How To Watch NBC Live Without Cable | Top 5 Options
By Staff, Deja Harris• Edited by Lisa Holden • Updated Nov 17, 2023
NBC is one of the easiest channels to get access to without cable. Since NBC is a local channel, by law it can be accessed for free with an antenna. If you’re looking for a great deal on an antenna, you can get one for around a steep 50% off if you sign up for Sling. This gives you the best of both worlds, free local channels like NBC on your antenna and premium cable channels like A&E, USA, HGTV, and more.
You can also watch NBC live without cable by using one of many streaming services, such as Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV.
Lots of people want to get rid of cable to save money. While there might be several other reasons why you want to cancel your cable subscription, doing so may lead to some confusion on how you can still have access to your favorite movies and shows and channels.
If you’re thinking about cutting your cable subscription but want to know how to watch television channels without traditional pay TV or how to watch NBC without cable, this article will guide you toward the best options.
This article will highlight the basics of these streaming services and help you decide which option is right for you.
How to watch NBC without cable?
There are two main ways to watch NBC without cable. One option is to buy and install a reliable TV antenna, which is a method that we will discuss in more detail at the end of this article. The other option involves streaming video.
The most convenient way of streaming live TV is to subscribe to one of a variety of online streaming services. These services work as a cable or satellite substitute, allowing you to replace cable while still accessing lots of channels.
Streaming services are hosted online and don’t involve signing long-term contracts. They are ideal if you want to gain access to essential channels while getting rid of excess channels offered by traditional cable.
The top streaming solutions for NBC include:
Stream NBC with DirecTV Stream.
DirecTV Stream is a live streaming service offered by AT&T. It offers a large selection of channels in cable format and is a popular choice because it eliminates the mandatory long-term contracts and bulk channels offered by cable companies.
DirecTV has a 5-day free trial, after which prices go up to what you see in the pricing table below.
You can use DirecTV Stream when you want to and save the long-term deals for later on if you’re satisfied with the service.
Stream NBC for free with Fubo.
Fubo is a streaming service that includes NBC on its channel menu. Sports enthusiasts who watch NBC for its sports coverage will appreciate some of the extra features Fubo offers.
Fubo offers a free, 7-day trial, after which you can join a month-to-month plan.
The Fubo app is available on iOS and Android devices, as well as internet browsers for PC and Mac. This service can be streamed on platforms such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast.
Stream NBC with Sling TV.
Sling TV offers live streaming of the NBC channel (in select markets). It is known for offering one of the most customizable live TV experiences in the market. If you’ve just canceled your cable subscription, you can choose one (or both) of two base bundle packages.
Additional small bundles of channels can be added later in the form of “Extras.” Extras are add-on miniature bundles that will make it easier to customize your TV streaming service without getting locked into subscribing to anything you don’t want.
Sling TV can be used on iOS and Android devices or laptops with a compatible internet browser. It can be streamed from platforms such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast. Sling TV is compatible with most LG and Samsung Smart TVs, as well as the Xbox One gaming console.
Stream NBC with Hulu + Live TV.
The live TV offering by Hulu is called Hulu + Live TV. This solution is built around on-demand streaming, and the service channel selection includes NBC (in select markets).
Hulu + Live TV supports most modern streaming devices. You can use your internet browser to watch it on your PC or Mac, or use an iOS or Android device and watch on the go. Hulu with Live TV can also be streamed on platforms such as Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, select Samsung Smart TVs, and Xbox One/360.
Stream NBC with YouTube TV.
YouTube TV offers viewing options to stream NBC live (in select markets). This streaming platform should not be confused with the YouTube website. YouTube TV is Google’s live TV streaming service that is compatible with several devices.
YouTube has different promotional deals throughout the year, so be sure to check out the website to see what’s available.
All iOS and Android devices are compatible with YouTube TV. It can also be accessed on Apple TV, Roku, Xbox One, Chromecast, Android TV, Smart TVs, and compatible internet browsers on a Mac or PC.
Stream NBC using NBC.com and the NBC app.
If you already have a subscription to an internet TV streaming service, you will also gain access to NBC.com and the NBC app for all iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and Roku. Chromecast is supported through the use of any iOS or Android phone.
All of the internet TV streaming services listed above include support for the NBC website and application. You simply need to log in with your NBC account, select the “Link Provider” option, and enter the internet TV service provider you’re subscribed to.
After completing the steps, you can watch NBC without cable, on-demand episodes, and exclusive web content on NBC.com and the NBC app immediately.
This method is the best way to watch NBC because it will allow you to navigate through some of the more restrictive simultaneous streaming policies that apply to internet TV services. Some internet streaming services will limit you to streaming on two devices.
The registered user method will allow you to watch NBC content on the NBC app while two people are already logged into and using the internet streaming service.
Can I watch NBC on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Or Apple TV?
If you’re interested in watching NBC on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV, you’ll be pleased to know that you can access the channel on these applications. Major streaming services such as Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV offer apps that are compatible with Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast.
How to watch NBC on Amazon Fire TV?
Amazon Fire TV can stream NBC on several live streaming services, including Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV, and YouTube TV. Unlike previous options, this service requires an active subscription through the Amazon App Store. Once subscribed, you can download the Amazon Fire TV app to watch NBC without cable. Alternatively, you can download the NBC app and sign in with your internet TV credentials. Then, you can watch on-demand and live content directly on the app.
How to watch NBC on Roku?
You can stream NBC live on Roku. A Roku can be used with multiple live streaming services, including Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV, and YouTube TV. After visiting the Roku Channel Store, you should download the Roku app to get started. Alternatively, you can download the NBC channel from the Roku Channel Store, which will allow you to sign in with your internet TV service, similar to how you would with an active cable TV subscription.
How to watch NBC on Apple TV?
You can also watch NBC on Apple TV on various streaming services, such as Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV, and YouTube TV. After downloading the app from the App Store, install it and get signed in. Then, you’ll be able to watch NBC on Apple TV immediately. Alternatively, you can watch NBC on Apple TV by simply downloading the NBC app. You can log in with your internet TV login credentials for one of their listed services to access more live and on-demand content.
How to watch NBC using over-the-air TV?
Perhaps the cheapest and most effective way to access the NBC live channel without an active cable subscription is to purchase an antenna. In most areas, the NBC channel and others like ABC, CBS, FOX, PBS, and more are available over-the-air for free as part of the regular broadcast spectrum.
All that’s required to access these channels is an over-the-air antenna.
While you may think this method might deliver low-quality results, modern TV has advanced more than you realize. It’s possible to get high-definition picture quality over the air, just like the service you would have access to with traditional pay-TV approaches, like cable or satellite.
If you’re concerned about choosing the right antenna for your needs or how to properly set it up, several online guides will assist you in getting free over-the-air TV.
Many modern televisions have built-in TV tuners that allow you to plug directly into your TV and immediately scan for channels. Refer to the user guide and instructions supplied with your antenna and television. Once you’re set up, you should see your local NBC channel as well as others that are within broadcasting range.
Using an over-the-air antenna will allow you to watch NBC without cable, securing instant access to your favorite live shows, news, and sports coverage from your local NBC affiliate.
The most convenient option for complete TV coverage may be combining Sling which gets you your traditional cable channels with AirTV, an integrated over-the-air antenna.
How to watch NBC outside of the US?
People across the country and around the world stream NBC live. In some cases, you may need a VPN (Try our pick - ExpressVPN) to stream NBC live to get around geo-restrictions. A VPN securely connects your device to servers around the world so that you can access content abroad. You can get NBC content via Peacock too with a reliable VPN.
Sam Cook • Author
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.