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 decade 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 now has more entry points than ever. Passes for the Orange plan (which includes ESPN) start at just $4.99 for a day, with no monthly commitment. New super-skinny bundles, Sling Essentials and Sling Select, start at $19.99 a month. And the base plans, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, are $45.99 a month each. Discounts apply when you combine plans.
That’s why I refer to Sling as a “Premium Lite” service, priced right in between premium and budget live TV services. Those who stick to one of Sling’s 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
This service doesn’t include all of your local stations. That’s the #1 reason why Sling’s plans are priced cheaper than more comprehensive live TV services like YouTube TV. Sling only offers ABC, FOX and NBC in cities where the networks own the local stations. There are no CBS stations offered. Pricing varies if locals are included in your market. The service is a good pick for people like me who can pick up their local stations with an indoor or outdoor antenna. Competitors YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV offer full local coverage.
3. I only watch a handful of cable channels
There are now super-skinny options for people who only watch a handful of live TV channels. Sling Essentials, built around ESPN, and Sling Select, built around FOX News Channel, NFL Network and FS1, each start at $19.99 a month and can be combined at a discounted price. Passes for the Orange plan start at $4.99 for a day, a good fit for one-off sports events. For those who want a more complete channel lineup, Sling Orange and Sling Blue start at $45.99 a month each, or $60.99 combined. ESPN is included only with Sling Orange, while Sling Blue includes a broader mix of entertainment, news and lifestyle networks — plus locals in select markets.
4. I don’t need unlimited DVR storage
Sling TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage as an upgrade for $5 a month. The base plan includes only 50 hours of storage. When you set a recording with Sling, you can fast-forward through commercials when you’re ready to watch. Sling’s DVR 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 included at no extra cost, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV 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 has an extremely generous policy for simultaneous streams.
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.
This is why so many people who would otherwise be happy with Sling TV end up paying more for YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV or DIRECTV.
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.
You turned me onto Sling when I was ready to cut the cord on 2022. Sling is a wonderful service.