Sling TV has emerged as a leading option among cable TV alternatives, appealing to cord-cutters seeking affordable live television. In a market where many competitors exceed $80 per month, Sling TV distinguishes itself with plans starting as low as $46. But How Much Does Sling Tv Cost in total? This guide provides a detailed breakdown of Sling TV’s pricing structure, packages, add-ons, and potential savings, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Sling TV offers live streaming of sports, news, popular TV shows, and movies. It’s also compatible with a wide array of streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV Sticks, and smart TVs. Let’s delve into the details of what you can expect to pay for this service.
Breaking Down Sling TV’s Base Costs
Sling TV offers primarily three main packages: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue.
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- Sling Orange: Typically priced at $46 per month, Sling Orange includes approximately 35 channels. A major highlight of this package is its ESPN offerings, making it attractive to sports fans. However, Sling Orange only allows streaming on one device at a time.
- Sling Blue: Generally costing between $46 and $51 per month depending on your location and local channel availability (specifically ABC), Sling Blue offers around 43 channels. This package provides a broader selection of entertainment and news channels compared to Sling Orange and supports streaming on up to three devices simultaneously.
- Sling Orange + Blue: This combined package ranges from $61 to $66 per month and includes the channel lineups of both Orange and Blue, totaling approximately 46 channels.
The pricing variance for Sling Blue (and consequently, Sling Orange + Blue) stems from the inclusion of local ABC affiliates in select Designated Market Areas (DMAs). Currently, access to local ABC channels in Chicago, Fresno, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, and San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose may result in a $5 price increase for Sling Blue subscribers in those areas.
Channel Lineups and Package Selection
The real key to understanding how much does Sling TV cost you is understanding the channel lineups.
Sling Orange is favored for its ESPN channels, while Sling Blue offers a wider variety of news and entertainment channels. It’s essential to compare the channel lineups of both packages to determine which one best suits your viewing preferences. If you want access to all available channels, the combined Sling Orange + Blue package is the optimal choice.
Add-ons and Premium Channels
Beyond the base packages, Sling TV provides numerous add-on packages and premium channel subscriptions to further customize your viewing experience. These add-ons range from $5 to $21 per month and can significantly impact the overall cost.
- DVR Plus: One popular add-on is DVR Plus, which provides 200 hours of cloud DVR storage for an additional $5 per month. This allows you to record and watch your favorite shows at your convenience.
- Sports Extra: Sports enthusiasts might consider the Sports Extra add-on, available for both Sling Orange and Sling Blue subscribers. Each version costs $11 per month, offering a selection of sports channels tailored to the respective base package. Subscribers to Sling Orange + Blue can access all Sports Extra channels from both packages for $15 per month.
- Premium Channels: Sling TV also offers subscriptions to premium channels such as Paramount+ with SHOWTIME ($10 per month), STARZ, MGM+, and AMC+. These channels can be added to your Sling subscription or purchased à la carte, without requiring a base Orange or Blue plan. A complete listing of add-ons and extras can be found on the Sling TV website.
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Promotions and Discounts
Sling TV frequently offers promotional deals, such as discounts on the first month of service or free months of select premium channels and add-ons. To stay informed about the latest offers, check the Sling TV promo codes page. Sometimes, Sling offers 50% off your first month. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to reduce your initial costs.
Sling Freestream: A Free Option
If you’re not ready to commit to a paid subscription, Sling TV offers Sling Freestream, a free ad-supported streaming service with over 5,000 free TV shows and movies. This service does not require registration or credit card information.
Local Channels and Antennas
Sling TV offers live local channels in select markets, primarily NBC, ABC, and Fox, depending on your location and package selection (Sling Blue or Sling Orange + Blue). However, the availability of local channels may not be sufficient for all viewers, particularly due to the absence of CBS in many areas.
For broader access to local broadcast network programming, consider using a TV antenna. Sling TV is compatible with AirTV 2 or Anywhere streaming devices, which allow you to integrate over-the-air antenna channels into your Sling TV experience.
Factors Affecting the Final Sling TV Cost
Ultimately, answering ” how much does Sling TV cost?” depends on your specific needs. Here’s a summary of the factors influencing the final price:
- Base Package: Orange, Blue, or Orange + Blue.
- Location: ABC affiliate inclusion may add $5 to the Blue or Orange + Blue packages in select markets.
- Add-ons: DVR Plus, Sports Extra, and other channel bundles increase the monthly fee.
- Premium Channels: Subscriptions to Showtime, STARZ, and other premium networks add to the cost.
- Promotions: Availability of discounts and free trials impacts the initial price.
- Equipment: Integration with AirTV devices and antennas may require additional investment.
Conclusion: Is Sling TV Worth the Cost?
Sling TV presents an affordable alternative to traditional cable and satellite TV, particularly for viewers who prioritize specific channels and customizable packages. Understanding the various pricing options, add-ons, and promotional deals is essential for determining whether Sling TV fits your budget and viewing preferences.
The value of Sling TV depends on your specific needs and viewing habits. If you seek a wide range of channels and enjoy channel surfing, traditional cable or satellite TV may be more suitable. However, if Sling TV’s basic package or add-on packs include most of your preferred programming, it can offer significant savings. You can also supplement Sling’s programming with other online services like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix.
Before committing to Sling TV, carefully evaluate your viewing preferences, compare the available packages and add-ons, and factor in any potential discounts or promotions. This will enable you to make an informed decision and maximize the value of your Sling TV subscription.
