Sling TV review 2025: The affordable streaming service

How does Sling TV compare to other streaming services? 

Sling TV’s biggest asset is its affordability. Compared to other live TV streaming platforms, you access the same shows and some sports for far less. Where Sling TV struggles a bit is in DVR accessibility. The base plan comes with 50 hours, or you can upgrade to unlimited storage for an additional monthly fee. Still, compared to base unlimited DVR offerings from competitors like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, Sling TV’s DVR falls a bit short.

Another area where Sling TV might fall short is the availability of local channels. Locals are only available in a limited number of cities across the country. Be sure to enter your zip code on the Sling home page to see exactly which channels you’ll get in your area, before signing up for the service. 

Another way to compare streaming companies is whether they offer a free trial and simultaneous streams. Unlike competitors, Sling does not offer a free trial. For larger homes, having more streams is vital. With Sling TV, if you subscribe to the Sling Orange & Blue plan, you receive four simultaneous streams, putting it on par with some of its competitors. 

Sling Orange vs Sling Blue

When you sign up for the service, you can choose between three Sling TV packages. The cheapest options are the Sling Orange and the Sling Blue plans. The Sling Orange plan works best if you want some access to news, sports and entertainment channels. It includes ESPN, the Disney Channel, ESPN 2, the History Channel, CNN, TNT, TBS, ESPN3, the Food Network, HGTV and more. 

Meanwhile, the Sling Blue plan offers more news and reality entertainment content. With it, you receive Fox News, Fox Sports 1, the NFL Network, FX, the National Geographic Channel, the Discovery Channel, the USA Network, TLC and MSNBC. If local channels are available in your area, you’ll also get those with Sling Blue.

Both plans have many add-on options, including both premium channels and genre-specific channel bundles. The newest premium add-on available is Max. Sling TV users can now add the Max Ad-Free plan to their subscription which gives access to Max content through the Max app and eight HBO channels in the Sling TV channel lineup: HBO East, HBO West, HBO 2, HBO Latino, HBO Family, HBO Zone, HBO Comedy and HBO Signature.

If you’re new to Sling, your best bet is to try the Sling Orange & Blue plan, merging the best of both worlds and giving you access to all channels.

Sling TV user profiles

Subscribers receive four user profiles. These work the same way as other platforms like Netflix where you can set up a name and color for each icon. Under each user profile, you’ll also have recordings and favorite programs, creating an expedited way for each member to access their content. 

One of the better features of Sling TV is you can set parental controls based on TV ratings. TV ratings run from G to NC-17. 

To set controls:

1. Log into your account
2. Go to the settings section. 
3. Find the parental controls link located under your account
4. Set a four-digit PIN  
5. Choose the rating(s) to restrict access to more mature content

Another great feature is you can lock your purchases, preventing your children from ordering programs they shouldn’t be buying. Once you complete the parental controls, go out and scroll titles. You’ll notice a white lock icon on titles with more mature content. The only way to access these is with your PIN. 

Sling TV content

The world is your oyster as it relates to content. You’ll have access to some of the top hit shows, movies and live sports. The Sling Blue plan includes titles such as “Expedition Unknown,” “90 Day Fiance” and “Botched.” News enthusiasts have access to 24/7 news with Fox News and CNN. Sports fans will love access to Fox Sports 1 and the NFL Network. 

If you want broader offerings, Sling Orange could be a better fit. The plan includes three ESPN channels, TNT and TBS, making it a wise option for NFL, college, NBA and MLB fans. With it, you can view titles like “Snowpiercer,” “Pawn Stars” and “Raven’s Home." You can also stream news on CNN or get your shopping on with QVC. 

Another perk is supplementing your packages with add-ons. Sports fans can use the Sports Extra package to stream regional sports networks like the Big Ten Network, the SEC Network and the ACC Network. You can also bundle premium subscriptions like Paramount + with Showtime. Sling TV offers themed bundles you can add to your package for lifestyle, news or movie channels for an additional monthly fee. 

Sling TV for sports fans

Sling TV is a mixed bag for sports fans. Since local channel availability depends on your location, you might have to compliment your viewing with a digital antenna if local channels are unavailable. Still, Sling TV offers a lot of jelly in their sports donut. 

With the Sports Extra package for Sling Orange subscribers, you receive the SEC and ACC networks. For Sling Blue subscribers, a subscription to the Sports Extra package has the Big Ten Network and the NFL Redzone Channel. The NFL Redzone Channel is unique, showing NFL games when one team is in scoring position. It’s like NFL Sunday Ticket but for the most exciting parts of games. If you’re flexible, you’ll find Sling TV to offer many of the sports content you want for less than their competitors charge. 

How to cancel my Sling TV subscription

If you need to pause or cancel your Sling TV membership, they make it easy to do. Here’s how:

1. Launch your Sling TV app and make sure you are logged on
2. Go to settings, click on My Account
3. Once there, you’ll see your subscription charges and a link to cancel your membership
4. Once you click on the cancellation link, follow the prompts to cancel 

Sling TV’s cancellation goes into effect on your next billing cycle. It means you won’t receive a partial credit if you cancel midway through the cycle. If you want to pause your membership, Sling TV allows you to do so for up to three months. You’ll follow the same steps above, but instead of choosing canceling click on pausing your membership. Your pause will also go into effect on your next billing cycle. 

FAQ

What is the downside of Sling TV?

Sling TV doesn’t offer local channel availability in all areas, meaning you’ll incur the cost of buying a digital antenna to supplement viewing. The provider also doesn't offer unlimited DVR storage, while many of its competitors do. 

Which is better: Hulu or Sling TV?

It varies based on your budget and viewing preferences. Sling TV is a great deal if you’re looking to save money and have access to some entertainment and sports networks. However, if you can afford it, Hulu + Live TV offers over 95 channels, including your local ones, live sports and unlimited DVR. 

Is there anything better than Sling TV?

Your needs determine whether it’s the best option for you. If saving money is your primary concern, then yes, there’s nothing better than Sling TV. That said, if you want access to more channels or you’re an avid sports fan, services like Fubo and YouTube TV are better options.