CBS: How To Stream Online Without Cable

I rely on CBS as one of my must-have channels since cutting the cord. It delivers everything I need, from the hottest daytime and primetime shows to late-night entertainment. Beyond that, I count on it for local news, information programming, and major sporting events.

Find out everything you need to know about streaming CBS online in this cord-cutting guide. 

In a hurry? These options are easy to sign-up for and give you bang for your buck with CBS live streams and much more:

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.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

How to Stream CBS Online Live Without Cable

CBS is one of the most beloved channels on air. Just because you want to get rid of cable doesn’t mean you have to miss out. There are several different ways that you can watch CBS live without cable. 

Using a streaming service is often the easiest way to watch CBS live, along with several other of your favorite channels like Comedy Central, MTV, The CW, and more. Plus, these services often have free trials (that you can cancel at any time) to help you decide which one you like best.

Which Streaming Services Carry CBS?

Streaming services give you the content you want without the expensive, long-term contract. Streaming services are relatively affordable and give you access to many of your favorite channels, including CBS, as well as original and on-demand content.

All you need is a strong internet connection and a compatible device to get started. Here are the streaming services that offer CBS to help you pick the one that’s right for you. 

CBS on FuboTV

Whether you’re looking for the big game or to catch up with the latest primetime shows, FuboTV is one of the top streaming platforms that offer CBS. For $79.99/month, you’ll get access to 130+ channels, including Nickelodeon, ComedyCentral, and Smithsonian Channel. It also features CBS Sports Network, CBS News, and The CW.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Even with a pro package, you can watch FuboTV on up to three screens and save your favorite episodes on your cloud DVR with 1000 hours of storage.

You can also add on premium channels like Showtime, Starz, and MGM+, as well as sports packages like Sports Plus with NFL RedZone.

See the following guides for more information:

• FuboTV Review
• FuboTV Packages
• FuboTV Local Channels
• FuboTV Devices.

CBS on Hulu + Live TV

If you’re worried about not finding anything to watch live, consider Hulu + Live TV. Starting at $82.99/month, you’ll get access to 85+ top channels and the entire Hulu library of on-demand and original content.

Get Hulu + Live TV Free

Watch your favorite hits on CBS, The CW, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network live. Also includes ESPN+ and Disney+.

In addition, to live channels and an extensive content library, you’ll get unlimited cloud DVR (9 months of storage), plus you can watch on two screens simultaneously. There’s also an option to add on extra perks like unlimited screens, an enhanced DVR, and international channels.

For more information about Hulu + Live TV, see our thorough guides:

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

CBS on Paramount+

Formerly known as CBS All Access, Paramount+ offers you a variety of live sports, on-demand content, and breaking news. For only $7.99/month, you’re able to stream CBS online directly from the network itself as well as live channels CBSN, CBS Sports HQ (not CBS Sports Network), and ET Live.

Try Paramount+ for Free!

But if you want your local CBS affiliate, you need to go with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan for $12.99/month. This plan also provides all the on-demand content commercial-free. 

Note that although Paramount+ provides a lot of great content, it does come at the expense of very few live channels. However, it is an inexpensive way to complement streaming services Sling TV doesn’t include CBS.

See our full Paramount+ review for more details.

Other Ways to Get CBS

Plenty of streaming options are available to watch your favorite CBS shows. But we’re not done yet. Here are some other ways you can get CBS without cable. 

• CBS.com: Watch CBS directly online with CBS.com. However, you’ll have to wait for the latest episode to be uploaded. 
• YouTube TV: With access to 100+ channels, including CBS, YouTube TV gives you access to live TV starting at $82.99/month. 
• DIRECTV STREAM: DIRECTV STREAM (previously AT&T TV) is a popular streaming service with 4 plans starting at $86.99/month. 
• Antenna: Get HD access to local channel broadcasts by using an indoor antenna. However, availability and clarity will depend on your location.

TVs and Mobile Devices to Watch CBS

You can’t watch TV without, well, a TV. But you can with a streaming service. The services we’ve discussed above allow you to stream on TVs and lots of other devices.

All the major TV “stick” devices are supported:

• Amazon Fire TV
• Apple TV
• Roku.

They also all support smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Vizio, and any model that uses the Android TV operating system.

These services also stream to smartphones and tablets with Android and iOS. You can also cast from these phones (and some web browsers) to your smart TV directly or via a Chromecast device.

You can also stream using your gaming system. All of them support the Xbox. Hulu and Paramount+ also support the PlayStation. And Hulu supports the Nintendo Switch.

We’ve only listed the most popular devices here. If you don’t see your device, check out one of our streaming guides or ask the streaming service directly. Chances are your device is supported.

Today’s CBS Schedule

See our CBS Schedule page for all the details of what’s playing today.

Wrapping Up

Despite what they’ll have you believe, you don’t need an expensive cable subscription that locks you into a long contract to watch your favorite shows.

As you can see with this guide, there are plenty of options available when it comes to watching CBS live without cable.

So feel free to finally cut that cord, save some cash, and still keep up with the latest news, sports, and shows from CBS. 

FAQs

Can I watch the NFL Playoffs on CBS?

The broadcasting of the 2023 NFL Playoffs is scattered over a number of channels. To watch every game, you are best to sign up with a live TV streaming that offers all of them. The Super Bowl, for example, will air on February 12th but on Fox. CBS will broadcast it in 2024. But CBS will broadcast 5 playoff games this year:

• Sat Jan 14 8:15 pm: Wild Card Round (CBS)
• Sun Jan 15 4:30 pm: Wild Card Round (CBS)
• Sat Jan 21 4:30 pm: AFC Division Round (CBS)
• Sun Jan 22 6:30 pm: NFC Division Round (CBS)
• Sun Jan 29 6:30 pm: AFC Championship Game (CBS).

CBS, as during the regular season, airs all kinds of NFL games but focuses most on AFC matchups but will feature one NFC division round game. The playoff picture is not clear yet, but you can get information on watching particular teams in our guides:

Can I watch CBS live for free? 

To access CBS for free, all you need is a TV antenna. Some TVs come with these antennas included. If it is not included or you need a stronger signal, you can purchase an HD antenna online or at most electronics stores. An external TV antenna will often give you a wider range, which could make all the difference in watching CBS live for free.

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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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