What Sling TV is and how to watch it

Sling TV is a streaming service that lets you watch live television channels and on-demand shows over the internet instead of through a cable box. You pay a monthly fee, read the Sling TV app or use a web browser, and stream to your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device. There is no contract — you can cancel anytime.

Sling TV offers three base plans: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue (which combines both). Each plan includes a different set of live channels. For example, Sling Orange includes ESPN, CNN, and Disney Channel. Sling Blue includes Fox, NBC, and HGTV. The combined plan gives you access to channels from both.

Beyond the base plan, you can add extra channel packages — called "add-ons" — for an additional monthly cost. These include sports packages, international channels, and premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime. You choose which add-ons you want, and you can change or remove them each month.

Key Takeaways

  • Sling TV costs between $15 and $55 per month depending on which base plan and add-ons you choose, with no long-term contract.
  • You need a compatible device (phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick) and an internet connection to watch.
  • Sling TV does not include local channels like ABC, NBC, or CBS in most areas — you may need an antenna or a separate service for those.
  • You can stream on one or two devices at the same time depending on your plan, so multiple household members cannot always watch different channels simultaneously.
  • Sling TV offers a free trial period before your first charge, so you can test the service and channels before committing.

Base plan pricing and channel lineups

Sling Orange costs $15 per month and includes about 30 channels focused on entertainment and sports. The lineup includes ESPN, CNN, Disney Channel, Food Network, and AMC. You can stream on one device at a time with this plan.

Sling Blue costs $15 per month and includes about 40 channels with a different mix. This plan includes Fox, NBC, HGTV, Bravo, and USA Network. You can stream on two devices at the same time, which means two people in your household can watch different channels at once.

Sling Orange + Blue costs $30 per month and combines both lineups into one plan. You get access to all channels from both services and can stream on three devices simultaneously. This plan is useful if your household watches a mix of sports, news, and entertainment channels.

The exact channels in each plan vary by region and change over time as Sling TV negotiates with networks. Before you subscribe, you can visit the Sling TV website and enter your zip code to see which channels are available in your area.

Add-on packages and premium channels

Sling TV offers dozens of add-on packages that cost between $5 and $15 per month each. Common add-ons include sports packages (like NBA League Pass or NHL), international channels, and premium movie channels. You can add or remove any package at any time, and the change takes effect when ready.

Popular add-ons include Sling Sports Extra (which adds regional sports networks), Sling Kids (which adds children's programming), and various premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz. Each add-on has its own price, and you only pay for the ones you choose.

If you want to test an add-on before committing, some packages offer a free trial period. Check the add-on details on the Sling TV website to see which ones have trial periods available.

Devices you can use and streaming limits

Sling TV works on most devices with an internet connection. You can watch on smartphones and tablets (iPhone, iPad, Android), computers (Windows and Mac), and streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast. You can also watch through a web browser on any 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 and Sling Orange + Blue allow two and three simultaneous streams, respectively. This means if you have Sling Orange and two people in your household want to watch different channels at the same time, one person will have to wait.

You can use the same Sling TV account on multiple devices — you just cannot watch on more devices at once than your plan allows. For example, you can have the app on your phone, tablet, and TV, but only two of those can be actively streaming at the same time if you have Sling Blue.

Local channels and what is not included

Sling TV does not include local broadcast channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, or PBS) in most areas. These channels are owned by local stations, and Sling TV has not reached agreements to stream them. If you want to watch local news or local broadcasts of network shows, you have two options: use an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV, or subscribe to a different streaming service that includes locals in your area.

Some areas have limited local channel availability through Sling TV, but this is rare. Check the Sling TV website with your zip code to see if any local channels are available where you live.

Sling TV also does not include cloud DVR storage in the base plans. You cannot record shows to watch later unless you pay for the Cloud DVR add-on, which costs about $5 per month and gives you 50 hours of storage. This is different from cable, where DVR is often included.

How to start and cancel your subscription

To start a Sling TV subscription, visit the Sling TV website, choose your base plan, and enter your payment information. Sling TV accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. You will be asked to create an account with an email address and password.

Before your first charge, Sling TV offers a free trial period. The length of the trial varies — it is sometimes 7 days, sometimes longer — so check the current offer when you sign up. During the trial, you have full access to your chosen plan and can test the service and channels.

To cancel, log into your Sling TV account, go to the account settings, and select the option to cancel your subscription. You can cancel anytime, even during the free trial. If you cancel during the trial, you will not be charged. If you cancel after the trial ends, your subscription stops at the end of your current billing cycle.

Internet speed and technical requirements

Sling TV requires a stable internet connection to stream. The speed you need depends on the video quality you want. Sling TV recommends at least 3 megabits per second (Mbps) for standard definition, 5 Mbps for high definition, and 25 Mbps if you want to stream on multiple devices at once.

If your internet connection is slower than these speeds, you may experience buffering or the video may pause while it loads. If you have a slower connection, try streaming on only one device at a time or lowering the video quality in the app settings.

Sling TV works with most internet providers, including cable internet, fiber, and DSL. It does not require a specific type of internet service — only that your connection is fast and stable enough for streaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Sling TV on my smart TV?

Yes, if your smart TV has an app store. Most newer smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony) have the Sling TV app available. You can also use a streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV connected to any TV. Check the Sling TV website for a full list of compatible devices.

What happens if I go over my simultaneous streaming limit?

If you try to start a stream on a device when you have already reached your limit, the oldest stream will stop. For example, if you have Sling Blue (two simultaneous streams) and someone is watching on the TV and phone, starting a stream on a tablet will stop the TV stream. You can restart it once someone stops watching on another device.

Does Sling TV include sports channels?

The base plans include some sports channels like ESPN (in Sling Orange) and Fox Sports (in Sling Blue). For additional sports coverage, you can add sports-focused packages like Sling Sports Extra. However, not all sports are available — some games are only on cable channels or specialty services.

Can I pause or rewind live TV on Sling TV?

Yes, Sling TV allows you to pause, rewind, and fast-forward live TV on most channels. However, you can only go back a limited amount of time — usually 72 hours. To record shows and watch them later, you need to add the Cloud DVR package.

Is there a contract or early termination fee?

No. Sling TV has no contract and no early termination fee. You can cancel anytime by logging into your account and selecting the cancel option. Your subscription ends at the end of your current billing cycle.