Live Tv Streaming Services For Free
After signing up, new and eligible existing Hulu subscribers can try the Hulu with Live TV service free for 7 days. You'll get full access to all our live and on-demand channels, features like 50 hours of free Cloud DVR, plus the Streaming Library with thousands of on-demand shows and movies.
It's only natural for a potential cord-cutter to think, 'Why do I need cable when I can just stream everything online?' Indeed, most of the major networks -- from ABC to TNT -- have web portals and mobile apps, all of them capable of streaming their current shows.
Just one problem: Once you ditch cable or satellite or whatever 'traditional' (read: paid) service that pipes TV into your home, you may lose access to some of those networks. That's because many of them won't let you stream their content unless you have an active TV-provider subscription.
I'm looking at you, AMC. You, too, SyFy. Oh, and don't try to slink away, TBS. Give us your shows! We'll gladly (well, 'gladly') sit through your commercials.
Fortunately, some networks are more generous, allowing pretty much anyone with an internet connection and PC or mobile device to watch all -- or at least some -- of their programming. Here's the scoop on what you can watch for free. (Note: Show availability may vary between desktop browsers and mobile apps.)
ABC
Home to popular shows such as 'American Crime,' 'Black-ish' and 'Modern Family,' ABC offers only some shows for free; others do require a sign-in. For example, at this writing, you can watch three of the four most recent episodes of 'Black-ish.' The most recent, however, meaning the one that just aired, requires a sign-in. And if you want earlier episodes or previous seasons, you're out of luck.
Some shows have different restrictions. For example, the entire first season of 'Designated Survivor' is available for streaming, but only the pilot and episodes 7-11 are freely available; the others require a sign-in. However, dig deeper and you'll find an almost Hulu-level selection of 'throwback' series you can stream, including 'Brothers and Sisters,' 'Felicity' and 'Sports Night.'
CBS
CBS, which owns CNET, has the best online streaming network in history! Ahem. Actually, the network offers a considerable library of TV, everything from current series like '2 Broke Girls' to soaps like 'The Young and the Restless.' In between: classics like 'Taxi' and 'Star Trek' (every series to date, including the upcoming 'Discovery') and every single episode of 'Frasier.' You'll find a total of around 100 shows, new and old alike.
However, while you can watch a smattering of episodes for free (the number varies from show to show), it's not a sign-in you'll need to access the larger library -- it's a subscription to CBS All Access. The service costs $5.99 per month, or $9.99 if you want to watch commercial-free.
Fox
Hulu Live Tv
If giving up cable means giving up 'Bob's Burgers,' forget it! Fortunately, Fox employs a model similar to that of ABC, though with a little extra confusion thrown in for good measure.
Without a sign-in, you can watch the latest five episodes of current shows, and new episodes of returning shows unlock eight days after airing on TV. However, the Fox site imposes a 'Preview Pass' that limits you to one hour of free viewing (though not commercial-free). After that, it appears that you'll need a sign-in if you want to continue watching in your browser. The mobile apps don't seem to have that limitation.
NBC
NBC's model is also similar to that of ABC, with a mixture of free and sign-in-required offerings -- but a lot more of the former, thankfully. You can watch the latest five episodes of 'This is Us,' including the most recently aired, along with a couple weeks' worth of 'The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.'
Even better, you can watch the entire first season of 'The Good Place,' and NBC also has classic shows like the original 'Battlestar Galactica' and more recent fare, including the pretty-good-while-it-lasted 'The Event.'
Philo Tv
The CW
The CW's deal is simple: You can watch the five most recent episodes of just about every show that's currently on the air, from 'Arrow' to 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' to 'Vampire Diaries.' But there's also a spin-off service, CW Seed, that offers free access to an eclectic wealth of extra content, including 'Constantine,' 'Everybody Hates Chris,' 'Pushing Daisies' and over 200 episodes of 'Whose Line is it Anyway?' This is an especially good source of animated DC shows such as 'Vixen' and five iterations of 'Justice League.'
Other networks
As noted previously, networks like AMC, Science Channel, SyFy, TBS and TNT won't stream anything unless you sign in with valid TV-provider credentials. That's definitely a bummer if you're interested in staying current on shows like 'The Walking Dead' (AMC), 'The Expanse' (SyFy) and 'The Detour' (TBS). But Food Network, HGTV, History Channel and others will let you stream at least some of their content -- usually a smattering of recent episodes of any given series. Play prince of persia online.
As you're browsing shows, look for a little 'key' icon -- that's usually the indicator that a sign-in is required. Without it: no streaming for you.
So here's my question: Given the hassles of hopping between sites and/or apps, the fairly major limitations on what you're able to stream for free and the lack of any kind of offline-viewing options, does it really make sense to cut the cord? I'm all for saving money, but with a basic-cable subscription and DVR, you might find yourself a much happier TV viewer. And isn't happy the whole point of television?
Live Tv Streaming Services Compared
While you're mulling that over, check out CNET's directory of streaming TV services.
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There are more quality shows on TV than ever before, but choosing the right viewing option can be overwhelming and stressful. Thankfully, TV Guide is here to help you find the right service for you!
Groundbreaking Originals
Netflix
Netflix offers multiple streaming and DVD plans that are affordably priced and give subscribers HD, ad-free access to the streaming services' library and original programming slate, which includes TV shows, movies, documentaries and comedy specials.
main benefits
- Netflix is an ad-free streaming service no matter your subscription level.
- Access to Netflix's entire library featuring complete seasons of a number of hit TV shows as well as originals like Stranger Things.
- The ability to download individual episodes to phones and tablets.
All-Around Best Value
Hulu
Hulu offers a deep catalogue of original programming and older beloved favorites while also offering viewers the opportunity to catch up on currently airing network series. Hulu also recently added a live-viewing plan, available with and without commercia
MAIN BENEFITS
- Affordable commercial and no-commercial plans to fit your budget
- New live tv plan includes 50 hours of cloud DVR storage and the ability to stream on 2 screens at the same time
- Extensive library featuring complete collections of your favorite shows as well as original programming like the Emmy winning The Handmaid's Tale
The Big Box Store of Streaming
Prime Video
You can buy, rent and instantly watch movies and TV shows via Prime Video. A Prime Video subscription grants instant access to Amazon originals and thousands of popular titles from the U.S. and around the world with the option of adding third-party subscr
MAIN BENEFITS
- Ad-free access to hit movies and complete seasons of popular TV shows
- Instant access to acclaimed Amazon originals like Transparent, Catastrophe, and Mozart in the Jungle
- The ability to download select episodes to mobile devices or rent or purchase episodes that aren't available as part of Prime
It's Not a Streaming App, It's HBO
HBO Now
HBO Now offers subscribers affordable access to the premium channel's extensive content library without paying for an additional cable package.
MAIN BENEFITS
- Access to HBO's extensive library, which includes award-winning series, specials, documentaries and more
- Subscribers have the ability to watch big premieres, including Game of Thrones, as they air live on TV
- One account allows you to stream on multiple devices
The Most Live Options
DirecTV Now
DirecTV Now offers subscribers access to on-demand programming and live streaming, with the ability to add premium streaming options for an additional monthly fee.
main benefits
- Access to 120+ live TV channels and 25,000 on-demand titles
- DirecTV Now app allows viewers to stream programming on their TVs, phones, tablets, or computer
- Pick and choose which premium channels you want starting at an additional $5 per month
Discover Something New
CBS All Access
In addition to offering live-viewing of your local CBS station, CBS All Access subscribers enjoy access to full seasons of past CBS series and recent episodes of current series, as well as exclusive original programming.
MAIN BENEFITS
- Access to all episodes of current CBS shows, prior seasons of current shows, and CBS' ad-free classic show library on several streaming devices
- Exclusive access to Star Trek: Discovery and The Good Fight
- Affordable commercial and no-commercial plans to fit your budget
Affordable A La Carte TV
Sling TV
Sling TV is an affordable and customizable live-viewing service that offers viewers two basic packages, with the opportunity to pick and choose extra channels depending on your interests.
MAIN BENEFITS
- Personalized channel lineup you can change at any time
- The Sling TV app allows you to watch on your TV, phone, tablet or computer
- Offers a cloud DVR for just $5 extra per month
Not Just for Gamers
PlayStation Vue
Despite its name, PlayStation Vue does not require a PlayStation console. It's a live-streaming service available on a variety of TV-connected and mobile devices that offers four different package levels.
MAIN BENEFITS
- A single account can stream on up to five devices at any given time
- Offers DVR and On Demand programming
- Personalized DVR, favorite channels and recommendations for up to 10 profiles