You don't need cable TV to watch local channels. If you recently cut the cord on your cable subscription in favor of streaming, you can still access the channels broadcast in your area using a few different methods.
Let's walk through all the ways you can see local news, sports, and more without shelling out the big bucks for cable TV.
Get an Antenna
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to watch local channels is a good, old-fashioned TV antenna. Nowadays, most models are HDTV antennas. But which antenna you'll need depends on where you live. If you're located near a city or in the suburbs, you might be able to watch most of the channels in your area with a simple indoor antenna, which you can buy at most big retailers for less than $50.
If you live in a remote or rural area, you might need an outdoor antenna with more range. Some outdoor antennas can be pretty pricey, but these antennas can receive TV signals broadcast from far-off towers. To figure out what type of antenna you need, it can be helpful to research your local TV market and how far away you are from where the channels broadcast.
Get a Live TV Streaming Service
Most of us are familiar with on-demand streaming services like Netflix. But these days, many online streaming services also provide subscribers with access to live TV channels. And depending on where you live, you might be able to watch your local channels using one of these live platforms. Here are a few of the leading services you can try.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV starts at $65 per month. This package includes Hulu's on-demand library, as well as 65+ live TV channels. These live channels include popular networks like Cartoon Network, History Channel, and TLC. You can also watch news networks like CNN, CNBC, and ESPN News.
This service also includes access to local channels. Hulu lets you use your zip code to check the channels in your area before signing up. There are also quite a few upgrades available. For an additional monthly fee, you can access upgrades that remove ads from the on-demand library, unlock premium networks like Starz, and more.
AT&T TV
AT&T TV is a streaming service that's similar to traditional cable TV. But this service doesn't require annual contracts or any specialized AT&T equipment to watch. The least expensive no-contract option is the Entertainment Package for $70 per month. This package has 65+ channels, including national and local broadcasts from networks like NBC, CNBC, CNN, TBS, and USA. But if you're trying to watch local sports, you'll need to purchase a more expensive package.
AT&T TV includes access to local Regional Sports Networks in Choice Package and higher. The Choice package has 90+ channels and costs $85 per month, and the packages get more expensive from there. This is a good option if you follow a team that plays on a Bally Sports network, because AT&T TV is one of the few places where you can stream those networks.
Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most affordable live TV streaming services on the market. The company splits their channel selection into two main packages: Sling Blue and Sling Orange. Each package costs $35 per month separately and comes with its own channels. You also have the option to buy both packages together for $50 per month.
If you live in the right market, you can watch local Fox and NBC channels. But most of the live channels you can watch with Sling TV will be through the company's Bonus Locals Bundle, which combines a Sling TV subscription with an HD antenna, which you also have to purchase through the company. But if you're just interested in watching local channels, you can buy a TV antenna without Sling TV.
fuboTV
fuboTV is a sports-centric streaming service that allows subscribers to stream local channels. The packages start at $65 per month for access to 112+ channels. You can get more channels with higher packages or unlock premium and sports networks with add-ons for additional monthly fees.
Depending on which market you live in, you can watch local broadcasts with fuboTV, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, The CW, Telemundo, Univision, UniMas. fuboTV also carries regional sports networks, depending on your market. The RSNs available from fuboTV include NBC Sports networks, AT&T SportsNet, NESN, MSG, and Marquee.
Use local network apps
Some of the big networks let you watch TV using their website or mobile app. But what you can watch using the service from these networks is usually pretty limited. But if there's a particular show you want to watch, you might be able to find it by tuning into a network online.
Fox Now
Fox Now is a service from the Fox network that allows you to watch shows, both live and on-demand. While you can watch a few episodes of popular Fox shows for free on-demand, most of the content on Fox NOW requires you to sign in with a TV provider, so you won't be able to live stream local channels for free.
NBC app
The NBC website and app include a few on-demand episodes of popular NBC series and the option to stream NBC News Now live. If you have a subscription to a cable TV or internet service, you might be able to use the subscription to log into NBC and watch NBC affiliates live.
ABC app
ABC allows you to watch on-demand and live TV using the network's website and mobile app. There are a few episodes you can watch for free after they air, but like the other network apps, you'll need to log in with a subscription to a TV provider before you are able to watch live ABC channels online.
Our final take
There's no need to worry about losing access to your local networks when you cut the cable TV cord. If you're interested in only watching local channels and you live near a big city, then we recommend buying an indoor HDTV antenna. People who live in remote areas can also access local channels with an antenna, and looking into an outdoor option is typically most effective. Research which type might be the best for you.
If you're looking for a comprehensive cable TV replacement with local channel access, we recommend trying a live TV streaming service, such as Hulu + Live TV or fuboTV. These services give you access to many of the same networks as you'd get with cable TV, and you can subscribe starting at about $65 per month.
