CNN Channel Online: Stream 24/7 Cable News Without the Cable (Or the Cable Price)

I’ve created a Viewer’s Guide to help you follow the final Republican Primary debate and town hall before the 2024 campaign begins. I’ll walk you through what to watch for during these events and show you how to track the election returns.

Cable News Network, better known as CNN, is one of the most-watched cable networks, providing 24-hour news coverage for over 40 years. Whether you are an ardent news fan or are just looking for breaking news, CNN’s got you covered. Even if you want to ditch cable, there are plenty of ways to watch CNN without cable. Find out how with this guide. 

In a hurry? We all know that cable subscriptions are expensive. If you want the latest news coverage from CNN without cable, you have options:

Why You Need a VPN Today

However, first you need a VPN to unblock US streaming services from . Our favourite is ExpressVPN. It’s definitely not the cheapest option at $6.67/month, but it just works – and across all your devices.

They have servers in 25+ US cities/states and 105 countries, which unblock access to premium streaming platforms available only in the US, as well as free “on demand” TV services worldwide.

You’ll have access to local platforms as if you were in the country, meaning you can watch BBC iPlayer as if you were in the UK, CBC Gem as if you were in Canada, plus hundreds more worldwide.

Sign Up for ExpressVPN

Hotdog users get three months free at ExpressVPN, so it’s a “no-brainer” for us. Decide for yourself with their 30 day money-back guarantee.

IMPORTANT: Once you’ve installed your VPN and connected to a US server, you’ll still need to subscribe separately to access premium streaming services.

How to Access CNN without Cable

CNN has built a brand out of the personalities of its news anchors and producers, creating uniquely flavored content, setting them apart from other networks, along with their award-winning documentaries. The 24-hour news coverage also plays a role in the cable network’s popularity. But what if you want to cut the cord?

Below, we explain how you can access CNN and get your daily fix of Anderson Cooper without a hefty cable subscription.

CNN International

CNN International is CNN for outside the US. It carries in-depth news stories from around the world, broadcast from studios in Atlanta, New York City, London, Mumbai, Hong Kong, and Abu Dhabi. Its format is similar to other English-language international news channels such as BBC World News, France 24, and Al Jazeera English.

It does carry some CNN-US news shows, such as Anderson Cooper 360°, The Lead with Jake Tapper, and The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.

Currently, the only streaming TV providers that offer CNN International are DIRECTV STREAM and Hulu + Live TV, which both have it in their base packages.

Streaming Services with CNN

The best streaming services provide you with your favorite TV channels at a comfortable price without the hidden fees and lengthy contracts typical of cable. But to have the best experience, you do need a reliable, strong Internet connection.

The following streaming services let you access CNN and stay within your budget.

Sling TV

Sling TV is one of the most affordable ways to stream CNN without cable. Simply choose from one of the two main channel packages or even combine them together.

Save $25 on Sling TV Now

The better plan for news junkies is the Sling Blue. It includes 40+ channels with Fox News, MSNBC, as well as the local Fox and NBC affiliates in most areas.

If you want even more, you can get the News Extra add-on for $6/mo more. It includes BBC World News, CGTN, CNBC, Euronews, Fox Business, France 24, Law & Crime, HDTV 24×7, News 18, News Nation, Newsmax, RT America, Science Channel, and Weather Nation.

Sports fans may prefer the Sling Orange package, which includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 along with CNN.

Regardless of which plan you choose, with Sling TV, you’ll also get 50 hours of cloud DVR storage and access to a limited on-demand library with content provided directly by the channels. For more info, see our guides:

• Sling TV Review
• Sling TV Local Channels
• Sling TV Packages
• Sling TV Devices.

DIRECTV STREAM

Once known as AT&T TV, DIRECTV STREAM offers access to live TV without the annoying locked-in contract. The most basic package starts at $79.99/month. This will give you access to local and the top cable news channels for roughly 80 total.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free Trial

The basic DIRECTV STREAM package includes unlimited cloud DVR storage as long as you sign-up online. DIRECTV STREAM allows you to stream on unlimited devices at home and away, which is great for large households.

New subscribers can get a five-day free trial. See our DIRECTV STREAM review for more information.

Hulu + Live TV

Starting plans for Hulu are pretty affordable at $7.99/month. But to live stream CNN, you need to subscribe to Hulu + Live TV, which costs $76.99/month. In addition to CNN, you get 85+ top channels, including most news channels.

Get Hulu + Live TV for $59.99 Monthly

You’ll also get access to Hulu’s entire on-demand library, including exclusive episodes, top movies, and kids’ content. It also comes with ESPN+ and Disney+.

You can use two screens at a time and store unlimited cloud DVR (9 month storage). And you can purchase add-ons such as unlimited screens, and other channel and language options.

Check out our detailed reviews for more information:

• Hulu + Live TV Review
• Hulu On-Demand Review
• Hulu + Live TV Local Channels
• Hulu + Live TV Packages.

Other Ways to Get CNN

Unfortunately, streaming services like Philo do not provide live streaming of CNN. However, there are some other ways you can watch CNN without cable.

• The CNN App: This free app gives you access to CNN content. But to watch in real-time, you’ll need to subscribe. Our recommendation is to choose a streaming service that will let you log in to the CNN app directly. 
• CNNGo: Stream CNN live at any time by going to CNNGo or clicking Watch Live on CNN.com. However, you’ll need to enter your streaming/cable service provider information for uninterrupted live streaming. 
• YouTube TV: YouTube TV provides a streaming service very similar to Hulu + Live TV with 85+ live channels, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, truTV, and others, for $72.99/month.
• YouTube.com: CNN has a strong presence on YouTube, but you’ll have to wait for content to be uploaded. For breaking news, you’re better off choosing one of the streaming services listed above. 

TVs and Streaming Devices to Watch CNN

To use today’s streaming services, you need a TV or other device that can run their apps. Luckily, that includes most things these days. You should have no problem streaming CNN on the hardware you already own.

Most models of Samsung smart TVs are supported by all the streaming services we’ve discussed. Both Hulu and Sling support all Android TV-powered devices. And everyone supports the Android and iOS (iPhone, iPad) devices, as well as Google’s Chromecast.

Popular TV “stick” devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku are also universally supported.

You can also watch CNN via a web browser. If you run this from your laptop, you can use an HDMI cable to connect it to your TV.

Hulu and Sling allow you to stream on the Xbox One. And Hulu provides support for other gaming consoles.

The bottom line is that these streaming services support almost everything that is currently in use. If you have questions, see our device guides or contact the service directly.

Wrapping up

CNN is one of the most popular news networks. Not only do they report the latest news, but CNN offers personality-driven content. The network’s popularity is a driving factor behind why many streaming services offer a way to watch CNN without cable.

We are a bit disappointed that CNN isn’t available on FuboTV and Philo. But there are still great options that will keep you from getting stuck with cable. 

FAQs

Can I watch CNN for free? 

Yes, CNN streams some coverage of breaking news and events on YouTube.com. But, to access specific shows, your free options will fall short. To access the full range of CNN content, you will need to choose a subscription to one of the listed streaming services that will save you from hidden fees and a fixed contract.

What happened to CNN+?

CNN+ was Warner Media’s short-lived attempt at a stand-streaming service for CNN. When Warner merged with Discovery, it was shut down after about a month, citing the service’s inability to live-stream the linear CNN channel. The new series Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?, slated to start on CNN+ this fall, will instead premiere on HBO Max.

More good news is that over 800 episodes of series from CNN Original Series, CNN Films, and HLN Original Series will be available through a CNN Originals hub on Discovery+. Since CNN+ was $5.99/mo and Discovery+ is only $4.99/mo, this is a bargain for viewers.

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Frank Moraes

I am a Senior Content Editor at Hotdog.com, specializing in sports streaming and regional programming issues. With a PhD in Atmospheric Physics from the Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and extensive experience in remote sensing technology, including early video streaming, I bring a unique technical perspective to the streaming industry.

My expertise in sports coverage, particularly for out-of-market games and regional sports networks, stems from years of hands-on experience as an early adopter of streaming services and my work addressing fans' viewing challenges. As a longtime cord-cutter and subscriber to multiple streaming platforms, I combine my technical knowledge with practical user experience, making me a leading expert in the field of sports streaming and entertainment technology.

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