5 Ways to Watch TCM Without Cable

Updated November 5, 2024 • Staff • Edited by Davan Hamilton

Our top pick for streaming TCM without cable is DirecTV Stream. But there are also 4 other options for watching TCM without cable, including Sling, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, or Spectrum TV Choice. Here's why our team likes DirecTV Stream better than all the rest:

• DirecTV Stream plans start at $69.98, which makes it affordable for most people.
• American streamers can access DirecTV Stream all over the country. Traveling outside the US? Sign up for a VPN like ExpressVPN to access TCM on DirecTV Stream from abroad.

Because we're living in 2024, your streaming options for TCM aren't limited to DirecTV Stream, however. Let's break down all the options.

What's on TCM?

With an abundance of classic films, TCM is true to its acronym "Turner Classic Movies". The network is the place to watch classics like Breakfast at Tiffany's and East of Eden.

Our top 5 picks for streaming TCM without cable

Our vote: Watch TCM on DirecTV Stream

Our team prefers using DirecTV Stream to stream TCM without cable for all of the reasons we mentioned up top. DirecTV Stream is affordable for most people at $69.98 per month.

Here’s how DirecTV Stream pricing breaks down. Though plans start at $69.98, you might find that a more expensive plan has the channels and number of simultaneous streams you need.

In addition to TCM, DirecTV Stream has channels like: .

You can watch DirecTV Stream content on devices like: amazon-fire-tv or android-tv.

Watch TCM on Sling

Another great option for streaming TCM is Sling. It’s not our team’s top pick because the base price of $40 is slightly higher than the price for DirecTV Stream, but Sling still has plenty of advantages.

If you’re trying to watch with friends or family on the same account, Sling offers 3 simultaneous streams.

Here’s how Sling pricing breaks down. Plans start at $40 but channels and features increase as you move up the tiers.

You can watch Sling content on devices like: amazon-fire-tv or android-tv

Watch TCM on Hulu Live TV

Our next pick for watching TCM is Hulu Live TV. We recommend DirecTV Stream and Sling first because they have a better combination of price and channel availability, but if they don’t work for you, Hulu Live TV is another good option.

Note, though, that if you’re simply worried about regional restrictions, we highly recommend signing up for a VPN like ExpressVPN to access TCM via streaming no matter where you are.

Hulu Live TV does offer channels like: .

Up to 2 people can watch programming on Hulu Live TV at the same time with Hulu Live TV’s simultaneous streams feature.

Here’s how Hulu Live TV pricing breaks down. You can subscribe to Hulu Live TV starting at $81.99.

You can watch Hulu Live TV content on devices like: android-tv, apple-tv, or amazon-fire-tv.

Watch TCM on YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another good option for watching TCM without cable.

Up to 3 people can watch programming on YouTube TV at the same time.

Here’s how YouTube TV pricing breaks down. You can subscribe to YouTube TV starting at $34.99.

You can watch YouTube TV content on devices like: android-tv or apple-tv.

Watch TCM on Spectrum TV Choice

Spectrum TV Choice is another good option for watching TCM without cable.

Up to 0 people can watch programming on Spectrum TV Choice at the same time.

Here’s how Spectrum TV Choice pricing breaks down. You can subscribe to Spectrum TV Choice starting at $53.19.

You can watch Spectrum TV Choice content on devices like: amazon-fire-tv.

Other ways to watch TCM

We keep track of all the availability changes in streaming — even when a channel isn’t available on one of our favorite streaming services. Here are all of the streaming services that offer TCM /> — and the ones that don’t offer it yet.

How to watch TCM on your device

The days of streaming from laptops are basically over (unless that’s what you’re into!). Most people prefer to watch live TV on other devices — like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. These days, most every streaming service is available on every device. But it’s always worth checking before subscribing. Take a look at the below list to find out how to watch TCM on your device.

Watch TCM on Roku devices with DirecTV Stream and others

If you have a subscription to one of the following streaming services, you’re good to go for watching TCM on your Roku device: DirecTV Stream, Sling, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, or Spectrum TV Choice.

Watch TCM on Apple TV with DirecTV Stream and others

If you have a subscription to one of the following streaming services, you’re good to go for watching TCM on your Apple TV or other iOS device: DirecTV Stream, Sling, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, or Spectrum TV Choice.

Watch TCM on Amazon devices with DirecTV Stream and others

If you have a subscription to one of the following streaming services, you’re good to go for watching TCM on your Amazon device, like an Amazon Fire TV: DirecTV Stream, Sling, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, or Spectrum TV Choice.

Watch TCM on Chromecast with DirecTV Stream and others

If you have a subscription to one of the following streaming services, you’re good to go for watching TCM on your Chromecast device: DirecTV Stream, Sling, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, or Spectrum TV Choice.

The bottom line: Watch TCM without cable on DirecTV Stream

According to our research, DirecTV Stream remains the best option for streaming TCM without cable because it’s the cheapest option with TCM available. Depending on your region and other streaming habits, though, you might find that another service works best for you. Other choices for streaming TCM include Sling, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, or Spectrum TV Choice.

And don’t forget — if you’re trying to access TCM from a region where it isn’t available on your preferred streamer or if you’re outside of the United States, you can watch with a VPN like ExpressVPN.