Sling Media Slingbox M1

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 10 expert reviews

Excellent:

1
Good:

5
Average:

1
Bad:

3

Pros:

Streams video from your TV or DVR (or any analog source) to your PC, tablet, smartphone, and some streaming boxes at resolutions up to full 1080p HD.
IR blasters are built into the box's body, eliminating the need for annoying extra external wires.
No monthly charges or fees.

Cons:

Smartphone- and tablet-viewing apps cost extra. .
Duplicates some of the features found on TV anywhere apps you may already be using.

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Last revision on May 25, 2016

Reviewers Liked

Streams video from your TV or DVR (or any analog source) to your PC, tablet, smartphone, and some streaming boxes at resolutions up to full 1080p HD
IR blasters are built into the box's body, eliminating the need for annoying extra external wires
No monthly charges or fees
Setup is even easier thanks to built-in dual-band Wi-Fi

Reviewers Didn't Like

Smartphone- and tablet-viewing apps cost extra.
Duplicates some of the features found on TV anywhere apps you may already be using
No HDMI support
As always, streaming capabilities are only as good as your home bandwidth

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

T he Slingbox M1 is not your everyday TV streamer. Instead of delivering catch-up content from online sources direct to your TV, the Slingbox allows you to take remote control of an existing cable or satellite box and stream its content to your laptop,...

By PC Authority on August 26, 2015

Aside from support for things like Chromecast, parts of it are starting to feel increasingly clunky The Slingbox M1 is a device from a class of streamer that's quietly bubbled away in the background over the past few years. And aside from support for...

By Stuff on June 23, 2015

All of which is a shame, because the hardware does the job as well as can be expected. Remote control is a touch laggy, but given a fast-enough internet connection, picture quality is perfectly acceptable. If you're already paying for a comprehensive...

By Alphr on May 12, 2015

The Slingbox M1 is the fifth generation Slingbox. This entry-level box has a smaller footprint (1.7 x 7 x 4.3), with built in Wi-Fi or Ethernet to stream live and recorded content to your remote devices. Mobile devices require installing the $14.99...

By MyMac on February 12, 2015

If you like the option of never having to miss a show, game or movie wherever you may be situated then the Slingbox M1 is a great investment. As long as you have Internet access with a modicum of speed then you can watch your satellite or cable provider...

By technogog.com on November 10, 2014

It's been two years since we reviewed the previous-generation Slingbox and not much has changed. WiFi is included now and the price is lower, but our main complaints are still unaddressed -- upfront cost, non-sports-optimized view, IR control only and...

By Engadget on August 05, 2014

If you want to watch live TV on your mobile devices, the Slingbox M1 is the most affordable place-shifting device yet, even if you need to pay extra for the apps.

By PCMag on July 23, 2014

The $150 Slingbox M1 brings TV streaming to nearly any mobile device, PC, or Mac, now with the convenience of built-in...

By cnet on July 15, 2014

SlingBox M1 beams live and DVR'd cable or satellite TV over the Net to computers and mobile devices, with good quality and no monthly fees. While video-streaming set-top boxes such as Roku and Apple TV have made it easier to cut the cord —...

By Tom's Guide on July 15, 2014

As any basketball fan will know, there's nothing worse than “prior obligations” during March and early April With each win making the next game more stressful, this tournament has an insidious way of making things like unemployment and sleeping on the...

By geekdad.com on March 27, 2015

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Sling Media Slingbox M1

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

Price: $98

TechSpot Metascore

Pros:

Cons:

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

Roku 2

Apple TV G3 MD199

Sling Media Slingbox Pro-HD

Amazon Fire TV

Expert reviews and ratings