How To Watch the Smithsonian Channel Live Without Cable in 2024
By Staff• Edited by Lisa Holden • Updated Dec 07, 2023
From shows about combat ships to a series about warrior women—the Smithsonian Channel has everything you want to know. As they say on their website, “it’s where curiosity lives.” If you want to explore history, science, nature, aviation, space, and pop culture, it’s the channel you’ll need.
We’ve all turned it on while doing chores or decompressing after work. After all, informative entertainment is one of the joys of cable TV. Networks like Discovery, Nat Geo, the History Channel, and of course, the Smithsonian Channel are some of the most popular edutainment networks available.
And fortunately, these days, streaming gives us both a wireless and affordable method of catching the Smithsonian Channel.
With the benefits of streaming, you can catch your favorite Smithsonian Channel documentaries on the go. On top of that, some platforms have robust DVR services, allowing you to save your favorite content so you can watch them at your leisure.
Here’s our list of the best streaming platforms that feature the Smithsonian Channel.
Best streaming platforms to watch the Smithsonian Channel
Despite the flood of streaming platforms on the market today, finding one that carries the Smithsonian Channel might take a while. This is because edutainment channels tend to cater to a smaller audience than something like HBO.
But, we’ve combed through the sea of streaming services to give you the best bang for your buck platforms that feature the Smithsonian channel. Let’s dive right in.
1. Fubo
If your interests range from edutainment to sports, Fubo has got you covered. You can enjoy your favorite Smithsonian Channel content on the platform. And other edutainment favorites like Nat Geo and the History Channel come packaged with Fubo.
Besides your edutainment staples, Fubo comes packed with channels that feature content ranging from news, movies, and family-focused programming. But, its primary selling point is its many sports-focused networks. In fact, between ESPN, beIN Sports, and the exclusive Fubo sports channels, you’ll definitely get your fill of sports entertainment.
But how much will Fubo set you back?
When you subscribe to Fubo, you’ll have 3 main packages to choose from:
Additionally, all subscriptions grant users access to Fubo’s full feature set. You’ll get the Fubo unlimited streams feature that allows you to stream across 10 different devices simultaneously. On top of that, you also get access to the full 1000 hours of cloud DVR storage.
The fourth subscription tier is a special package focused on Spanish-language content. But, because it’s a tighter-nit package concentrated on one type of content, it comes in a more affordable box with scaled-back features.
- Latino Quarterly
- $32.99/month
- 50+ channels
- 3 simultaneous streams
- 250-hour DVR storage
Besides its features, Fubo also includes rich device support. So you can expect to find a Fubo app on most modern devices.
- Internet browsers - Safari and all Chromium-based browsers
- Streaming devices - Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast
- Smart TVs - Select LG, Samsung, HiSense, and Vizio models
- Mobile devices - Select iOS and Android devices
- Game consoles - Xbox One S | X, Xbox Series S | X
All in all, if you’re looking for a streaming platform to watch the Smithsonian Channel on, you can’t go wrong with Fubo.
2. Hulu + Live TV
As one of the longest-running streaming services on the market, you can expect good things from Hulu + Live TV. First of all, if you’re looking for Smithsonian content, Hulu + Live TV has got you covered. Not only is the Smithsonian Channel available in the Hulu + Live TV channel lineup, but you might find Smithsonian Channel documentaries on the Hulu on-demand content vault.
Speaking of on-demand content, Hulu + Live TV features one of the most extensive content vaults on the market. In fact, with Hulu + Live TV, you can also access the Hulu on-demand library. Here, you’ll find thousands of hours of content to consume, including movies, series, and Hulu exclusives. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
One of the best selling points of Hulu + Live TV is its access to Disney+ and ESPN+.
With how much you're getting with a subscription to the platform, you must think that a Hulu + Live TV costs an arm and a leg. However, this streaming platform has a competitive price when you consider all the perks.
Additionally, you’re getting unlimited cloud DVR storage when you subscribe. So, if your idea of fun is going on a The Simpsons binge, you can store all 15 days and 3 hours of The Simpsons episode on your Hulu + Live TV DVR.
As for its device support, Hulu + Live TV offers competitive features.
- Internet browsers - Safari and all Chromium-based browsers
- Streaming devices - Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast
- Smart TVs - Select LG, Vizio, Xfinity, and Samsung models
- Mobile devices - Select iOS and Android devices
- Game Consoles - PlayStation 4 | 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One S | X, Xbox Series S | X
Thanks to all these features, Hulu + Live TV is great for watching the Smithsonian Channel without cable.
3. YouTube TV
As one of the most well-supported streaming services on the planet, YouTube TV is another effective means of catching the Smithsonian Channel without cable. Not only are you getting the Smithsonian Channel on the base YouTube TV subscription, but you’re also getting similar channels like Discovery Channel and Sundance TV.
Another benefit of YouTube TV is its strong local channel support. You will likely find your favorite regional sports channel or local Fox News and NBC on your YouTube TV subscription.
Add to that, you’ll get a robust on-demand vault with a YouTube TV subscription. In fact, you can find anime like Dragon Ball Super or classic tv shows like House M.D. on the platform’s on-demand library. Furthermore, YouTube TV hosts unlimited cloud DVR. That way, you can save your favorite TV moments on your DVR for repeat views.
As for its subscription costs, you only have 1 subscription tier to choose from when you subscribe to YouTube TV.
And it goes without saying that a streaming platform owned by Google has the most robust device coverage on the market. For example, you can access YouTube TV on the following devices:
- Internet browsers - Safari and all Chromium-based browsers
- Streaming devices - Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, TiVo TV, Android TV, and Chromecast
- Smart TVs - Select LG, Samsung, and Vizio models
- Mobile devices - Select iOS and Android devices
- Game consoles - PlayStation 4 | 5, Xbox One S | X, Xbox Series S | X
Overall, you won’t regret choosing YouTube TV for your Smithsonian Channel viewing needs.
Enjoy cable-free Smithsonian Channel via streaming
Edutainment channels are one of the hardest niches to fill. Despite the number of streaming platforms, not many of them feature all the channels you’re looking for, especially the Smithsonian Channel. Thankfully, there are streaming services out there catering to all your entertainment needs.
Your worries will disappear with either Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV. With any of these services, you can enjoy your favorite Smithsonian Channel content without cable.
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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.