How to Watch Local Channels Live Without Cable in 2026

YouTube TV is a cord-cutting streaming package that carries your local ABC, FOX, NBC, and, thanks to a successful deal extension, CBS. It also has The CW, PBS, and Spanish-language channels like Telemundo and Univision. YouTube TV stands out because it's easy to use and has an impressive cloud DVR capacity. However, if you're a fan of local sports, beware: YouTube TV has a very limited number of RSNs. YouTube TV has tried to fill that gap with add-ons like the NBA League Pass and NFL Sunday Ticket.

Hulu with Live TV is a streaming bundle that offers 90 live channels along with Disney+, Hulu on-demand, and ESPN+ at no extra cost. Its offerings are varied enough (it carries all major broadcast networks and then some), but sports fans might be disappointed by the lack of RSN options. If that's a dealbreaker, then DirecTV Stream and Fubo are viable alternatives.

Fubo is a live TV streaming service that carries national and local channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and Telemundo. In the last couple of years, however, the service failed to reach an agreement with some companies, so it no longer has Turner channels like TNT and TBS, Univision, and Unimas. That said, Fubo is still worth considering, especially if you're a fan of specialty and international sports. Next to DirecTV Stream, it also has the most RNS, including YES and Fanduel Sports.

When it comes to local channel coverage, it's hard to beat DirecTV Stream. It's available nationwide, and it offers the major networks, Spanish local channels, and RSNs like YES and Bally. It also streams these in high-def, which is why it's a favorite among sports fans in particular. However, DirecTV Stream is pricey, and though you can cancel a subscription at any point, miscellaneous fees can rack up.

The cord-cutting alternative Sling has two plans: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. The former has Disney and ESPN channels, but the latter is what you want if you're looking for local channels. Sling Blue carries ABC, FOX, and NBC in select markets. Depending on where you live, you could get all three (as those in LA, Chicago, New York, Philly, and San Francisco do) or you could get one or two. If you get even just a single local channel, Sling charges you an extra $5/month for broadcast fees. But even then, it's still cheaper than other live TV plans that offer more of the same.

Sling is establishing itself as a viable cheap alternative to cable, with many local as well national channels available at as little as $60.99. Sling allows to manage packages, so for example if you don’t watch a lot of sports you can remove that package and save a good amount of money. Getting Sling when you’re trying to cut the cord is the closest thing to an “à la carte” service, you only pay for what you use.

Vidgo is a Live TV streaming service that offers a good selection of channels, especially Sports, for a reasonable price that undercuts some competitors (mainly Hulu and Youtube). The interface is not great and the apps are not as reliable as other services, but if that’s the kind of thing that doesn’t usually bother you, or if you don’t mind logging into individual network apps, it’s a decent option. Oh, and if you’re wondering about DvR? There is none, Vidgo only offers a 24-hour playback option, so you can only replay what aired the day before basically.

On the other hand, Vidgo allows simultaneous streams on up to three devices at once, and they have apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, and Apple TV.

In recent months, Vidgo has suffered many outages, some due to missed payments.

If you're not one to subscribe to expensive streaming packages, then a simpler (and often cheaper) alternative is to get an antenna. An antenna receives signals from local channels like ABC, FOX, NBC, and CBS, which are being broadcast for free anyway, and lets you watch them on a TV. Tablo simply amplifies an antenna so you can watch live channels and DVR recordings on multiple devices, not just one. Depending on which features you want (built-in antenna, larger DVR storage, etc.), Tablo prices start from $70 to $130, but that's a one-time fee. No need to worry about monthly payments.

Another option if you're going the antenna route is to get the AirTV by Sling. Like Tablo, it connects to your antenna to get you watching local channels and recording programs as you please. One notable difference, however, is that the AirTV more seamlessly integrates your OTA channels with your streaming channels (if you have them) using the Sling app. A Sling TV subscription isn't required, but most users pair the AirTV with one to enjoy the best of what local and national TV have to offer. The latest AirTV devices also let you watch your OTA channels remotely. Depending on which model and bundle you get, AirTV can cost anywhere between $50 to $100.

Paramount+ is a streaming service that gives you access to original titles and basically anything under the wide Paramount umbrella. That includes properties from CBS, Nickelodeon, and, if you’re on the premium plan, Showtime. Another perk of being on the Paramount+ Premium plan? You get your local CBS channel, which in turn gives you access to NFL on CBS, CBS Sports, and your local news program. Paramount+ Premium (previously Paramount+ with Showtime) currently costs $12.99/month.

Paramount+ with SHOWTIME (previously Paramount+ Premium) is a Netflix-style streaming service, offering movies and TV shows on-demand like The Good Fight and Yellowstone. But unlike Netflix, it gives you access to Live TV from CBS. That means CBS local channels, CBS News (CBSN), CBS Sports, ET live, and some live sporting events like NFL on CBS Live. It also offers on-demand access to programming from Comedy Central, MTV, BET, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Paramount Pictures, and Smithsonian Channel.

As of 2024, it increased its monthly price to $12.99, but with that comes a significant upgrade: members now have access to all of Showtime’s content, which includes movies and shows like Billions, Dexter, and Yellowjackets, as well as live coverage on sports including boxing, football, and MMA. Since Showtime shut down its standalone service in early 2024, this Paramount+ plan is now one of the few ways to watch Showtime without cable.

Like Paramount+, Peacock offers a live feed of its parent channel to premium subscribers. Those on the Peacock Premium Plus plan, which costs $13.99/month, get to watch local NBC and all the sports, entertainment, and news programs that come with it. Of course, Peacock also offers on-demand titles, including originals like Love Island and Poker Face, sitcom favorites like The Office, and more.

The PBS app gives you access to all of PBS' programs, as well as a live feed of your local PBS channel. It's completely free (as a public channel should be), but if you want to get rid of ads and dive even deeper into the channel's expansive library, you can opt to pay $5/month for a PBS Passport.

Xfinity Choice is a live TV service that’s exclusive for Xfinity broadband users. You need to already have the Xfinity Flex device to be able to get to Xfinity Choice. If you’re an Xfinity member but don’t have the Flex device, you can order one for free on the Xfinity website.

At $20/month, it allows you to get local channels and some national ones, and you can add a “sports & news” package for $36.50, “entertainment” for $15, and “kids & family” for $10 ($79.5 total). There are other add-ons, such as EPIX, Showtime, Cinemax, and HBO at different prices. Exact pricing depends on where you are based, but you’ll have to make room for broadcast fees, taxes, and rental fees, so your total will run to at least $50/month. (You can read more about Xfinity in depth in our explainer here).

If your viewing options are limited, it’s a good option for the basic package that allows you to cut the cord, or a cord, since you’ll probably still have a broadband contract with Xfinity.

Spectrum TV Choice is an internet television service that is available only by call-in and only to Charter Spectrum internet customers.

The channels available to you will depend on your location, but usually you can choose 15 more channels to add to your plan. Please be careful that after 30 days, you might not be able to change the list of 15 channels you choose.

You can read more in our dedicated explainer here: Spectrum TV Choice Explained: Plans, Pricing, Channels.