If you were hoping to cut the cord by signing up with Sling TV, we’ve got some bad news: The live TV streaming service has just announced a price increase that bumps its Sling Orange and Sling Blue packages to $35 per month — $5 more than their previous $30 per month level. The combo Sling Orange + Blue package is also going up by $5 to $50 per month. The increase only affects new subscriptions for now, as the company’s one-year price guarantee means existing customers can hold onto the lower prices until the end of July 2021, as long as their subscription remains active.
“Unfortunately, we are forced to raise prices because the television networks keep charging us more,” said Michael Schwimmer, Sling TV’s group president. But Schwimmer insists that despite the increase, Sling TV is “still the best deal in the market,” with prices that are much lower than cable and other live streaming services.
Any price increase stings a little — especially during a pandemic when many are facing ongoing unemployment or reduced incomes — so Sling is hoping to offset the change in price with a change in features: The Sling TV DVR is getting expanded storage maximums for all customers.
All customers, regardless of their package, now get 50 hours of free DVR storage, an increase from 10 free storage hours. Those who have opted for the $5 per month DVR Plus extra now get 200 hours, up from 50 hours. All existing DVR Plus customers will automatically receive 200 hours in their storage, starting today.
Some of Sling TV’s optional programming packages are also going up in price. Sports Extra goes up $1 to $11 per month for new customers who take either Sling Orange or Sling Blue, but it stays the same for Orange + Blue members. Comedy Extra, Kids Extra, News Extra, Lifestyle Extra, Hollywood Extra, and/or Heartland Extra, will also be $1 more at $6 per month for new customers.
Sling TV’s live TV streaming service has been very popular with cord-cutters who want an affordable way to keep some of their favorite cable channels without paying for expensive monthly cable bills. It has been able to keep its prices lower than competitors like YouTube TV and FuboTV in part because it does not carry all four major broadcasters. Some NBC and Fox affiliates are available, but no CBS or ABC channels. Sling TV members are encouraged to set up an OTA HD antenna and receiver so that they can get these channels free, through their local affiliates.
