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Sling is one of the most affordable live TV streaming services, largely because of how customizable it is — you can add and drop packages and just get the channels you want, without paying for filler. But the level of customization can make it difficult to know where to start, particularly because Sling has not one but two base plans: Orange and Blue.
Sling’s Orange and Blue plans are similarly priced and overlap in some of their offerings, but they have key differences. Can’t decide? You can also combine plans with the Orange + Blue package, which is more affordable than signing up for both plans separately. But if you’d rather pick one plan, we’ve broken down the differences between Sling Orange and Blue.
Sling Orange
sign up now
► Free Trial: No
► Cost: Starts at $46
► Local Channels: No
► Devices: 1 at a time
► Total Channels: 34
Sling Blue
sign up now
► Free Trial: No
► Cost: $46-51
► Local Channels: In some markets
► Devices: Up to 3 at a time
► Total Channels: 43-47
Sling Orange vs. Blue: Price and Value
Though neither option is available with a free trial, both Sling Orange and Sling Blue are half off for the first month. Pricing for each plan varies by location, with Blue costing $5 more a month in some markets that include ABC. You can check your location’s availability on Sling’s website.
Orange does not offer local channels, although OTA channels are available for free with an affordable antenna. Orange is available to stream on one device at a time, while Blue can be streamed on up to three devices at a time. Orange has a total of 34 channels, while Blue has up to 47, depending on your zip code. Twenty-seven channels are shared between both services.
Sling Orange vs Blue: Channel Offerings
The Sling Orange exclusive channels are sports-focused, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. You also get Disney and Freeform. Sling Blue is a better option for news and entertainment, offering MSNBC and Fox News, plus channels like USA, TLC, and E!
Orange and Blue both offer channels like TNT, TBS, CNN, A&E, Comedy Central, IFC, HGTV, and the Food Network with a total of 27 channels shared on both plans. Sling Blue also comes with local channels, including ABC, NBC, and Fox, depending on the market.
Sling Orange and Blue
If you don’t want to have to choose, Sling’s Orange + Blue package includes both plans and starts at $61/mo. It’s a solid value if you want news, entertainment, and sports channels in one place for less than cable or live TV streaming services.
get sling orange + blue
Sling Orange vs. Blue: Verdict
If you’re a sports fan, Sling Orange has the advantage because it includes multiple ESPN channels. Sling Orange also has Disney and Freeform, so it’s also a good pick for families. Sling Blue has more channels, including local networks.
If news channels are a priority, Blue is the better bet, and it includes entertainment channels like FX and USA. There are some sports channels, too, including NFL Network and FS1.
Ultimately, the best option comes down to the content you prioritize. Blue offers a great selection of news, entertainment, and local channels, while Orange offers sports and family programming like Disney and ESPN.
