This post was written in partnership with DISH.
Whether you prefer a traditional TV service or you’ve made the move to streaming, there are plenty of options to help you figure out how to watch local channels. These days, you can not only keep your live channel guide without a cable box but you can also choose from multiple options. You can catch prime-time shows on NBC, ABC, Fox, and CBS using cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service.
The right platform for you will depend on what other channels you want and the budget you’re most comfortable with. The good news is there’s a plan for almost anyone with local coverage.
Which services offer local channels?
All of the major streaming services provide at least some access to local channels. In fact, most streamers have all major local channels available in their base package.
| DISH | DIRECTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV | YouTube TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔* | ✔ |
| CBS | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fox | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔* | ✔ |
| NBC | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔* | ✔ |
How to watch locals with DISH (Featured partner)
| Plan | Cost per Month | Channels | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| America’s Top 120 | $84.99 | 190 | No |
| America’s Top 200 | $104.99 | 240+ | No |
| America’s Top 250 | $114.99 | 290+ | No |
DISH is the only streaming option on our list that requires equipment; however, the company offers all new customers free satellite installation. It’s also worth noting that access to local channels requires a $12 Locals Pack add-on. That being said, this can still be a dream streaming choice for people who love to be swimming in channels. In addition to local channels, DISH offers ESPN, NFL Network, NHL Network, Bravo, A&E, CNN, and other popular networks. You can also add premium channels to your lineup if you’re a movie buff or need extra kids’ content.
How to watch locals with DIRECTV STREAM
| Plan | Cost per Month | Channels | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99 | 75+ | No |
| Choice | $108.99 | 105+ | No |
| Ultimate | $119.99 | 140+ | No |
| Premium | $164.99 | 150+ | No |
All DIRECTV STREAM package lineups include your local channels. And, unlike its namesake service, STREAM coverage doesn’t require any equipment to get started. This platform is good for people with a bigger budget who love channel options. In addition to local channels, you can get ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), TBS, and TNT. DIRECTV also has access to Bally Sports RSNs.
If you upgrade to the Choice, Ultimate, and Premier plans, you’ll also get CBS Sports Network, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, NHL Network, SEC Network, and Tennis Channel, just to name a few. You also get a ton of entertainment and news networks with DIRECTV STREAM, and add NBA League Pass to your service.
How to watch locals with Fubo
| Plan | Cost per Month | Channels | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99 | 200+ | Yes |
| Elite | $89.99 | 270+ | Yes |
Fubo started out in 2015 as the Netflix of soccer, and it has stayed true to its roots while expanding its catalog. Plus, most customers can access local channels as a part of their service with any of the Fubo packages. Fubo is a great option for customers looking for a price point under $100. While you don’t get unlimited DVR space, you will have 1,000 hours of DVR storage, which should be more than enough to record your favorite prime-time shows for the season.
Other Fubo channels include Bally Sports networks, FS1, ESPN, ESPN2, FX, MSNBC, Fubo Sports, and more. There are NFL RedZone and NBA League Pass add-ons available, too.
How to watch locals with Hulu + Live TV
| Plan | Cost per Month | Channels | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live TV Only | $75.99 | 90+ | No |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99 | 90+ | No |
| Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV | $89.99 | 90+ | No |
Hulu is a streaming service known for its on-demand library, but you can also use it to replace your cable service. This streamer gives all customers access to local channels as a part of the Hulu + Live TV channel lineup. There is just one base plan, but you can choose to eliminate ads on the on-demand library for an additional $13 per month. Plus, Hulu + Live TV has unlimited DVR.
In addition to local channels, Hulu has ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPN College Extra, ESPNU, and the SEC Network. Other popular sports channels in the lineup include NFL Network, MLB Network, NHL Network, CBS Sports Network, ACC Network, Golf Channel, and Big Ten Network. Major networks like Bravo, CNN, Lifetime, FX, and USA are also available. If you still need more networks, you can purchase the Sports Add-on for an extra $9.99 per month. All Hulu customers get ESPN Plus as a part of their service, too.
How to watch locals with Sling TV
| Plan | Cost per Month | Channels | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sling Orange | $40 | 32 | No |
| Sling Blue | $40 | 40 | No |
| Sling Orange & Blue | $55 | 46 | No |
Sling TV is favored among some viewers because it’s got the best price by far. You won’t get a ton of channels, but some local networks are available in select markets. Depending on where you live, you may be able to access ABC, NBC, and/or Fox. If you do have local channels, your plan will be assessed an additional $5 local network fee each month. While you’re not guaranteed local coverage, Sling does have ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and more on the Orange Plan. Meanwhile, Sling Blue has FS1, NFL Network, and lots of other appealing networks.
An available sports extra costs $11 per month and features channels like ACC Network (ACCN), ACCNX, beIN SPORTS, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, Longhorn Network, MLB Network, MLB Network Strike Zone, NBA TV, NHL Network, and Pac-12 network.
How to watch locals with YouTube TV
| Plan | Cost per Month | Channels | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Plan | $72.99 | 100+ | Yes |
YouTube TV just has a single base plan, but it includes a fair amount of channels and local coverage, so it may be all you need. Plus, it’s really simple to sign up if you already have a Google account. In addition to local networks, you’ll get ESPN, ACC Network (ACCN), Big Ten Network (BTN), CBS Sports Network, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, Fox Sports 2, Golf Channel, NBA TV, and NFL Network. A Sports Plus adds more than 13 extra sports networks, including NFL RedZone. YouTubeTV also has unlimited DVR storage.
How to watch CBS on Paramount Plus
Paramount is owned by Paramount Global and serves as a streaming service for CBS content. In addition to watching content on-demand after it airs, you can also use Paramount Plus to watch your local CBS affiliate if you have Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME for $11.99 per month. The Paramount Plus Essential plan is just $5.99 per month but doesn’t include live streaming. Both plans include NFL on CBS Live and CBS News around the clock. You can try Paramount Plus for free for one week.
How to watch NBC on Peacock
Peacock has two monthly plans: Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus. The former plan is $5.99, while the latter is $11.99. Customers who choose Premium Plus can watch their local NBC affiliate station in the app. Both plans also come with an extensive on-demand library with NBC shows. Peacock has also begun creating original shows that you won’t find anywhere else and airing on demand.
FAQ
How can I watch local TV channels for free?
If you live in a metro area, you may be able to use an omnidirectional antenna to get local channels for free. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay for a streaming service or cable subscription to access these networks.
Is there a streaming service that has local channels?
Most major streaming services have local channels in their lineup. This includes Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV STREAM.
Is NBC on Peacock?
Yes, customers who pay for Premium Plus service can watch their local NBC affiliate 24/7. This plan costs $11.99 per month.
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