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Streaming Services review
Sling TV logo

Sling TV review

Best for flexible plans

Build-your-own live TV with base plans and add-on channel packs. Cord-cutters who want a customizable set of cable channels and are happy to get locals from an antenna. We rank it #5 of 8 in our streaming services comparison, with an editorial score of 8.4 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
8.4/10
Our editorial score

Sling TV scores well on Value transparency because its base plans and add-on packs are clearly laid out and there is no contract. It trails on Local & sports coverage because local broadcast stations are limited and depend on your plan and market, and on Channel & content coverage because each base plan carries a different set of channels.

How we score streaming services

Visit site (Sling TV, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#5 of 8
Best forBest for flexible plans
Service typeLive TV
Strongest forFlexible cable channels
Cloud DVRIncluded; check limits
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the Sling TV site. See the Sling TV company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

Sling TV takes a modular approach. You choose a base service, such as Sling Orange, Sling Blue or the newer Sling Essentials and Sling Select, each with a different set of channels, and then add extras for sports, news, kids or premium networks if you want them. That makes it easy to pay only for what you watch.

Local broadcast channels are limited: they are available only on some plans and in some markets, so many Sling users pair it with an antenna. Sling also offers Freestream, a free tier of ad-supported live channels. Check the site for current DVR terms and the number of streams on each service.

There is no long-term contract. Sling may offer promotions for new customers; check the current terms on the site.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Flexible, modular plans
  • Clear base-plan and add-on structure
  • Works well paired with an antenna for locals
  • No annual contract

Cons

  • Local channels are limited and vary by plan and market
  • Base plans split channels, so you may need more than one
  • Fewer features than premium-priced rivals

Key features

  • Base services with different channel mixes
  • Add-on extras for sports, news, kids and premium channels
  • Free Freestream tier of ad-supported channels
  • No long-term contract
  • Apps for most TVs, streaming devices and phones

Who Sling TV is for

A good fit if

Cord-cutters who want a customizable set of cable channels and are happy to get locals from an antenna.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who wants all local channels and every major sports network in one plan.

How we scored Sling TV

Sling TV scores well on Value transparency because its base plans and add-on packs are clearly laid out and there is no contract. It trails on Local & sports coverage because local broadcast stations are limited and depend on your plan and market, and on Channel & content coverage because each base plan carries a different set of channels.

Our streaming services score weighs channel & content coverage (30%), local & sports coverage (20%), value transparency (20%), features (15%), device support & ease of use (15%). See the methodology.

Sling TV alternatives

  1. #1
    YouTube TV logo

    YouTube TV

    Best overall

    Broad live TV lineup with local channels in most markets and an included cloud DVR.

    • Live local channels in most US markets (check your ZIP code)
    • Unlimited cloud DVR space
    • Up to six household accounts and three streams at once
    • Optional add-ons, including NFL Sunday Ticket and premium channels
    9.3/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (YouTube TV, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #2
    Hulu + Live TV logo

    Hulu + Live TV

    Best live TV + on-demand bundle

    Live TV channels plus Hulu's on-demand library and Disney bundle content.

    • Live channels including locals in many markets
    • Hulu on-demand library included
    • Disney bundle content (check current bundle contents)
    • Cloud DVR included; check current limits
    9.0/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Hulu + Live TV, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #3
    D(

    DIRECTV (streaming)

    Best for regional sports

    Cable-style packages over the internet, with locals in every package and regional sports on higher tiers.

    • Local channels included with every package (varies by market)
    • Regional sports networks with CHOICE and higher
    • Genre Packs such as MySports and MyNews
    • Gemini streaming device or your own devices
    8.7/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (DIRECTV (streaming), opens in a new tab) Read review

Head-to-head

See all 8 streaming services compared

Sling TV FAQ

Does Sling TV have local channels?

Local broadcast channels on Sling TV are limited and depend on your plan and market. Many Sling users add an over-the-air antenna for locals. Check the site for your ZIP code.

What is the difference between Sling's plans?

Sling's base services, including Orange, Blue, Essentials and Select, carry different sets of channels and allow different numbers of streams. Compare the current channel lists on the Sling site.

Does Sling TV include a DVR?

Yes. A cloud DVR is included, and upgrades may be available. Check the site for current DVR limits.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against Sling TV's own website on .