Sling TV, one of the most affordable live TV streaming services, is raising prices for its base packages. Starting December 20th, both the Sling Orange and Sling Blue plans will see a $6 price increase, bringing the monthly cost to $46 before additional fees.
This marks Sling TV’s first price hike in over 22 months. The last increase occurred in March 2023 when the price jumped by $5. While the company has not announced any new channel additions to coincide with this latest price change, it cites rising programming costs as the primary reason for the increase.
Still a Value Option
Despite the increase, Sling TV remains a competitive option for budget-conscious cord-cutters. It offers a wide variety of popular cable channels at a lower price point than competitors like DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo. However, Sling TV’s channel lineup varies by market and lacks some major cable networks, including CBS.
Price Hikes Across the Streaming Landscape
Sling TV’s price increase is part of a broader trend in the streaming industry. Many streaming services, including live TV streamers, have implemented price hikes throughout 2024. DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and even Philo have all raised their prices this year.
Impact on Cord-Cutters
While this price increase may be frustrating for cost-conscious cord-cutters, Sling TV remains a compelling value proposition. It offers a significant cost savings compared to traditional cable TV and provides access to popular channels and live sports. As streaming prices continue to rise, Sling TV’s position as a budget-friendly option may become even more attractive to consumers seeking to cut the cord without breaking the bank. Yet Sling TV continues to face issues with the high cost of content forcing up the price of TV.