Sling TV has become a popular choice for cord-cutters looking for a flexible and affordable way to stream television. As one of the leading live TV streaming services in the U.S., Sling TV offers a variety of packages, channels, and pricing options that cater to different preferences and needs. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Sling TV, from its channel lineup to its app features, pricing, and subscription plans.
What is Sling TV?
Sling TV is an over-the-top (OTT) service that allows users to stream live TV over the internet without the need for a traditional cable or satellite subscription. It offers a wide variety of channels, including live sports, news, entertainment, and more. Sling TV is available on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV. It is known for its affordable pricing and flexible subscription options.
Channels Available on Sling TV
Sling TV offers a broad range of channels across different categories, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Channels are available in bundles based on interests such as entertainment, news, sports, and family programming.
1. Entertainment Channels
Sling TV’s entertainment channel lineup is one of its strongest offerings. Subscribers can enjoy popular channels like AMC, TNT, TBS, FX, and USA Network. These channels provide a mix of scripted shows, movies, and original series.
2. Sports Channels
For sports enthusiasts, Sling TV includes several sports networks such as ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and NFL Network. Sling TV’s sports channel offerings are especially robust with its “Sports Extra” add-on package, which gives access to even more niche sports channels like NBA TV, NHL Network, and more.
3. News Channels
If you’re a fan of live news, Sling TV provides a wide range of news channels, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and CNBC. This makes it an excellent choice for keeping up with breaking news and global events.
4. Family and Kids Channels
Sling TV also offers several family-friendly and kids’ channels, including Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and National Geographic. This makes it a great option for families with young children who need entertainment for various age groups.
Sling TV Packages
Sling TV offers two main base packages, each with a different channel selection and price point. These packages are designed to give users the flexibility to choose the channels they want without paying for unnecessary content.
1. Sling Orange
The Sling Orange package is priced at $40 per month and provides access to 32+ channels, including ESPN, Disney Channel, and CNN. It’s a solid option for sports fans and families with children. Sling Orange is available on a single stream, meaning you can only watch one channel at a time.
2. Sling Blue
The Sling Blue package is also priced at $40 per month but offers a broader channel lineup with 45+ channels, including Fox, NBC, and NFL Network. This package is ideal for people who want access to local channels and sports, as well as more news and entertainment options. Sling Blue allows for three simultaneous streams, so you can watch on multiple devices at once.
Customizing Sling TV with Add-Ons
One of the best things about Sling TV is its flexibility. Subscribers can customize their subscription by adding extra channel packs based on their preferences. These add-ons are available for an additional fee each month and allow you to tailor your streaming experience to your needs.
Sports Extra
If you’re a sports fan, the Sports Extra add-on is essential. For an additional $11 per month, you get access to channels like NBA TV, NFL RedZone, and the Tennis Channel. It’s the perfect way to keep up with niche sports and live events that aren’t included in the base packages.
Kids Extra
The Kids Extra package is priced at $5 per month and includes popular children’s networks such as Boomerang, BabyTV, and Disney Junior. It’s ideal for parents who want to expand the selection of kids’ programming available to their children.
News Extra
The News Extra add-on, available for $5 per month, provides additional news channels like HLN, MSNBC, and BBC America, making it a great option for those who want more live coverage of breaking events and in-depth reporting.
Sling TV App and Features
The Sling TV app is available on a variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more. The app offers a user-friendly interface and several convenient features to enhance your viewing experience:
1. Cloud DVR
Sling TV offers a cloud DVR feature that allows users to record live TV for later viewing. With the Sling TV Cloud DVR, you can record up to 50 hours of content with the basic plan. For an additional $5 per month, you can upgrade to 200 hours of cloud storage.
2. Simultaneous Streaming
Sling TV allows multiple simultaneous streams, depending on your package. The Sling Orange plan offers a single stream, while Sling Blue allows up to three simultaneous streams. This is particularly useful for families or households where multiple people are watching different shows at the same time.
3. On-Demand Library
Along with live TV, Sling TV also offers an on-demand library filled with movies, TV shows, and full seasons of popular programs. This feature makes it easy to catch up on missed episodes or watch your favorite shows on your schedule.
Sling TV Price and Plans
As mentioned earlier, Sling TV’s pricing is very competitive compared to traditional cable TV and other streaming services. Below is a breakdown of the main Sling TV plans and their associated costs:
Sling TV Orange
Price: $40 per month Channels: 32+ Simultaneous Streams: 1 Best For: Sports fans and families with children
Sling TV Blue
Price: $40 per month Channels: 45+ Simultaneous Streams: 3 Best For: Those who want more channels and local network access
Sling TV Orange + Blue
Price: $55 per month Channels: 50+ Simultaneous Streams: 4 Best For: Families who need more content and flexibility
Additional Add-Ons
- Sports Extra: $11/month
- Kids Extra: $5/month
- News Extra: $5/month
- Cloud DVR: $5 for 50 hours, $10 for 200 hours
Is Sling TV Worth It in 2024?
Sling TV continues to be one of the most flexible and affordable live TV streaming services available. With its wide range of channels, customizable add-ons, and competitive pricing, it’s a great option for cord-cutters looking for an alternative to traditional cable. While it may not offer every channel in the premium tier, its affordability, customization options, and access to local sports and news make it an excellent choice for many households. For those who want a more tailored TV experience without paying for expensive cable packages, Sling TV is definitely worth considering.
Finally, Sling TV remains a top choice for cord-cutters who are looking for a service that offers the flexibility to choose only the channels they want. With its affordable pricing, channel variety, and add-on options, Sling TV continues to be one of the best options for streaming live television in 2024.