If you don’t want to pay for cable, you can still watch local channels online. There are several options, including NewsON, Hulu, and Sling TV. These options include local networks and affiliates. In addition, they offer on-demand replays of network shows. However, there are some caveats to using these services.
DIRECTV STREAM
DirecTV Stream is one of the best ways to watch local channels without cable. This service lets you stream live local channels on all your connected devices. If you don’t own a cable box, you can watch local channels on your smart TV, laptop, iPad, or Android phone. You can even use a Wi-Fi connection to watch these channels.
DirecTV Stream’s basic entertainment package includes popular channels like Fox Business, Fox News, HGTV, National Geographic, Nickelodeon, and TBS. In addition, you can watch Fox Sports 1, the NFL Network, and the NHL Network. Depending on your chosen plan, you can also add regional sports networks, such as ESPN.
Hulu
Many people wonder, “How can I get local channels without cable on Hulu?” The good news is that you don’t need a traditional cable package. Using a TV antenna, you can easily watch local broadcast channels for free. You can plug a TV antenna into the coax port on the back of your television. However, you must work a little harder to get local network shows. Moreover, you’ll miss out on local sports coverage.
You can sign up for Hulu Live TV if you want to watch live TV. You’ll be able to stream local channels, such as ABC, NBC, FOX News, CBS, and the CW, in some markets. In addition, you can watch on-demand content.
NBC Peacock
If you want to watch NBC shows without cable, there’s a new option: Peacock TV, a streaming service from NBC Universal. The basic service is free, with premium tiers unlocking additional content and removing ads. It includes live news, sports, and TV shows, plus access to premium shows a day after they’re broadcast.
Peacock TV will be launched nationwide in July 2020. It will feature several popular shows, movies, and sports content. The service offers a free, ad-supported package and two paid packages with varying ads and premium content levels.
Sling TV
The Sling TV app can get local channels in some areas. For example, in cities such as Dallas, you can watch local sports and entertainment programs on demand. In addition, you can stream NBC content if you subscribe to the Sling Blue plan. You can also access local channels by using an AirTV device.
However, you must be aware that local channels are sometimes difficult to get if you’ve ditched cable. You can subscribe to Sling TV for a monthly fee of $35 or less. The service will give you access to local affiliates, including ABC and Fox.
EarthLink fiber internet
EarthLink offers fiber and DSL internet in 36 states and is the third largest fiber provider. Its service is expensive but available in areas where other providers do not. In addition, EarthLink’s plans do not have any data caps and do not have promotional offers. This means its prices will likely stay the same for at least the first year.
EarthLink offers many packages, depending on the speed of connection that you need. If you want to watch TV without cable, choose a plan that includes all your favorite channels. However, it is important to note that the speeds may be slower than other providers.
Haystack News
Haystack News can be a good option if you want to watch local channels without paying for cable. The news app offers hundreds of channels from local broadcast stations as well as international ones. It also provides weather reports for your local area. Once you download the app, you can customize your layout.
Haystack News also offers live streaming from over two hundred markets throughout the United States. Other alternatives include YouTube, where you can access news clips and videos uploaded daily by major networks. In addition, you can use a keyword search to find the most recent news clips, or you can watch the most popular videos. Another free local news option is Pluto TV, which allows you to watch the local news for free.