What Sling TV is and how much it costs

Sling TV is a streaming service that lets you watch live television channels and on-demand shows without a cable subscription. You pay a monthly fee to access a bundle of channels, and you can cancel anytime. The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick.

Sling TV offers three base plans with different channel lineups. The Orange plan costs less than the Blue plan, and the Orange + Blue combo plan bundles both together at a higher price. Prices change periodically, so check the Sling TV website for current rates. You can also add extra channel packages — like sports, international channels, or premium networks — for an additional monthly cost.

Unlike cable, you do not sign a contract. You can pause your subscription, downgrade to a cheaper plan, or cancel entirely without penalties. Sling TV also offers a free trial period so you can test the service before paying.

Key Takeaways

  • Sling TV streams live channels and on-demand content through an internet connection, with no cable box or long-term contract required.
  • The service offers multiple base plans at different price points, each with a different set of channels, plus optional add-on packages for sports, movies, or international content.
  • You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick.
  • Sling TV does not require a credit card to start a free trial, though you will need one to continue after the trial ends.

Which channels come with each Sling TV plan

The Orange plan includes ESPN, Disney Channel, CNN, Food Network, HGTV, and about 30 other channels. It is the most affordable base option and works well if you want sports and entertainment without paying extra.

The Blue plan includes NBC, Fox, Bravo, USA Network, Syfy, and about 40 other channels. It has more news and entertainment options than Orange but does not include ESPN or Disney Channel unless you add them separately.

The Orange + Blue combo gives you all channels from both plans in one subscription, so you get ESPN, Disney, NBC, Fox, and everything else. This is the most expensive base option but covers the widest range of content.

Beyond the base plans, you can add channel packages like Sports Extra (for additional sports channels), Heartland Extra (for rural and lifestyle content), or Kids Extra. Premium networks like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz are also available as add-ons. Each add-on costs extra per month.

How to set up Sling TV and start watching

First, go to the Sling TV website or read the Sling TV app on your device. Create an account with your email address and password. During signup, you will choose which base plan you want and whether you want any add-on packages.

Next, enter your payment method. Sling TV accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. If you are starting a free trial, you still need to provide a payment method, but you will not be charged until the trial ends. Make a note of when your trial ends so you can cancel before you are charged if you decide the service is not for you.

Once your account is set up, read the Sling TV app on any device you want to use — your phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device. Log in with your email and password, and you can start watching when ready. Most devices let you watch on multiple screens at once, depending on your plan.

What internet speed and equipment you need

Sling TV requires a stable internet connection. The company recommends at least 3 megabits per second (Mbps) for standard definition video and 25 Mbps for 4K video on supported devices. If you have multiple people streaming at the same time, you may need faster speeds.

You do not need any special equipment beyond what you already have. If you want to watch on your television, you can use a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, or Samsung Smart TV. You can also connect a computer or tablet to your TV with an HDMI cable. Sling TV does not provide or rent hardware — you supply your own device.

Check your internet speed using a free tool like speedtest.net. If your speed is below what Sling TV recommends, you may experience buffering or picture quality issues. Contact your internet provider if you want to upgrade your speed.

How DVR and on-demand content work on Sling TV

Cloud DVR lets you record live TV and watch it later. The base plans include 50 hours of storage, which means you can record about 25 two-hour movies or 50 one-hour shows before older recordings are deleted. You can upgrade to 200 hours of storage for an additional monthly fee.

To record a show, find it in the guide and select "Record." The system will automatically record that episode and any future episodes if you choose. You can watch your recordings anytime within the storage limit, and you can delete them manually to free up space.

On-demand content — shows and movies you can watch whenever you want — comes with your subscription. Some channels offer their full libraries on demand, while others only offer recent episodes. Premium networks included as add-ons also have on-demand libraries.

Common problems and how to fix them

Buffering or freezing: This usually means your internet connection is too slow or unstable. Try moving closer to your router, restarting your device, or checking whether other people are using the internet heavily. If the problem continues, contact your internet provider.

Picture quality is poor: Sling TV automatically adjusts video quality based on your internet speed. If quality is consistently low, your internet may be too slow. You can also manually lower the quality in the app settings to reduce buffering.

You cannot log in: Make sure you are using the correct email and password. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen. If you still cannot log in, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app, or contact Sling TV support.

A channel is not working: Try restarting the app or your device. If one channel is down, it may be a temporary issue on Sling TV's end. Check the Sling TV status page or social media to see if others are reporting the same problem.

How to cancel Sling TV or pause your subscription

You can cancel anytime without penalties. Log into your Sling TV account, go to Account Settings, and select "Manage Subscription." Choose "Cancel Subscription" and follow the prompts. Your access will end at the end of your current billing cycle, not when ready.

If you want to keep your account but do not want to pay for a month or two, you can pause your subscription instead. This holds your account and settings without charging you. When you are ready to resume, you can reactivate from the same Account Settings menu.

If you cancel and later want to rejoin, you can create a new account and start fresh. Sling TV sometimes offers promotional rates for returning customers, so it may be worth checking the website before signing up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Sling TV on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, but the number of screens depends on your plan. The Orange plan allows one screen at a time. The Blue plan and Orange + Blue combo allow three screens at once. If you try to watch on more screens than your plan allows, you will be asked to stop watching on one of them.

Do I need a cable box or satellite dish?

No. Sling TV streams over the internet, so you only need an internet connection and a compatible device. You do not need any cable or satellite equipment.

What happens if I go over my internet data limit?

Sling TV counts toward your internet provider's data cap if you have one. Streaming video uses significant data — roughly 1 gigabyte per hour in standard definition and 3 gigabytes per hour in 4K. Check your internet plan to see whether you have a data limit and how much you typically use.

Can I watch local channels like ABC, NBC, and CBS?

Some local channels are available through Sling TV, but it depends on your location. The Blue plan and Orange + Blue combo include NBC and Fox in most areas. ABC and CBS availability varies by region. Check the Sling TV website and enter your zip code to see which local channels are available where you live.

Is there a way to watch Sling TV without ads?

Most channels on Sling TV include ads, just like cable television. Some on-demand content from premium networks may be ad-free if you have those channels as add-ons, but live TV channels will have commercials. Sling TV does not offer an ad-free tier.