Sling TV Supported Devices: Roku, Apple TV, and More (2024)
Sling TV is widely available across the most popular streaming devices. Our TV experts explore which ones offer the best streaming experience—and show how to install them.
What devices can I get Sling TV on?
Whether you’re shopping for a new device or checking if your current one supports Sling TV, the live TV streaming service doesn’t mess around with its device compatibility.
We were impressed with the amount of streaming options available for Sling TV subscribers—supported devices range from mobile phones to 4K smart TVs. But we questioned the quality of each platform, so we decided to test the Sling app across several devices and select our five favorites (we both prefer the Roku overall).
Keep reading to learn more about what platforms offer the Sling app—including how to get Sling TV and what devices and accessories we recommend.
Sling TV supported devices
The great thing about popular streaming services like Sling TV is that you don’t need the most expensive, top-of-the-line device to start streaming. To prove that point, we’ve listed every device that supports Sling TV in the table below.
| Device | Sling TV app |
|---|---|
| airTV Mini | ✔ |
| Amazon Echo Show, Fire Cube, Stick, Tablets, TV | ✔ |
| Android phones, tablets | ✔ |
| Android TV (select models) | ✔ |
| Apple TV (4th gen. or later) | ✔ |
| Apple TV 4K | ✔ |
| Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV | ✔ |
| Cox Contour Stream | ✔ |
| Facebook Portal | ✔ |
| Google Nest Hub | ✔ |
| iPhone, iPad | ✔ |
| LG TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| Nintendo Switch | — |
| NVIDIA SHIELD Pro TV | — |
| PC, Mac web browsers (Chrome, iOS 11, Safari) | ✔ |
| PlayStation 4, 5 | — |
| Roku Ultra, Express, Premiere, Stick, TV* | ✔ |
| Samsung TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| TiVo Stream 4K | ✔ |
| VIZIO TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| Wii | — |
| Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S | ✔ |
| Xfinity X1 | ✔ |
Data effective as of post date.
* Sling does not support the following Roku streaming device models: 2450X, 2500X,
2400X, 3000X, 3050X, 3100X, 3400X, 3420X, 2700X, 2710X, 2720X
The main devices that don’t offer Sling TV support are gaming consoles. While you can use Sling TV on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, you won’t find the app on PlayStation or Nintendo devices.
Another obstacle to be aware of is that app features can vary across different devices. Though, the general Sling TV experience remains the same no matter what streaming hardware you have. And if you’re using a web browser, it’s even easier to access: visit Sling.com to log in and begin streaming.
Pro tip: Devices become outdated when manufacturers stop software updates and prioritize newer models—seen the most with smart TVs and Blu-ray players. Use a separate streaming device for longer-lasting compatibility with your favorite apps.
Best Sling TV streaming devices
With so many Sling TV-compatible devices, it can take time to choose the best option for your streaming setup. That’s why we reviewed our favorite devices for streaming Sling TV—including how to access the app on each platform.
- Best overall: Roku
- Best for Apple users: Apple TV
- Best for Alexa integration: Amazon Fire TV
- Best for Android users: Chromecast with Google TV
- Best smart TV: Samsung TV
Best overall: Roku
Roku is our favorite streaming platform because it offers affordable devices with clean interfaces. Many media players get bogged down by complex app layouts and hidden menu features. Roku avoids this with its tidy, easy-to-navigate, and customizable menus.
Also, unlike the companies behind Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV, Roku is not a big tech rival—meaning it’s more open to offering apps from a diverse lineup of streaming services.
Sure, carriage disputes still happen between Roku and content providers. But there’s a broader range of video apps available on Roku than any other streaming device.
For Sling TV users, the Sling app is the most well-rounded on Roku. No glaring components are missing on Roku, and there are even available features not found on other devices. The big one is the View Scores guide, which comes in handy for those weekend afternoons when several sports are happening at once.
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
- Scroll down to the Search tab and type in “Sling TV.” (You can also use your voice-enabled Roku remote by holding down the microphone button and saying “Sling TV.”)
- Choose the Sling channel from the search results.
- Select Add Channel to download and install.
- You’ll then have the option to go directly to the Sling TV Roku channel. Otherwise, you can access it from the bottom of the Home screen.
If you have additional Roku device questions, head to Roku Support for user and expert-assisted help.
Best for Apple users: Apple TV
If most of your devices at home are Apple, then Apple TV 4K is the most suitable streaming player for your TV setup. You’ll get all the marquee Apple features—including Siri voice recognition and AirPlay compatibility. Plus, you’ll get 4K HDR picture and Dolby Vision sound with applicable content.
Now that Apple TV+ is getting into sports more, we find that Apple TV 4K is a fantastic streaming device for staying up to date with teams and leagues. Not only does it carry popular sports apps, but it also provides scores and standings.
Having game stats at the ready is handy for those watching Sling TV on Apple TV 4K. After all, most people sign up for Sling TV for its affordable plans that offer popular sports channels like ESPN and FOX Sports 1 (FS1). And you’ll need that affordability because the Apple TV 4K device is the most expensive one we highlight here—costing around $124.99.
- Select the App Store from the Apple TV menu.
- Click the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen and search for Sling TV.
- Choose Sling TV from the search results.
- Select Get and confirm the free app purchase.
- After the app downloads and installs, you can select it from the App Store or your Apple TV menu.
The Apple TV Support website hosts additional resources for improving your Apple TV experience.
Best for Alexa integration: Amazon Fire TV
Like Apple, Amazon is expanding its streaming content with live sports and a larger film and TV slate. Amazon Prime Video isn’t quite a streaming behemoth like Netflix and HBO Max. But having the Amazon Fire TV device in your corner gives you the optimal Amazon streaming experience while providing access to more content across other apps like Sling TV.
Amazon Fire TV costs about as much as Roku’s mid-level devices, and users can enjoy complete Alexa assistance without paying for an extra subscription. You can even make Jeff Bezos proud and browse the Amazon storefront via your Fire TV device.
- Select the magnifying glass icon on the Home screen. (You can also hold the microphone button on your Amazon Fire TV remote and tell Alexa to “search for Sling TV.”)
- Search for Sling TV using the on-screen keyboard.
- Select the Sling TV app and click the Download icon.
- After the app installs, you can open it. You’ll also find the app in the Your Apps & Channels menu.
You can also visit Amazon Customer Service if you have other questions about using your Fire TV device.
I have been using Sling TV probably since it was announced. My price is relatively low, which I enjoy. The only drawback with Sling is that mine freezes sometimes and I have to restart my Fire Stick to get it to load.
Best for Android users: Chromecast with Google TV
Android users and general Google enthusiasts will feel the most at home using Chromecast with Google TV. While other streaming devices use the Android TV operating system, Chromecast with Google TV offers the best version of that streaming ecosystem.
While the original Chromecast relied entirely on casting content from a separate device, Chromecast with Google TV has its own interface and remote. You can still cast as much as your heart desires, but you can also do many other things like gaming and sideloading (via a USB-C or wireless connection).
The Sling TV Chromecast experience isn’t much different from what you would see on other streaming devices. Like we suggested with Apple TV, it really comes down to what device you feel the most comfortable using. But Chromecast with Google TV is a powerful device that’s not too expensive—its HD version costs $30, while the 4K version is $50.
- Press the Home button on your Chromecast remote.
- Select the Search tab at the top of the Home screen.
- Type “Sling TV” into the search box and click the magnifying glass to confirm your search.
- On the Sling app page, select Install.
- After the installation, you can click Open or return to the Home page and select the app from the Your Apps menu row.
For more information about installing apps on Google TV, check out the Google TV Help Center.
Best smart TV: Samsung TV
Samsung is the leader of the pack when it comes to smart TVs. After all, we rank the Samsung QN90A Neo QLED as the top dog in our Best Smart TVs guide. But no matter which Samsung smart TV you choose, most post-2015 models come equipped with the slick Smart Hub streaming platform.
We like Samsung’s Smart Hub for streaming Sling TV because it’s easy to navigate and offers quick access to your other apps and connected devices. The Tizen operating system that powers Smart Hub is also less laggy than the LG and VIZIO smart TV platforms we tested.
- Press the Home button on your Samsung TV remote.
- Scroll left and select the Apps icon.
- Navigate to the top of the Apps menu and select the magnifying glass icon.
- Type “Sling TV” into the App Search and select the Sling app once it appears at the top of the screen.
- On the Sling app page, select Install.
- Once installation is complete, you can open the app or add it to your TV’s Home menu bar for quick access in the future.
Need additional help installing and organizing apps on your Samsung TV? You can learn more about managing your TV’s apps by visiting Samsung Support.
Other Sling TV devices and accessories
Sling TV offers its own devices and accessories to maximize your streaming experience. You can even get some of these devices at a discount or free when signing up, as highlighted on our Sling TV Deals page.
You’ll want to check out is Sling TV’s HD antenna deal, which gives you a free over-the-air (OTA) antenna when you prepay for two months of service. It’s an excellent way to get more local channels through Sling TV.
Other devices and accessories available individually or through sign-up promotions include the AirTV Mini, AirTV 2, and Air TV Anywhere.
The AirTV Mini is a basic streaming device made for Sling TV users. You can access other apps like Disney+ and Netflix through the Android TV–supported dongle. But you’re better off with the devices highlighted above if Sling TV isn’t the center of your streaming universe.
Pro tip: As highlighted on our Best Internet for Streaming page, 25 Mbps is the lowest internet speed you should have when streaming content online.
The AirTV 2 and AirTV Anywhere devices are OTA receivers that require a separate streaming device and an OTA antenna. Once set up, the devices will integrate local channels from your antenna with your Sling TV app.
The main difference between AirTV 2 and AirTV Anywhere is that AirTV 2 is a dual tuner (meaning you can record two channels simultaneously) and requires an external hard drive. The AirTV Anywhere can record up to four channels and has a built-in 1 TB DVR. The devices are compatible with some of our favorite streaming platforms:
AirTV 2 and AirTV Anywhere supported devices
- AirTV Player
- AirTV Mini
- Android phones
- Android TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- iPhone
- Roku
- TiVo Stream 4K
Sling TV supported devices FAQ
What streaming device is best for Sling TV?
Sling TV supports 25+ streaming devices—but we recommend Roku devices for their affordability, clean interface, customizable menus, and broad range of video apps.
What is needed for Sling TV to work?
To watch Sling TV, you’ll need:
- A screen (TV, phone, tablet, or computer)
- A streaming device (unless you’re using a Sling TV-compatible smart TV)
- The Sling TV app
- A Sling TV subscription
- An internet connection with speeds of at least 25 Mbps
Can you cast Sling TV to a smart TV?
Yes, Sling TV supports Chromecast and AirPlay for casting or mirroring live TV from your mobile device or tablet to your smart TV. Our How to Connect Your iPhone to Your TV guide is a great resource for Apple device users interested in screen casting.
Can you watch Sling TV on multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes, you can watch Sling TV on multiple devices at the same time, depending on your base plan. Sling Blue subscribers can watch live TV on up to three devices at once, while the Sling Orange & Blue plan allows up to four simultaneous streams. Only those subscribed to the Sling Orange base plan cannot stream on more than one device.
Can you use Slingbox to watch Sling TV?
No, Slingbox never supported the Sling TV app. Instead, the device allowed cable and satellite TV users to stream media from their set-top box before its servers went offline in November 2022.
Why you should trust us
Our TV experts spent over eight hours researching and hands-on testing the Sling TV app across several streaming devices. We determined our device recommendations after examining the app’s latency, interface, and player controls on each device. Additional app features like closed captions and DVR functionality also impacted our analysis. Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
