Given that it’s a relatively simple streaming service and one of the cheaper options, it’s not unreasonable to ask whether Sling TV requires internet. This is just one of the basic questions you should look into before spending a little money each month.
Let’s be clear: Yes, you need internet to watch Sling TV, since it is an internet-based streaming service. most. More on this warning later.
Sling TV is a multi-platform video distributor (MPVD). It’s basically the internet version of an old-school cable TV subscription. You pay a monthly fee and can watch the same channels on your TV via the app. You can do this on almost any modern platform, whether it’s Roku or Amazon Fire TV (the two biggest ones), Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV, or any of the various smart TVs.
What they all have in common is that you can connect them to the internet. If you want to watch Sling TV on it, you have to do this. It can be your home internet or mobile internet via your phone. Either is fine as long as it’s fast enough.
One reason it can be a little confusing is that Sling TV has a habit of pushing you toward something called “Sling TV.” over-the-air television, which is Sling TV’s branded version of a wireless tuner and antenna system that picks up your local broadcast channels (which itself doesn’t require an Internet connection to receive them) and includes them with your Sling TV service. Sling TV requires internet. Not so with radio. (Okay, if you want to download the channel guide, you’ll need internet. But let’s not confuse things further.)
All of this is true whether you’re using either of the two basic tracks on Sling TV, namely “Sling Orange” and “Sling Blue.” Both require an internet connection because that’s how all of this works. The same applies to any Sling Extras you may subscribe to.
Since we’re talking about the basics here, let’s take a look at Sling TV’s internet speed. The bottom line is: if you have a broadband connection, you’re good to go. Sling says 3 Mbps connection speeds are enough for tablets and smartphones, and should be. If you’re only streaming one thing at a time on your TV, a 5 Mbps connection will work. If you have multiple streams, you should have a 25 Mbs or higher connection.
This is also pretty standard for broadband connections and modern LTE or 5G networks these days. However, everyone’s situation is different.
But one thing isn’t it? Everyone needs some kind of internet connection to watch Sling TV.
Editor’s Choice