TV Channels You Can Watch Without Cable: Every Channel You Can Stream Cheaper

It wasn’t that long ago that cutting the cord meant the risk of missing must-see TV — especially full coverage of major sporting events like the Olympics and the Fifa World Cup 2022. But that isn’t true anymore. Read on to learn your options.

In a hurry? This is a long article with lots of details about all aspects of the channels you love and how to watch them. But if you just want to get started with a streaming service that will replace your cable subscription with a broad range of channels, these are our favorites:

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.

Thanks to the advent of live TV streaming services in the last few years, you can now watch virtually everything that was once limited to cable-free in some cases! As such, networks have essentially become online TV channels, available to stream on your smart devices — everything from the smallest phone to the largest big-screen TV.

When you search for live TV channels online and streaming services that offer them, you need to know the difference between on-demand and live TV streaming. Some on-demand content libraries like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and even the Hulu Classic plan, do not offer live TV channels. They do, however, offer some of the same content.

Hulu also has a live TV plan that competes with other streaming services like Fubo and Sling TV.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Read on to see which channels you can access through the most popular streaming services.

Live TV Channels To Watch Online

Looking for how to watch a particular TV network online? We’ve created a comparison table of TV channels available on four of the most popular live streaming services.

The following services offer a decent range and number of channels. Note that these streaming services have further add-ons that allow you to buy online access to TV channels not listed in this table.

The symbols in the table mean the following:

• ✔️ = the channel is available with the basic plan
• 💲 = the channel is available with an add-on or advanced plan
• ❌ = the channel is not available

Note that we did not include Spanish-language plans in the above table. And in general, we did not include channels that are available with Spanish-language add-ons (this is particularly important for Fubo). The table does include Spanish-language channels that are particularly popular with English-language viewers.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Streaming Services To Watch TV Online Live

There are streaming services that let you watch all types of live TV channels online. It is common for popular services to offer the likes of Fox News, Newsmax, and NewsNation, for instance.

If you are a sucker for sports networks, Sling TV has a relatively cheap plan for $40.00/month with a sports add-on for $11 per month extra. This allows you to watch 15+ sports channels for far less than Hulu live TV and Fubo.

If you’re one for movies, you might want to compare Hulu + Live TV with Sling TV, as both come with a decent range of basic movie channels. Premium movie networks like HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz are commonly available as streaming service extras.

Kids’ networks like Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior are also common and included in base plans with streaming services like Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, and Hulu + Live TV.

Fubo for Sports and More

	Features
Channels	110+
Price per month	$79.99/month
Free Trial	✔ (7 days)
Contract	❌
Cancellation	Free & Anytime
Phone Support	✔
Live Chat	❌
Multi-Screen	3
Free DVR	1000 hours

This streaming service offers over 110+ live TV channels for $79.99/month in its base package. Some channels include TV Land, MSNBC, and Hallmark.

You can also stream local channels on Fubo in almost all markets.

Fubo is also a great way to watch NFL online with CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2 as well as Fox, NBC, and CBS. But more than that, it’s probably the best streaming service for sports with 35+ sports-focused channels in its Starter plan and 14 more with its Elite plan.

As for Fubo devices, you can watch Fubo on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android and iOS mobile devices, web browsers, smart TVs by Samsung, LG, Vizio, Hisense, and those that support Android TV, as well as the Xbox One.

There’s also Cloud DVR included with 1000 hours of storage, allowing you to record live programming to watch at a later time.

Fubo’s Latino TV package is a great choice for Spanish speakers with 33 channels. These include 21 sports channels and general channels like Nat Geo Mundo and Discovery in Spanish. And it only costs $32.99/month.

You can learn more about the service in our Fubo review.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Philo Offers a Basic Channel Selection for a Rock Bottom Price

	Features
Channels	60+
Price per month	$28/month
Free Trial	✔ (7 days)
Contract	❌
Cancellation	Free & Anytime
Phone Support	✔
Live Chat	✔
Multi-Screen	3
Free DVR	Unlimited*

Philo is the cheapest option of any of the mainstream streaming services. You get over 60 channels for just $28/month. Prices are so cheap because sports and local channels are not available.

Of course, if you’re just looking for channels like AMC, A&E, Food Network, Hallmark, Discovery, and so on, this is the best option if you’re considering your budget. And it’s a good addition if you are using an OTA antenna. This package even comes with an unlimited cloud-based DVR.

You can check out our Philo review here.

Try Philo for Free

Sling TV for Solid Plans and Great Customization

	Features
Channels	30+/40+
Price per month	$40.00/month
Free Trial	❌
Contract	❌
Cancellation	Free & Anytime
Phone Support	✔
Live Chat	✔
Multi-Screen	1/3
Free DVR	50 hours

If you’re looking for a service that has been around since the beginning of live TV streaming, Sling TV might be the service for you. It offers two packages — each only $40.00/month. The plans are similar. But Sling Orange offers ESPN while Sling Blue provides NBC and Fox channels.

Sling’s Orange plan includes 30+ channels while the Blue plan gives access to 40+. You can also get both plans (50 channels) for $55.00/month.

Note that Sling Blue channels allow you to stream on up to 3 devices at once. Sling Orange channels are limited to a single screen.

Alongside the base channels, you can choose from more than seven customizable add-on plans to add lots of channels to your lineup.

You can easily get 100+ channels with Sling TV for under $60 per month. Sling TV also allows you to stream live TV through most of the same devices as Fubo and Hulu.

You can learn more in our Sling TV review.

Save $25 on Sling TV Now

DIRECTV STREAM Offers a Huge Range of Online Channels

	Features
Channels	75+
Price per month	$79.99/month
Free Trial	✔ (5 days)
Contract	❌
Cancellation	Free & Anytime
Phone Support	✔
Live Chat	✔
Multi-Screen	Unlimited
Free DVR	Unlimited*

When you hear the name DirecTV, you might think of expensive plans. DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) does have plans that cost well above the $100 per month mark, but their base plan is in competition with the likes of Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.

Aside from the decent range of channels, what stands out about DIRECTV STREAM is the ability to stream from unlimited separate devices on a single account. It offers unlimited cloud DVR storage if you sign-up online.

DIRECTV STREAM’s base plan gives you access to sports channels like ESPN, ESPN 2, Fox Sports 1, as well as a range of news, music, kids, and movie channels.

DIRECTV STREAM really shines when it comes to regional sports networks (RSNs). It offers pretty much everyone that covers a major team. To get access you need to upgrade to the Choice plan for $108.99/month. But if you live in Georgia and want to watch every Braves game next year, DIRECTV STREAM is your only option.

Read our DIRECTV STREAM review to learn more.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days

Hulu + Live TV Offers the Best On-Demand TV Shows

	Features
Channels	85+
Price per month	$76.99/month
Free Trial	❌
Contract	❌
Cancellation	Free & Anytime
Phone Support	✔
Live Chat	✔
Multi-Screen	2
Free DVR	Unlimited*

You’ve probably heard of Hulu, the Netflix competitor, but you may not have heard of Hulu + Live TV. It is a full cable TV replacement service. Similar to Fubo, it allows you to live stream TV online on your favorite devices.

Hulu really shines with its on-demand library of recently aired TV shows as well as FX and Hulu Originals. Hulu Live adds 85+ live TV channels, ESPN+, and Disney+ to that for a total of $76.99/month including all the local network affiliates and plenty of sports, entertainment, news, and more.

It also runs on pretty much the same devices as Fubo in addition to a couple of gaming systems like PlayStation.

Find out more about how to watch online TV channels with Hulu in our full review here.

Try Hulu + Live TV for 3 Days Free!

YouTube TV With Unlimited DVR and 100+ Channels

	Features
Channels	85+
Price per month	$72.99/month
Free Trial	✔ (7 days)
Contract	❌
Cancellation	Free & Anytime
Phone Support	✔
Live Chat	✔
Multi-Screen	3
Free DVR	Unlimited

Another option to stream all of your favorite channels is YouTube TV. Over 85 channels are included for $72.99/month. Like Fubo and Hulu Live, YouTube TV gives you access to local channels in most parts of the country.

Its plan includes an unlimited cloud DVR and an on-demand library. YouTube TV also has a Sports Plus plan with additional sports channels.

You can learn more about all YouTube TV has to offer in our YouTube TV review.

Can I Watch Local TV Channels Online?

You can watch local channels with online streaming services. But the exact channels available depend on whether the streaming provider has negotiated the rights.

Three streaming services provide limited (or nonexistent) access to local channels:

• Philo: no local channels
• Sling TV: NBC and Fox in limited locations.

Here’s a comparison of the best local channel providers out of our reviewed streaming services:

For more information, check out our guide on How to Watch Local Channels Without Cable.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Sports TV Channels and Services Online

There are dozens of sports TV channels with online streaming services. Here’s a brief rundown of the most popular ones with a summary of what they show and which services offer it:

Sports-Exclusive Subscriptions Online

It’s also possible to get many sports channels including ESPN, FS1, and regional sports channels through the services we’ve already discussed. While those services are great, if you want a full sports lineup, you might want to supplement them with a niche service that is dedicated to sports.

Here are some of the most popular subscriptions to watch sports online without cable.

• ESPN+: ESPN+ is one of the best deals in sports streaming. You get a wide variety of sports including college sports, MLS, NHL, MLB, NFL, and much more. Events are available live and on-demand. Note, however, that it does not allow you to stream ESPN live. The on-demand library also includes select ESPN offerings, including the complete 30 for 30 documentary series. ESPN+ is available for $10.99/month or $109.99/year. You can learn more in our ESPN+ review.
• DAZN: DAZN is a great choice if you’re into combat sports. They offer the best events from MMA, boxing, and other combat sports. DAZN even offers exclusive fighter libraries on-demand. This gives you a chance to watch GGG, Canelo, and many others, whenever you want. You can choose between a monthly plan at $19.99 or just $99.99 for the full year ($8.33/mo). You can learn more in our DAZN review.
• NFL+: A great way to watch all of your favorite teams during the NFL season. You get access to live local and primetime games on mobile devices. And if you get NFL+ Premium, you can watch every game on-demand. The catch is that you have to wait until after the game is finished airing live. It is $6.99/month for the base plan and $14.99/month for the premium. It comes with a free 7-day trial. See our NFL+ review.
• WWE Network: If you’re a wrestling fan, WWE Network was one of the best deals in town. The service offered hundreds of hours of on-demand content including interview shows, events, and more. The thing that really sets this service apart though was that you got every single WWE PPV at no additional cost. WWE Network is now part of Peacock and comes with a Premium subscription for $7.99/month.
• Fite: This is great place for combat sports including boxing, MMA, and wrestling. You can enjoy Top Rank Boxing, Unified MMA, Brave FC, Star Boxing, and WOSW. Unlimited PPVs are available from over 25 organizations a month after they air live. You also get a $2 monthly credit for any live PPVs available on FITE TV. They also offer soccer and other sports. Packages are available for either $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, after a 7-day free trial.
• Fanatiz (+ Free trial): If you’re a soccer fan or a fan of other international sports, then check out Fanatiz. This streaming service is excellent for people in the US that have difficulty finding international events, such as soccer tournaments. It has some notable free content but if you want to watch live games, it costs $7.99/mo or $79.00/year after a free trial. Learn more in our Fanatiz review.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Where Can I Watch News Channels Online?

The main cable news channels including Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC are readily available on many streaming services. The services that offer one network often offer the others. So if you see a service offering CNN, there’s a good chance they have the other cable news networks in their lineup.

Hulu Live, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all offer options for all three main cable news networks. Fubo offers Fox News and MSNBC (it doesn’t have any Turner channels).

Remember that local news channel availability depends on where you are located. Your best options for both local and cable news will be Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. That said, you can check your lineup for any of these services on their websites before you sign up!

For more information, read our article, How to Watch Live News Online Without Cable.

Can I Watch Spanish TV Channels Online?

If you want access to only Spanish-language channels, you can find many standalone or add-on packages.

Fubo’s basic Starter plan offers Telemundo, Univision, and beIN Sports. This is a small selection of channels that are included with your main package. Fubo also offers a Spanish-language sports-focused Latino plan with 33 channels for $32.99/month.

Sling TV offers the Sling Latino plans for as little as $10/mo for up to 20 channels.

Check out our guide on how to watch TV in Spanish online without cable.

Free Options for Watching Online TV Channels

If you’re on a tight budget and want to try streaming without spending any money, there are free streaming services that are available. Despite the limitations, there is plenty of content available, though you won’t generally find the live channels.

If you want to enjoy some TV without getting charged, any of these services might work for you:

• Pluto TV: Pluto TV offers a wide variety of current and former TV. The website is set up similarly to a TV guide. You pick a channel and can watch what you want. They offer movies, news, and entertainment. This is a great option for movies that you might not be able to find elsewhere. Some fun channels include Cult Films and 80s Rewind. They also offer older TV content from the likes of MTV, BET, and Spike.
• The Roku Channel: If you own a Roku, your best option for free TV and movies is The Roku Channel. This section on your Roku includes both movies and TV from recent years to classics. They offer content in sections including Reality, Adventure, Sitcoms, and Family Night. With plenty in the library and no cost, this is a great free option to watch TV channels online.
• Tubi: Tubi offers thousands of movies and TV shows. You can watch through the computer or using a streaming device. There’s no catch. It’s all free. You will be able to watch a revolving slate of TV and movies with titles coming and leaving each month. While the lineup does change from time to time, you’ll find titles from MGM, Lionsgate, Starz, and Paramount. All you do is pick the selection you want and start watching!
• Crackle: Crackle is similar to the other services listed here because they offer free TV and movies. You can choose to make an account in order to save your progress or make a watch list, or you can watch without an account. The difference is that Crackle also offers some original content that you can’t find anywhere else. They offer a wide selection including movies and TV in all genres.
• Peacock TV: Despite the option to subscribe to Peacock’s paid plans, there’s also a free option. You don’t even need to create an account to access thousands of hours of on-demand movies, series, and more. To use the Peacock app, you do need a (free) account).
• Sling TV: Although a pay service, select live TV channels are available to watch for free at watch.sling.com.

Also, you may have heard of a service called Blip TV. While it was once a very popular aggregator, it was shut down in 2015. You can, however, try out FreeCast, which is a service that helps you find free content online.

What about Online TV Channel Scams?

If a streaming service offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scams are less prevalent now, but there are still scams with online TV streaming services.

All of the services we’ve listed here are legit, but if you come across any service offering you today’s cable channels for free, you can assume it’s not real or it’s illegal and could conceivably get you in trouble.

You can find more about scams for both online services, streaming devices, and more in our Online TV Scams list. Of course, the best way to avoid scams is to choose a trusted service and a device that you’re familiar with.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

FAQs

What TV channels are free online?

Depending on your location, you can watch dozens of free TV channels online. Some channels you can watch include:

• BBC (as long as you tune in from the UK)
• Sky News
• Bloomberg TV
• ABC (for American citizens abroad)
• Fox Sports (via Pluto TV)
• CNN (if you tune in from the US).

Where can I watch live TV?

You can watch live TV channels with any of the online streaming services we listed in this guide. Alternatively, you can check out one of the free alternatives to watch live TV online. Another option is to subscribe to one of the premium networks listed here.

How can I get local TV channels for free?

You can get local TV channels for free in several ways. Locast used to be an option but it was shut down in mid-2021. So the main way to catch free local channels is to buy an HD antenna and stream over the air. See our primer to learn how.

How can I watch live TV on my smart TV without cable?

If you want to watch live TV on your smart TV without cable, you need an over-the-air antenna or a smart device that supports one of the listed streaming services. An over-the-air antenna will typically get you access to select local channels, while live streaming services allow you to watch dozens of channels on your smart TV.

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Frank Moraes

Sr Content Editor at Quality Nonsense Ltd

I am a Sr 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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