What Sling TV offers and how much it costs

Sling TV is a live television streaming service that lets you watch cable and broadcast channels over the internet without a traditional cable contract. You pay a monthly subscription, choose from three base plans, and can add extra channel packages on top. The base plans start at $15 per month for Sling Orange, $15 per month for Sling Blue, or $25 per month for Sling Orange + Blue combined.

Each plan includes a different set of channels. Sling Orange carries ESPN, Disney, and Freeform. Sling Blue includes Fox, NBC, CNN, and MSNBC. The combined plan gives you both channel lineups. Sling TV does not lock you into a contract — you can pause or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty.

Beyond the base plan, you can add channel packages like Sports Extra, News Extra, or Kids Extra for $6 to $11 per month each. You can also add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz directly through Sling TV, though these cost extra and their prices vary. Sling TV does not include local channels in most markets, though some areas have limited local channel access through the service.

Key Takeaways

  • Sling Orange and Sling Blue each cost $15 per month and carry different channel lineups; combining both costs $25 per month.
  • You can add extra channel packages for $6 to $11 per month, and premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime for additional fees that vary by channel.
  • Sling TV has no contract and no cancellation fee, so you can pause or stop your subscription whenever you want.
  • Most markets do not receive local broadcast channels through Sling TV, though you may be able to add them in some areas.
  • Your subscription includes cloud DVR storage, though the amount of storage depends on which plan you choose.

How to set up a Sling TV account and start watching

To start using Sling TV, you visit the Sling TV website or read the Sling TV app on your device. You create an account with an email address and password, then choose which base plan you want. At checkout, you enter a payment method — Sling TV accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Your subscription begins when ready after payment goes through.

Once your account is active, you can log in on any device that supports the Sling TV app: smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick, or web browsers on computers. You can stream on up to three devices at the same time, depending on your plan. Sling Orange allows three simultaneous streams, Sling Blue allows three simultaneous streams, and the combined plan also allows three simultaneous streams.

When you first log in, you see the channel guide for your plan. You can browse live channels, search for specific shows, or set reminders for programs you want to watch. If you want to record shows, you can add them to your cloud DVR — Sling Orange includes 50 hours of DVR storage, Sling Blue includes 50 hours, and the combined plan includes 200 hours.

Differences between Sling Orange and Sling Blue

Sling Orange and Sling Blue carry completely different channel lineups, so the choice depends on which channels matter to you. Sling Orange includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Disney Channel, Freeform, AMC, IFC, SundanceTV, AXS TV, Cooking Channel, HGTV, and Travel Channel. It is the better choice if you watch sports, Disney content, or home and lifestyle programming.

Sling Blue includes Fox, NBC, CNBC, Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, Bloomberg, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy, TBS, TNT, and The CW. It is the better choice if you want news channels, network broadcast shows, or entertainment channels like Bravo and E!. Sling Blue also includes local channels in select markets, whereas Sling Orange does not.

If you want channels from both lineups, you can upgrade to Sling Orange + Blue for $25 per month instead of paying $15 for each plan separately. This saves you $5 per month compared to subscribing to both plans individually. The combined plan includes all channels from both Sling Orange and Sling Blue, plus 200 hours of cloud DVR storage instead of 50.

Add-on packages and premium channels

Beyond your base plan, Sling TV offers channel packages that add specific types of content. Sports Extra adds NFL RedZone, ESPNU, and other sports channels for $11 per month. News Extra adds BBC America, BBC World News, and other news outlets for $6 per month. Kids Extra adds Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, and other children's channels for $6 per month. Comedy Extra adds Comedy Central and related channels for $6 per month.

You can also add premium channels individually. HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, and other premium services are available through Sling TV at prices that vary. These prices may differ from what you would pay if you subscribed to those services directly. You can add or remove add-on packages and premium channels at any time without changing your base plan.

Sling TV also offers promotional pricing for new subscribers. These promotions change regularly and may include a discount on your first month or a free trial period. Check the Sling TV website to see what current offers are available in your area.

Cloud DVR storage and how it works

Sling TV includes cloud DVR with every subscription, which means you can record shows and watch them later without needing a physical DVR box. The amount of storage you get depends on your plan: Sling Orange and Sling Blue each include 50 hours of storage, while Sling Orange + Blue includes 200 hours. You can upgrade to 200 hours of storage on either Sling Orange or Sling Blue alone for an additional $5 per month.

To record a show, you select it in the guide or search for it by name, then choose "Record." The show is saved to your cloud DVR and you can watch it anytime within the storage window. Sling TV keeps your recordings for up to nine months, though once you reach your storage limit, older recordings are deleted to make room for new ones. You can manually delete recordings at any time to free up space.

Not all content can be recorded. Some channels and programs have restrictions that prevent DVR recording, usually due to licensing agreements. When you try to record a restricted program, Sling TV tells you that recording is not available for that content.

Streaming quality and device compatibility

Sling TV streams in up to 1080p resolution on most devices, though the actual quality depends on your internet connection speed. Sling TV recommends at least 3 Mbps for standard definition, 5 Mbps for high definition, and 25 Mbps for 4K streams on devices that support it. Not all channels or content streams in 4K, and 4K availability may require a higher-tier subscription or additional fee.

Sling TV works on a wide range of devices: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Android phones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, Windows computers, and Mac computers. You can read the Sling TV app from your device's app store or visit sling.com to stream through a web browser. The app is the same across all devices, so your recordings, preferences, and watch history sync between them.

You can stream on up to three devices at the same time with any Sling TV plan. If you try to stream on a fourth device while three are already in use, you will be asked to stop streaming on one of the other devices before you can continue.

Pausing and canceling your subscription

Sling TV allows you to pause your subscription for up to three months without losing your account or paying a cancellation fee. When you pause, your subscription stops and you are not charged, but your account settings, recordings, and preferences remain saved. You can resume your subscription at any time by logging back in and reactivating it. Pausing is useful if you want to take a break temporarily without fully canceling.

If you want to cancel completely, you can do so through your account settings on the Sling TV website or app. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you can continue watching until that date. Sling TV does not charge an early termination fee or cancellation penalty. Once you cancel, your account is closed and your recordings are deleted, though you can reopen an account later if you want to subscribe again.

If you have trouble accessing your account or want to pause or cancel, you can contact Sling TV customer support through the website, the app, or by phone. Support hours and contact methods are listed on the Sling TV website.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can stream on up to three devices simultaneously with any Sling TV plan. If you try to stream on a fourth device, you will need to stop streaming on one of the other devices first. This limit applies across all plans, including the combined Sling Orange + Blue plan.

Do I get local channels with Sling TV?

Most markets do not include local channels with Sling TV. Sling Blue includes local channels in select areas, but availability varies by location. You can check whether your area has local channels by entering your zip code on the Sling TV website before you subscribe.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel my subscription?

Your cloud DVR recordings are deleted when you cancel your subscription. If you pause instead of canceling, your recordings remain saved and you can watch them when you resume. If you want to keep your recordings, pause rather than cancel, or read them if that option is available.

Can I change my plan or add channels after I subscribe?

Yes, you can upgrade, downgrade, or add channel packages at any time through your account settings. Changes take effect when ready, and your billing adjusts based on the new plan. If you upgrade mid-cycle, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of the month.

Is there a contract or commitment period with Sling TV?

No, Sling TV has no contract and no minimum commitment. You can cancel or pause your subscription at any time without penalty. You are only charged for the months you actively use the service.