Are you tired of paying for cable? Here is how you can cut the cord but still watch your favorite local stations.
Top Ways to Watch Local Channels
In this post, we’re going to cover the best ways you can watch local channels without paying for cable. We’ll also cover some of the best live-TV streaming services and how much they cost.
1. Use an HD Antenna
Using an HD antenna is the easiest way to watch local channels without cable. It’s a lot like having cable, because you can watch all your favorite shows in high definition for free!!!!
I recently bought one of these antennas from Amazon and I’m really happy with it so far.
Generally speaking, those who live in the biggest cities will get a bigger selection of channels, though the quality may not be as good.
If you want to see what stations are available in your area, check out AntennaWeb. It’s like a directory for over-the-air broadcasts.
On top of that, there’s no equipment to set up or install.
2. Watch Local TV online
If you don’t have an HD antenna, or live in a smaller town, you can watch local TV online using the websites of those TV stations.
This is a pretty neat little feature of the sites that allows you to watch local TV online in your area. It’s also 100% free.
I recommend checking out some of their favorite channels, like (CBS) , (ABC) , (NBC).
3. Download major network apps
If there’s a particular network you want to watch, I recommend downloading their app. They usually have all of the shows that air on that network available for free on their app.
The apps are kind of like having cable; they generally let you view anywhere from 10-20 channels at no charge.
Most popular networks:
- ABC
- CBS
- CW
- FOX
- NBC
Most of these apps are available for free on both Android and iOS.
4. Watch Local TV Channels on Hulu
There’s a cool feature on the website for Hulu called Networks . It includes some of the bigger networks you’ll see (ABC, CBS, CW).
All in all, it works pretty much like cable where you have to pay a monthly fee.
The best part about these streaming services, is that you don’t have to be reliant on a cable or satellite company to watch your shows. You can just subscribe online and watch them in the comfort of your own home.
5. Watch Local TV on FuboTV
I recently found out about FuboTV, which is now one of my favorite streaming services at the moment.
FuboTV is not free, though they do offer a 7-day free trial to start. You can sign up here . The basic package includes over 60 channels for $45 per month. It’s also commercial-free, so you won’t be forced to watch any advertisements while watching your favorite shows!
6. Watch Local Channels with Amazon Fire TV
Did you know you can watch local channels on Amazon Fire TV? Just download the app for the TV station that you want to watch onto the device and then you can watch that channel through the Amazon interface right on your TV.
7. Best Way to Get Local Channels (YouTube!)
One of my favorite ways to watch local TV is to use YouTube.
I think this method has a lot of potential for growth in the future as more and more people cut the cord. It’s like having your own personal cable network that you can access anytime you want.
8. Subscribe to YouTube TV
A lot of people aren’t aware that YouTube has launched its own TV-like streaming service. It’s called YouTube TV and it may be one of the best options out there right now if you’re looking for live local channels without cable.
“YouTube TV is available today in over 80 metro areas around the U.S., covering over 85% of the country. This includes all four major metros areas (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco), as well as cities like Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Baltimore, Seattle and more.”
Interestingly enough, they are also offering a free 7-day trial that may be worth checking out if you want to see how it works.
9. Watch Local Channels Through Roku
One of the best options available for streaming local channels is through your TV. The major TV manufacturers, like Sony, Samsung and Roku, all have streaming services that allow you to watch live cable channels on your TV.
It’s a lot like having a cable box, but you don’t need to pay any fees or have any subscriptions.
Not only can you watch local channels, but you can also access other streaming services as well, including Netflix and Hulu.
It’s not for everyone because some people don’t like to switch inputs on their TV or use additional devices (like a Roku). But if you’re looking for a good way to get around this issue.
10. Watch on Sling TV
I’ve used Sling TV in the past and it worked well for me.
Sling TV is an online streaming service that allows you to watch live TV, including local channels on your computer or mobile device. You can choose from a variety of packages, each with different prices and channel options.
Another streaming service that I have used in the past is called Sling TV. You pay $20/month and you’ll get 30+ live channels, including some big ones like Fox Sports, Food Network, HGTV, Disney Channel and more.
If you want to give it a try, they have a free 7-day trial that you can sign up for.
Signing up is easy and only takes a few minutes, so why not check out their website and see how it works for your needs?
Summary
There are quite a few options out there if you want to watch local channels without cable. My personal favorite is Youtube as it’s something that I can get familiar with. This can save you money each month so that you have more money to put toward your financial goals.
Try some of the suggestions above and see which one works best for your needs!
What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below.