CBS is one of the essential channels that every cord-cutter needs — not just because of its popular shows and sporting events but because of its local news and information programming.
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:
- FuboTV: Watch your favorite CBS shows and 100+ other news, entertainment, and sports channels for only $64.99 per month. Check it out with a free 7-day trial!
- Paramount+: The Premium plan ($9.99/mo) gives you commercial-free on-demand content and the live stream of your local CBS affiliate. Test whether it’s for you for free for 7-days!
- Hulu + Live TV: Get access to CBS live, 85+ top channels, and the entire Hulu catalog of on-demand and original content starting at $64.99 per month. Try it out for 7 days free!
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CBS is home to some of the hottest daytime, primetime, and late-night shows. It also presents a lot of great sports including Sunday afternoon NFL. Does getting rid of cable mean you’ll miss out on all the fun? No way!
There’s no need to lock yourself into an expensive long-term cable contract just to watch your favorite CBS shows. Instead, choose from several contract-free streaming options available that will let you watch CBS without cable. Find out everything you need to know in this cord-cutting guide.
How to Watch CBS 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.
Streaming Services with 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.
FuboTV
| Local Channels | ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo |
| Other CBS Channels | CBSN, CBSSN, The CW |
| Total Channels | 100+ |
| Cloud DVR | 250 hours |
| Simultaneous Screens | 3 |
| Free Trial | ✅ |
| FuboTV Monthly Price | $64.99 |
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 $64.99 per month, you’ll get access to 100+ channels, including Nickelodeon, ComedyCentral, and Smithsonian Channel. It also features CBS Sports Network, CBS News, and The CW.
Even with a starter package, you can watch FuboTV on up to three screens and save your favorite episodes on your cloud DVR with 250 hours of storage. You can also add on premium channels like Showtime, Starz, and EPIX, as well as sports packages like Sports Plus with NFL RedZone.
See the following guides for more information:
Hulu + Live TV
| Local Channels | ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and Telemundo |
| Other CBS Channels | CBSN, CBSSN, The CW |
| Total Channels | 85+ |
| Cloud DVR | 50 hours |
| Simultaneous Screens | 2 |
| Free Trial | ✅ |
| Hulu + Live TV Monthly Price | $64.99 |
If you’re worried about not finding anything to watch live, consider Hulu + Live TV. Starting at $64.99 per month, you’ll get access to 85+ top channels and the entire Hulu library of on-demand and original content. Watch your favorite hits on CBS, The CW, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network live.
In addition, to live channels and an extensive content library, you’ll get 50 hours of cloud DVR 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:
Paramount+
| Local Channels | CBS |
| Other CBS Channels | CBSN |
| Total Channels | 4+ |
| Cloud DVR | 50 hours |
| Simultaneous Screens | ❌ |
| Free Trial | ✅ |
| Paramount+ Monthly Price | $9.99 |
Formerly known as CBS All Access, Paramount+ offers you a variety of live sports, on-demand content, and breaking news. For only $4.99 per month, you’re able to stream CBS content directly from the network itself as well as live channels CBSN, CBS Sports HQ (not CBS Sports Network), and ET Live.
But if you want your local CBS affiliate, you need to go with the Premium plan for $9.99 per 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 fill out streaming services Vidgo and Sling TV that don’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 85+ channels, including CBS, YouTube TV gives you access to live TV starting at $64.99 per month.
- DIRECTV STREAM: DIRECTV STREAM (previously AT&T TV) is a popular streaming service with 4 plans starting at $69.99 per 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.
Wrapping Up
Despite what they’ll have you believe, you do not need to have 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
What shows are on CBS?
CBS is home to some of the hottest television shows, no matter what time of day you are watching. Find your favorite shows from daytime to primetime to late-night programming. Popular shows on CBS include:
- 48 Hours
- 60 Minutes
- All Rise
- The Amazing Race
- Big Brother
- Blue Bloods
- Bob Hearts Abishola
- The Bold and the Beautiful
- Bull
- CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell
- CBS Mornings
- Clarice
- The Equalizer
- Face the Nation
- FBI: Most Wanted
- The Late Late Show with James Corden
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- Let’s Make a Deal
- Love Island
- Magnum PI
- Mom
- NCIS
- NCIS: New Orleans
- The Price is Right
- SEAL Team
- Survivor
- S.W.A.T.
- The Talk
- Tough as Nails
- The Young & The Restless
- Young Sheldon.
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.
How do I watch other local channels online without cable?
These guides will explain how to watch other local channels online without cable:
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