What Sling TV is and how much it costs

Sling TV is a live television streaming service that lets you watch cable and broadcast channels over the internet instead of through a traditional cable box. You pay a monthly subscription and stream on devices like phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. There is no contract — you can cancel anytime.

Sling offers three base plans with different channel lineups. The entry-level plan costs less than the others but includes fewer channels. The mid-tier and premium plans add more channels, including sports and entertainment options. Prices change periodically, so you should check Sling's website directly for current rates. All plans let you stream on multiple devices at once, though the number varies by plan.

Beyond the base plan, you can add channel packages — called "add-ons" — for an extra monthly fee. These let you customize your subscription by adding sports, international channels, or premium networks like HBO or Showtime. You pay only for the add-ons you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Sling TV charges a monthly fee with no contract, and you can cancel at any time without penalty.
  • Three base plans exist at different price points, each with a different set of live channels and on-demand content.
  • You can add channel packages for extra fees to customize your subscription beyond the base plan.
  • Sling works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs, with simultaneous streaming limits that depend on which plan you choose.

The three base plans and what channels come with each

Sling's three base plans are Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue. Sling Orange focuses on entertainment and sports channels like ESPN, CNN, and AMC. Sling Blue includes news, entertainment, and sports but with a different channel mix — it has Fox, NBC, and CNBC. Sling Orange + Blue combines both lineups, giving you access to channels from both plans in a single subscription.

Each plan includes on-demand content from the channels in that plan, so you can watch shows and movies when you want, not just during live broadcasts. The plans also come with cloud DVR storage, which lets you record live programs and watch them later. The amount of storage and how long recordings stay available varies by plan.

You can see the full channel list for each plan on Sling's website before you sign up. Channel lineups change occasionally as Sling adds or removes networks, so it is worth checking what is included right now rather than relying on older information.

Add-on packages and premium channels

If the base plan does not include a channel you want, Sling sells add-on packages. These are bundles of related channels — for example, a sports add-on might include regional sports networks, or a news add-on might include additional news channels. You can also add individual premium networks like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz directly through Sling, though some of these may be cheaper if you subscribe to them separately.

Each add-on costs extra per month, and you choose which ones to include when you set up your subscription. You can change your add-ons anytime — add them one month and remove them the next without penalty. This flexibility means you can adjust your subscription to match what you are actually watching.

Devices you can use and simultaneous streaming

Sling works on most devices: iPhones and Android phones, iPads and Android tablets, computers running Windows or Mac, Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Apple TV, Google TV, and Samsung Smart TVs. You read the Sling app on each device and log in with your account. You can also watch through a web browser on a computer.

The number of devices you can stream to at the same time depends on your plan. Sling Orange allows one simultaneous stream, Sling Blue allows two, and Sling Orange + Blue allows three. This means if you have Sling Orange, only one person in your household can watch at a time. With Sling Blue, two people can watch different channels or shows simultaneously.

You can use the same account on as many devices as you want — the limit is only on how many can stream at once. So you might have the app on your phone, tablet, and TV, but only two of them can be playing at the same time if you have Sling Blue.

How billing works and what happens if you cancel

Sling charges your payment method monthly on the date you signed up. There is no long-term contract, so you can cancel anytime. When you cancel, your access stops at the end of your current billing period — you do not get a refund for the remainder of the month.

If you cancel and then want to resubscribe later, you can do so without any penalty or waiting period. Your account information and preferences may be saved, so you can pick up where you left off. Sling occasionally offers promotional rates for new or returning customers, though these deals change frequently.

You can manage your subscription, change your plan, add or remove add-ons, and update your payment method anytime through your account settings on Sling's website or app. You do not need to contact customer service to make these changes.

How Sling compares to other streaming TV services

Other live TV streaming services include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV. Each has a different channel lineup, price point, and feature set. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV typically cost more than Sling's base plans but include more channels and higher simultaneous streaming limits. FuboTV focuses on sports and costs more than Sling but includes many regional sports networks.

The main trade-off with Sling is that it offers lower prices and more flexibility in choosing add-ons, but it includes fewer channels in the base plans and allows fewer simultaneous streams than some competitors. If you only watch a few specific channels, Sling's ability to add only what you need can save money. If you want a broad channel lineup with multiple people streaming at once, a higher-priced service might be a better fit.

None of these services require a contract, so you can try Sling for a month and switch to another service if it does not meet your needs. The best choice depends on which channels you watch most and how many people in your household will stream at the same time.

Internet speed and technical requirements

Sling recommends at least 3 megabits per second (Mbps) of internet speed for standard-definition streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming on supported devices. Most home internet connections meet the 3 Mbps requirement, but if you have multiple people streaming at once, you may need faster speeds. Your internet provider can tell you what speed you currently have.

Sling works on most modern devices, but very old phones, tablets, or smart TVs may not support the app. You can check Sling's website to see if your specific device is compatible before you sign up. The app requires periodic updates, which happen automatically on most devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Sling on more than one device at the same time?

Yes, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. Sling Orange allows one stream, Sling Blue allows two, and Sling Orange + Blue allows three. You can install the app on as many devices as you want — the limit is only on how many can play at once.

Do I have to sign a contract with Sling?

No. Sling has no contract, and you can cancel anytime. Your access ends at the end of your current billing period, and you do not receive a refund for unused time. You can resubscribe later without any penalty.

What happens if I do not have fast internet?

Sling requires at least 3 Mbps for standard-definition streaming. If your internet is slower, you may experience buffering or the video may not play. You can contact your internet provider to check your current speed or explore options for faster service in your area.

Can I record shows on Sling?

Yes. All Sling plans include cloud DVR storage, which lets you record live programs and watch them later. The amount of storage and how long recordings stay available varies by plan. You can manage your recordings through the Sling app.

Is Sling cheaper than cable?

Sling's base plans typically cost less than traditional cable, especially if you only watch a few channels. However, adding multiple channel packages can bring the total cost closer to cable prices. Compare Sling's current pricing and channel lineup to what you currently pay for cable to see if it would save you money.