ABC: How to Watch for Free + Every Streaming Service Plan Compared

I’m going to share how to watch ABC without a cable subscription. All I need is an internet connection and a supported device, such as a smart TV or any compatible streaming device. Let me explain all the important details below.

In a hurry? Want access to your local ABC channel now, without reading too much? These services all provide cheaper access than the average cable subscription:

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 $4.99/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 Watch ABC Live Without Cable TV

ABC television network is home to numerous award-winning entertainment, sports, and news shows. It was established in 1948 and has been a leader in broadcast television since then.

ABC is an over-the-air network. This means it is distributed through local affiliate channels that produce their own content as well as airing ABC-provided shows and events.

So, you will get local content like afternoon talk shows and local news programs. You will also get network TV shows like ABC World News Tonight and The Bachelorette.

Ways to Get ABC

The cheapest way to get ABC is to set up an antenna and watch it for free over the air (OTA). This will work everywhere except for very remote areas and places where there isn’t an ABC affiliate.

It is probably easier to get ABC through a streaming service — especially if you need one anyway for your overall channel selection. Most bigger, full cable replacement services provide ABC in their channel lineups.

These are pretty much the only options open to you if you want to get rid of your cable/satellite bill. There is, however, a hybrid approach that we will discuss below with Sling TV.

Get ABC With Streaming Services

There are plenty of streaming services available, but not all of them may have ABC. Here’s a list of those that do.

Fubo

Fubo (formerly FuboTV) is renowned for its vast sports coverage. Of its 150+ channels, 35+ are sports-oriented. ABC and all the other networks are included with its base plan for $79.99/month.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

It also includes several Disney and most of the FX channels. The only one it is missing is FX Movies (FXM), which is available with the Fubo Extra add-on for $7.99/mo.

See the following for more information about FuboTV:

• Fubo Review
• Fubo Packages
• Fubo Local Channels
• Fubo Devices.

DIRECTV STREAM

Through the DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) entertainment bundle, you can live stream ABC for $86.99/month. This includes 75+ other channels including all the local stations.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free Trial

Also included are all the Disney and related channels except for FXM. If you want that, you will need to upgrade to the Ultimate plan, which costs $129.99/month and offers 130+ channels including HBO MAX for the first year.

See our DIRECTV STREAM review for more details.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is the most popular live TV streaming service. It provides arguably the best on-demand library with a collection of 85+ live channels for a great overall service. And it adds ESPN+ and Disney+.

Get Hulu + Live TV Free

Included in their live TV selection are all the local, Disney, and related channels. If you are interested in ABC and its associated channels, Hulu Live TV is hard to beat.

For more information about Hulu + Live TV, see the following articles:

• Hulu + Live TV Review
• Hulu + Live TV Packages
• Hulu + Live TV Local Channels.

Sling TV

Sling TV offers ABC in select markets as part of its Blue plan. But even if you aren’t in one of those markets, they still offer it. If you sign up for two months of Sling, they will send you an indoor antenna. In most areas, this will allow you to get HD OTA access to ABC as well as CBS, Fox, and NBC. Best of all: the Sling TV interface will include these channels in your channel guide.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

The combination Sling Orange and Sling Blue plan costs $55.00/month and also provides Disney Channel, Freeform, and FX. It also includes ESPN3, which provides everything on ABC Sports.

In some areas, you can stream ABC directly as we discuss in our NFL Draft guide.

For more information on Sling TV, see:

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

Other Ways to Get ABC

There are other ways to get ABC without cable:

• Antenna: This is the one way to get ABC for free. You can do this alone but this will require its own interface. This is why we prefer Sling TV’s system.
• YouTube TV: This full cable replacement service offers ABC in most areas and all the related channels.
• ABC App: In order to watch live TV with this app, you will need to have an account with a cable TV provider or streaming service that uses TV Everywhere. But this is handy to have.

TVs and Mobile Devices for ABC

Now that you’re familiar with streaming services for ABC, let’s take a look at supported devices where you can watch ABC online.

Fubo Devices

• Smart TVs: Hisense, LG TV, Samsung, Android TV
• Streaming Media Players: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast
• Browsers: Most
• Mobile devices: iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android
• Game Consoles: Xbox One.

Hulu + Live TV Devices

• Smart TVs: LG TV, Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Android TV
• Streaming Media Players: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast
• Browsers: Most
• Mobile devices: iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android
• Game Consoles: Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch.

DIRECTV STREAM Devices

• Smart TVs: Android TV, Samsung
• Streaming Media Players: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast
• Browsers: Most
• Mobile devices: iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android.

Sling TV Devices

• Smart TVs: LG TV, Samsung, Android TV
• Streaming Media Players: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast
• Browsers: Most
• Mobile devices: iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android.
• Game Consoles: Oculus, Xbox.

Wrapping Up

ABC is a great channel to catch up on the news, sports, entertainment, award shows, and so much more.

FuboTV is our recommended choice to watch ABC. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.

How to Watch Other Local Channels Online without Cable

Want to get information on how to watch other local channels without cable? Check out the guides below.

• CBS
• Fox
• NBC
• CW
• Telemundo
• Univision

FAQs

Can I access the ABC website and app if I’m outside the US?

You cannot access abc.com or the ABC app if you’re not physically present inside the US or its territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Island, and American Samoa. You may still be able to watch ABC content (but not live streams) from different providers.

How can I watch ABC if I don’t have a TV provider for it?

Unless you live in the market of an ABC affiliate, you can’t get access to its live feed. However, you do have options. One is that ABC provides access to many of its shows on its website 8 days after they air. You can also find shows through on-demand services like Hulu.

When it comes to ABC Sports, you can watch virtually every event live via ESPN3. You can watch it via the ESPN app as long as you have a TV provider that includes ESPN. It is simpler is to sign up with Sling TV, which provides ESPN3 in its Sling Orange plan.

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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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