✦ Edited and fact-checked by Eric Chiu, our Internet Editor with nearly 10 years covering consumer tech, entertainment, and sports.
What is the Sling Essentials plan?
Sling Essentials is Sling TV’s $19.99-per-month starter plan, and it’s built around one big draw: ESPN and ESPN2. Sling launched the skinny bundle nationwide in April 2026 as its cheapest way to stream ESPN live.
The rest of the lineup leans family-friendly and nostalgic, with Disney Channel, Freeform, Hallmark Mystery, and a stack of classic TV networks. Think of it as a trimmed-down slice of Sling Orange.
How many channels does the Sling Essentials plan include?
Sling markets Essentials as a 10+ channel plan, and the base lineup includes 12 channels. There are no local channels, so the lineup is the same no matter where you live.
Want to see how Essentials stacks up against Sling’s bigger plans? Our Sling TV channel lineup guide compares every package. Here’s the full Essentials list, A to Z.
Full Sling Essentials channel lineup
| Channel | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Bounce | ✔ |
| Disney Channel | ✔ |
| ESPN | ✔ |
| ESPN2 | ✔ |
| Freeform | ✔ |
| Game Show Network | ✔ |
| Grit TV | ✔ |
| Hallmark Mysteries | ✔ |
| Heroes and Icons | ✔ |
| Lifetime Movie Network | ✔ |
| MeTV | ✔ |
| StartTV | ✔ |
Data effective as of post date.
What channels are included in Sling Essentials?
Essentials packs sports, family viewing, and throwback TV into a single small bundle.
- Sports: ESPN and ESPN2 cover “Monday Night Football”, college football and basketball, NBA games, and plenty of studio shows.
- Family: Disney Channel and Freeform keep kids and teens entertained.
- Movies and mysteries: Hallmark Mystery, Lifetime Movie Network, and Bounce serve up made-for-TV movies and dramas.
- Classic TV: MeTV, Heroes & Icons, Grit, and Start TV run decades of reruns, westerns, and crime procedurals.
- Game shows: Game Show Network rounds out the lineup with classic and new game shows.
What channels are not included in Sling Essentials?
News and non-ESPN sports networks are Essentials’ biggest gaps. Fox News, CNN, and MS NOW are all missing, and so are FS1 and NFL Network.
Essentials also skips cable staples like TBS, TNT, HGTV, and Food Network, plus extra ESPN networks like ESPNU and SEC Network. For the full Disney and Turner lineup, Sling Orange costs $45.99/mo.
Local channels aren’t part of Essentials either. Pairing the plan with an antenna is the cheapest way to fill that gap.
Can you combine Sling Essentials with Sling Select?
Yes. The Sling Essentials & Select bundle costs $34.99/mo. and adds Fox News, FS1, NFL Network, FX, and National Geographic to your Essentials channels. It also unlocks more simultaneous streams.
What features does the Sling Essentials plan include?
Essentials comes with Sling’s core streaming features.
- One stream: Essentials supports one stream at a time, so it fits best in a solo household.
- Cloud DVR: Record up to 50 hours of shows, or upgrade to unlimited DVR storage for $5/mo.
- No contract: Pay monthly and cancel anytime, or prepay $54.99 for three months to save a few dollars.
- Add-ons: Extras like Sports Extra, plus premium channels like HBO Max and STARZ, can be added on top.
Need to watch on more than one TV? Sling Blue supports up to three streams.
Sling Essentials channel lineup FAQ
How much does Sling Essentials cost?
Sling Essentials costs $19.99/mo. The price is the same everywhere because the plan doesn't include local channels.
Does Sling Essentials include ESPN?
Yes. ESPN and ESPN2 are both part of Sling Essentials, making it Sling's cheapest way to stream ESPN live.
Does Sling Essentials include local channels?
No. Sling Essentials doesn't include ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC, so an antenna is your best bet for local broadcasts.
What is the difference between Sling Essentials and Sling Select?
Essentials centers on ESPN and Disney Channel, while Select centers on Fox News, FS1, and NFL Network. They share five channels: GSN, Grit, Heroes & Icons, LMN, and MeTV.
How many devices can watch Sling Essentials at once?
Sling Essentials allows one stream at a time. The Essentials & Select bundle adds more streams.
CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
