How to Use Sling TV for Low-Cost Live TV
Sling TV is one of the cheapest ways to get live TV streaming — starting at $40/month with no contract.
4 min read · 5 steps · Checked April 2026
Step 1. Choose Your Sling Package
Go to sling.com and compare Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Choose Orange if sports (ESPN) is your priority and you only need one stream. Choose Blue if you need multiple streams at once or prefer news and entertainment channels. You can also select both for $60/month.
Quick Tip
If you are unsure, start with one package and switch or add the other later — Sling makes it straightforward to change plans.
Step 2. Add Optional Channel Packs
After selecting your base package, you will be offered add-on packs like Sports Extra, Comedy Extra, or News Extra. You can also add individual premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime. Add only what you know you will watch. You can always add more later.
Step 3. Download the Sling App
Search for "Sling TV" in your device's app store and install it. Sling works on Roku, Amazon Fire TV sticks, Apple TV, iPhones, Android phones, Samsung Smart TVs, and in Chrome or Firefox on a computer. Sign in with your Sling account.
Step 4. Watch Live TV and Use the DVR
Tap the Guide tab to see what is on live right now. Scroll through channels and tap any show to watch. To record something, tap on a future show and select Record. Your recordings appear in the My TV section under DVR.
Warning
Sling does not carry local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) in most cities. If you need local news or network shows, buy an indoor antenna to pick them up for free over the air.
Step 5. Manage or Cancel Your Subscription
Log in to sling.com and go to Account to change your plan, add or remove channel packs, or cancel. There are no cancellation fees — your service continues until the end of your current billing period.
Sling TV is a live TV streaming service built for people who want cable channels without a cable bill. It is one of the most affordable options on the market, starting at $40 per month with no contracts and no equipment to return.
Sling offers two base packages, and understanding the difference between them is the most important step.
Sling Orange costs $40 per month and focuses on sports and family entertainment. It includes ESPN, ESPN2, Disney Channel, and Freeform, plus news and lifestyle channels like CNN, HGTV, and Food Network. It allows one stream at a time, which means only one person in your household can watch at once.
Sling Blue costs $45 per month and leans toward news and entertainment. It includes Fox News, MSNBC, NBC Sports, Comedy Central, and more. It allows three simultaneous streams, making it better for households where different people want to watch different things. If you want both packages, Sling offers them together for $60 per month.
You can add channel extras to either package for around $6–11 per month each. Sports Extra adds NFL Network and more ESPN channels. Comedy Extra adds more comedy channels. News Extra adds more news networks. HBO, Showtime, and Starz are also available as add-ons.
One important limitation to know before signing up: Sling TV does not include local ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox affiliates in most markets. If you want to watch local news or network primetime shows, you will need a separate over-the-air antenna (available for $20–40 at most electronics stores) to pick up those channels for free.
Sling includes 50 hours of free cloud DVR storage with all plans. Recordings are available for 30 days.
To get started, go to sling.com and sign up. A free trial is sometimes available. Download the Sling app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, or watch in a browser. The interface shows a live guide, your recorded content, and on-demand shows available in each channel.
For sports fans on a budget who do not need local channels, Sling Orange + Sports Extra at around $51 per month delivers strong sports coverage at a low price compared to other live TV services.
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