Sling TV is our top choice among the best cable TV alternatives.
If you want to cut the cord, it's tough to do it for a lower price thanks to its relatively low price. While most of its competitors cost $80 or more, Sling currently starts at just $46 a month. However, Sling often offers a discount for your first month that can be as much as 50% off!
With Sling, you can stream live sports, news and hit TV shows and movies. Plus, it's compatible with most major streaming devices, including Roku devices and Fire TV Sticks and Cubes.
Sling TV isn't lacking features either, though there are some drawbacks. Sling has a Cloud DVR feature that lets viewers record 50 hours of their favorite shows to watch later. Other competitors like YouTube TV have unlimited DVR, but they also cost significantly more.
That more affordable price means you don't get quite as big of a channel selection as Sling's competitors. But sports fans get access to ESPN through Sling Orange and some markets get access to local affiliates for ABC, NBC and Fox through Sling Blue. However, you may have to pay extra for local networks and there's no way to opt out.
Curious about that competition? Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo TV, DirecTV Stream and Philo TV all stream live TV, with varying channel lineups, features and prices. For a more specific comparison, check out our YouTube TV vs. Sling TV face-off to see which cable alternative you should choose.
So are you ready to watch TV for less? Read on to see if Sling TV is right for you.
Sling TV price: What does Sling TV cost?
Sling TV's cost is the same for both Sling Orange and Sling Blue in most markets. However, some markets pay an extra $5 for Sling Blue depending on DMA and local coverage availability.
Sling Orange costs $46 no matter what market you're in and offers 35 channels, while Sling Blue costs $46 to $51 depending on your market and offers 43 channels. However, the two packages come with different channel lineups. So if you want to make sure you can watch your favorite channels, you should consider the combined Blue/Orange pack, which costs $61-$66 per month and offers 46 channels.
Sling TV's deals change constantly. Sometimes you get 50% off your first month, sometimes you get no discount at all. So if you see a good price make sure to take advantage, and make sure to take a look at our Sling TV promo codes to keep up to date with the latest offers.
Sling TV also offers add-on packages and features that range from $5 to $21 per month. There are more than a dozen add-ons, so your monthly subscription cost could exceed $100 per month if you want absolutely everything.
One of the features many might consider a must-have is DVR Plus. This gives you 200 hours of cloud DVR storage for $5 a month extra. At the moment, we've seen discounts offered that give you your first month of DVR Plus for free, so it may be the right time to sign up if DVR storage is your most important extra to have.
Not looking to spend any money at all? You can watch Sling Freestream, a free ad-supported television streaming service that has over 5,000 free TV shows and movies. You don't even need to sign up for Sling Freestream with your email address or credit card info. Just head over to Sling Freestream and start watching.
Sling TV packages: Orange, Blue and Orange + Blue
Aside from the channel lineups, the biggest difference between the two Sling TV packages is that Orange is a single-stream service, whereas Blue supports up to three simultaneous streams.
One big new change that took effect on March 1, 2024, is that select Sling Blue (and Sling Orange & Blue) subscribers now get access to their local ABC affiliate (denoted in parentheses). This includes Chicago (WLS), Fresno (KFSN), Houston (KTRK), Los Angeles (KABC), New York (WABC), Philadelphia (WPVI), Raleigh-Durham (WTVD) and San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose (KGO).
Those in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and the San Francisco Bay area will incur a $5 increase to Sling Blue and Sling Orange & Blue due to the addition of these ABC affiliates.
Sling TV: Channels
Sling Orange offers more than 30 channels, and Sling Blue offers more than 40. But they come with different channel lineups, so be sure to check which one has your favorite channels. Of course, if you want them all, you can get Sling Orange + Blue.
If you're confused, check out Tom's Guide's Sling Orange vs. Blue breakdown for a handy guide to Sling Orange channels vs. Sling Blue channels.
Sling TV: Premium add-on packages
Sling TV offers more than a dozen add-on packages, which range from sports channels to premium movie bundles.
It would take too long to list the contents of each package, but one of the more popular options is the Sports Extra add-on. There's a version for Sling Orange and a version for Sling Blue, both of which are $11 a month each. If you have Sling Orange + Blue, you can get all the Sports Extra channels from both packages for just $15 a month.
Sling also allows you to subscribe to premium channels, like Paramount Plus with Showtime ($10 per month). Or you could opt for Starz, MGM Plus, AMC Plus and more. There's something for everyone, with the cheapest premium channels package costing just an extra $2 a month.
You can even subscribe to these premium channels — including NBA League Pass — and other packages through Sling without needing an Orange or Blue subscription plan. The Sling TV website provides a full list of add-ons and extras.
When you're signing up, keep an eye out for free months of select premium channels and add-ons. Sometimes Sling will give you your first month free when you add Paramount Plus with Showtime, MGM Plus or other premium extras.
Sling TV — now with Max and HBO!
As of Oct. 31, under an agreement between Warner Bros. discovery and Dish Network, Sling TV can now offer Max as an add-on. That means Sling now has the Max Ad-Free plan that can be added for $17 a month. With it, users can get all the streaming service's content as well as the eight HBO channels that currently exist in addition to the Max footprint.
Sling is also offering a bundle to court both new and existing customers: a $5 monthly discount for those subscribed to Sling Blue With Max or Sling Blue + Orange With Max options.
Sling TV: Local channels
Sling offers live local channels, although the selection varies depending on where you live. Sling offers NBC, ABC and Fox in certain cities and markets. You'll also need either the Sling Blue package or the Sling Orange + Blue package. And if you go on the road, Sling TV may not have those channels.
While decent, this offering isn't sufficient for everyone. Especially due to the lack of CBS. If you really want access to more broadcast network programming, consider getting one of the best TV antennas so you can watch all the local channels.
Sling TV antenna compatibility
Sling is compatible with some over-the-air antennae, but not the ones on our best antennas list. You'll need to use an AirTV 2 or Anywhere streaming device. To get an AirTV streaming device at a discount, check out Sling's supported AirTV devices page to check out the offers.
Currently, you can get an AirTV 2 with an HD Antenna for $49 when you prepay for 3 months of Sling. Or, for $50 more, you can get an AirTV Anywhere instead of an AirTV 2 device.
If you don't have a compatible device for streaming Sling in general, you can get a free AirTV Mini when you prepay for two months of Sling.
How do I cancel Sling TV?
Sling TV is a month-to-month service and does not require a contract. You can start or cancel Sling at any time, and there are no startup fees, cancellation penalties or equipment rental costs.
Our staffers have considered canceling Sling TV before, especially after Sling TV buffering issues got annoying. Fortunately, Sling's claiming it's got things under control.
If you find that Sling TV isn't what you had hoped for, you can follow the company's simple process for canceling your membership. On your account page, you'll see a Cancel Subscription link. Click on the Cancel Subscription option again, and tell Sling why you're leaving.
After Sling confirms your cancellation, billing will stop immediately. Because there are no contracts, you can cancel at any time for any reason, and you won't be penalized.
Sling TV devices: How can I watch it?
Sling TV devices include most major smart TVs, smartphones and the best streaming devices.
- web browsers on PC and Mac
- iOS mobile devices
- Android mobile devices
- Apple TV (4th gen and later)
- Amazon Fire TV devices
- Chromecast
- Fire tablets (OS 4.4.2 and later)
- Google Nest
- Oculus Go
- Most Roku Devices
- TiVo Stream 4K
- Xbox
- Select LG, Samsung and Vizio smart TVs
Right now, the latest version of the Sling app is available on Fire TV, Roku, Android TV and select AirTV devices.
Sling TV DVR: Can I record shows?
Yes, you can record shows on Sling TV! Sling's Cloud DVR storage has grown slowly since exiting the beta stage. A regular subscription comes with 50 hours of recording time. Upgrade to the Cloud DVR Plus package for $5 per month and get 200 hours of recording.
Frustratingly, that's paltry compared to Hulu and YouTube TV, which let you record unlimited content (which disappears after 9 months). DirecTV Stream has unlimited recordings that last 90 days.
But it's not all bad news. Often (like right now) you can upgrade to Cloud DVR Plus for free for one month.
Sling TV internet speed: How fast does it need to be?
Sling TV used to have internet speed recommendations based on the device you're using to watch programming. That help article is gone now, but we've still got the information you need.
If you're watching Sling TV on a mobile device such as an iPhone or iPad, you'll need at least 3 Mbps for good-quality video. When you move to a TV, PC or Mac, expect to need 5 Mbps to get the video quality you desire.
Sling recommends getting internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps through your internet service provider to get the best-quality streaming. That is typically available in most broadband plans, but make sure to confirm speeds with your ISP before committing to Sling.
Is Sling TV commercial free?
Yes, Sling airs commercials during shows. In general, you see exactly what you would see if you were watching these channels on cable TV, with the full load of commercials. The ability to fast forward, rewind or pause varies by channel.
This is also the case with Sling's competition. Only select streaming services offer ad-free plans, and none offer live TV without ads.
Sling TV on-demand: Can I watch movies and shows?
Many Sling channels like AMC, FX, TBS and USA show movies. But in addition to the movies that air on included channels, Sling provides on-demand movies and shows for free or an additional rental fee. This on-demand content includes both new releases and older favorites, and generally ranges from $2.99 to $4.99 to rent.
Video-on-demand (VOD) content is available through Sling TV via its Available Now feature. The selection of movies and shows is decent but it can be difficult to pin down exactly what's available at any given time.
One wrinkle: Sling TV's on-demand content is not determined by Sling. Instead, each channel chooses which content it makes available and for how long. Some movies and shows may be available for a long time, while others come and go.
To see what on-demand content is available, use your Sling TV guide, which shows on-demand programming beneath the Schedule ribbon.
Sling TV error 9-XXX: What is that?
Whether it's Error 9-300, Error 9-400 or something else, some Sling TV users have complained of sporadic trouble with the service. According to Sling, errors that cause a disruption in service and start with a 9 "can occur for a variety of reasons."
However, the most likely cause happens in "account personalization services" that prevent a video from traveling to your device. Sling has a support page dedicated to this issue that prompts you to change the channel, as that might help, and gives you the option to open a case with tech support if that doesn't work.
Verdict: Is Sling TV worth it?
If you like having a lot of channels and enjoy channel surfing, you're probably better off with cable or satellite TV. But if Sling TV's basic package or add-on packs have most of the kind of programming you like, it could be a better deal.
You can also supplement Sling's programming with other online services, such as Amazon Prime ($139 per year), Hulu ($9.99/month) and Netflix ($15.49/month for HD).
So think about what you like to watch, and add up how much it will cost with Sling TV and other streaming services compared with cable or satellite TV.
