Sling TV Review: Is This Budget Live TV Service Worth It?

If you’ve been exploring options to cut the cord and switch to streaming, Sling TV might have caught your eye.

As a budget-friendly live streaming service, it promises a lot without breaking the bank. But with so many options out there, you might be wondering if Sling TV is the right IPTV service for your entertainment needs.

In this Sling TV review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this live TV streaming service, its channels, pricing, and overall value.

What is Sling TV?

Sling TV is one of the first live TV streaming services that hit the market, offering a mix of live channels, on-demand content, and cloud DVR features.

Launched by Dish Network, Sling TV was designed to be a more affordable alternative to traditional cable TV.

Unlike many of its competitors, Sling TV offers a unique a la carte approach, allowing you to choose from two base packages—Sling Orange and Sling Blue—and then customize your experience with additional add-ons.

Sling TV Packages and Pricing

Sling TV keeps it simple with two main packages:

Sling Orange

• Price: $40 per month
• Channels: 30+ channels, including ESPN, Disney Channel, CNN, and more
• Best For: Sports fans, families, and news watchers

Sling Blue

• Price: $40 per month
• Channels: 40+ channels, including FOX, NBC, Bravo, and more
• Best For: Entertainment enthusiasts and those wanting local channels in select markets

What sets Sling TV apart is the ability to combine both Sling Orange and Sling Blue for $55 per month, giving you access to all channels in both packages.

If you’re someone who wants a mix of sports, entertainment, and news, this combined option might be your best bet.

Add-Ons and Customization

One of Sling TV’s biggest strengths is its flexibility. You can build on the basic package by adding various channel bundles, known as Extras. Here’s a breakdown of some popular add-ons:

• Sports Extra: Includes channels like NBA TV, NHL Network, and more for $11 per month.
• Comedy Extra: Adds channels like MTV, CMT, and Paramount Network for $6 per month.
• Kids Extra: Includes channels like Nicktoons, Boomerang, and more for $6 per month.
• Cloud DVR Plus: Get 200 hours of cloud DVR storage for an additional $5 per month.

This flexibility allows you to tailor your Sling TV experience to fit your specific viewing habits without paying for channels you don’t watch.

Channel Lineup and Content

Sling TV’s channel lineup varies slightly depending on whether you choose Sling Orange or Sling Blue, but both offer a solid mix of popular channels.

However, one thing to note is that Sling TV does not carry CBS, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Here’s what you can expect from each package:

Sling Orange Channel Highlights

• Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3
• Entertainment: AMC, Comedy Central, TBS, TNT
• Family: Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, Freeform

Sling Blue Channel Highlights

• Local Channels: FOX, NBC (in select markets)
• Entertainment: FX, SyFy, USA Network, Bravo
• News: MSNBC, CNN, FOX News

If you’re combining both packages, you’ll get a broader selection, including everything listed above and more.

Sling Freestream

In addition to its paid packages, Sling TV also offers Sling Freestream, a completely free, ad-supported service.

This option gives users access to over 210 live channels and more than 41,000 on-demand titles without requiring a subscription.

It’s a great way to get a taste of Sling TV’s offerings without spending a dime. Sling Freestream includes a variety of channels across different genres, such as:

• News: ABC News Live, CBS News, and Newsy.
• Entertainment: AMC Thrillers, The Walking Dead Universe, and FailArmy.
• Lifestyle: Bon Appétit, The Design Network, and Travel Channel.
• Kids & Family: Baby Shark TV, Cartoonito, and Kidoodle TV.

User Experience and Interface

When it comes to ease of use, Sling TV’s interface is straightforward and user-friendly. The home screen organizes content by category, making it easy to find what you’re looking for. You can browse live channels, on-demand content, and your DVR recordings without hassle.

Sling TV is available on a wide range of devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, smart TVs, and mobile devices.

However, some users might find the interface a bit outdated compared to competitors like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV. While it gets the job done, it lacks some of the polish and advanced features found in other services.

Streaming Quality and Performance

In terms of streaming quality, Sling TV delivers a solid performance for the most part. You can stream in HD on most channels, provided you have a stable internet connection.

Sling recommends a minimum of 5 Mbps for a single stream and 25 Mbps for households with multiple devices streaming simultaneously.

During peak hours, you might experience some buffering or a drop in quality, especially if your internet speed fluctuates. But overall, Sling TV provides a reliable streaming experience, especially for the price.

Sling TV vs. Competitors

When comparing Sling TV to its competitors, the most notable difference is the price. Sling TV is significantly cheaper than other services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, which start around $70 per month. However, Sling TV’s lower price comes with some trade-offs.

For one, Sling TV doesn’t offer as many channels as its competitors, and the absence of CBS and other major networks can be a drawback for some users. Additionally, Sling TV’s DVR storage is lower than others unless you pay extra for the Cloud DVR Plus add-on.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for an affordable way to stream live TV and don’t mind the channel limitations, Sling TV is a strong contender. Its flexibility and lower cost make it an attractive option for budget-conscious streamers.

Pros and Cons of Sling TV

Pros

• Affordable Pricing: One of the cheapest live TV streaming services available.
• Customizable: A la carte channel options let you pay only for what you watch.
• No Contracts: Cancel anytime without penalties.

Cons

• Limited Channels: Fewer channels compared to pricier competitors.
• No CBS: Missing a major network that’s available on other services.
• Average Interface: Functional but not as sleek as other platforms.

Final Verdict: Is Sling TV Worth It?

Sling TV is an affordable live TV streaming service that offers flexibility and customization without a hefty price tag. While it lacks some channels and features compared to competitors, it’s a solid option for those looking to save money while still enjoying live TV.

Sling TV is a great option for cord-cutters who want a budget-friendly way to watch live TV. Its flexibility in channel selection and affordable pricing make it stand out in the crowded streaming market. However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive channel lineup or advanced features, you might need to look elsewhere.

For those who don’t need every channel under the sun and are looking to save money, Sling TV offers solid value. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done for a fraction of the cost of traditional cable or more expensive streaming services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch local channels on Sling TV?

Yes, but availability depends on your location and which package you choose. Sling Blue offers FOX and NBC in select markets, but CBS is not available on Sling TV.

Does Sling TV offer a free trial?

Sling TV occasionally offers free trials or discounts for new users. Check their website for the latest offers.

How does Sling TV’s DVR work?

Sling TV offers 50 hours of free cloud DVR storage. If you need more, you can upgrade to Cloud DVR Plus for 200 hours at $5 per month.

Can I cancel Sling TV anytime?

Yes, Sling TV is contract-free, so you can cancel your subscription at any time without penalties.

Is Sling TV good for sports fans?

Sling Orange is great for sports fans, offering ESPN and other sports channels. You can also add the Sports Extra package for more options.