For sports fans, access to ESPN’s networks is essential, but finding an affordable streaming option without a traditional cable subscription can be a challenge. Sling TV’s Orange plan has long been a popular, budget-friendly solution. However, ESPN’s own direct-to-consumer service, ESPN Unlimited, now presents a compelling alternative.
This comparison breaks down the pricing, channel offerings, and user experience of both services to help you determine which is the right fit. While both are excellent options for streaming live sports, they cater to different types of viewers.
### Pricing
ESPN Unlimited is priced at $29.99 per month, with an annual plan available for $299.99. A more limited tier, ESPN Select, is available for $11.99 per month.
In comparison, Sling TV’s Orange plan costs $45.99 per month. Sling also offers a five-month “Season Pass” for $199 and has recently introduced flexible short-term passes for daily ($4.99), weekend ($9.99), or weekly ($14.99) access. However, these passes are currently the subject of a lawsuit filed by ESPN’s parent company, Disney.
### Channel Lineup
ESPN Unlimited provides comprehensive access to the entire ESPN ecosystem, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNews, SEC Network, SEC Network Plus, ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, and all content from ESPN Plus and ESPN on ABC. The service is also the current home for UFC pay-per-view events, though these rights will move to Paramount Plus in 2026.
Sling Orange features a lineup of over 30 live channels. Its ESPN offering includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPN4K. The key advantage of Sling is the inclusion of other popular networks such as TNT, TBS, CNN, AMC, and the Disney Channel. While it doesn’t carry ABC, many games broadcast on the network are simulcast on ESPN3.
For an additional $11 per month, Sling Orange subscribers can add the Sports Extra package, which includes many of the channels found standard on ESPN Unlimited, such as the ACC Network, ESPNU, ESPNews, and SEC Network, along with MLB Network, NBA TV, and NHL Network.
### App Experience and User Interface
Both services present users with recommended content upon opening the app and feature a search function.
Sling TV provides a standard live TV streaming experience with a clear, traditional grid-style guide, an On Demand section, and DVR capabilities. Its simple, minimalist interface is intuitive and easy to navigate without a significant learning curve.
The ESPN Unlimited service is integrated into the main ESPN app, which also features news articles, scores, and video clips. This makes for a feature-rich but potentially dense interface. Finding a straightforward programming schedule requires navigating to the “Watch” section or clicking into individual channel pages, which then display live and upcoming events. Sling’s dedicated TV guide is more direct for casual browsing.
### Devices and Streaming Limits
A significant distinction between the two services is the number of simultaneous streams allowed. ESPN Unlimited permits streaming on up to three devices at once and even supports a multi-view feature for watching several events on a single screen. In contrast, Sling Orange is limited to a single stream at a time, preventing multiple household members from watching different programs concurrently.
Both services are widely available on devices including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, smart TVs from LG and Samsung, and iOS and Android mobile devices. For gaming consoles, Sling is available on Xbox, while ESPN supports both Xbox and PlayStation.
### Free Trials and Deals
Neither service currently offers a standard free trial. However, ESPN is part of other live TV streaming services like Fubo and DirecTV, which do offer free trials to new customers. ESPN Unlimited is also available in a bundle with Disney Plus and Hulu for $29.99 per month for the first year.
Sling TV’s best promotional offer is its prepaid five-month season pass for $199, which provides a savings of about $31 compared to paying monthly.
### The Bottom Line
The choice between ESPN Unlimited and Sling Orange depends on your viewing habits.
For dedicated sports fans who want comprehensive, all-in-one access to every ESPN channel and property, ESPN Unlimited is the clear winner due to its lower price, complete coverage, and multi-stream allowance.
Conversely, if you’re looking for a more traditional live TV replacement that includes essential ESPN channels alongside a variety of news and entertainment networks, Sling Orange is the superior option. Its flexibility with short-term passes also makes it appealing for watching a specific event, though the service’s higher monthly cost and single-stream limitation are notable drawbacks for regular use.
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