As of 2023, Sling TV is not officially available to Canadians, and Sling TV has no plans to expand into Canada.
So if you want to watch Sling TV but you’re located in Canada, the only way to do so is with the help of a virtual private network (more commonly called a VPN). The good news here is that VPNs these days are pretty easy to install and use from anywhere in the world, so you don’t need to worry about learning a whole new skill. Plus, once you get a VPN subscription, you can use it to watch almost every American streaming service, like Paramount+, DirecTV Stream, and Netflix.
If you’re just looking for a quick VPN recommendation, our team loves ExpressVPN because it feels premium and has servers in every country we’ve ever had a need to explore. But there are plenty of great VPNS to choose from. Here are our top picks:
ExpressVPN
Free for 3 Months
$12.95/month
Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know to watch Sling TV in Canada.
Why do you need a VPN to watch Sling TV in Canada?
If you’ve ever tried to watch American streaming services like Sling TV in Canada, you’ve probably landed on something like this message: “We couldn’t find your location, which is required for watching this content.”
That can be so frustrating, especially if you Google “where to watch” a certain show and Google suggests it’s available on Sling TV in your region. Streaming happens on the internet, so why is it still restricted by geographical boundaries?
Since streaming services are corporate entities bound by laws and trade agreements and the like, they have to set limits based on location.
For you, this just means adding an extra step to your streaming workflow before you get to watch shows like Fear the Walking Dead, Lucky Hank, or House Hunters on Sling TV. Once you get a VPN subscription, you won’t need to worry as much about geo-blocking and you’ll get to access all the content on Sling TV from Canada.
Do you still need to pay for a Sling TV subscription to watch from Canada with a VPN?
Yes, a subscription to Sling TV is still required if you want to stream content from Canada — even with a VPN.
Imagine a VPN as an internet teleportation device. It takes you (virtually) to the destination you mark as your desired server. So when you use a VPN from Canada to watch Sling TV with an American IP address, the VPN does the work of transporting you (virtually) to the United States.
But that’s as far as your VPN subscription gets you. A VPN doesn’t automatically make it possible for you to watch any movie or show you want. For that, you’ll also need to subscribe to Sling TV. The good news: when you subscribe to Sling TV, you get access to 30 days of free premium channels and its free stream exclusive channels.
Sling Orange
$20 off your first month
- 30+ channels
- ESPN
- Stream on one device
$45.99/month
Sling Blue
$20 off your first month
- 40+ channels
- Local channels in select cities
- News and entertainment
- Stream on three screens
$45.99/month
Sling Orange & Blue
$20 off your first month
- General cable replacement
- 45+ channels
- Stream on three screens
$60.99/month
Read our full review of Sling TV to find out why else we like it.
How to access Sling TV from Canada with a VPN
Here are the basic steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN like our top choice, ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app or client on your device.
- Connect to the VPN from your target region. In this case, that’s the United States since you want to access Sling TV like you’re in the United States.
- Sign in to Sling TV or create an account if you don’t have one already. (Use our link to Sling TV to get any free trials or deals we’ve negotiated.)
- Start streaming!
The next time you want to watch Sling TV from Canada, you’ll just need to follow steps 3-5. Pretty simple, right?
Plus, if you want to watch any other streaming services from international accounts, you’ll be able to do so with your same VPN subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
You asked, we answer! Below, find the answers to the questions we get most often about watching Sling TV in Canada.
Couldn’t Sling TV just block VPNs?
If Sling TV wanted to, they could simply identify all VPN servers and add them to their list of blocked IP addresses. However, doing this would require a lot of effort on their part. Sling TV would have to detect and block every single VPN provider for the countermeasure to work.
Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services have tried to set up anti-VPN countermeasures, but these haven't been very effective. Once a VPN provider realizes that it's been blocked, all it has to do is change the IP addresses that it uses.
There just isn't much a streaming service can do about VPNs other than ignore them.
What channels are available on Sling TV?
According to our last count, Sling TV has 40+ channels, including TNT, CNN, TBS, Comedy Central, HGTV, Food Network, and Lifetime.
Interested in live television? Check out our TV Guide for Sling TV to see what’s live now.
Can I watch Sling TV outside the US?
Yes, it is possible to watch Sling TV outside of the US by using a VPN service. A VPN can hide your IP address and make it appear as if you are located in the US, allowing you to stream Sling TV content without restrictions.
We’ve explored many VPN services that offer high-quality streaming speeds and unlimited bandwidth, making it possible to enjoy streaming Sling TV in other countries. Our favorite VPN to use for watching Sling TV outside the US is ExpressVPN.
What is the best alternative to cable TV in Canada?
There are several alternative TV providers available in Canada. One popular option is to use an over-the-air antenna to watch free, local channels. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have Canadian versions, but there are also other great options for watching televison without cable in Canada.
Can I stream live TV in Canada?
There are plenty of options available for catching live TV without cable in Canada. You can check out some of the streaming services available in Canada, or you can use your TV provider's online streaming platform. Plus, some Canadian networks have their own streaming services, like CBC Gem and Global TV. So kick back, grab some snacks, and enjoy your favorite shows without the hassle of cable!
Davan Hamilton • Author
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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