Sling TV: Your Game, Your Way. Affordable Live Sports & Entertainment.

Build your perfect TV package with Sling, the service designed for ultimate flexibility and affordability. Its unique model lets you start with the sports-focused Orange plan or the entertainment-heavy Blue plan, ensuring you only pay for the channels you truly want. Our guide breaks down how to navigate Sling’s unique plans to create the ideal sports package for your budget.

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What Exactly is Sling TV?

"Build Your Perfect Sports Package without Breaking the Bank."

Sling TV offers a unique approach to live TV streaming, prioritizing affordability and customization above all else. It's the ideal choice for cord-cutters who want complete control over their channel lineup and their budget, allowing you to build a personalized package without paying for channels you don't watch.

With a Sling TV subscription, you gain access to:

  • ✅Budget-Friendly Streaming: Base plans are significantly more affordable than most competitors, making it a top choice for cost-conscious viewers.
  • ✅A La Carte Customization: Tailor your experience with various add-on packages for sports, entertainment, and news, ensuring you only pay for what you want.
  • ✅Flexible DVR Options: All plans come with 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage included, with the option to upgrade to unlimited DVR for a small additional fee.
  • ✅Multi-Device Streaming: Watch on multiple devices simultaneously, with allowances varying by plan to fit your household's needs.

Sling TV Plans & Pricing (July 2025)

Sling TV offers flexible plans and add-ons designed to give you control over your monthly TV bill.

Sling Orange

$46/mo

(First month: $23/mo. (Half Off))

  • Channels: 35+
  • Focus: ESPN, Disney Channel, CNN, TBS
  • DVR: 50 hours included
  • Streams: Watch on 1 screen at a time
Select Plan

Sling Blue

$46/mo

(First month: $23/mo. (Half Off))

  • Channels: 40+
  • Focus: MSNBC, Fox News, NFL Network, Bravo
  • DVR: 50 hours included
  • Streams: Watch on up to 3 screens at once
Select Plan

Sling Orange & Blue

$61/mo

(First month: $30.50/mo. (Half Off))

  • Channels: 46+
  • Includes: All channels from both Orange and Blue
  • DVR: 50 hours included
  • Streams: Watch on up to 4 screens at once
Select Plan
Important Pricing Notes: All base plans include 50 hours of DVR storage. You can upgrade to unlimited DVR for an additional $5/month. Various channel add-on packs are also available, typically starting at $6/month. Local channel availability varies by location.

Your Sports Pass: Core Channels & Specialized Add-ons

Sling TV offers a flexible way to get your live sports fix, allowing you to build a package that suits your specific interests without paying for unwanted channels.

Important Note on Local & Regional Sports: Sling TV has limited availability of local channels like ABC and CBS, and does not carry most Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). Local FOX and NBC channels are only available in select cities, primarily with the Sling Blue plan.

Core Sports Offerings by Plan:

Sling Orange (Your ESPN Hub): Includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, providing access to a wide range of college sports, NBA, MLB, and more.

Sling Blue (NFL & News Focus): Features NFL Network, FS1, and FS2. Includes local FOX and NBC channels in select markets, ideal for NFL, college football, and soccer fans.

Sports Extra Add-on:

For an additional monthly fee, this powerful add-on expands your game day lineup significantly. Channel availability varies by your base plan (Orange or Blue).

Key Channels Include: NFL RedZone, NBA TV, MLB Network, NHL Network, Golf Channel, Tennis Channel, Big Ten Network, Pac-12 Network, and more.

Beyond the Game: Entertainment & News for Everyone

Sling TV's customizable nature extends beyond sports, offering a variety of entertainment, news, and lifestyle channels to round out your viewing experience.

Popular Included Channels: Depending on your chosen base plan, you can access popular networks like AMC, Bravo, Comedy Central, CNN, Food Network, FOX News, HGTV, MSNBC, TBS, TNT, and many more.

Customize with Entertainment & Premium Add-ons:

You can further customize your experience by adding genre-specific packs or premium channels:

Entertainment Extra: Adds more top entertainment and drama channels.

Kids Extra: A package of channels dedicated to children's programming.

News Extra & Lifestyle Extra: Bolster your lineup with more targeted news or lifestyle content.

Premium Channels: Add subscriptions for Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ directly to your Sling bill.

Why Choose Sling TV?

Sling TV offers a unique approach to live TV streaming, prioritizing affordability and customization. It's an ideal choice for cord-cutters who want control over their channel lineup and budget.

Budget-Friendly Streaming, Tailored for You

Sling TV's base plans are significantly more affordable than most competitors. You choose a core plan and then tailor your experience with add-ons, ensuring you only pay for the channels you want.

Your DVR, Your Rules: Flexible Recording

All plans come with 50 hours of DVR storage. For even more freedom, you can upgrade to unlimited DVR for a small additional monthly fee, so you never miss your favorite shows or games.

Watch Your Way: Streams for Every Household

Stream on multiple devices simultaneously. Get 1 stream with Orange, 3 with Blue, and 4 with the combined Orange & Blue plan, ensuring everyone in the house can watch what they want.

Stream Anywhere: Your Devices, Your Content

Sling TV is widely compatible, allowing you to watch your favorite content on most popular streaming devices, from your TV to your tablet.

Supported Platforms Include:

Mobile Platforms:

Android and iOS devices (smartphones and tablets).

Media Streaming Devices:

Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku players & TVs.

Smart TVs:

Widely available on various smart TV models including Samsung, LG, and Vizio.

Gaming Consoles & Other:

Xbox (Series X, Series S, and One), Oculus, and others.

Web Browsers:

Watch directly through a supported web browser (like Chrome or Safari) on your computer.

Global Access & Enhanced Privacy: Stream with a VPN

While Sling TV is geo-restricted to the United States due to licensing agreements, your viewing doesn't have to stop when you travel abroad.

Why Use a VPN with Sling TV?

For privacy, security, and to access your favorite live sports from anywhere in the world, you can utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your connection and provides a US IP address, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and watch every game as if you were at home.

Watch from Anywhere:

Bypass geo-restrictions to access your Sling TV subscription and watch every game, even when you're overseas.

Improve Security & Privacy:

Beyond travel, a VPN enhances your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection.

Avoid ISP Throttling:

A VPN can help prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from slowing down your connection during high-bandwidth activities like live sports streaming.

Recommended VPN Providers:

When choosing a VPN, select a reliable provider, as many are blocked by streaming services. Consider top VPNs such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and Bitdefender.

Unlock Global Streaming: Get Your VPN Now!

Sling TV at a Glance: Pros & Cons

Here’s a balanced look at Sling TV's strengths and areas for consideration to help you decide if it's the right service for you.

Pros

  • Most Affordable Base Plans: Offers the lowest entry price among major live TV streaming services.
  • Highly Customizable: Extensive add-on options allow you to tailor your channel lineup and only pay for what you want.
  • Cheapest ESPN Access: Sling Orange is often the most cost-effective way to get live ESPN channels.
  • No Fee for 4K Content: 4K streaming is available on select channels without an extra add-on fee.
  • Flexible Contracts: Features a month-to-month subscription that you can cancel at any time without penalty.

Cons

  • Fewer Channels in Base Plans: Core packages have fewer channels compared to more expensive competitors.
  • Limited DVR Storage (Base): Only 50 hours of DVR are included without a paid upgrade to unlimited.
  • Limited Local Channels & RSNs: Poor coverage of local ABC/CBS and most Regional Sports Networks.
  • Price Can Increase Quickly: Adding multiple "Extra" packs can make the final cost comparable to other services.
  • Confusing Channel Distribution: Key channels are sometimes split between Orange and Blue plans, requiring the combined package for full access.

Sling TV Alternatives: How Does it Stack Up?

When considering Sling TV, it's helpful to see how it compares to other streaming services that offer a significant amount of live sports and entertainment.

1. Sling TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Budget-Friendly: Customizable packages.
  • Orange includes ESPN; Blue includes NFL Network.
  • 50 hours DVR.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Most affordable option to get live ESPN or NFL Network, with customizable add-ons and a significant first-month discount.

Get 50% Off First Month

2. FuboTV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Broad Live Sports: 200+ channels including ESPN, NFL Network, FS1, many RSNs.
  • Strong for: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS.
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR, 10 simultaneous streams, 4K streaming (Elite plan).

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: FuboTV is ideal for comprehensive live TV with a strong sports focus, including RSNs, but consider the additional RSN fee.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

3. ESPN+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive UFC Fight Nights, out-of-market NHL, 6,000+ NCAA games.
  • Top international soccer (La Liga, Bundesliga, FA Cup).
  • Complements: Does NOT include linear ESPN channels.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Best for dedicated fans of specific sports not found on linear TV, especially when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.

Get ESPN+

4. YouTube TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Extensive Channels: 100+ channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, major networks.
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record all your favorite sports.
  • 4K Plus add-on available. NFL Sunday Ticket add-on.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Excellent for broad channel selection and unlimited DVR, covering most major sports, with varying free trial lengths.

Try Free (2-21 days)

5. Hulu + Live TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Bundle Value: 100+ channels, includes Hulu on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
  • Unlimited cloud DVR. Live sports (NHL, Soccer, MLB, Auto Racing, NFL, College Football, PGA, Tennis).

Plans & Pricing:

  • Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $82.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $95.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Live TV Only: $81.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Legacy Bundle ($87.99/mo.): No longer available for new purchase (Learn More)

Our Take: Combines live TV (including ESPN) with a vast on-demand library and ESPN+ exclusives, but be aware of legacy plan availability.

Try 3-Day Free Trial

6. DIRECTV STREAM

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Premium Sports: Strongest offering for RSNs (Regional Sports Networks) from Choice plan upwards.
  • Dedicated league channels (MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network on higher tiers).
  • Unlimited cloud DVR, up to 20 simultaneous streams in-home.

Plans & Pricing:

  • Entertainment: $84.99/mo. (90+ channels, no RSNs) (Visit Website)
  • Choice: $89.99/mo. (First month $59.99, includes RSNs) (Visit Website)
  • Ultimate: $119.99/mo. (First month $89.99) (Visit Website)
  • Premier: $164.99/mo. (Includes all premium networks) (Visit Website)

Our Take: Ideal for extensive channels, especially if RSNs are crucial for local team coverage, with a robust simultaneous streaming capability.

Try 5-Day Free Trial

7. Peacock Premium

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Niche Sports: Exclusive Premier League matches.
  • Big Ten sports, IndyCar, and simulcasts of Sunday Night Football.
  • Current seasons of NBC and Bravo programming.

Plans & Pricing:

  • Premium (with ads): $10.99/mo. or $109.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • Premium Plus (ad-free, downloads): $16.99/mo. or $169.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • New "Select" Tier: $7.99/mo. or $79.99/yr. (No sports content) (Learn More)
  • Price Change Effective: July 23, 2025 (New/Returning) / August 22, 2025 (Existing) (Details)

Our Take: Best for Premier League soccer and Big Ten fans on a budget, with tiered options and recent price adjustments.

Start Free Trial

8. Paramount+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • CBS Sports Content: Exclusive access to NFL on CBS.
  • SEC football, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, NWSL.
  • Showtime originals (with Showtime plan).

Plans & Pricing:

  • Essential (with ads): $7.99/mo. or $59.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • with Showtime (ad-free, downloads): $12.99/mo. or $119.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • Student Discount: 50% off for 12 months (Get Discount)
  • Senior Discount (AARP): 10% off (Get Discount)
  • Price Change Effective: August 20 (New) / September 20 (Existing for With Showtime) (Details)

Our Take: Essential for fans of CBS Sports, especially European soccer and NWSL, with valuable student and senior discounts available.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

9. Amazon Prime Video

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive NFL: Home of Thursday Night Football.
  • New for 2025: NBA games (66 regular season games, playoffs), NASCAR.
  • Features WNBA games, NWSL, Premier Boxing Champions, ONE Championship.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Great for NFL fans who also use Prime for shopping and other content, with a rapidly expanding live sports portfolio.

Try 30-Day Free Trial

10. Apple TV+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive Soccer & Baseball: Home to MLS Season Pass (additional cost).
  • Friday Night Baseball.
  • Superior streaming quality (4K HDR, Dolby Atmos).

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Highly specific for dedicated MLS fans and a good add-on for baseball, best value when integrated into Apple One bundles.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

Key Difference Summary

While FuboTV excels in broad live sports and RSN coverage, other services offer unique value propositions. ESPN+ focuses on exclusive niche sports, YouTube TV provides unlimited DVR and a wide channel selection, Hulu + Live TV bundles entertainment with live TV, DIRECTV STREAM offers premium RSN access and multiple streams, Sling TV is highly customizable and budget-friendly, and services like Peacock, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ cater to specific sports leagues or content types, often with unique bundling opportunities.

Real Stories, Real Savings: What Our Users Say

Hear directly from users who enjoy Sling TV's flexible and affordable streaming.

"Sling TV is perfect for me. I just wanted ESPN and a few news channels, and Sling lets me get exactly that without paying for a ton of stuff I don't watch. Plus, the half-off deal was great!"

- Jessica L., Smart Streamer

"I love how customizable Sling is. I can add the Sports Extra when my favorite league is in season and then remove it. It's saved me a lot compared to cable."

- Mark T., Flexible Fan

"As a family, the Orange & Blue plan is a lifesaver. The kids get their channels, I get my sports, and we can all watch on different devices at the same time. It just works."

- David P., Family Man

"I cut the cord to save money, and Sling was the clear winner. The base price is low, and I only added the one 'Extra' I really cared about. My bill is predictable and cheap."

- Sarah K., Budget-Conscious Viewer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Sling TV

What's the difference between Sling Orange and Sling Blue?

Sling Orange is focused on sports and family content, featuring channels like ESPN and Disney, but only allows one stream at a time. Sling Blue is geared towards news and entertainment, with channels like FS1, NFL Network, and MSNBC, and allows for three simultaneous streams. Some channels are exclusive to one plan, so the Orange & Blue combo offers the most complete lineup.

Does Sling TV have local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC?

Sling's local channel coverage is limited. FOX and NBC are available in select markets with Sling Blue. ABC is not widely available. Sling does not carry CBS or most Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). An HD antenna can be integrated with the Sling app to access local channels for free.

How much DVR storage is included?

All Sling TV plans automatically include 50 hours of free Cloud DVR storage. You can upgrade to DVR Plus for $5/month to get 200 hours of storage.

Is there a free trial for Sling TV?

Sling TV's promotional offers change frequently. While they sometimes offer a traditional free trial, their most common offer is a significant discount on your first month of service, such as 50% off.

Do I have to sign a contract?

No, Sling TV is a month-to-month service. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees. You can start, stop, or change your service at any time.

Ready to Build Your Perfect TV Package?

Sling TV offers the ultimate in flexibility and affordability for live TV streaming. Stop paying for channels you don't watch and start building a package that's right for your budget and viewing habits.

Explore the plans and take advantage of the first-month discount to see why Sling TV is the smart choice for cord-cutters!

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