What Is a Skinny Bundle—and Is It Worth It?

As cable bills climb and streaming services multiply, many viewers are searching for a middle ground between bloated TV packages and à la carte subscriptions. Enter the skinny bundle—a slimmed-down version of a traditional cable plan delivered over the internet, offering fewer channels at a lower cost.

If you’re wondering whether a skinny bundle can meet your entertainment needs without the hefty price tag, here’s everything you need to know.

What Is a Skinny Bundle?

A skinny bundle is a low-cost live TV streaming package that includes a limited number of channels—usually 30 to 60, compared to 100+ on traditional cable. These bundles are delivered via internet (OTT: Over-the-Top) rather than through a coaxial cable, making them more flexible, portable, and often contract-free.

They typically include:

• Major networks (like ABC, NBC, FOX)

• Popular cable channels (such as ESPN, AMC, CNN)

• Cloud DVR capabilities

• Support for mobile and streaming devices

Top Skinny Bundle Providers in 2025

1. Sling TV
   Offers two base packages—Sling Orange and Sling Blue—each starting at $40/month. Combine both for $55/month to expand your channel lineup. You can get a discount on Sling TV when paying with a gift card through Fluz.

2. Philo
   At just $25/month, Philo includes over 70 channels focused on entertainment, lifestyle, and kids’ programming. It does not carry sports or local news channels, making it ideal for those who don’t need them.

3. Frndly TV
   Starting at $7.99/month, Frndly TV is the most affordable skinny bundle, offering channels like Hallmark, The Weather Channel, and A&E. It’s perfect for casual viewers and families.

4. Vidgo 

 Offers over 100 channels for $69.99/month with a focus on sports, news, and entertainment. While less “skinny” than others, it still undercuts many traditional cable plans.

Pros of Skinny Bundles

• Lower monthly costs than full cable or large streaming bundles

• No contracts or equipment rental fees

• Cloud DVR included in most plans

• Stream on multiple devices including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and mobile apps

• Customizable add-ons like premium movie channels or sports packages

Cons of Skinny Bundles

• Limited local channels depending on your market

• Fewer sports networks in basic tiers (especially with Philo or Frndly TV)

• No all-in-one content library—you may still need Netflix, Disney+, or Max for on-demand shows

• Some bundles don’t support 4K or simultaneous streaming on multiple devices unless upgraded

Are Skinny Bundles Worth It?

If you’re looking to:

• Watch live TV without paying for 100 channels you don’t use

• Cut ties with cable but keep access to familiar networks

• Stay within a tighter entertainment budget

Then yes, a skinny bundle can absolutely be worth it. Services like Sling TV and Philo strike a balance between affordability and channel selection, particularly for viewers who don’t need constant access to sports or premium content.

Pairing a skinny bundle with rewards tools can increase the value even more. For example, you can buy a Sling TV gift card online using Fluz and apply it directly to your monthly bill—letting you watch and save simultaneously.

Final Thoughts

Skinny bundles are a smart solution for viewers who want flexibility, live TV, and lower costs without the obligations of a traditional cable contract. Explore your options, match the channels to your habits, and don’t forget to take advantage of digital payment perks through platforms like Fluz to stretch your entertainment budget even further.