When people email me for a live TV streaming service recommendation and list out their wants and needs, a lot of times I suggest Sling TV.
But, in follow-up conversations, most people don’t get Sling. Why is that?
Based on my eight years of reviewing live TV services, I created this free checklist that describes the ideal Sling customer. I hope it helps you choose the best service for your household.
✅ SLING TV CHECKLIST ✅
- I’m a price-sensitive customer
- I don’t need full local coverage
- I only watch a handful of cable channels
- I don’t need unlimited DVR storage
- I don’t watch on multiple devices at once
1. I’m a price-sensitive customer
Sling TV’s starting price is much lower than premium live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo. That’s why I refer to Sling as a “Premium Lite” service. With a starting price of $45.99 a month, it’s priced right in between premium and budget live TV services. Those who stick to one of Sling’s two base plans and avoid the add-ons (Sling Extras) will save the most money. Think about it this way: If Sling saves you $30 a month over a premium live TV service, that’s $360 a year. What would you do with that $360 instead?
2. I don’t need full local coverage
Sling TV doesn’t include all of your local stations. That’s the #1 reason why the plans are priced cheaper than premium live TV services. Sling only offers ABC, FOX and NBC in cities where the networks own the local stations. There are no CBS stations offered. The service is a good pick for people who can pick up their local stations with an indoor or outdoor antenna. I have a Mohu Leaf indoor antenna for my locals. Competitors YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo offer full local coverage.
3. I only watch a handful of cable channels
Sling has two base plans (Sling Orange and Sling Blue) that cost $45.99 a month each, but you can combine them and pay $60.99/month. Those with limited channel needs will save the most money because they can get only one of the base plans, not both. ESPN is included only with the Sling Orange plan, while Sling Blue includes cable news channels (CNN, FOX News and MSNBC) as well as Bravo, USA and TLC. Neither plan includes regional sports networks (RSNs), which are available from DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo. Some households with a lot of must-have channels will still prefer Sling, but the savings over premium live TV services may be minimal once you combine Sling Orange and Sling Blue, and pay for various add-ons.
4. I don’t need unlimited DVR storage
Unlike several of its competitors, Sling TV doesn’t offer unlimited cloud DVR storage. You get only 50 hours of storage with the base plan, or you can upgrade to DVR Plus for $5 a month and get 200 hours of storage. When you set a recording with Sling, you can fast-forward through the commercials when you’re ready to watch it. Sling’s DVR storage limits are not a problem for everyone, especially those who split their TV time with on-demand services like Netflix and rely on Sling primarily for live sports and news. If you want unlimited cloud DVR storage, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo have you covered. (Note: Many YouTube TV users do not like the DVR because it won’t let you record or delete single episodes in a series. The other services have this flexibility.)
5. I don’t watch TV on multiple devices at once
A Sling TV subscription is intended for one household only, but you can stream on all types of devices (TVs, phones and computers) and even take the service with you while traveling. However, there are stream limits that you need to consider. Sling Orange is restricted to one device at a time, while Sling Blue lets you stream on up to three simultaneous devices. If you only watch on one screen at a time, this will never be a problem for you. Larger or heavy-use households may run into problems with Sling’s stream limits. As an alternative, DIRECTV STREAM has an extremely generous policy for simultaneous streams, which includes 20 in-home streams and three on the go (including up to two TV sets outside of your home network.)
The Bottom Line
Most people who can pick up local channels with an antenna will save money with Sling TV over premium live TV services. That’s their target audience.
Can’t get locals with an antenna? Sling is just not the best pick if having all four locals is important to you.
You can always get your local NBC with Peacock Premium Plus and CBS with Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, but what about ABC and FOX?
Unfortunately, there are no free or cheap options to get 24/7 coverage of those locals.
This is why so many people who would otherwise be happy with Sling TV end up paying more for YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM or Fubo.
Before you sign up for a streaming plan, check MichaelSavesDeals.com for limited-time offers.
If you need help choosing a live TV service, email me a list of your must-have channels and I’ll get back to you with a free recommendation.