Cutting the cord doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite local channels anymore. Thanks to live TV streaming services, it’s easier than ever to watch local news, sports, and shows like The Voice or NCIS — all without a traditional cable package.
Today, you have tons of options that offer local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and even PBS, straight over the internet. Let’s dive straight into it and find the best live TV streaming services with local channels!
Why Pick a Live TV Streaming Service?
The main reason people are switching to live TV streaming services is simple: flexibility and savings.
Instead of signing a long-term cable contract, you can pay monthly, cancel anytime, and watch your favorite local stations live. Plus, you can access everything on your smart TV, laptop, or even your phone. Pretty convenient, right?
Here are a few quick benefits:
- Access to Local Channels: Watch live news, sports, and special events.
- No Contracts: Month-to-month flexibility.
- Cloud DVR: Record shows and watch when you have time.
- Multi-Device Streaming: Watch on different screens at once.
- On-Demand Extras: Get extra shows and movies anytime you want.
Streaming really gives you a lot more freedom compared to old-school cable.
Top Live TV Streaming Services That Include Local Channels
There are a lot of options out there, but a few services really stand out if you want local stations. Let’s walk through the top ones:
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is one of the most popular choices — and honestly, for good reasons.
It costs around $82.99/month and covers major local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS. Plus, you get over 100 other popular channels too.
One thing users really love? Unlimited cloud DVR storage. You can record as many shows, games, or movies as you want without worrying about running out of space. YouTube TV also allows up to three simultaneous streams, perfect for families. And yes, there’s usually a free trial if you want to test it first!
Overall, if you want an easy, full-featured experience — YouTube TV is a strong pick.
Hulu + Live TV
If you already love binge-watching shows on Hulu, Hulu + Live TV might be perfect for you.
At around $83/month, you’ll get live local stations like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, along with full access to Hulu’s massive on-demand library. That means you can catch live sports and news, but also dive into all the Hulu Originals whenever you want.
Bonus: your subscription also includes Disney+ and ESPN+, making it a killer deal if you love sports, movies, and Disney content.
The plan gives you two simultaneous streams, but you can upgrade to unlimited if needed. Plus, it comes with unlimited DVR storage, which is super handy.
Sling TV
Sling TV is for people who want to save money and still get some live TV action.
Prices start as low as $46/month, but here’s the thing: Sling doesn’t offer as many local channels everywhere. It really depends on your location.
In many places, you might only get FOX or NBC, and only with the Sling Blue plan. To get full local coverage, you might need an HD antenna or extra equipment like Sling’s AirTV.
It’s a little more effort, but if you’re on a budget and willing to set up an antenna, Sling TV is one of the cheapest ways to get live TV.
FuboTV
FuboTV started as a service for hardcore sports fans — but now it’s a complete cable replacement.
It costs about $80/month and gives you a big mix of local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and even tons of regional sports networks.
You’ll also get 1000 hours of DVR space and can stream on up to 10 devices at the same time at home, which is pretty awesome for big families or sports fanatics.
FuboTV is a little pricier, but it’s one of the best if you love sports and still want all your locals.
DIRECTV STREAM
If you’re used to traditional cable and want something familiar, DIRECTV STREAM could be your new favorite.
It starts at $70/month and covers all major local channels. It also offers unlimited cloud DVR and lets you stream on up to 20 devices at home — so no fighting over the remote!
DIRECTV STREAM is great if you want a simple transition from cable to streaming without losing the channels you love, especially regional sports networks.
What About Free Ways to Watch Local Channels?
Not ready to pay for a subscription? No worries. You can still access local channels for free with a little effort!
Here’s how:
- Use an HD Antenna: Old-school antennas still work! Grab a modern digital antenna, hook it to your TV, and watch ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC live — totally free.
- LocalNow: A free app that streams local news and weather updates.
- NewsON: Watch live and recorded local newscasts from dozens of cities across the country.
- Haystack News: Personalized news content from national and local stations.
- The Roku Channel: Some free local news channels are available here too.
If all you care about is local news or sports, these free options are definitely worth checking out!
How to Pick the Best Live TV Streaming Service for Local Channels
Choosing the right service depends on what you care about most. Here are a few simple questions to help:
- Which channels do you need? Check if your favorite local stations are included.
- What’s your budget? Pick a service that fits your wallet.
- What devices do you have? Make sure the app is available on your Smart TV, Roku, Firestick, iPhone, or Android.
- How important is DVR? If you like recording shows, go for a plan with big DVR storage.
- How many people will watch? If you have a big family, check how many streams you can have at once.
Taking a minute to think about these will save you a lot of frustration later!
📊 Live TV Streaming Services with Local Channels – Comparison Table
Let’s quickly compare the top services side-by-side:
| Service | Local Channels Included | Price/Month | DVR Storage | Simultaneous Streams | Free Trial | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS | $82.99 | Unlimited | 3 | Yes | All-in-one experience |
| Hulu + Live TV | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC | $83 | Unlimited | 2 (can upgrade) | Yes | On-demand + live TV |
| Sling TV | FOX, NBC (limited markets) | $46+ | 50 hours (upgradable) | 1–3 (depends on plan) | Yes | Budget-friendly |
| FuboTV | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC | $80 | 1000 hours | 10 at home | Yes | Sports and family use |
| DIRECTV STREAM | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC | $70+ | Unlimited | 20 at home | Yes | Traditional TV experience |
Final Thoughts
Live TV streaming services with local channels are a total game-changer. Whether you want to watch the local evening news, catch the big game, or follow live events, there’s a streaming service that fits your needs — and your budget.
If you want the best overall, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are fantastic options. If you’re all about sports, FuboTV might be your winner. And if you want to save money and don’t mind an antenna, Sling TV could be a great choice.
No matter what, there’s never been a better time to ditch expensive cable bills and still stay connected to everything happening around you!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What live TV streaming service has the most local channels?
YouTube TV is the best in terms of local channel coverage. It includes ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and even PBS in most areas.
2. Can I watch local channels for free without cable or streaming services?
Yes! You can use an HD antenna to watch local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC for free over the air.
3. Is Hulu or YouTube TV better for local channels?
Both are great, but YouTube TV usually covers more cities and local stations. Hulu + Live TV also offers good coverage plus on-demand shows and movies.
4. Does Sling TV offer local channels?
Sling TV offers limited local channels like FOX and NBC in select cities. It may not have full coverage, so an HD antenna is often recommended.
5. What’s the cheapest way to stream local channels?
If you want a paid option, Sling TV is the cheapest. But if you’re okay using a digital antenna, that’s completely free and works in most areas.
