Want to get local channels on Sling TV? It all depends on where you live. Getting access to local channels on Sling TV is spotty, but you can boost the number of local channels available with a Sling TV subscription when you use an HDTV antenna or Locast. Below, we’ll explore what local networks are available through Sling TV and potential ways to get more locals as Sling TV subscribers.
What Sling TV local channels are available?
Sling TV local channel selection leaves a lot to be desired, unfortunately. Through Sling TV, you’ll only be able to access FOX, ABC, and NBC with a Sling Blue subscription. Availability varies by market, as well, so some subscribers may not be able to get one (and in some rare cases, you may not be able to get any).
You can get local FOX channels in:
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Chicago
- Dallas/Fort Worth
- Detroit
- Gainesville
- Houston
- Los Angeles
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis/St. Paul
- New York
- Orlando/Daytona/Melbourne
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa/St. Petersburg
- Washington, DC
You can get local NBC channels in:
- Boston
- Chicago
- Dallas/Fort Worth
- Miami/Fort Lauderdale
- Hartford/New Haven
- Los Angeles
- New York
- Philadelphia
- San Diego
- San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose
- Washington, DC
You can get local ABC channels in:
- Chicago
- Fresno
- Houston
- Los Angeles
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Raleigh-Durham
- San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose
Even if you don’t live in these areas, you can still get local channels with an OTA HD antenna.
What packages does Sling TV have?
Through Sling TV, you’ll be able to choose between 3 channel packages
Sling Orange
$10 off your first month
- 30+ channels
- ESPN
- Stream on one device
$40/month
Sling Blue
$10 off your first month
- 40+ channels
- Local channels in select cities
- News and entertainment
- Stream on three screens
$45/month
Sling Orange & Blue
$10 off your first month
- General cable replacement
- 45+ channels
- Stream on three screens
$60/month
Although Sling TV offers different channels in its two base packages, all of its local networks are available through Sling Blue. That means you won’t need to sign up to Sling Orange + Blue unless you want the channels available in Sling Orange, as well. While Sling TV has a rather large selection of add-on channel packages, none of these offer additional local broadcast channels. That means if you also want CBS, PBS, Telemundo, MyTV, or MyNetworkTV, Sling TV is not going to be the best choice for you. If you’re in the market for regional sports networks, like FOX RSNs, you’ll mostly be out of luck with Sling TV, as well. The service carries few RSNs in its lineup for sports fans.
Sling TV Channel Guide - What's On Sling TV?
There are several ways to check the local channel TV guide for Sling TV. One is to use our free TV guide for Sling TV. You can view live and upcoming content for Sling TV’s local and cable channels using our lightweight guide. It even includes categorization options for different types of content (such as news and sports programming). Use the Flixed Sling TV Guide to see channel schedules for NBC, FOX, and ABC, or for local channels based on regions, such as Los Angeles and Phoenix.
Additional local TV browsing options from Sling TV
Sling TV offers two easy ways to check your local channel availability. The first is to use its local channel lookup tool, which lets you search by address. Once you plug in your address and zip code, Sling TV will let you know exactly which local networks you’ll get. If you live in a major US city, you can also use Sling TV’s FAQ at the bottom of the home page, which was set up specifically for local channels. There’s a list of around two dozen cities, with a link to its location lookup tool as well. The interesting thing about Sling TV is that it recognizes its local channel deficit and encourages users to turn to OTA antennas and DVRs to make up for it. As such, Sling TV has a few device deals for digital over-the-air (OTA) antennas and DVRs. If you do choose Sling TV, you’ll be able to pair the service with digital OTA equipment at a reduced cost. Sling TV will even help you install your OTA equipment (for a fee, of course).
Live TV recording for local channels
According to Sling TV, most customers will be able to record local channels through the service’s cloud DVR. However, if you’re pairing Sling TV with digital OTA equipment, any channels you receive with OTA antennas (such as ABC or CBS) cannot be recorded to Sling TV’s cloud DVR. Although Sling TV does not have many details about it, there may be some additional recording restrictions on your local networks as well. Some sports broadcasts may block recording, for example, while there may be some recordings that disallow fast-forwarding through commercials. Sling TV carries a 50-hour cloud DVR, and you can unlock 200 hours as a part of a premium add-on.
Are there alternatives to Sling TV?
Sling TV’s slim local network offering and reliance on digital OTA equipment may be a no-go for some potential customers. However, you can easily compare Sling TV to other streaming services. Our Cord Cutter Express tool lets you select the channels you want and then shows you a comparison of streaming services based on your criteria. It takes only a few minutes to see which services best fit your cord-cutting needs.
Other great streaming services
If Sling TV’s local channels are a bit too thin for you, consider signing up for Hulu + Live TV. The service offers a much wider selection of local broadcast networks across the US, making it a strong consideration for those who like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and more. You may also want to supplement your streaming with extra on-demand content and more sports. For that, we recommend the Disney bundle, which comes with Disney+ and ESPN+. With Disney+, you’ll get hundreds of on-demand TV shows across a large variety of genres, all of which are family-friendly. And with ESPN+, you’ll have access to thousands of hours of on-demand sports content and live sports from across the US and abroad.
Sling TV is an decent choice for local TV channels
Local TV channels are present on Sling TV, although their availability depends on the location. The provider even has options for OTA antennas, which would combine their premium channel lineup with local broadcasting networks. Sling TV also has an affordable cost and good value for money when compared to other streaming services, so you shouldn’t hesitate to give this platform a shot!
Sam Cook • Author
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming.
Davan Hamilton • Editor
Davan Hamilton is an editor and writer based in Jacksonville, FL. Holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her writing spans a wide range, from essays on film criticism and analysis to surreal poetry. Now, she works for Flixed as an editor, continuing to ignore the list of passion projects she’s accumulated. When she’s not glued to her computer, you can find her building endless amounts of Lego sets, binge-reading manga, or playing with (fighting) her cat.
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