Rated 7+ IMDb · 70%+ RT Little-known finds Curated by humans
Rated 7+ IMDb · 70%+ RT Little-known finds Curated by humans
Updated October 16, 2026 • By Bilal Zouheir
AGMTW score, out of 10
Sling's cheapest tier, thin enough that it is closer to a FAST service than a cable replacement.
Value for money4.4
Twenty channels for a low fee, and most of them are ones you would not miss.
$19.99 a month. The cheapest live TV service in the same category is $8.99 ($11 less). Weighed against what it carries (content 3.2/10), that comes to 4.4 on value.
Content quality3.2
2 of the 20 most-watched cable channels, and the rest are missing.
Carries 2 of the 20 most-watched cable channels: ESPN and Game Show Network.
Apps and devices9.1
Polished app, available on 11 of the 12 major devices.
Rated 4.61 on iPhone and 4.44 on Android. Works on 11 of 12 devices.
Streaming quality7.5
1080p, stereo; no 4K at any price.
Base plan streams in 1080p.
Best for ESPN for under $20
Don’t be fooled by the $19.99 price tag on Sling Essentials. Beyond ESPN and ESPN2, the 12-channel lineup leans on Disney Channel, Freeform, and a shelf of classic TV (MeTV, startTV, GRIT, Heroes & Icons) that feels made for a weeknight rerun binge. It’s easy to see the appeal: this is the cheapest way we know of to keep ESPN without paying for 30 other networks you’ll never open. But it’s not perfect by any means. You get one stream at a time, no local channels, and none of the big cable names like CNN, HGTV, or TNT. Pair it with Sling Select and the two run $34.99 a month together, adding NFL Network and Fox Sports 1 to the mix. For the sports fan who only needs the basics, it’s as lean as it is sensible.
Sling TV Essentials carries 12+ channels, including Bounce, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, Freeform, Game Show Network, and more.
Sling Essentials launched on April 9, 2026 at $19.99 a month. It carries 12 channels, led by ESPN and ESPN2, and bundles with Sling Select for $34.99.
Sports fans who mainly want ESPN, and households with kids who watch Disney Channel, without paying for a full live TV plan.
Get Sling Essentials if ESPN is the one channel keeping you on cable. It costs well under half of Sling Orange, and you can add Extras later.
How much does Sling TV Essentials cost?
Sling TV Essentials starts at $19.99/month.
Does Sling TV Essentials have a free trial?
Sling TV Essentials does not currently offer a free trial.
What channels does Sling TV Essentials include?
Sling TV Essentials carries 12 channels, including Bounce, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, Freeform, and more.
What devices support Sling TV Essentials?
Sling TV Essentials is available on AirTV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Cox, Google TV Streamer, iOS, LG TV, Mi Box, Roku, Samsung TV, TiVo, Vizio, Windows 10, Windows 11, Xbox, Xbox One.
Can I cancel Sling TV Essentials anytime?
Sling TV Essentials is a month-to-month subscription with no long-term contract. You can cancel at any time without penalty.
Is Sling TV Essentials worth it?
Get Sling Essentials if ESPN is the one channel keeping you on cable. It costs well under half of Sling Orange, and you can add Extras later.
Four criteria, each scored out of 10. The overall score is their weighted average: content 50%, value 20%, apps 20%, streaming quality 10%.
Value for money
0The most expensive service of its kind.
10The cheapest service of its kind, with full content.
Content quality
0None of the 20 most-watched cable channels, or nothing from our recommended list.
10All 20 channels, or the deepest catalog of titles we recommend.
Apps and devices
0A one-star app that runs on none of the 12 major devices.
10Five-star apps on all 12 major devices.
Streaming quality
0Below 720p.
104K on the plan we price.