Watch Local Channels Without Cable — Top Ways for 2025

I need local channels for the news and must-see TV; I used to think cable was the only way to get them, but I’ve found so many other (cheaper) ways to watch local channels without cable — from streaming services to apps, and even free with HD antennas.

In a hurry? I’ve reviewed several services that stream local channels without cable and found the following provide local channels in most areas:

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 Local Channels Via Streaming Services

I’ve found the easiest way of getting local TV stations is through a streaming service that carries them. All you need is an internet connection and a streaming device (which can be a smart TV) and then you’ll get all the local channels your package offers, plus its range of premium cable channels.

What’s important to understand about local broadcast channels is that these networks (such as Fox and ABC) aren’t just single channels — they’re affiliated with a local counterpart. This is why different local channels may be available in some areas but not others.

Each streaming service must have a contract with the local channel affiliate too. The following shows which services carry which channels:

All these streaming services let you watch on multiple screens at once, and they come with cloud-based DVRs so you can record live TV to watch later. You can use almost any major streaming device: Amazon Fire TV, Android mobile, Apple TV, iOS devices (iPhones and iPads), Roku, and Samsung smart TVs. All but DIRECTV STREAM work on Android TV-based devices, and Fubo, Hulu, and Sling TV all support LG and Vizio smart TVs, plus the Xbox One gaming system.

Service	Price	Channels	Reviews
	$79.99/month	150+	Fubo
	$40.00/month	40+	Sling
	$86.99/month	90+	DIRECTV
	$82.99/month	95+	Hulu
	$82.99/month	100+	YouTube

Other Ways To Stream Local Channels

If you don’t need a full cable-replacement service though, I’ve found a couple of other ways to stream local channels, depending on which channel(s) you need:

• Paramount+: With the premium plan, you can stream your local CBS affiliate to access NFL and other sports, as well as all the local programming.
• YouTube TV: The subscription version of YouTube provides vast coverage of the major local networks. This includes PBS in most locations (although you can get that for free with the PBS app too). You also get 100+ other channels as well as add-ons in the $82.99/month price. Read our full YouTube TV review for more.

How to Watch Local Channels With an Antenna

An over-the-air (OTA) antenna will let you watch local channels for free, depending on their availability in your area. The ones typically accessible anywhere are ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. Higher-population areas can normally get PBS and Telemundo. Other local network affiliates and independent stations are possible depending on your area.

You might find some streaming services provide regional feeds of networks in areas that don’t have a corresponding local channel. These won’t be found OTA (so you can’t use an antenna to watch them).

How To Install an HD Antenna: Step-By-Step

1. Unpack the HD antenna from its box. Ensure you have the:
   • Main antenna unit
   • Coaxial cable
   • Support pins — these will allow you to fix your antenna against a wall.
2. Connect either end of the coaxial cable to your TV. This may be labeled DTV, TV, Cable, Antenna, In, or something similar. Connect the other end to the HD antenna output.
3. Turn on your TV and set the tuner mode to the antenna. This will be labeled something like TV, Antenna, or Air.
4. Scan for channels. After this is finished, you will see your local channels pop up.

The above steps are based on the Indoor Leaf Antenna, but the process is similar for other indoor and outdoor antennas. Refer to your TV’s manual if you struggle to get local channels live.

Apps To Stream Local Channels Online

Many local channels like Fox, ABC, and CBS have exclusive apps that run on mobile streaming devices (eg, Android, iOS), smart TVs (Samsung), and TV devices (Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast). I’ve had success streaming local TV channels live via the following apps:

• ABC App: Available on most mobile devices and smart TVs, the ABC app provides a free stream of ABC. As long as you’re within the US, you can access on-demand and live content, but you’ll need to log in with a streaming service or TV provider that offers ABC.
• Fox Now: This lets you stream both live and on-demand Fox programs from any compatible device. The app is free to use if you are subscribed to a streaming service that provides access to Fox.
• CBS App: As long as you’re subscribed to a supported TV plan, you can watch live CBS in some localities via the CBS app.
• NBC App: Download the NBC app and watch live NBC in over 200 US markets. You can only view NBC live via the app if you are a subscriber of one of the major streaming services. NBC also offers a Peacock TV app, but it only provides on-demand content.
• PBS Livestream: Access your local PBS channel (if available) via its free livestream. You can also download the PBS app and watch PBS live without subscribing to any other TV package. This is a valuable app to have since most streaming services don’t provide access to PBS.
• The CW: The CW app doesn’t let you watch the channel’s live stream, but you can still access many shows on-demand, including the latest episodes of current shows — all for free.
• Univision Now: This app is free and accessible if you’re already subscribed to FuboTV or DIRECTV STREAM. It’s a useful way for Spanish speakers and learners alike to watch Univision on the go.
• Telemundo App: Live TV and on-demand content is avaiable via the Telemundo app, as long as you’re subscribed to one of the major streaming service providers.

Our Choice

My top choice for local channels without cable is Fubo — it’s the only service to offer every major local network available (except PBS, but you can watch this for free via the PBS app) and Fubo strikes the optimal balance between price, streaming features, the variety of other channels if you’re looking for a full cable-replacement package. Plus, you can test which local channels your area has risk free with Fubo’s free trial.

Editor’s Choice: Fubo ($79.99/mo)

Best for: Range of local channels within a full cable-replacement package.

• 150+ channels, including all major local channels and RSNs in most locations.
• Comprehensive full cable-replacement package.
• Unlimited cloud DVR included.
• Free trial available.

Runner Up: DIRECTV STREAM ($86.99/mo)

Best for: Every major local channel available.

• 90+ channels, including every major local channel and RSNs.
• Unlimited cloud DVR included.
• Watch on an unlimited number of screens.
• Free trial available.

Budget Pick: Antenna

Best for: Watching local channels available OTA for free.

• No subscription fees (just pay the one-off cost of the antenna).
• Many antennas let you watch in HD.
• Get all local channels available OTA in your area for free.

Also Great: Hulu + Live TV ($82.99/mo)

Best for: Wide coverage and availability of local channels.

• 95+ channels, with most local channels available almost everywhere.
• Seven RSNs available (in select markets).
• Includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu on-demand library.
• Free trial available.

FAQs

How can I watch local channels online for free?

Although the networks provide apps for mobile devices and smart TVs to stream live, you need a cable or streaming service to access them. The one major exception is PBS, which allows anyone to stream their local affiliate. At one time, you could get free local channels through Locast, but this service went out of business due to a court ruling.

Does PBS have on-demand content?

PBS has an app that runs on most devices and smart TVs that provides access to a live stream of your local PBS affiliate. Along with this, they provide a ton of on-demand shows. You can also stream PBS live for free by heading over to their website.

Does The CW provide on-demand content?

Yes, The CW has most of its live-airing content available on-demand via The CW app on mobile, smart TV, or The CW website. Note that The CW is a local channel and you can only access the app and website from the US. Even within the US, The CW is only available in select markets.

What is a Broadcast TV Fee?

Broadcast TV Fee is a charge by Comcast and other cable companies for the ability to watch local channels that are available for free with an antenna.

Comcast’s Broadcast TV Fee was once the source of a class action lawsuit as complainants argued the company misrepresents its fees and in some cases explicitly lies about them.

Many believe broadcast TV fees are just a way for cable companies to squeeze their customers for a little more money and to help maintain high revenues despite losing customers every quarter to cord cutting. Those critics just may be on to something. Back in 2019, we calculated that Comcast is pulling in as much as $2.64 billion a year from its Broadcast TV Fee.

Here’s how we calculated this jaw-dropping number.

According to Comcast’s 2018 Q3 report, the company now has 22,015,000 video customers subscribed to its cable TV service. We also know their Broadcast TV Fee is being raised to $10 a month in many markets. To put things into perspective, in 2016 Comcast charged $6.50 per month for broadcast channels, up from $1.50 per month in 2014. That’s an increase of 567% since 2014.

And as you can see in the screenshot below, local channels are included in every cable package Comcast offers, so it’s not a fee you can escape even if you are able to get the channels for free with your antenna:

Using these numbers, we can calculate that Comcast will bring in as much as $220,150,000 every month from the $10/month fee. Over the course of a full year, Comcast can rake in $2.64 billion by charging its customers for broadcast channels that most of them can get free over the air with an antenna.

More Information on Streaming Local Channels

If you need more information, check out our pages on streaming the most popular local channels:

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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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