Sling TV is the most comprehensive and reasonably priced cable alternative. At $40 a month, there’s no better way to catch all your favorite sports, news, and entertainment content without a contract.
If you are thinking about trying the service, our guide will tell you exactly what channels you get with each Sling TV package. We’ll also discuss the cost and local channels so you can choose the best package for you.
How Much is Sling a Month?
The live TV streaming service is one of the more affordable cable replacements. It has two base packages to choose from, including Orange and Blue.
Here is how much Sling TV costs per month:
- Orange cost = $40 per month
- Blue cost = $40 per month
- Orange + Blue cost = $55 per month
A low monthly cost is what makes the platform one of the most popular cable TV alternatives.
What Channels Does Sling TV Carry?
There are two main channel packages. These are Sling TV Orange and Sling TV Blue. While some popular networks like A&E and CNN are in both Sling TV packages, other important ones like ESPN and FS1 are not.
| Package | Cost/Month | # of Channels | Highlighted Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | $40 | 32 | ESPN, CNN, AMC |
| Blue | $40 | 42 | FS1, FX, USA |
| Orange + Blue | $55 | 50 | NFL Network, History Channel, ESPN, FS1 |
The service also bundles both Orange and Blue into one package. This provides you access to all of its channels for a lower price ($50) than buying both Sling TV plans separately, which would cost $70.
Orange Channel List
Of all the programming available on Sling TV Orange channels, there is one channel that people look for more than any other – ESPN.
If you want to stream ESPN live without cable, you must choose either Orange or Orange + Blue.
The Orange Channel plan list currently comes with 32 channels, including AMC, CNN, ESPN, Food Network, and TBS.
Here’s a complete list of the channels you’ll get with Sling Orange:
As you can see, the Orange channel lineup offers a good variety of content, from news to sports to lifestyle and entertainment channels. It also has programming for kids.
One drawback of the Sling Orange plan is that it only allows you to watch content on one screen at a time.
Other plans let you stream Sling TV on up to three or four screens at once. If that’s important to you, you may want to opt for the Blue or Orange + Blue plan.
Blue Channel List
If you can live without ESPN, Sling Blue is a good choice for major cable networks across news, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle TV at a reasonable cost.
Not only will you enjoy FOX Sports 1, but you’ll also get NBC Sports Network and the NFL Network, making the Blue channel package a terrific option for sports fans.
Another highlight of Sling Blue is that it allows you to watch TV on up to three screens simultaneously.
For example, this means you can watch sports on your TV while someone else watches HGTV on a laptop and yet another person watches cartoons on a tablet.
These are the channels you’ll receive if you opt for Sling Blue:
In addition to sports channels, the Sling TV Blue package also offers more lifestyle and entertainment content from BET, Bravo, Discovery Channel, FX, Nat Geo, Nick Jr, TLC, and USA.
Full Lineup
If you want all of the Sling TV channels available in its base package, the Orange + Blue plan is best. This choice includes up to four simultaneous streams.
Here is the complete Sling TV channel list:
You’ll receive every channel the service offers for only $55 per month. Choose this package if:
- You love live sports and regularly watch games on ESPN
- Someone in your family loves lifestyle programming
- You want more choice for a reasonable monthly cost
Unfortunately, Sling does not usually offer a free trial. However, they do regularly offer various money-saving promotions.
*Note: When you start your subscription, Sling TV will ask you to combine the Blue and Orange channels in your guide to avoid duplicate entries. Do this, or you’ll be confused when you search for programs to watch.
What Are the Sling TV Extra Packages and Add-ons?
Sling TV is the best option for an a la carte TV experience. It offers affordable channel packages, and you can add on additional networks to customize your viewing experience.
Other live streaming services do not offer the level of customization found at Sling. The add-on channel packages available vary depending on whether you have the Blue or Orange plan.
| Sling TV Extra Package | Cost/Month | Channels with Orange | Channels with Blue |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMC+ | $7 | AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films Unlimited | Not Offered |
| Comedy | $6 | CMT, GSN, Logo, MTV, MTV2, truTV, Paramount Network, TV Land, Revolt, FETV,Laff | CMT, GSN, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, Revolt, TV Land, FETV, Laff |
| Espanol (Spanish Channels) | $6 or $11 | Various | Various |
| Heartland | $6 | AHC, Cowboy, DA, Outdoor, Pixl, RFD TV, Ride TV, Sportsman, WFN, Pursuit, GAC | NGW, AHC, Cowboy, DA, Outdoor, Pixl, RFD TV, Ride TV, Sportsman, WFN, Pursuit, GAC |
| Hollywood | $6 | Reelz, H&I, Start TV, Grit, HDNet Movies, SundanceTV, Cinemoi, TCM | FXX, FXM, H&I, Reelz, Start TV, Grit, HDNet Movies, SundanceTV, Cinemoi, TCM |
| International | $6 | Globo, MBC, Sony, Welt, Willow, Zeecinemalu and more. | Same |
| Kids | $6 | BabyTV, Boomerang, DuckTV, NickToons, Teen Nick | Same |
| Lifestyle | $6 | VH1, Cooking, FYI, Hallmark(3), Lifetime Movies, Magnolia, WeTV | VH1, OXY, Cooking, DIY, FYI, Hallmark(3), Lifetime Movies, WeTV |
| Locals | Free depending on where you live. | ABC, CBS | FOX, NBC in select mkts. |
| News | $6 | BBC World News, WGN, NewsMaxTV, HLN, Weather Nation, Euronews, SCI, News18, RT, CGTN, Law & Crime | FBN, NewsNation, CNBC, BBC World News, Law & Crime, NewsMaxTV, Weather Nation, SCI, Euronews, France24, News18, NDTV24X7, RT, CGTN |
| Sports | $11 | SECN, SECN+, ACCN, ACCNX, PAC12 Network, Longhorn Network, Bein, NBA TV, MLB, MLB (SZ), U, ESPNEWS, Tennis, NHL | NFL RedZone, Big Ten Network, NBA TV, FS2, MLB, NHL, Golf, Bein, PAC12 Network, Tennis, MLB (SZ), Olympic |
The best thing about Sling’s extra channel packages is that most cost just $6 per month. The Sports Extra package costs $11 per month, or $15 if you have both Sling Blue and Sling Orange.
If you want all of the add-ons, Sling offers this in their Total TV deal for $21 per month, or $27 if you have both Sling Blue and Sling Orange.
*Related: Can’t decide between Hulu Live and Sling TV? Check out our Sling TV vs. Hulu Live guide to see a side-by-side analysis.*
Additionally, If you enjoy premium channels, you don’t need cable to get them. Sling TV lets you easily add them to your base package for an extra monthly fee.
- Comedy Dynamics – $5
- Dox or CuriosityStream – $5
- Epix (four channels) – $5
- Hallmark Movies Now – $6
- Pantaya – $6
- Showtime (nine channels) – $10
- Starz (six channels) – $9
- Up Faith and Family – $5
Despite being a budget service, Sling TV offers a wide selection of channels while being cheaper than paying for cable.
Which Sling Package Has Local Channels?
Local channels are expensive for live TV services to offer. That cost gets passed onto customers.
One reason a Sling TV subscription is so affordable is they don’t offer all local networks. They do offer ABC, FOX, and NBC in some major markets, but only if you select the Sling Blue plan or Orange + Blue.
ABC is a newer addition by Sling. As of March 1, 2023, subscribers in select cities will receive access to ABC. However, it will also increase the Blue package cost to $45 a month.
Here is where you can get ABC with the service.
| City | Station |
|---|---|
| Chicago | WLS |
| Fresno | KSFN |
| Houston | KTRK |
| Los Angeles | KABC |
| New York | WABC |
| Philadelphia | WPVI |
| Raleigh-Durham | WTVD |
| San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose | KGO |
Here is where you can get FOX with the service.
| City | Station |
|---|---|
| New York | WNYW |
| Philadelphia | WTXF |
| Chicago | WFLD |
| Detroit | WJBK |
| Atlanta | WAGA |
| Washington, DC | WTTG |
| Houston | KRIV |
| Orlando/Daytona/Melbourne | WOFL |
| Tampa/St. Petersburg | WTVT |
| Gainesville | WOGX |
| Milwaukee | WITI |
| Minneapolis/St. Paul | KMSP |
| Dallas/Ft. Worth | KDFW |
| Austin | KTBC |
| Phoenix | KSAZ |
| Seattle | KCPQ |
| Los Angeles | KTTV |
| San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose | KTVU |
Here is where you can get NBC with the service.
| City | Station |
|---|---|
| New York | WNBC |
| Philadelphia | WCAU |
| Chicago | WMAQ |
| Boston | WBTS |
| Washington, DC | WRC-TV |
| Miami/Ft. Lauderdale | WTVJ |
| Hartford/New Haven | WVIT |
| Dallas/Ft. Worth | KXAS |
| Los Angeles | KNBC |
| San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose | KNTV |
| San Diego | KNSD |
Read our analysis on ways to watch the live broadcast of NBC without cable to learn about other options.
If local networks are important to you, the best option is to buy an over-the-air antenna. After you buy the antenna, all the local channels in your area are yours and are free for life.
Go to Amazon to find top antenna options.
How Many Hours Can You Record on the Sling DVR?
You can record 50 hours of content with the Sling DVR. If that is not enough recording capacity, you can upgrade to 200 hours for an extra $5 per month.
The cloud DVR option lets you record and watch live TV anytime on your devices as well as your TV.
You can pause and rewind through all recorded content as well as fast-forward through commercials with the DVR.
Recordings are kept for as long as you’re a customer. If you cancel your service and return within 30 days, you can still access recordings.
Another bonus is that you can record multiple shows at once. Sling makes it easy to set up and manage your recordings through the ‘My TV’ portion of its channel guide.
What are the Supported Devices?
Sling TV is supported by a large number of devices and platforms, including all the major ones.
- Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
- Android TV, phones, and tablets
- Apple TV, Chromecast, Facebook Portal
- Google Chrome, Google Nest HUb, iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
- LG TV, Microsoft Edge, Oculus
- Roku, Safari, Samsung Smart TVs
- Windows 10, Xbox, and XfinityX1
Essentially, as long as a device has a screen, it’s likely you can stream content.
*Related: Love college football? Check out our guide on how to stream college football games so you can catch all the action without a pricey contract.*
If you don’t see your device listed, check Sling TV’s website for more details.
Is Sling Worth the Money?
Although it’s a lower-priced service, Sling TV is worth the money. For just $40 a month, you receive dozens of popular sports, lifestyle, and entertainment networks.
It works on virtually any device, and you can fast-forward through commercials on DVR recordings. While it’s not as robust as other streaming services, those features come at a cost of $30 more a month.
If you pair either Sling plan with an antenna, it is one of the best streaming services with live TV to use to save money.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Sling?
Choosing a live TV streaming service isn’t always easy. Here is what to keep in mind when considering Sling.
Pros
- Dozens of popular cable channels
- Affordable way to cut the cord on cable
- Cheap way to stream sports without cable
- Reliable streaming performance
- Easy to navigate platform
- Lots of on-demand content
Cons
- Limited local channels
- Channel lineup can be confusing
- Only 50 hours of DVR recording capacity
If you want to watch TV without cable, Sling TV is worth trying to see if it meets your needs. Read our in-depth Sling review to learn more.
FAQs
Here are some common questions readers have when looking at the Sling TV channels.
How fast does my internet need to be to stream Sling TV?
Shows and movies are best enjoyed at an internet connection of 5.0 megabits per second (Mbps) or higher.
Ideally, 25 Mbps or more is best. If you’re watching on a tablet or phone, you can get away with slightly lower speeds.
Read our guide on minimum speed requirements for streaming services to learn more.
Which Sling TV package is best?
When choosing a streaming service, it is essential to know what you can’t live without. Otherwise, you will experience frustration when watching TV.
If you’re a live sports fan, Sling Orange is best as it includes ESPN for just $40 a month. If you enjoy more lifestyle and news networks, Sling Blue is best.
However, if you’re unsure which plan to pick, you can use their Service Optimizer tool to learn which plan and potential add-ons are best.
Picking a cable replacement can be challenging. Try our free quiz to see which service is best for you.
What does Sling Freestream include?
Sling Freestream is a new option the company introduced at the beginning of 2021. It’s a free offering from the service, and you don’t need to provide a credit card or register to get access.
You don’t receive live TV channels with this service, but it provides over 300 channels and 40,000+ on-demand movies and TV shows. It works with the same supported devices as the paid plans, and you can watch on-demand content at your leisure.
Think of it as Hulu, without the original content.
Can you cancel Sling anytime?
It is possible to cancel Sling TV whenever you wish. There is no contract to get service, so a subscription is month-to-month.
Here is how you can cancel your account:
- Click on the wheel icon in the top right corner of your account
- Select “Manage Account”
- Click the “Cancel Subscription” link
- Give the reason you’re canceling
It only takes several seconds to cancel. Your current paid subscription will run for the remainder of your billing cycle.
For example, if you cancel on October 25 and you paid through November 7, your access will continue until November 7.
Read our step-by-step guide on how to cancel Sling TV to learn more and why pausing your subscription might help.
Are there taxes and fees with Sling TV?
Live TV streaming services often charge taxes and fees, and that is the case with Sling. If you choose either the Orange or Blue plan, your monthly bill should be roughly $42.21, depending on taxes in your city.
If you choose Orange + Blue, your monthly bill will be roughly $58.03.
Your bill will be more if you have any add-on packages. However, given its affordable cost, Sling TV is a good YouTube TV and Hulu Live alternative as it’s roughly half the price of either service.
Read our Sling TV vs. YouTube TV review to learn how the two cable alternatives compare.
Does Sling TV have commercials?
Yes, there are commercials on the service. Expect it to be similar to cable TV in that way.
However, you can fast-forward through commercials on programs you’ve recorded on the cloud-based DVR.
Bottom Line
Sling TV isn’t the most robust streaming service, but it offers a lot of value. It’s a popular service to get ESPN without cable, which is important to a lot of cord-cutters.
The service is the closest to an al a carte experience, which you might find useful. You can take advantage of one of their promotions to see if it’s right for you.
What’s one channel you feel like that you can’t live without?
So, if I have both orange and blue and I added the sports package for $5.00 more a month I would get everything listed in both orange an blue columns, correct?
Yes, that’s correct Terry. It’d give you all of the base channels they offer plus everything in the sports package.
I don’t see Fox News. Is that in any of the packages. I pay $151.99 for tv.and $91.98 for internet. Included in my t.v. price I have to pay $50.00 for boxes. Can you help. I am looking to combine orange and blue package.
Sling TV does not offer Fox News. Hulu Live will be your best option to get Fox News.
My biggest concern is sec football. CBS has the 2:30 games. Also I have a projector set up on my back deck. Would I be able to do sling through my laptop onto my projector?
Hulu Live would honestly be your better option. They also carry the SEC Network, plus you get locals.
So trying to find these sports channels that should be available in sports package but dont see them..Be-insport..
Also looking where to add HBO cant find that either…
Beinsport is actually offered as a part of the Blue package – we have it included in that list. 🙂 If you look under the “Premium add-ons” section, you will see HBO, plus other premium services Sling lets you add.
I love to watch my Atlanta Braves. They are carried daily during the regular season by Fox Sports South and Fox Sports Southeast. Does Sling offer these channels in a local package? I also don’t see the Science channel. Would have to have these if I switch to Sling.
No, there is no local package unfortunately. Any Fox sports channels would be a part of one of either of the two packages.
Does Sling TV carry the Fox News Channel for zip code 52747
Sling does not carry Fox News unfortunately.
I pay $200+ per month. I rarely get to watch tv, however I do have a dvr. My issue with switching is I don’t see the lifetime movie channel nor OWN. Those are the only channels I watch regularly. Are they available?
Philo TV is your best option for those channels. It’s $16 per month for 40 channels and well worth the savings.
QVC or hsn?
Nope, if it’s not in our list then it’s not offered by the platform.
If I go with Sling will I still need to have Buckeye cable service for internet? I am in the 43623 area code.
Yes, you still need internet service.
For some reason, Fox is no longer available on my Sling package. I have Blue and Orange. What happened?
Sorry to hear that Linda. As covered in the post, they only offer locals in select markets so it’s possible they decided to drop it in your market.
I am paying 117$ to Comcast…hate them…just purchased an Amazon fire stick with Alexa remote from QVC for 35$
If I take the plunge and say sayonara to Comcast,will I still see my shows in hd?
That depends on the channel, not the service. 🙂 If the channels airs in HD, then that’s how you receive it.
Does sling tv offer the weather channel?
Nope, if it’s not listed in the post it’s not available.
Do you carry the OWN network?
While we love you think WE are Sling TV, sadly we’re not. Nope, if it’s not listed in the post then they do not offer it. 🙂
hello i would like to sign up can you please assist me. I would like the orange and blue and add on showtime and starz. can i do so with the fire stick? thanks
Yep, that can all be done through the Fire Stick and is super easy to do.
NFL Redzone? I see NFL Network, but does the Sports package include NFL Redzone?
Yep, it’s listed right there in the Sports package. 🙂 You must have Sling Blue for it to be included.
Thank you for your informative, non-biased articles. Having searched many hours on ways to cut cable to find the solution for my viewing wants, I still have some questions. Frontier cable is $175 with internet and dvr, no premium channels. I have Netflix & Amazon. TV is a LG OLED which really is my main drive to find a solution and may not be the right platform here. Sorry, this is long, I have Amazon Fire TV still sitting in a box. IF I cord cut, I really can’t live without a dvr, which is why I was considering Sling and the Fire TV hooked up. Sling for a few channels but mainly dvr. Can Sling be paused? Do I need Sling for the dvr or can you suggest a better option, please? The LG issue is it’s auto screensaver turns on after pausing for 2 minutes. When returning to a program, it either reverts to the program’s beginning or I cannot fast forward. If I forget to hit Resume, it auto starts at beginning. I read the only way to get rid of this (no disable function per LG) was to setup a streaming service through the HDMI port so the tv recognizes an external source. Bottom line, any way I can get rid of the auto-screensaver, have the dvr option, and cut the cord I’ll be happy! Thank you for your time and assistance. Sure hope someone can help!
Of course, happy to help. I’d honestly recommend Hulu Live, given your questions. They offer most of the channels Sling does, more actually, and include a DVR.
Thank you, John. Had not looked into Hulu options! On the OLED Fireworks dilemma, I updated my $45 hdmi cable from 2017 to a 2019 4K hdmi. It’s made a huge difference with clarity. The fireworks screen while streaming still comes on, but I can now hit ‘resume’ with no problems.
Of course, happy to help! 🙂
Does Sling offer MSNBC and the live Golf Channel?
Nope, if it’s not listed then it’s not a channel Sling TV offers
FYI – Sling does offer MSNBC in an extra’s package for $5.
Yep, I know Donna. It’s listed right there in the “News” add-on 🙂 I was referencing the Golf Channel they were asking about.
If we have the antenna then we should get everything local correct? What would the price be for orange and blue plus sports and kids channels? I also can’t live without HGTV or lifetime as well.
Yes, that’s correct. You just need to add the cost of the base package plus any specialty packages to find your price – they’re all listed. 🙂
If I get the blue package and an additional $5 service, can I choose to use my 3rd device at a different address?
I don’t believe that’d be an issue but you’d want to confirm with Sling TV first.
Hello I don’t see Telemundo 51 on packages is not available and Centroamérica TV?
Nope, if it’s not listed then it’s not a channel Sling TV offers.
Its somewhat disengenious to talk about saving $80 if you cut the cord and sign up with Sling. You might have cable TV with no internet, but absolutely cannot have Sling (or any other streaming service) without internet. Now the good news: Spectrum just increased my bill to $218/mo. and within 10 minutes of seeing that they were out of here. But I still have their internet, $60/mo.
We don’t see how it’s disingenuous at all Mike. The average cable bill is $110 per month. You can get Sling TV for $25 per month so the savings are obvious. Yes, you do need internet, but that doesn’t make the savings statement off at all. As you can see, we’ve responded to comments explaining you need internet. We have a post on how to get internet without cable, explaining what to do. Each situation is different, and most times you will still save money by having standalone internet plus a streaming service, thus why doing the math is vital. Search our site and you’ll see where we say that many times. Just because it may not be true for a few doesn’t make it so for the majority.
Can you get the weather channel ?
Nope, if it’s not listed then it’s not a channel Sling TV offers.
Is it possible to get the golf channel?
Nope, if it’s not listed then it’s not a channel Sling TV offers.
I have a Vizio smart TV, which is connected to the internet and streams Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc. Do I need a fire stick or Roku (for example) to get SlingTV after creating an account? I do not use any of those things to stream the above mentioned platforms
Nope, if you access those through apps on your TV then you should be good.
I have a cottage and house both with internet’s. Do I need two packages
You would need to get Sling Blue to be able to watch at both locations.
Thank you so much John for all the information. I am so new to the firestick, I am trying to gain as much info as I can. Have not totally cut the cord yet. But next week. Lining up the internet connection and everything which is spectrum. Say goodbye to direct TV. The main thing my hubby wants is his football. And I want to be able to see a few local shows when the new ones start mid Sept. Most on .major networks
But dont care if its live
Of course, happy to help Peggy. Given what you’re looking for Hulu Live would be a better choice as they provide access to locals.
What is difference between NBC Sports, NBC golf, NBC Sport Network
Besides the obvious of golf, I’m not certain unfortunately.
which package would be best for me?
I watch
Hells Kitchen & Master Chef
College football & Pro NFL
I’m not certain what channels those shows are on, so you would need to verify that. For the football, you’d want Orange + Blue, plus potentially the Sports package.
I’m looking to have local channels, history channel an golf channel will sling tv blue an orange plus sports package give me that, an what channels are in sports package
Hulu Live would be the better option in your case as they carry locals whereas Sling typically doesn’t. They don’t have the Golf Channel, but NBC Golf.
Does the sports package cover Big Ten Network
Nope, if it’s not listed then it’s not a channel Sling TV offers.
Can I get local Nashville TN ABC, CBS, NBC in zip code 37342? Thanks!
You will need to check that on the Sling TV site. They don’t carry locals in many areas, and that’s the only way to find out.
My daughter goes to college out of state and I was wondering if she can use the “family” account at school. Since we are planning on doing the family package(I guess that’s what you call it) I was hoping she could
You can, but you will need to go with at least the Blue package to make that possible as it allows for simultaneous streaming on three devices.
Does Sling have CBS Sports Channel. Also, can I purchase or watch NFL Sunday Ticket and at what cost.
Nope, if it’s not listed they don’t offer it. 🙂 Hulu Live does offer it though. Unfortunately, you can’t purchase NHFL Sunday Ticket as a standalone service, it’s only available as a part of a DirecTV contract. You may want to check out our guide on how to watch NFL games without cable for options.