Whether it’s the Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or Android TV, you must pick the right streaming apps to play your favorite movies and TV Shows.
In this hunt, you may end up getting confused between Slingbox and Sling TV.
Don’t worry!
If this confusion leads you nowhere, check this guide, where I’ve compared SlingBox and SlingTV to find a winner.
Let’s get started –
Overview of Sling TV
Sling TV is a live streaming service that offers cable channels over the internet. It’s available through an app on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, and Roku devices.
Sling has a free 7-day trial which you can use to watch their on-demand content (which includes news, sports, and entertainment).
The Sling Orange package costs $25 per month, while the Sling Blue package also costs $25 per month. You’ll need both packages if you want to get all of the channels Sling TV offers because some networks are only available on one channel.
Overview of Slingbox
A Slingbox is a streaming device that allows you to watch your TV on any device. It works by recording the videos from your cable or satellite box and then transmitting them over the internet, allowing you to watch the shows on another device connected to the same network as your Slingbox.
In addition to streaming live programming, Slingbox allows users to pause and rewind live TV in case they miss something while away from home.
The company also offers Cloud DVR service where users can save recordings of their favorite shows for later viewing and access additional channels through apps like ShowBox.
Slingbox vs Sling TV: Feature comparison
Slingbox is a streaming device that allows you to watch your TV anywhere. It’s an alternative to traditional cable services, allowing you to take your favorite channels and shows with you wherever you go (and without the high cost of cable).
Sling TV, on the other hand, is a pay-TV service that streams live TV over the internet. You can use it through apps on mobile devices and streaming boxes like Roku and Amazon Fire TV Stick—or even through its website if you don’t want to install anything new on your computer.
It is no surprise that Slingbox costs more than Sling TV: its functionality far exceeds what most people need from their TV viewing experience—especially since there are so many other services similar (or better) than Slingbox at lower prices.
Slingbox vs Sling TV: Supported Platforms
Slingbox and Sling TV is available on a variety of platforms. Slingbox is currently supported by iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. It can also be used with Chromecast through an adapter or a 4K HDMI cable.
Sling TV has fewer options for viewing its content; it’s available for download on iOS and Android devices (and specific third-party devices). You’ll need to go with either platform if your preferred device isn’t listed above — sorry, Apple fans!
Slingbox vs Sling TV: Content Library
Suppose you’re looking for the cheapest way to watch live television. In that case, you should consider getting a cable subscription instead of buying either device because it can be cheaper than both devices combined—but only if you don’t mind paying for channels you don’t want or need monthly!
Slingbox vs Sling TV: Ads
Slingbox has fewer ads than Sling TV.
If you want to watch a show on a channel with commercials, you will be bombarded by them. The same goes for watching live sports events or another programming that comes with commercials.
Slingbox does not have commercials in this sense. You can watch any show you want without interruption and be forced to see an ad break every few minutes.
Slingbox Pros and Cons
| Slingbox Pros | Slingbox Cons |
|---|---|
| Compatible with a wide range of platforms and devices | Requires uncompressed video feed, which can be expensive for some users. For example, if you want a 4K stream, it can cost upwards of $150 per month for a top-tier internet service plan. This makes the Slingbox an impractical choice for many people considering buying one. |
| Access to free content from the Sling TV app (limited live programming) | Not completely free to use. |
Sling TV Pros and Cons
| Sling TV Pros | Sling TV Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price. You can get a basic channel package for $20 per month and add-on packages. | Compared to Slingbox, Sling TV comes with more annoying pop-up ads. |
| Availability on more devices than Slingbox, including mobile devices and game consoles, so you can watch it anywhere (if you have Wi-Fi or cellular service). | Sling TV supports a limited number of devices and operating systems. |
| DVR feature lets you record your favorite shows to watch later at your convenience. This is an especially nice feature in households where one person likes to watch something different from everyone else simultaneously! | The basic channel package comes with limited storage space. Once the storage is utilized, you need to burn more money. |
Is Sling tv and Slingbox the Same Company?
The answer is no.
Sling TV and Slingbox are two different companies owned by the same parent company, Dish Network. While they offer similar services, they have different offerings and target audiences.
Slingbox vs Sling TV: Supported Platforms
Slingbox is available on a wide range of devices and operating systems. It’s available on Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and most other smart TVs, game consoles, and set-top boxes. You can also stream Slingbox content to your TV via Chromecast or AirPlay (for Apple devices).
That’s in addition to the Slingbox app for select Smart TVs from LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, and VIZIO Inc., which lets you view content from your DVR using the connected device’s remote control and apps.
Sling TV is only available on certain smart TVs made by TCL that run Roku OS 7 or higher (including 2021 models) with a dedicated “Sling TV” button on their remotes; Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet; Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet; Amazon Fire Stick 4K devices; iOS mobile devices running 10.0+ or newer.
Slingbox vs Sling TV: Which One is Better?
Slingbox is the overall better product of the two services. Slingbox has a more complete feature set, as well as being more reliable and having a better user experience. It also has better platform support for ease of use and a content library.
Slingbox is the winner, but it’s not all clear sailing for the streaming platform. Sling TV has some advantages over Slingbox—namely, it’s cheaper (but you have to pay $5 per month after your free trial), it offers up to 4K resolution on select channels (which might be worth it for some people), and it can stream PC games live via Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV devices (if you don’t want to watch on your computer).
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would say Slingbox is better than Sling TV.
It offers more features and content for less money, but the most significant advantage is that you can use it on a list of different devices.
