In 2025, Sling TV continues to stand out as one of the most affordable and flexible live TV streaming services available.
Offering a budget-friendly way to watch live television without the hefty price tag of traditional cable or satellite, Sling TV has become a popular choice for cord-cutters and those looking to simplify their TV subscriptions.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a news junkie, or someone who loves binge-watching the latest TV shows, Sling TV provides a variety of options to cater to all tastes.
What makes Sling TV unique is its customization. Instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all bundle, it allows you to select the channels and features that matter most to you.
This means you can build a subscription that fits your budget and viewing preferences, with the flexibility to add or remove packages as needed. With no long-term contracts and the ability to cancel anytime, Sling TV offers a level of freedom that traditional cable companies can’t match.
In this review, we’ll explore everything Sling TV has to offer, from its channel lineup and pricing to its features and user experience, to help you determine if it’s the best cheap live TV service for you in 2025.
Sling TV Overview
Sling TV is a popular live television streaming service that allows users to watch live TV and on-demand content over the internet, bypassing the need for traditional cable or satellite TV. Launched in 2015, it offers a flexible and affordable alternative for those looking to cut the cord.
With Sling TV, users can choose from several base plans, such as Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each offering a curated selection of channels. Sling Orange provides access to sports, family entertainment, and news channels, while Sling Blue offers more news, sports, and local network options.
You can further customize your subscription by adding extra channel packages or premium channels like HBO, Showtime, or STARZ.
Sling TV works on a wide range of devices including smart TVs, streaming devices, tablets, smartphones, and computers, making it easy to watch your favorite shows from anywhere. It also features a cloud DVR service, allowing users to record live TV and watch later. Each plan includes 50 hours of DVR storage, with an option to upgrade for more.
The service is known for its affordability and no long-term contracts, offering a pay-as-you-go model that appeals to budget-conscious viewers who want more flexibility in their TV subscriptions.
How to Get Started With Sling TV
Getting started with Sling TV is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get up and running:
- Sign Up: Go to the Sling TV website and sign up for an account. You’ll be prompted to choose your base plan (Sling Orange, Sling Blue, or the combined Sling Orange + Blue).
- Choose Your Plan: Sling TV offers multiple packages to cater to different needs. If you want to keep it basic, choose Sling Select, the cheapest plan. If you’re more into sports or news, you may want to consider Sling Orange or Blue, which provide additional channels.
- Optional Add-Ons: Sling TV allows you to customize your subscription. You can add channel packs for sports, news, lifestyle, or kids’ content. There are also premium add-ons like HBO, Showtime, and STARZ.
- Choose Your Device: Sling TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks (Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV), gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation), tablets, phones, and computers. Simply download the app, log in, and start watching.
- No Contracts: One of the main attractions of Sling TV is that it does not require a contract. You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalties.
How Sling TV Works
Sling TV operates as a live streaming service over the internet. Once you subscribe, you get access to a range of live channels based on your selected plan. Additionally, you can access on-demand content, which includes both movies and TV shows.
One key feature is the cloud DVR, allowing you to record live TV and watch it later. This feature is included in most plans, though extra storage space can be added for a small fee.
The interface is user-friendly, featuring a guide that lets you browse channels by genre, or see what’s currently playing. Sling TV’s service is designed to be simple, with no need for complicated cable boxes or antennas.
The service uses internet streaming to deliver content, so the quality of your experience will depend heavily on the stability of your internet connection. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re in an area with slow or unreliable internet.
Features of Sling TV
Sling TV offers several standout features that differentiate it from traditional cable TV services. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Content
Sling TV offers a solid mix of channels across various genres, including sports, news, entertainment, lifestyle, and kids programming. The exact channels you’ll have access to depend on your chosen plan:
- Sling Orange: Includes channels like ESPN, Disney Channel, and CNN.
- Sling Blue: Features channels like FOX, NBC, MSNBC, and USA.
- Sling Orange + Blue: Combines both plans, giving you the best of both worlds.
The service also offers a wide range of add-on packages, so you can customize your subscription to suit your interests.
There are additional packs for specific genres like sports (e.g., NBA, NFL Network), kids (e.g., Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network), or lifestyle (e.g., HGTV, Travel Channel). Additionally, Sling TV offers premium channels such as HBO, STARZ, and Showtime as add-ons.
Unlike traditional cable TV, Sling allows you to pick and choose your channels. This flexibility is a major plus for people who want to avoid paying for a bunch of channels they don’t watch.
2. Affordability
One of the key selling points of Sling TV is its pricing. In 2025, Sling TV remains one of the most affordable options for streaming live TV. Here’s a breakdown of the base plans:
- Sling Select: $19.99/month
- Sling Orange: $45.99/month
- Sling Blue: $45.99/month
- Sling Orange + Blue: $60.99/month
These prices are far lower than traditional cable or satellite TV plans, which can easily cost upwards of $100 per month. Even with the add-ons, Sling TV remains significantly cheaper than most other live TV streaming services.
3. Add-Ons
Sling TV’s add-on options are one of the reasons it stands out. If you’re a sports fan, you can add ESPN+ or NBA League Pass for an additional fee. If you’re a movie lover, you can opt for premium channels like HBO or STARZ.
The ability to add only the content you want makes Sling TV a highly flexible service. You’re not locked into a huge bundle of channels; instead, you only pay for the things you watch.
However, it’s worth noting that while add-ons are optional, they can quickly increase the total cost of your subscription, so keep an eye on your budget if you plan to add several packs.
4. Flexibility
Sling TV offers a level of flexibility that traditional cable services simply can’t match. With Sling, you can:
- Cancel anytime: There are no long-term contracts, which means you can cancel your service at any time without penalties.
- Change plans as needed: Need more channels? You can upgrade your plan whenever you want. You can also downgrade if you find you don’t need as many channels.
- Watch on multiple devices: Sling allows you to stream on multiple devices simultaneously, depending on your plan. For example, Sling Orange allows one stream at a time, while Sling Blue allows up to three.
This flexibility is particularly useful for households where everyone wants to watch something different at the same time, or for individuals who want to switch between different types of content.
5. Multiple Screens
Sling TV also allows you to stream on multiple devices at the same time, depending on your plan:
- Sling Orange: One stream at a time
- Sling Blue: Up to three streams at once
- Sling Orange + Blue: Up to four streams simultaneously (with certain limitations)
This feature is helpful for households with multiple people watching TV at the same time. However, keep in mind that certain channels may have restrictions on how many streams you can use at once.
Sling TV Pricing
Sling TV offers four main plans, each catering to different needs:
| Plan | Price | Channels | Streams | DVR Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling Select | $19.99/month | 10+ | 1 | 50 hours |
| Sling Orange | $45.99/month | 30+ | 1 | 50 hours (upgradeable) |
| Sling Blue | $45.99/month | 40+ | 3 | 50 hours (upgradeable) |
| Sling Orange + Blue | $60.99/month | 45+ | 4 | 50 hours (upgradeable) |
You can add additional channel packs for $5 to $10 each. The cloud DVR is included with 50 hours of storage in most plans, but you can upgrade to more storage for an extra fee.
Optional Add-Ons
- Cloud DVR: If 50 hours of storage isn’t enough, you can upgrade to the DVR Plus option, which offers 200 hours of storage for an additional $5 per month.
- Channel Add-Ons: Sports, news, and lifestyle packs are available for around $5–$10 per month.
- Premium Channels: You can add HBO, Showtime, STARZ, and more, with prices typically ranging from $10–$20 per month per channel.
Sling TV Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable: Sling TV is one of the most budget-friendly live TV services available, with plans starting as low as $19.99/month.
- Customizable: Sling’s add-on packages allow you to tailor your service to your specific needs.
- No Contract: There’s no commitment, so you can cancel at any time without penalties.
- Wide Device Support: Sling works on almost any device, including smart TVs, tablets, phones, and computers.
- Multiple Streams: Sling allows streaming on multiple devices at the same time, depending on your plan.
Cons
- Limited Channel Lineup: While Sling offers a decent selection, it doesn’t provide as many channels as cable or some other streaming services.
- Missing Local Channels: Some local channels and regional sports networks may be unavailable, depending on your location.
- Cloud DVR Storage: The 50-hour DVR limit may not be enough for some users. Additional storage comes with an extra fee.
- Add-Ons Can Add Up: While the base plan is affordable, adding multiple add-ons can make the overall cost creep up.
- Streaming Issues: Some users report buffering, pixelation, and other quality issues, especially during peak times.
Top Sling TV Reviews
Sling TV receives mixed reviews from users and experts alike. Many reviewers praise the service’s affordability and flexibility, especially for people looking to cut the cord and avoid expensive cable bills. Tech experts have lauded Sling’s interface and its ability to offer a range of channels for a low price.
However, some users have reported frustrations with streaming quality and customer service. In particular, complaints about buffering and occasional service disruptions have been a recurring issue for some subscribers.
How do I know I can trust this Sling TV review?
This review is based on thorough research, including expert analysis from leading tech websites and user reviews. The information provided reflects the latest details about Sling TV’s offerings, pricing, and user experiences in 2025.
Is Sling TV Safe and Reliable?
Sling TV is a reputable service owned by Dish Network, one of the largest satellite TV providers. The platform itself is secure, and your personal information is protected by standard industry practices.
However, since Sling TV relies on streaming over the internet, its reliability depends on your internet connection. Users with stable and fast internet typically experience smooth streaming, but those with slower connections may face issues.
Sling TV Customer Support
Sling TV’s customer support is generally considered acceptable, though some users report difficulty getting timely help or resolving issues. Support is available via phone, email, and live chat, but there are occasional complaints about long wait times or unhelpful responses.
Is There a Sling TV App?
Yes, Sling TV has an app that works on most devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast.
The app is easy to navigate, with a user-friendly interface that makes it simple to find what you want to watch.
Is Sling TV Worth It?
If you’re looking for an affordable, flexible streaming service that offers a decent selection of live TV channels, Sling TV is definitely worth considering. Its customizable nature allows you to pay for just the channels you want, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious viewers.
However, if you’re after a comprehensive TV package with every channel imaginable, you may need to look elsewhere.
Our Verdict
Sling TV remains a smart choice in 2025 for viewers who care more about flexibility and value than getting every channel under the sun.
It offers an affordable, no‑contract entry into live TV, and the ability to build a channel lineup around your interests — sports, news, entertainment — without paying for hundreds of channels you’ll never watch.
For budget-conscious cord‑cutters or anyone wanting a lighter, more controlled streaming experience, Sling delivers significant savings compared with traditional cable or bulkier streaming bundles.
That said, Sling isn’t perfect. Its channel lineup is intentionally slim, and it still misses many local broadcast networks in many areas.
The basic cloud DVR storage feels modest, and extra add‑ons or upgrades can add up fast, chipping away at the initial savings. Users also often report mixed reliability — occasional buffering or glitches — especially when streaming big live events.
In short: Sling TV is worth it if you want a lean, low‑cost way to watch live TV and are okay with trade‑offs. It’s a great fit for lighter watchers, cord‑cutters on a budget, or sports fans who only care about a few specific channels.
But if you want comprehensive coverage — every local network, robust DVR, and full channel slate — you may need to look elsewhere or treat Sling as part of a broader streaming setup.
FAQs
Is Sling TV available outside the United States?
No, Sling TV is only available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Does Sling TV offer a free trial?
Sling TV doesn’t offer a traditional free trial, but they do offer discounts for new users, and short-term passes like Day, Weekend, and Week passes are available.
Can I record shows with Sling TV?
Yes, Sling TV offers 50 hours of cloud DVR storage, with the option to upgrade for more space.
Can I watch on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, depending on your plan. Sling Orange allows one stream, while Sling Blue allows up to three, and the Orange + Blue plan allows up to four simultaneous streams.
Is Sling TV better than cable?
Sling TV offers significant savings over cable and provides a more flexible, contract-free service. However, for those looking for comprehensive local channels and a wide range of content, traditional cable may still be the better option.
