As live TV streaming services become increasingly popular cable alternatives, one thing is often missing: local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Sling TV, one of the most affordable live TV streaming services on the market, carries local channels, but only certain ones, only in select areas, and not in all Sling plans. Keep reading for everything you need to know about getting local channels through Sling.
Sling, which we dubbed best for the essentials in our guide to the best live TV streaming services, offers three key plans: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue. From there, subscribers can add extra channel packages or streaming services.
Sling Blue carries 40+ channels, including FS1, FX, and the NFL Network. It also has local networks (like FOX, NBC, and ABC) in select regions.
Sling Blue (and therefore also the Sling Orange + Blue combination plan) is the only option with local channels, so you should avoid Sling Orange (or opt for the combo package) if local channels are a must-have. Sling Blue's local channels include NBC, FOX, and ABC in select regions. Sling doesn't offer CBS in any areas.
Sling has a helpful chart of which markets have each local channel on the Sling website, but you can also see your available channels when you input your ZIP code on the site. FOX and NBC are more common than ABC; only New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco carry all three networks.
Sling's Blue plan costs $46 a month in most areas, but there's an extra $5 charge (making it $51 a month) in certain areas, like NYC, with several local channels. Subscriptions include access to 40+ channels, including MSNBC, FS1, Bravo, and tons of other popular networks. All Sling plans come with channels like TNT, AMC, and CNN.
FAQ
What about an antenna?
Antennas are another great way to access over-the-air networks, like local channels, although they can also have some regional variability. Our guide to the best indoor TV antennas might be able to help you out, but there are a few ways to get Sling to send you an antenna. Sling will send you a free HD antenna and AirTV device when you prepay for three months of service. You can learn more on Sling's AirTV page.
Are there any live TV streaming services with all channels?
DirecTV and Fubo are the other top live TV streaming services we've tested and heartily recommend. Both plans start at $85 a month (plus a little extra after some required fees), making them significantly more expensive than Sling, but they offer broad ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC coverage in pretty much all areas. They carry anywhere from 90 to 200+ live channels, depending on your chosen plan. You can learn more in our Sling vs. Fubo guide.
If you're sold on Sling and only missing CBS, we recommend subscribing to the Premium tier of Paramount Plus for $13 a month, which allows you to live stream your local CBS station.
For more information, visit the Sling TV website. You can also explore our Sling TV review, Sling Orange vs. Blue breakdown, and guide to Sling TV channels.
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