarily offers two base packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. These packages host a variety of channels with some overlap but also several distinct channel offerings. Additionally, subscribers can purchase add-on packages to further customize their viewing experience with options for sports, premium channels, international content, and more.
Does Sling TV include cloud DVR service in their packages?
Yes, Sling TV typically includes a base level of cloud DVR service with the ability to record a certain number of hours of live TV to watch later. Customers can often upgrade the service for additional storage space allowing for more hours of recorded content.
Is there a free trial available for new users interested in Sling TV?
Yes, there’s typically a free trial period offered for new Sling TV users, giving them an opportunity to test out the service before committing to a subscription. Once the trial period ends, users will automatically be converted to a paid subscription unless they choose to cancel.
How much does a Sling TV subscription cost?
The cost of a Sling TV subscription varies based on the chosen package and any additional add-ons. The base packages have a set price with the option to pay for extra channel or feature packages, and premium add-ons usually cost additionally per month.
Are local channels available on Sling TV?
Local channels on Sling TV are somewhat limited and availability depends on your geographic location. Some local channels like NBC and FOX may be available with Sling Blue package in certain markets, but customers may need to use an over-the-air antenna for a more comprehensive selection of local stations.
Is it possible to watch sports on Sling TV?
Yes, sports enthusiasts can access various sports channels with both Sling Orange and Sling Blue, and can also add specialized sports packages for even more coverage. Channels such as ESPN, NBC Sports Network, and others are available within the basic packages or sports-specific add-ons.
Can I stream Sling TV on multiple devices simultaneously?
The ability to stream on multiple devices at the same time varies by package. Sling Orange typically allows single-device streaming, while Sling Blue offers the ability to stream on multiple devices. Check the specifics of your package to understand your simultaneous streaming capabilities.
Does Sling TV offer parental controls?
Yes, Sling TV provides parental control features that allow parents to restrict content by rating level. This ensures that children can only access age-appropriate shows and movies.
How can I cancel my Sling TV subscription if needed?
To cancel your Sling TV subscription, simply log in to your account on the Sling TV website, navigate to the account settings, and follow the prompts to cancel your service. Cancellation can be done at any time as there are no long-term contracts.
Are international channels available on Sling TV?
Yes, Sling TV offers a robust selection of international channels as either stand-alone packages or add-ons. These packages include channels from various regions around the world such as Latin America, India, Europe, and more.
Can I customize my Sling TV channel lineup?
A major benefit of Sling TV is its flexibility in customization. After choosing a base package, you can add a variety of additional channel packages and premium channels to tailor your subscription to your interests.
What is the video quality like on Sling TV?
Sling TV streams its content in up to 1080p resolution, depending on the program and the device you are using. The quality of the stream can also depend on your internet connection speed and stability.
Is there a limit to how many channels can be added to my Sling TV subscription?
While there is no strict limit to the number of channels you can add, each additional package or premium channel will incur an additional monthly fee. It’s important to balance the cost with your viewing preferences when customizing your channel lineup on Sling TV.
How frequently does Sling TV update its on-demand library?
Sling TV updates its on-demand library regularly with new shows and movies. However, the frequency and timing of updates can vary based on agreements with content providers and other factors.
What is the best way to contact Sling TV customer support?
The best way to reach Sling TV’s customer support is through their help center or live chat feature available on their official support page. Phone support is also typically available for more immediate assistance.
Does Sling TV offer a recommendation feature for new content discovery?
Sling TV does feature content recommendations within their interface, suggesting new shows and movies based on your watching habits and favored content, which helps users discover programming that aligns with their interests.
Can I use third-party streaming apps with my Sling TV subscription?
Some third-party streaming apps may allow you to authenticate with your Sling TV subscription to access additional content that is part of your package. Details on which services and apps this applies to are typically found in the account settings or FAQs of the third-party app.
Does Sling TV offer 4K streaming?
As of the knowledge cutoff date, Sling TV does not offer 4K streaming. The service streams content primarily in high definition (up to 1080p resolution), but users with 4K devices can still view the content in upscaled form if their device supports upscaling.
