Summary:
Sling TV’s modular pricing structure creates confusion but potential savings for cord-cutters. The service separates channels into Blue (news/entertainment) and Orange (ESPN-focused) base plans, with combined Orange & Blue offering better value. While 30% cheaper than competitors like YouTube TV, Sling requires strategic add-on purchases ($6-$15/month) to access channels included elsewhere. App availability spans most major platforms except PlayStation 5, with interface customizations partially offsetting slower navigation.
What This Means for You:
- Evaluate base plans carefully – Compare Orange vs Blue channel lineups against your must-have networks before considering add-ons
- Leverage the 30% bundle discount – Orange & Blue combined plan saves $15/month versus separate purchases while covering ESPN/FS1/MSNBC
- Audit sports channel needs – The $15/month Sports Extra add-on is essential for BTN/FS2 but increases total cost to YouTube TV parity
- Test app performance – Check streaming quality on your primary devices, especially older smart TVs not mentioned in compatibility list
Original Post:
I won’t mince words: Sling TV is confusing. It has, by far, the most confusing lineup of plans and add-ons out of any of the live TV streaming services I tested. There are a handful of core plans, none of which encompass the scale of Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, or DirecTV, as well as about half a dozen add-ons to bring the channel roster up to par. This modular approach is annoying while shopping, though it also means you can save quite a bit of money by only picking up what you need.
The core of Sling is Blue and Orange. The Blue plan focuses on news and entertainment, while the Orange plan cuts news like MSNBC and CNN in favor of an array of ESPN channels. It’s clear Sling wants folks to pick up the Orange & Blue plan that combines these channel lineups. It’s about 30 percent cheaper getting them together than it is purchasing them separately (and about $30 cheaper than most other providers).
The Orange & Blue plan, which I recommend for most people, covers the major bases, but it loses out on some of the secondary channels available elsewhere. For instance, you get ESPN channels and Fox Sports 1, but not Fox Sports 2 or the Big Ten Network. You’ll need an add-on for those.
Most of Sling’s add-ons are $6 extra per month, minus the sports add-on, which is $15. The add-ons fill in the gaps depending on what you’re most interested in. The entertainment add-on includes Cartoon Network and MTV, for instance, while the movies add-on comes with Grit, TCM, and FXX. You can pick up all of the extras for $27 per month with Blue & Orange or $21 per month with other plans. Even with the full package, however, Sling comes in a few dollars below YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV, and there are opportunities to get your monthly price even lower by cutting some packages.
For apps, Sling has just about everything you could want. Roku, Samsung, LG, Apple, and Google TV are all supported, as are boxes from Cox, Xfinity, and even TiVo Stream. Mobile apps are available, and there’s an app for the Xbox (though not the PlayStation 5).
Although not as responsive as YouTube TV, the app felt smooth on my TCL QM8K. You can create profiles, see upcoming games, and favorite channels in the guide so they’re easy to find.
Extra Information:
CNET’s Live TV Streaming Comparison quantifies channel differences between services. Cord Cutters News Sling Guide details regional sports network availability by zip code. Sling’s Official Add-ons Page shows current pricing for premium sports packages.
People Also Ask About:
- Is Sling TV cheaper than cable? Yes, base plans start at $40/month vs average cable bills over $100, though premium sports add-ons reduce savings.
- Why is ESPN only on Sling Orange? Disney requires ESPN carriage on distinct packages to limit subscriber numbers under contract terms.
- Can I watch local channels on Sling? Limited markets via AirTV integration; requires separate antenna in most areas unlike YouTube TV.
- Does Sling TV have 4K streaming? No current 4K sports or on-demand content unlike competitors’ premium offerings.
- How many profiles allowed on Sling? Up to 3 user profiles with separate recommendations/DVR libraries.
Expert Opinion:
“Sling’s à la carte model pioneered streaming savings but now risks obsolescence as viewers prioritize convenience. Their 30% bundle discount on Orange & Blue tacitly admits most consumers want comprehensive packages – exactly what competitors optimized. Unless Sling simplifies tiering, they’ll increasingly cater only to hyper-budget-conscious sports fans willing to navigate channel fragmentation.” – Streaming Industry Analyst
Key Terms:
- Sling TV Orange vs Blue channel differences
- Sling TV sports add-on cost comparison
- Live TV streaming service customization options
- Cord-cutting budget channel packages
- Sling TV regional sports network availability
- YouTube TV vs Sling TV pricing breakdown
- Device compatibility for Sling TV apps
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