Sling TV Review: Read This Before You Sign Up

Sling TV provides different entertainment solutions like other Live TV service providers. The platform provides many channels that allow users to watch news, entertainment, sports, TV shows, etc.

Sling TV has many advantages, including cost-effective pricing, impressive performance, compatibility with many devices, DVR recording, etc. Due to these features, Sling TV has become popular among online live TV streaming service providers.

But despite being one of the older service providers, Sling TV still has some must-know limitations. This article extensively reviews the Sling TV live-streaming platform, outlining its features, contents, supported platforms, limitations, etc. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Sling TV? Your Ultimate Streaming Solution for Live TV!

Also, the channels on Sling TV are similar to ones on satellite and cable TV but more affordable. It is worth noting that Sling TV is one of the unique live TV providers to air the NFL Redzone. 

Though its two tiers provide distinct channels, its Sports Extra package is $11/month, allowing Fantasy Football lovers to enjoy the best sports channels worldwide.

Availability by Country: Where It’s Accessible

Key Features

Some of the most imperative features of Sling TV include the following:

• Compatible with smartphones, TV, and web. 
• Impressive Picture in Picture (PiP) for Apple gadgets.
• It’s a personalizable channel lineup. 
• Add-on packages. 
• Offers Live TV, on-demand content, and DVR recordings.

Availability and Pricing: Explore Your Affordable Streaming Options!

For now, Sling TV is only available in the United States of America. Accessing it from any other country globally will result in an error message. But you can use a trusted VPN provider to access Sling TV’s broad library of channels.

Sling TV provides a free trial that lasts for seven days, after which your automated purchase will commence. Notably, some users complain about not accessing the free trial service via the web. However, you can use another Sling-compatible gadget to access it.

For its pricing, Sling TV provides three-tiered packaging. Find them below:

Sling Orange

The Sling Orange is the cheapest and most basic package available. This plan includes 31+ channels and mainly covers family entertainment and collegiate sports, such as TBS and ESPN.

Though the Sling Orange provides over 50 hours of DVR storage with monthly subscriptions, it only supports one device at a time. Also, it does not provide a free trial. But, there are promotional offers that can help reduce the price for first-time subscribers.

Sling Blue

The Sling Blue package offers 42+ channels covering various TV categories like sports, news, and family entertainment. Some popular tracks featured on Sling Blue include Fox, Fox Sports 1, the NFL Network, and other fantastic channels. On the downside, it doesn’t contain any ESPN stations for viewers.

Sling Blue costs $40 monthly and comprises 50 hours of DVR storage. Also, it outperforms the Sling Orange by enabling two devices to log in simultaneously.

Sling Orange and Blue

The last and most extensive subscription plan for Sling TV users is the Sling Orange & Blue, which combines the best of both packages.

Sling Orange & Blue offers all 48 channels on the Sling TV platform. It is the overall best for both sports fans and family entertainment geeks.

You don’t have to select the channels, as there are various family entertainment options like Disney, Freeform, etc. Furthermore, it offers 50 hours of DVR storage, including streaming services to over three devices simultaneously. The only limitation is the higher price.

Sling TV Channel Lineup: Discover the Variety of Channels Available!

Below is the channel list for Sling Orange and Blue plan:

Pros and Cons: Uncover the Upsides and Downsides

While Sling TV ranks as one of our most recommended live TV service providers, it is essential to outline some of the benefits and limitations of choosing it. Find them below.

Supported Devices: Find Out Where You Can Stream

Some smart devices help you access and watch your desired channels on the Sling TV streaming platform. Find them below.

TVS and Streamers

Android/Google TV, Chromecast, Google Nest Hub, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, LG webOS TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Evoca, TiVo Stream, Xfinity boxes, Vizio, Meta Go/Quest, and Meta Portal.

Smartphones, PCs, and Browsers

Amazon Fire Tablets, Chrome, Windows 10, and more recent OS, Safari, Android OS, and iOS.

Gaming Consoles

The PlayStation console is one central platform that does not support Sling TV channels. Meanwhile, you can also access the Sling TV Channels through its official website.

Interface: Navigating Your Streaming Experience!

Sling TV offers a lightweight, fast, and unencumbered interface that enables a quick peek at the available options. Also, a sorting option helps you filter channels alphabetically (A-Z or Z-A), sports, news, and favorites. Its interface also includes particular tabs for DVR, Search, and On Demand options.

The first categories on the Home Screen include ‘Top Channel’ based on the things you’ve watched before. Below that, you will see recommendations for on-demand content and live TV. Other sections include featured-themed content.

Currently, there is a row advertising the return of college sports. Also, trending movies, popular TV shows, my channels, and an option to scroll through the channels are available.

The mobile view allows viewing favorites and recent channels in a sidebar at the right end of the screen. Once you tap on any program, it instantly displays full resolution without lagging. Also, the iPadOS and TVOS versions of the software have picture-in-picture features, allowing the thumbnail view.

But, while Sling TV’s interface is intuitive and impressive, it is not as sophisticated and unique as its competitors. Other live-streaming alternatives provide slicker interfaces, while industry giants like Hulu and YouTube TV offer much more profound and user-tailored experiences.

Features: Enhance Your Streaming Experience!

Resolution

One of the weak points of Sling TV is its resolution. This aspect is where it loses majorly to its other key competitors. 720p at 30 fps gives the Sling TV an archaic experience, as rivals like FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu offer 4K resolution displays.

Audio

The typical audio feature for some content is 2.0. However, some on-demand content can support 5.1 audio.

Storage

The DVR storage capacity of Sling TV is manageable but should be upgraded. At 50 hours of recording capacity for each premium package, you can only record a handful of programs before exhausting your storage.

The DVR feature helps you record any movie, TV show, game, or documentary episode while playing live. Also, if you are not viewing live, Sling TV has a timer that reveals how far the program has gone. This is way more effective than a regular visual progress bar.

Watch Party 

Sling TV also boasts a Watch Party feature for live TV and on-demand content, enabling you to simultaneously view a show or program with a family member or friend.

If you want to use this feature, you must upgrade your app or browser to the latest version, subscribe to the Sling Blue or Sling Orange & Blue packages, and add the email addresses of your Watch Party members.

Compatibility

Sling TV is compatible with many smart electronic devices except PlayStation. The app is available on Google TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Nest Hub, Meta Portal, Meta Go/Quest, Roku, TiVo Stream, Oculus Go, Xfinity boxes, Google Chromecast, LG webOS TVs, Samsung, Windows OS 10+ and above, iOS, Android, Google Chrome browser, Safari, Amazon Fire tablets, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.

Integrations 

Sling TV can also be integrated with the AirTV 2 and recent versions to include local channels. The AirTV 2 will require a supported external hard drive to convert it to a DVR. But the recent AirTV Anywhere comes with four tuners and a built-in 1TB drive.

Library: Exploring Content Options!

Sling TV comprises two different lower packages with overlapping channels in both plans. Sling Orange has 31 channels, while Sling Blue has 41, each costing $40 monthly.

The robust plan (Orange & Blue) costs $50 monthly and comprises 47 channels. It also comes with free content for individuals whose subscriptions have been exhausted. 

It is worth noting that the Orange and Blue plans provide some fantastic channels but can’t satisfy your entertainment or sports cravings alone. Let’s explain this below. 

If you love the NFL, you need both plans, as ESPN only airs on Sling Orange (Monday Night Football) while Sling Blue has the NFL Network. Aside from the NFL, Sling has some other features that must be considered. For instance, the USA Network, which airs Premier League football, can only be seen on Sling Blue. This channel is one of the most sought-after by football fans. Also, Reality TV lovers get split channels for entertainment. So, to enjoy Sling TV fully, consider getting the Orange and Blue package.

Performance: Enjoy Your Favorite Shows in High Quality

While 720p is not the ideal resolution to watch, it is still an adequate quality for live-streaming without having problems. The main reason is that it doesn’t hamper the server operation.

Sling TV’s interface is typically quick, as it recommends using an internet connection as fast as 5 Mbps. However, if you want to watch using multiple devices, Sling TV recommends utilizing an internet connection as strong as 25 Mbps.

On Sling TV, content loads quickly, recordings are clear, and on-demand content is readily available. In addition, the search option might not be ideal for live-streaming services, but it does suffice effectively.

Sling TV and VPN: What You Need to Know About Streaming Safely and Securely!

A virtual private network (VPN) is useful for protecting your online privacy. Some video streaming services, like Sling TV, prevent VPN users from viewing their content due to regional constraints or content licensing restrictions. Since Sling TV is only accessible to US and Puerto Rico customers, this is relevant to persons from other nations who use a VPN to access the service’s region-locked content. However, users can still access and stream live or on-demand content via their preferred device when using a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.

It is crucial to consider your priorities while choosing a Virtual Private Network (VPN). While some VPN providers have specialized servers for particular streaming services, searching for a VPN that ensures online privacy and security is essential. Selecting a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN that employs cutting-edge encryption techniques and upholds a strict no-logging policy is crucial to safeguard your online activity from snoopers.

How Does Sling TV Compare With Other Similar Services?

Other Streaming Services to Consider Beyond Sling TV

Looking for more streaming options to enhance your entertainment experience? Look beyond Sling TV and explore other services catering to your tastes. Check out our detailed reviews to make informed choices and discover the perfect streaming platform for your preferences.

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• HBO Max Review 2023: Is It Worth the Subscription?
• Discovery+ Review 2023 – A Closer Look at the Streaming Service

Verdict: Is Sling TV Worth It?

Sling TV is a good choice if you are looking for live TV streaming that is affordable and effective. The platform covers most of the basics. Also, if you are not keen on high-end AV features and massive DVR space, Sling TV is right.

However, suppose you are searching for an extensive cable-like set of channels, a more spacious DVR, adequate access to local TV feeds, and 4K HDR content; the extra cost doesn’t matter. In that case, you might need to consider another alternative.

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