Sling Orange vs. Blue: What’s the difference?

Sling Orange vs Sling Blue isn't an easy question to answer. Both have distinct offerings — Orange is for those who need ESPN and Blue is for those who need network TV. But both start at just $40, making them the most affordable choices from our picks for the best cable TV alternatives.

If $40 is still too pricey for you, there are often promotions that save you money on your first month of Sling TV. We've seen anything from $10 off your first month to over 50% off. Sometimes, Sling even offers a free first month of its premium add-ons like Paramount Plus with Showtime or expanded DVR storage. Keep up to date with the latest deals on our Sling TV promo codes page. 

This low entry price is a big reason why Sling TV is our top pick for most people. There's just no better way to get the channels you want for less. Of course, if you want both, you can get Sling Orange + Blue starting at just $55. But then you approach the $73 per month YouTube TV and $77 Hulu with Live TV. At that point,  we wouldn't blame you if you opted for the more premium offering from YouTube. 

If you're not sure which of those choices are right for you, we've got you covered. Check out our YouTube TV vs. Sling TV face-off to see how Sling differs from its next-pricier competitor in case you need help deciding. 

But if you know you're going with Sling, let's help you decide which plan should you choose. Should you opt for Sling Orange? Or Sling Blue? Or for just $15 more, should you just get both? For these answers and more, read on for our guide to Sling Orange vs. Blue and everything else you need to know about Sling TV.

Sling Orange vs Blue: What is the Sling Orange plan?

Sling Orange used to be the cheapest of Sling's packages, but now it costs the same as Sling Blue in most markets — $40 per month — though in some markets it is $5 cheaper than the $45 you have to shell out for Sling Blue. Orange gives you access to 35 total channels, including exclusives like ESPN, ESPN 2, Freeform and Disney Channel.

Aside from the differences in channels, Sling Orange does have one other major difference from Sling Blue. On Sling Orange, you can stream only one channel at a time, whether you’re recording a show or watching live.

Sling Orange vs Blue: What is the Sling Blue plan?

Sling Blue also starts at $40 per month in most markets and gives you access to 43 total channels — eight more than Sling Orange. channels. 

In some markets though, you have to pay $5 more for Sling Blue. Sling Blue costs more for users in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose markets due to getting ABC added to Sling Blue. Those in Fresno, Houston and Raleigh markets will get ABC without the price hike.

While Sling Orange is for the sports fans, Sling Blue is for news junkies. Sling Blue doesn't get ESPN, but it does get Fox News and MSNBC in addition to up to three broadcast networks (NBC, Fox and ABC). There are other exclusive channels too, like USA, Bravo and FX. 

And it's not like you get no sports channels. You get FS1, Fox Sports 4K and NFL Network. You just don't get access to ESPN channels. 

Sling Blue also offers a serious advantage over Sling Orange in one key area. Sling Blue is a multi-stream option, which means you can access the service on up to 3 devices at once. That means three different people could use the account simultaneously, or you could record three shows while you’re away, or mix and match.

If even these packages are too pricey, make sure to check out our Philo review to see if the $25 live TV service has the channels you need.

Sling Orange vs Blue: What is the difference?

Outside of channels, the biggest difference between Sling Orange vs Blue is the single-stream nature of Orange versus the multi-stream nature of Blue. However, the channel selection differs as well, making it somewhat difficult to tell which service carries which programs, and which channels work with multi-stream functionality.

For example, both services can add on premium channels like Paramount Plus with Showtime or MLB.TV. But the pricing can vary slightly depending on the plan, though.

Sling Orange vs Blue: Is my favorite channel available through Orange or Blue?

Consult our handy chart below to find out Sling Orange vs Blue's channel lineups:

*select markets

Sling Orange vs Blue: Can I get both?

Yes, you don't even have to choose Sling Orange vs Blue. In fact, Sling encourages you to, calling its $55 Orange and Blue pack its “best value.” 

Granted, at $55 per month, plus whatever optional packages you get, you're well within the price range of a traditional cable subscription. But if you love Sling TV and want everything it has to offer, this is probably where you want to start. Once you sign up, check out our guide for how to record shows on Sling TV.

Sling Orange vs Blue: Which should I choose?

Picking Sling Blue or Orange can be very simple. If you're a sports fan who can't live without ESPN or need Disney Channel, you'll probably sign up for Sling Orange. 

Need to be plugged into the news 24/7? Well then, Sling Blue will be the choice for you thanks to the combination of cable news and local networks it offers. Also, if you're someone who needs multiple simultaneous streams, then you'll definitely need Sling Blue or Sling Orange + Blue to watch on up to three devices at once.

Either way, Sling TV is on all of the best streaming devices. Combine that with the wide offering of channels despite its budget price and it's no wonder that it's also one of the best streaming services out there.