Not that long ago, you had to be tethered to a cable contract to watch TV. However, thanks to the advent of live streaming services in the last few years, you can now watch TV online (free in some cases!). As such, networks have essentially become online TV channels, available to stream on your computer, smartphone, or even connected television.

We here at Kill the Cable Bill have revamped this page to serve as your ultimate resource for how to watch TV online without cable TV. Below, you’ll find info on some of the best live streaming services on the market like fuboTV (free trial) and Hulu + Live TV (free trial), as well as info on how you can watch specific TV networks online. There’s a chart that compares the most popular streaming services side by side so you’ll know exactly which TV channels each allows you to stream. We also have a section focusing on free video-on-demand services as well.

A List of Online TV Channels and How to Watch Live

Looking for how to watch a particular TV network online? Here is a helpful chart of online TV channels and how to watch. If you are looking for a particular channel, type it in the search box to make it easier to find.

Streaming Services That Let You Watch TV Online Live

The only thing you need to watch TV without cable is the right streaming service. There is no shortage of options. Many of them, including the ones listed below will allow you to watch multiple channels ranging from local channels to nationwide popular TV networks. Most of these services offer free trials, so if you find one that looks like it will work, you may be able to try it out risk-free!

fuboTV (free trial): This live streaming service offers over 100 live streaming online TV channels for $59.99 a month in its base package. Some channels include NFL Network, FOX News, CNN, FOX News, and more. You can also stream local channels on fuboTV in most major markets. The service also added ESPN, making it a great way to watch NFL online. This includes FOX, NBC, and CBS. As for fuboTV devices, you can watch fuboTV on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android devices, iOS devices, web browsers, and more. There’s also a cloud DVR include, allowing you to record live programming to stream at a later time. You can learn more about the service in our fuboTV review.

Hulu Live (free trial): You’ve probably heard of Hulu, the Netflix-competitor, but you may not have heard of Hulu with Live TV. This Hulu service is basically a full cable TV replacement. Similar to fuboTV, it allows you to live stream TV online on your favorite devices. It’s available to try for free. After the free trial, it’s $55 a month. You get 60+ channels on Hulu, including local channels in the majority of markets, making it a great way to watch NFL online. Find out more about how to watch online TV channels with Hulu in our full review here.

Vidgo (free trial): Vidgo is the newest live streaming service on the market. At the time of writing, the live streaming service was offering a special deal for live streaming TV for only $40 a month. Regular price is 40 for about 60 online TV networks. Vidgo offers the best experience on mobile, as the app integrates various social features allowing you to interact with friends while streaming. It’s also a cheap way to watch college football online. Check out out Vidgo review here.

Philo (free trial): Philo is the cheapest option of any of the mainstream streaming services. You get over 55 channels for just $20 per month. Prices are so cheap because sports and local channels are not available. Of course, if you’re just looking for channels like AMC, A&E, Food Network, Hallmark, Discovery, and others, this is the best option if you’re considering your budget. This package even comes with an unlimited cloud-based DVR. You can check out our Philo review here.

Sling TV: If you’re looking for a service that has been around since the beginning of live streaming, Sling TV might be the service for you. Multiple packages are available starting at $30, though you’ll get those packages for $20 in your first month. Packages include 30-50+ channels depending on the package you choose. You’ll also be able to add hundreds of channels to your lineup. Sling TV allows you to stream live TV through most streaming devices. You can learn more in our Sling TV review.

YouTube TV (free trial): Another option to stream all of your favorite channels is YouTube TV. Like Hulu Live, YouTube TV gives you access to local channels in most parts of the country. Over 70 channels are included for $50 per month. Packages include an unlimited cloud-based DVR, access to TV Everywhere apps, and an on-demand library. You can learn more about all YouTube TV has to offer in our YouTube TV review.

Can I Watch Local TV Channels Online?

The short answer to this question is probably. Local channel access depends greatly on where you live. With cable, they give you the closest local affiliates to your home. Streaming services can also do this, but it depends on which networks and affiliates they have deals with. In the beginning it was much harder to get local channels unless you lived in a major city. These days, it’s becoming much easier.

Services like Hulu Live and YouTube TV offer the main local channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC) to most of the country. fuboTV offers some local channels (ABC is not available) to most homes. Meanwhile services like Sling TV only offer a couple of local channels and it’s only to a small part of the country.

To ensure that you get the local coverage you want, you can check the channel lineup for any of these services. You just put in your zip code and they will tell you all of the local channels that you’ll receive.

For more information, check out our guide on how to watch local channels without cable.

What Sports Online TV Channels Exist?

It’s possible to get many sports channels including ESPN, FS1, and regional sports channels through the services you’ve already learned about. While those services are great, if you want a full sports lineup, you might want to choose a niche service that is dedicated to sports. Here are some of the most popular options for watching sports online without cable.

ESPN+: ESPN+ is one of the best deals in sports streaming. You get a wide variety of sports including college sports, MLS, NHL, MLB, NFL, and much more. Events are available live and on-demand. The on-demand library also includes select ESPN offerings, including the complete 30 for 30 documentary series. ESPN+ is available for $5 per month or $50 for the year. You can learn more in our ESPN+ review.

DAZN: DAZN is a great choice if you’re into combat sports. They offer the best events from MMA, boxing, and other similar sports. DAZN even offers exclusive fighter libraries on-demand. This gives you a chance to watch GGG, Canelo, and many others, whenever you want. You can choose between a monthly plan at $20 or save some money and go annual for just $100 for the full year. You can learn more in our DAZN review.

NFL Game Pass: NFL Game Pass is a great way to watch all of your favorite teams during the NFL season. You get access to every team and every game. The catch is that you have to wait until after the game is finished airing live. NFL Game Pass is an on-demand service. That said, if you live across the country from your favorite team, it’s one way to make sure that you get to watch them each week. NFL Game Pass is available for $100 a year or $30 per month in four installments. Charges begin after a free 7-day trial.

WWE Network (free trial): If you’re a wrestling fan, WWE Network is one of the best deals in town. The service offers hundreds of hours of on-demand content including interview shows, events, and more. The thing that really sets this service apart though is that you get every single WWE PPV at no additional cost. You’ll be able to enjoy a year of WWE for less than the cost of two PPV events. You even get to try the service risk-free during the 30-day free trial.

Fite.TV: Fite.TV offers a selection of combat sports including boxing, MMA, and wrestling. They also offer soccer. You can enjoy Top Rank Boxing, Unified MMA, Brave FC, Star Boxing, WOSW, and more! Unlimited PPVs are available from over 25 organizations a month after they air live. You also get a $2 monthly credit for any live PPVs available on Fite.TV. Packages are available for either $5 per month or $50 per year, after a 7-day free trial.

Fanatiz (free trial): If you’re a soccer fan or a fan of other international sports, then check out Fanatiz. This streaming service is excellent for people in the US that have difficulty finding international events, such as soccer tournaments. Learn more in our Fanatiz review.

What Are My Options to Watch Online News TV Channels?

The main cable news channels including FOX News, CNN, and MSNBC are readily available on many streaming services. This means that you should have access to everything from Rachel Maddow to Hannity without cable. The services that offer one network, often offer the others, so if you see a service offering CNN, there’s a good chance they have FOX News and other cable news networks in their lineup.

Hulu Live, fuboTV, and Sling TV all offer options for all three main cable news networks. You can also use YouTube TV to watch cable news. Remember, if you want to watch local news without cable it may depend on where you live. Your best options for both local and cable news will be Hulu Live or YouTube TV. That said, you can check your lineup for any of these services on their websites before you sign up!

For more information, read our article on how to watch the news online.

Can I Watch TV in Spanish Online?

You bet you can! While Spanish language channels will vary depending on the service, you can find a good selection of Spanish channels without cable. From sports to telenovelas and even news and general programming, you’ll find it all and more. Services like fuboTV offer Telemundo, Univision, and beIN Sports. This is a small selection of channels that are included with your main package.

If you want access to only Spanish language channels you can also find many standalone or add-on packages available. For example, Sling TV offers the Sling Latino bundle. fuboTV also includes a similar option called fuboTV Latino. Options like this offer a dozen (or more) Spanish language channels including popular favorites like FOX Deportes, Galavision, and Spanish language alternatives to CNN, Discovery, History Channel, and more.

Check out our detailed guide on how to watch TV in Spanish online without cable.

Other Free Options for Watching Online TV Channels

If you’re on a tight budget and want to try streaming without spending any money, there are some free services that are available, too. Keep in mind that these services are limited. Plenty of content is available, but you won’t find a lineup like you would with Hulu or one of the larger, paid services. Still, if you want to enjoy some TV without getting charged, any of these services might work for you.

Pluto TV: Pluto TV offers a wide variety of current and former TV. The website is set up similar to a TV guide. You pick a channel and can watch what you want. They offer movies, news, and entertainment. This is a great option for movies that you might not be able to find elsewhere. Some fun channels include Cult Films and 80s Rewind. They also offer older TV content from the likes of MTV, BET, Spike, and other channels.

The Roku Channel: If you own a Roku, your best option for free TV and movies is undoubtedly The Roku Channel. This great section on your Roku includes both movies and TV from recent years to classics. They offer content in sections including Reality, Adventure, Sitcoms, and Family Night. With plenty of search options, ease of use, and no cost, this is a great option if you’re looking for something to watch.

Tubi: Tubi offers thousands of movies and TV shows. You can watch through the computer or using a streaming device. There’s no catch. It’s all free. You will be able to watch a revolving slate of TV and movies with titles coming and leaving each month. While the lineup does change from time to time, you’ll find titles from MGM, Lionsgate, Starz, and Paramount. All you do is pick the selection you want and start watching!

Crackle: Crackle is similar to the other services listed here because they offer free TV and movies. You can choose to make an account in order to save your progress or make a watch list, or you can watch without an account. The difference is that Crackle also offers some original content that you can’t find anywhere else. They offer a wide selection including movies and TV in all genres.

What about Online TV Channel Scams?

Remember when you were small and someone told you, “If it’s too good to be true….”? Well that phrase applies to all walks of life, including streaming TV. While they aren’t as prevalent as they once were, there are scams out there when it comes to streaming TV. This applies to services and streaming devices. All of the services we’ve listed are legit, but if you come across any service offering you today’s cable channels for free, you can assume it’s not real.

You can find more about scams for both online services, streaming devices, and more in our Online TV Scams list. Of course, the best way to avoid scams is to choose a trusted service and a device that you’re familiar with or have heard of before.

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