Many people want to replace cable TV, but they still want to keep local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, and regional stations. The good news? You no longer need cable or satellite to watch them. Several streaming services now offer full local channel access, live news, live sports, weather, and regional networks.
This guide explains which streaming services include local channels, how much they cost, what channels they support, and which one is best for your location and budget. Everything is kept simple, clear, and easy for anyone to understand.
What Streaming Service Has Local Channels?
Only a few streaming services offer full access to local broadcast networks. These include:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Fubo
- DirecTV Stream
- Paramount+ (limited)
- Peacock (limited)
- Sling TV (partial, location-based)
- LocalBTV (free, limited markets)
- Network apps & free options
Each service has strengths and weaknesses. Some provide all major networks. Some only offer certain stations. And some depend on your ZIP code.
Below is a deep breakdown of what each service offers.
Also Read: Best Live TV Streaming Services with Local Channels (2026 Guide)
1. YouTube TV – Best Overall for Local Channels
YouTube TV is one of the best streaming services if you want a full lineup of local channels without cable. It carries most local networks nationwide.
Local channels YouTube TV offers
You get:
- ABC
- CBS
- NBC
- FOX
- PBS
- CW (in many areas)
- MyNetworkTV (in select regions)
- Telemundo
- Univision (in select markets)
- Independent local stations depending on your ZIP code
Why people choose YouTube TV
- Strongest coverage for local channels
- Unlimited DVR included
- Easy interface
- Wide sports coverage (NCAA, NFL, NBA, local sports)
- Runs on all major devices
Price
- About $72.99 per month
Optional add-ons like sports, entertainment, and premium channels cost extra.
Best for
Anyone who wants a cable-like experience with full local coverage.
2. Hulu + Live TV – Best for Local Channels + On-Demand Shows
Hulu + Live TV combines local channels with Hulu’s huge on-demand library.
Local channels Hulu + Live TV offers
Most locations get:
- ABC
- NBC
- CBS
- FOX
- CW
- Telemundo
PBS is not available on Hulu Live.
Why people choose Hulu Live
- Local news + Hulu originals in the same app
- ESPN+ and Disney+ included
- Good for families
- Full DVR included
Price
- About $76.99 per month
This includes Disney+ and ESPN+.
Best for
People who want local channels plus Hulu’s on-demand library.
Also Read: Live TV Streaming Services: Best Options to Watch TV in 2026
3. Fubo – Best for Local Sports + Regional Sports Networks
Fubo is popular among sports fans because it includes regional sports networks (RSNs), which many other platforms dropped.
Local channels available on Fubo
Most areas get:
- ABC
- CBS
- FOX
- NBC
- CW (some markets)
PBS is not included.
Why people choose Fubo
- Excellent for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and soccer
- More sports channels than most competitors
- 4K sports available
- Local sports broadcasts
Price
- Starting at $79.99 per month
Best for
People who want sports, local games, and regional channel coverage.
4. DirecTV Stream – Best Local Channel Coverage + RSNs
DirecTV Stream is the closest thing to traditional cable, but streamed over the internet.
Local channels offered
Most places receive:
- ABC
- NBC
- CBS
- FOX
- PBS
- CW
- Univision (in some areas)
It has one of the largest regional sports networks selections in streaming.
Why people choose DirecTV Stream
- Best for regional sports networks
- Stable streaming
- Good local coverage
- Unlimited cloud DVR
Price
- Starts at $79.99 per month
Best for
Viewers who want cable-like lineups with full local channel coverage.
Also Read: Xfinity Streaming Box (2026 Guide): Features, Setup, Channels
5. Sling TV – Cheapest Option (But Limited Local Channels)
Sling TV is the most affordable option, but it does not offer full local coverage across the country.
Local channels Sling TV includes
It depends on your plan:
Sling Blue (selected markets):
- FOX
- NBC
Sling Orange does not include locals.
Why people choose Sling
- Cheapest bundle for basic live TV
- Local channels available in select major cities
- Can pair with an antenna for local access
Price
- Sling Orange: $40/month
- Sling Blue: $45/month
- Orange + Blue: $60/month
Best for
People wanting a cheaper option who don’t need full local coverage.
6. Paramount+ – Offers Local CBS Only
Paramount+ includes live local CBS channels in most areas.
What you get
- CBS (full local live stream)
- Local sports through CBS (NFL, March Madness, PGA Tour)
- Local news from CBS affiliates
Price
- Paramount+ with Showtime: $11.99/month
Best for
Someone who mainly needs CBS live.
7. Peacock – Offers Local NBC (Limited)
Peacock sometimes includes access to your local NBC station, but it depends on your area and your plan.
What you get
- Local NBC channel (in many major cities)
- Sunday Night Football
- NBC News daily
Price
- $11.99/month for Peacock Premium Plus
Best for
People who only need NBC.
8. LocalBTV – Free Local Channels (Very Limited)
LocalBTV is a free service that streams local stations in participating markets. But coverage is extremely limited.
What you get
- 25–50 channels depending on your city
- Local independent stations
- Small regional networks
Not included
- ABC
- NBC
- CBS
- FOX
- PBS
Price
- Free
Best for
People in supported cities who want completely free local viewing.
9. Network Apps – Free Live Streams in Many Areas
Many networks allow free access through their own apps with a TV provider login, including:
- ABC
- CBS
- NBC
- FOX
- PBS
- CW
Without a login, some content is still free, including news and local weather segments.
10. Use an HDTV Antenna for Free Local Channels
Even though this guide focuses on streaming services, many people combine a streaming service with an OTA (over-the-air) antenna.
What an antenna gets you
100% free access to:
- Local ABC
- Local CBS
- Local NBC
- Local FOX
- Local PBS
- CW
- Regional networks
Why it’s a great choice
- No monthly fees
- Clear HD picture
- Works without internet
Many cord-cutters pair an antenna with Sling or a cheaper service to reduce monthly costs.
Comparison: Which Streaming Service Has the Most Local Channels?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Service | ABC | CBS | NBC | FOX | PBS | CW | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Many markets | Best overall |
| Hulu Live | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | Many markets | Includes Disney+ & ESPN+ |
| Fubo | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | Some markets | Best for sports |
| DirecTV Stream | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Best channel lineup |
| Sling Blue | Limited | ❌ | Limited | Limited | ❌ | ❌ | Cheapest |
| Paramount+ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | CBS-only |
| Peacock | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | NBC-only |
| LocalBTV | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Free independent channels |
Best Option Based on Needs
- Best overall local channel coverage: YouTube TV
- Best for sports: Fubo or DirecTV Stream
- Best budget option: Sling TV + Antenna
- Best for CBS fans: Paramount+
- Best for NBC watchers: Peacock Premium Plus
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do any free streaming services offer local channels?
Only a few, such as LocalBTV in certain markets. Most major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS) require a paid service or an antenna.
Can I watch local channels without cable?
Yes. You can use YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or an HDTV antenna.
What is the cheapest way to get local channels?
- An HDTV antenna (free after purchase)
- Sling TV + antenna combo
- Paramount+ for CBS-only viewing
Does Netflix include local channels?
No. Netflix has no live TV or local stations.
Do all streaming services offer local news?
Only those that carry local network affiliates like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS.
Final Thoughts
Local channels are important for many people, especially for live news, weather updates, sports, and community events. Thankfully, you no longer need cable TV to watch them. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream offer full coverage, while cheaper options like Sling TV or Paramount+ provide partial access.
- If you want the largest number of local channels, choose YouTube TV.
- If you want sports + locals, choose Fubo or DirecTV Stream.
- If you want the cheapest mix, use Sling TV + antenna.
You now have everything you need to pick the best streaming service with local channels.
