What is the cheapest way to stream local channels?

The cheapest streaming service with local channels is often Sling TV Blue, offering local Fox and NBC in many areas around $46/month (plus fees), but it depends heavily on your location, with ABC sometimes available. For the absolute lowest cost, combine a free antenna (like with AirTV/Tablo) for channels like CBS, PBS, and The CW with Philo ($25/mo) or Frndly TV for cable channels, though Philo/Frndly lack locals.

Is there a way to stream local TV channels for free?

Yes, you can stream local channels for free, primarily through Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) apps like NewsON, Local Now, or your local station's own app for news/weather, or by using a digital HDTV antenna with a streaming device for major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) for live broadcasts and sports. An antenna offers a one-time cost for truly free, live access to broadcasts without an internet connection for the core channels. 

How can I watch ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox without cable?

To watch ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox without cable, use a combination of a free over-the-air (OTA) antenna for live broadcasts and/or paid live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or DIRECTV Stream, plus network-specific apps like Peacock (NBC) or Paramount+ (CBS) for next-day access or specific content, supplemented by free apps like Pluto TV or NewsOn for news. 

What is the best streaming service for live local channels?

The best streaming service for live local channels is generally YouTube TV, offering the most comprehensive local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC coverage in most areas, followed closely by Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream, though availability varies by location and provider, so checking your zip code is crucial. For budget options, Sling TV offers select locals in some markets, while Philo does not carry locals at all. 

Can you get ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku free?

Yes! Adding an HDTV antenna to your Roku TV™ is a great way to stream local over-the-air channels, like CBS and NBC, for free. Setup is a breeze and once you're done, you can watch local broadcasts from up to 100 miles away, depending on the strength of your antenna.

How to Stream Local Channels Without Cable in 2026 (Best Options)

Is it cheaper to stream TV than have cable?

Streaming service pricing: Streaming services tend to be cheaper than cable TV. The average pricing begins at $8 to $25 monthly for on demand content platforms like Netflix and $45 to $90 monthly for those streaming live TV. Adding two or more subscriptions to get additional content could further drive up the cost.

Is CBS free with Amazon Prime?

No, CBS content isn't free with just an Amazon Prime membership; you need a separate paid subscription to Paramount+ (which houses CBS) or a TV provider login, though Prime Video does offer a free dedicated news hub with CBS News 24/7 and other channels, plus older CBS episodes on its own app/site for free. You can easily add the Paramount+ channel to your Prime Video for an extra monthly fee to get live CBS and on-demand shows. 

What is the best way to get local channels on a smart TV?

If you've been wondering how to get local channels on a smart TV, you'll either need to purchase a high-definition TV antenna. Using an antenna only has a one-time cost and doesn't even require an internet connection. Alternatively you, may be able to download a free app or two from your TV's app store.

Does Hulu have ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox?

Yes, Hulu + Live TV includes local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in most markets, allowing you to watch live news, sports, and network shows, but you need the Live TV plan (not the basic Hulu) and availability depends on your zip code. You can stream shows from these networks on-demand with a regular Hulu plan, but live access requires Hulu + Live TV. 

Is philo really $25 a month?

The new $33/month Core package from Philo (which new subscribers can get for only $25) gets you 70+ live channels and on demand content, with new ad-supported access to HBO Max and discovery+.

What is the cheapest way to stream ABC live?

The cheapest way to stream ABC is often a digital antenna for free live local access, but if you need streaming apps, Hulu's on-demand library (with ads) offers many shows, while a free trial of a live TV streamer like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV provides temporary full access before requiring a subscription, or you can watch some content on the ABC app/website without a login. 

Can I get rid of cable and still watch TV?

All you need is a high-speed internet connection, a streaming device, and streaming channels. With free channels like The Roku Channel and Tubi, on-demand services like Netflix and Disney+, and cable alternatives like Sling, it's easy to enjoy the same entertainment while saving money every month.

Can you get ABC, NBC, and CBS on Firestick?

Yes, you can get ABC, NBC, and CBS on a Fire Stick through various methods, primarily by using live TV streaming apps (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV for paid options, or the networks' own apps for free/login-based access), or by using an HD antenna with a compatible device like the Fire TV Recast for free over-the-air broadcasts, depending on your location and service. 

How to watch ABC, NBC, and CBS without cable?

To watch ABC, NBC, and CBS without cable, use a combination of an HD antenna for free over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts, paid live TV streaming services (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or DirecTV Stream) for a monthly fee, or network-specific apps (like Peacock for NBC, Paramount+ for CBS) for on-demand or some live content, often supplemented by free apps like NewsON for local news. 

How much does Tablo cost per month?

Tablo has no mandatory monthly fee, as its core features (watching/recording live antenna TV) are free, but an optional subscription for the TV Guide Data Service (for features like 14-day guides, series recordings, out-of-home streaming) costs about $4.99 USD/month ($5.99 CAD) or $50 USD/year for Legacy Tablos, while the newer 4th Gen Tablo offers a more limited 2-week guide free, with an optional Premium subscription for more features.
 

Is there a device to get local channels without cable?

Watching local channels at home and on the go has never been easier—it's time to shred those cable bills and contracts! Connect an AirTV, AirTV 2 or AirTV Anywhere* and an HD antenna to access local channels on any TV or view local channels.

What is the downside to Hulu live TV?

What is the downside to Hulu + Live TV? There are a few, but the biggest is that Hulu only allows you to watch content on mobile devices when you travel – you can't bring your Roku or Fire TV Stick to a new destination without changing your Home network location.

Does Hulu have a senior discount?

No, Hulu does not offer a specific senior discount as of early 2026; however, you can save money by choosing the basic ad-supported plan, bundling with Disney+ and ESPN+ via the Disney Bundle, or checking for potential discounts through organizations like The Exchange for military members. 

Why is ABC no longer on Hulu?

Is All ABC Content Gone From Hulu? As carriage disputes go, this is one of the more unusual ones. On Thursday, Hulu confirmed via an email to subscribers and on Twitter that it no longer held the rights to distribute ABC affiliates owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group (Sbg) on Hulu + Live TV.

How can I get local channels on my smart TV without an antenna?

You can get local channels on your smart TV without an antenna using free streaming apps like NewsON, Pluto TV, Tubi, Plex, or The Roku Channel, the local station's own app, or paid services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Paramount+ (for CBS), all requiring just a strong internet connection. These apps and services stream live news, network shows, and local programming over Wi-Fi, offering alternatives to traditional over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts. 

How do I get very local on my TV for free?

To get very local TV for free, use the Very Local app on your streaming device (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV) for news, weather, and originals from your area, or get free over-the-air (OTA) channels with an HDTV antenna for major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC. You can also find free local content via apps like Tubi or Pluto TV, or stream news from networks like NewsON and Local Now.
 

How can I get local channels on Roku for free?

You can get local channels on Roku for free by connecting an HDTV antenna to your Roku TV and scanning for over-the-air (OTA) channels in the Live TV settings, which integrates them into the guide. Alternatively, use free apps like The Roku Channel, NewsON, Tubi, Pluto TV, or Xumo for free local news or content, or find your local station's specific app in the Roku Channel Store for more local options. 

What is the cheapest way to stream CBS?

The cheapest ways to watch CBS are with a digital TV antenna for free over-the-air (OTA) access to live local news/sports/shows, or by using the Paramount+ Essential plan (around $7.99/month) for on-demand and some live content, or even free with the CBS app for select episodes. For a balance of local channels and on-demand, a Hulu plan (starting around $11.99/month) is another option, but a TV antenna is the absolute cheapest after initial purchase. 

Can you watch live local channels on Prime?

No, Amazon Prime Video doesn't include major local channels (like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) as a standard benefit, but you can access them through separate paid Prime Video Channel subscriptions (like Paramount+ for CBS, Peacock for NBC) or by adding a live TV streaming service; otherwise, you'll need an over-the-air antenna for truly free local broadcasts. Amazon does offer some free local news and PBS via its integrated live TV options, but major network locals require extra subscriptions or hardware. 

How to watch CBS without a TV provider for free?

In the U.S., you have plenty of options available to get CBS streaming even without cable. If you're looking for free, you can check out the CBS app as well as Roku, which has a CBS channel.