I. Introduction
Are you considering cutting the cord and hopping on the streaming services train, but you’re bombarded by all the options available and the fees that come along with it? In this article, we’ll explore the question “is Sling TV free with Amazon Prime?” and compare their features, benefits, costs, and hidden fees. So, let’s dive in and find out which streaming service is right for you.
II. Comparing Streaming Services
A. What is Sling TV?
Sling TV is an American live TV streaming service owned by Dish Network, offering cord-cutters the opportunity to stream up to 50 live TV channels, including popular cable networks, sports channels, news, and entertainment. It’s an excellent service for those who want live TV without the high cost of cable subscriptions.
B. What is Amazon Prime Video?
Amazon Prime Video is an internet video-on-demand streaming service, a perk of the Amazon Prime membership package. It offers a vast library of movies, original programming, and TV shows available to stream on-demand on multiple devices. Amazon Prime Video is an excellent option for cord-cutters looking for a cheaper alternative to traditional TV and cable channels.
C. Comparison of Features and Benefits
1. Content Offerings
In terms of content offerings, Sling TV is the better choice if you’re looking for live TV, as it offers multiple packages, including Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue, each with different channels to choose from. On the other hand, Amazon Prime Video offers a broad selection of movies and TV shows, including its original programming, and can be bundled with Amazon Music and shopping benefits.
2. Pricing
Sling TV offers a variety of packages and add-ons, starting at a cheaper cost of $35 per month and going up to $50 per month for its premium package. Amazon Prime Video is a bit on the pricier end at $8.99 per month, but you also get access to other Prime benefits, such as free shipping, book lending, and music streaming.
3. User-Friendliness
Sling TV has a user-friendly interface and easy navigation, making it easy to search and watch specific shows or channels. Amazon Prime Video has a sleeker and more modern layout, and it’s easy to switch between watching live TV and video on demand.
4. Accessibility
Both Sling TV and Amazon Prime Video are accessible via multiple devices, including smart TVs, laptops, phones, and tablets, making it easy to watch your content on the go. Amazon Prime Video also offers the chance to download movies and TV shows for offline viewing.
III. Saving Money on Streaming
A. Sling TV and Amazon Prime Bundling Options
One of the fantastic benefits of these two streaming services is that you can bundle them together to save even more money. By combining the two services, you can get access to both live TV channels and an extensive library of movies and TV shows for a lower price.
B. How to Save Money with Bundling
One way to save money on the bundle is to choose the right plan for your needs. If you don’t need the full range of channels offered by Sling TV, there’s no point in paying for them. By selecting the right plan, you’ll get access to the content you want and avoid paying for channels you don’t need. Amazon Prime also offers various membership plans, such as student discounts and family discounts, to help you save money on your subscription.
C. Comparison of Bundling Options with Competitors
Other streaming services currently offer bundling options, including Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. However, Sling TV and Amazon Prime Video are the most affordable when it comes to bundling options.
IV. Watching Live TV without Cable
A. Sling TV as a Free Alternative to Cable TV
Sling TV is an excellent way to save money from cables and traditional TV subscriptions while still getting access to live TV. They offer channels like ESPN, CNN, AMC, and more, making it a great option for sports fans and those who enjoy watching live events.
B. Amazon Prime’s Live TV Offerings
Amazon Prime Video doesn’t have any live TV channels, but they do offer certain live-weekly programming available with an Amazon Prime membership, including tennis tournaments, Thursday NFL football games, and select Premier League Soccer games.
C. Comparison of Live TV Features and Offerings
Sling TV is the better choice if you’re looking for more live TV channels in general, including local channels, sports channels, and news channels. However, if you’re looking for specific weekly programming like NFL games, Amazon Prime Video offers some limited options.
V. Investigating Hidden Fees
A. Explanation of Fees Associated with Sling TV
Sling TV has various fees that can add up, including the cost of additional packages, premium channels, and DVR service. They also charge a one-time activation fee for new customers and require a compatible device to stream.
B. Explanation of Fees Associated with Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime Video doesn’t have many hidden fees, but they do require a Prime membership, which costs $119 per year. You can also rent movies and TV shows for an additional fee.
C. Explanation of Fees Associated with Bundling Sling TV and Amazon Prime
When bundling Sling TV and Amazon Prime, you’ll save money overall, but there are still some additional fees. For example, you’ll need to pay for a compatible device and any Sling TV add-ons you want.
D. Comparison of Hidden Fees with Other Competitors
Overall, Sling TV and Amazon Prime Video are among the most affordable streaming services, with fewer hidden fees than most traditional cable services. Other streaming services, like Hulu and Netflix, have their fees, but they’re generally upfront and easy to understand.
VI. Choosing the Right Plan for You
A. Sling TV Package Options
Sling TV offers a variety of packages to choose from, including Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue. Each package has its own channel lineup and pricing, allowing you to choose the package that best suits your needs.
B. How to Choose the Best Package for You
When choosing the best package for your needs, consider how many channels you need, what type of programming you enjoy, and your budget. For example, if you’re a sports fan, Sling TV’s Orange package is an excellent choice because it includes ESPN, while the Blue package has more entertainment and news channels.
C. Comparison of Sling TV Packages with Other Competitors
Other streaming services like Hulu and YouTube TV also have various package options available depending on your needs. When comparing these services, consider not only the channel lineup but also the pricing, user interface, accessibility, and other benefits they offer.
VII. Maximizing Your Streaming Experience
A. Tips and Tricks for Sling TV and Amazon Prime
There are various tips and tricks you can use to maximize your streaming experience, such as setting up parental controls, creating profiles to personalize your viewing experience, and taking advantage of the voice search feature.
B. How to Watch on Multiple Devices
Both Sling TV and Amazon Prime Video allow you to watch on multiple devices at the same time, so you can enjoy your favorite content wherever and whenever you want. To watch on multiple devices, simply log in to your account and start streaming.
C. Best Practices for Streaming
To get the best streaming experience, consider using a high-speed internet connection, ensuring your devices are up to date, and turning off any applications that might slow down your connection. You can also connect your device directly to your router or modem to improve your connection.
VIII. Conclusion
A. Recap of Main Points
In summary, Sling TV and Amazon Prime Video are two excellent options for cord-cutters looking for a more affordable alternative to traditional TV and cable channels. Both services offer unique content offerings, features, and benefits, providing viewers with flexibility and variety. While Sling TV is better for live TV channels, Amazon Prime Video is stronger in its on-demand content offerings. It’s essential to choose the right package and bundling options based on your needs and budget.
B. Recommendation for Readers
Our recommendation for readers is to consider Sling TV and Amazon Prime Video as viable options for streaming, especially if you want to save money while still getting access to live TV and on-demand content. When deciding which service is right for you, remember to consider the quality of their offerings and benefits and hidden fees.
C. Final Thoughts
In conclusion, when it comes to streaming, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s essential to weigh the different options available and choose the solution that best meets your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re a sports fan, a movie enthusiast, or just looking for an affordable alternative to traditional TV, Sling TV and Amazon Prime Video offer a cost-effective and flexible alternative.
