Sling TV 2017 Review Overview
Sling TV launched in 2015 as a live TV streaming service focused on cord-cutters, and by 2017 it had established itself as a flexible alternative to traditional cable. This 2017 review explains the core features, available plans, channel lineup, pricing, and device support to help you determine whether Sling TV is a good fit for your viewing habits. The service emphasizes simple, transparent pricing and accessible apps, while highlighting tradeoffs compared to full pay TV bundles.
2017 Sling TV Plans and Pricing
In 2017, Sling TV offered two primary plans designed to serve different viewing preferences. Each plan combined live channels and on-demand content with a consistent base price and add-ons for personalization. Understanding the differences between these tiers helps you choose the right option for your household.
Blue Plan
Sling Blue provided a broad mix of popular cable channels suited for general viewing. The plan emphasized wide reach rather than premium or niche sports, making it appealing for casual sports fans and families interested in entertainment and news.
Orange Plan
Sling Orange focused on local networks and sports channels, with an emphasis on regionally relevant coverage. This plan was attractive for cord-cutters who prioritized broadcast channels and wanted a more sports-centric package than Blue offered.
| Attribute | Verified Detail (2017) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Base Monthly Price | $20 per month | Sling TV official pricing |
| Blue Add-ons Available | Sports, Kids, News, and more | Sling TV 2017 plan documentation |
| Orange Add-ons Available | Talk/News, Lifestyle, Sports | Sling TV 2017 plan documentation |
| Simultaneous Streams (Blue) | 1 stream | Sling TV terms and conditions |
| Simultaneous Streams (Orange) | 3 streams | Sling TV terms and conditions |
| Cloud DVR Available | Yes, for an additional fee | Sling TV marketing materials 2017 |
Channel Lineup in 2017
Sling TV’s lineup in 2017 highlighted the flexibility to access popular cable channels, regional sports, and key broadcast networks. While not as expansive as full cable packages, it provided access to many of the channels that drove subscriber retention for pay TV. Regional and lineup details could vary based on location and specific plan.
Sample Channel Categories (2017)
- Major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox)
- Popular cable channels (ESPN, CNN, USA, TBS)
- News and talk channels (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News)
- Sports channels (ESPN, regional sports networks)
- Entertainment and lifestyle (Bravo, HGTV, MTV)
Supported Devices and Streaming Experience
By 2017, Sling TV supported a broad range of devices, which contributed to its convenience factor. Viewers could use smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming media players, and game consoles to watch live channels and on-demand content. This multi-platform availability helped the service appeal to users who switch between living room and mobile viewing.
Device Compatibility Highlights
- iOS and Android mobile and tablet apps
- Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast
- Apple TV and select smart TVs
- Web player access via Sling.com
Pros and Cons of Sling TV in 2017
Sling TV presented a balanced option for cord-cutters who wanted structured, live TV without committing to a full cable bundle. Its pricing model and flexible add-ons allowed users to tailor channel access to their interests. However, some tradeoffs around channel selection, regional availability, and data usage were important to weigh.
Pros
- Transparent monthly pricing starting at $20
- Two distinct plans to match viewing preferences
- Strong app support across devices
- Cloud DVR for time-shifted viewing
Cons
- Channel lineup varies by region and plan
- Limited simultaneous streams on Blue plan
- Add-on costs can increase total price
- No free trial period at launch in 2017
How Sling TV Stacks Up
Compared to other live TV streaming services in 2017, Sling TV differentiated itself with clear plan separation and a per-month model that avoided long-term contracts. While it did not always include every channel found in higher-priced cable tiers, it offered a practical solution for viewers who wanted core channels and flexibility. The service complemented cord-cutting households seeking a middle ground between free over-the-air TV and full cable packages.
Final Verdict
By 2017, Sling TV had evolved into a reliable option for cord-cutters who wanted live television without a cable contract. The combination of affordable base pricing, clear plan differences, and broad device support made it easy to adopt. While channel selection and regional differences required careful review, the service consistently delivered on its core promise: simple, accessible live TV at a predictable monthly cost.