Is Sling TV any good? Is it the right live TV streaming service for you? Here are five reasons why we think you should give Sling TV a try.
Category: Sling TV
Sling TV is a live TV streaming service with access to a variety of popular channels. Compared to some others, it is a far more affordable option. At the same time, Sling TV offers various customization options for consumers to create a plan that’s right for them. Channels aside, Sling TV also provides subscribers with access to on-demand videos and a cloud DVR for recording live TV.
Recommended reading: Sling TV review
FAQ table of contents
- How much is Sling TV?
- When Did Sling TV Launch?
- Who owns Sling TV?
- Which devices is Sling TV available on?
- What is the downside of Sling TV?
- Is Sling TV worth it?
How much is Sling TV?
At just $40 per month, Sling TV is a highly affordable live TV streaming service compared to many others. In fact, Sling TV offers two main plans to choose from, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, and both are priced at the same $40 per month rate. There is also the option to combine the two plans through the Orange & Blue plan which increases the cost to $55 per month. Sling does also offer a free tier, but it is significantly more limited and should not be viewed as a possible replacement for its paid Orange and Blue live TV plans.
When did Sling TV launch?
Sling TV first launched in 2015, making it one of the oldest live TV streaming services around. During its initial launch period, it was only available in beta. However, by February of 2015, Sling TV became available to everyone in the United States. At launch, the cost of a subscription was just $20 per month. While the price has increased since then, so has the selection of channels.
Who owns Sling TV?
Sling TV is owned by Dish Network Corporation, the same company that owns Dish, also known as Dish TV. While Dish is a traditional live TV service that requires additional equipment and a long-term contract, Sling TV is offered by Dish Network as a streaming alternative.
Which devices is Sling TV available on?
With Sling TV being one of the oldest live TV streaming services around, it is compatible with a fairly wide variety of different platforms and devices. However, there are still some gaps in device support that may affect the usefulness of Sling TV in some homes. Below is a sample of some of the platforms and devices that Sling TV currently works with.
- AirTV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- LG TV
- Roku
- Samsung TV
- Vizio TV
- Xfinity
- Xbox Series X/S
What is the downside of Sling TV?
The main downside with Sling TV is the channel lineup. While it is possible to create a bespoke plan that more closely resembles other live TV streaming services, this is likely to significantly increase the price and require some major tweaking compared to the more straightforward plans offered by other service. Even with the right plan set up, local channels are likely to remain an issue. For those that want access to as many locals as possible, there are better options.
In the past, some have also found issues with the Sling TV app. It just hasn’t been as polished of an experience as what’s offered with other services. However, Sling TV has since updated its app with a new and cleaner interface. It still may not suite everyone, resulting in another potential downside.
Is Sling TV worth it?
Sling TV is certainly going to be worth it for many households. After all, one of the main selling points with Sling TV is the lower cost, making it a very good option for those looking for an affordable live TV service. In addition, Sling TV does also offer a number of add-ons and premium networks that can be added to the base plan at an additional cost per month. This ability to customize a package helps homes to create a live TV plan that’s not only suited to their channel needs, but also their budget.
The price of a Sling TV subscription has changed a lot over the years, but has the actual selection of live TV channels changed just as much?
Sling Orange can be a better option than Sling Blue, so long as the channel lineup and the single simultaneous stream is enough for a home.
Sling Blue is one of the two base live TV plans offered by Sling TV. Here’s a closer look at everything you get (and don’t get) with Blue.
Sling TV subscribers have faced multiple price increases over the years. Here’s a look at how the subscription price has changed since 2015.
Sling TV offers two main base plans to choose from, and Both the Orange and Blue plans are more affordable than many other live TV services.
Sling TV offer access to the Reelz network but not through any of its base plans. Instead, subscribers need to pay extra to add the channel.
For those looking to save money, Sling TV is worth checking out. However, if premium features, channel selection, or a rich cloud DVR is important, then there are better live TV streaming services.
Sling TV subscribers can cancel through the account section of the settings. There is also the option of pausing a subscription as well.
Sling TV doesn’t offer Bally Sports as part of its Blue or Orange channel lineups and it remains to be seen if that’s going to change soon.
Sling Free offers a way to watch shows and movies without having to pay for a monthly subscription, but there are limitations to be aware of.
The Sling Orange and Sling Blue plans cost exactly the same per month, but the channels included with each live TV package are not identical.
If the Sling TV app keeps crashing on a device, there are some general checks that are worth performing to see if they fix the problem.
With a limited number of locals and select markets. Sling TV is not the best option for watching local channels and regional sports networks.
NFL RedZone is available to stream through Sling TV by adding the Sports Extra add-on to a subscription, but only for Sling Blue subscribers.
For any Sling TV subscribers that are unaware, you can switch between the Blue and Orange live TV plans at any time, and at no extra cost.
Verizon wireless, Fios and 5G Home internet customers can currently get two months of Sling TV for free when signing up. Here’s how.
If you want Sling TV with every add-on and extra, the Sling Total TV Deal is for you.
Sling’s approach to simultaneous streams is worthy of Christopher Nolan’s Inception.
Sling TV credentials can also be used to access movies and show episodes through a number of network apps and websites.