Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ seem to be taking over the home entertainment scene, though traditional cable is still a family favorite in numerous households across America. Local channels broadcasting the latest news, weather updates, live sports, and classic TV shows exhibit an unbeatable charm.
Have you considered switching from cable to a streaming service, but can’t make up your mind?
A detailed comparison should help:
Streaming vs. Cable: Which One Should You Choose?
Flipping through TV channels on a lazy Sunday morning or wrestling for the remote might seem second nature to you, but what if you have to let go? Maybe you’ve moved to a place where you cannot get a cable TV connection, or perhaps you want to cut the cord to reduce monthly expenses (why pay for 100+ channels when you only view about 10, right?)
Either way, there’s nothing to be upset about because you can watch local channels without cable. Intrigued? Stay tuned to learn how…
Can You Really Watch Local Channels Without Cable?
I’ll tell you like it is – it’s not only possible, but incredibly easy too. You can enjoy all your favorite cable TV channels without resorting to any illegal schemes.
I won’t be sharing links to suspicious and notorious sites that make users click on dozens of spammy ads or links for watching free content; steer clear of such platforms at all costs, as they are known to infect systems with viruses and malware.
Why put yourself at risk when you can access content using legal ways hassle-free?
Top Ways to Watch Local Channels Without Cable
Residents of rural or remote areas in the country may consider satellite TV options if there are no cable TV providers in the area. Satellite TV is relatively expensive, but it’s the best alternative for a traditional cable TV experience; moreover, it’s available almost everywhere.
Can’t find any cable TV service near you?
Then again, if you’re cutting the cord due to a tight budget or satellite TV doesn’t suit your situation for other reasons, let’s move forward. Below are 5 more ways to watch local channels without cable TV:
1- Over-the-Air (OTA) Antennas
The cheapest route to watch local TV channels without cable would be via an OTA antenna. An indoor or outdoor antenna can cut down your monthly TV expenses to zero, as it only involves a one-time cost. You just have to buy the antenna and set it up to enjoy unlimited free TV (no subscription required!)
OTA antennas can fetch you 100+ local channels, depending on your location. The cost of an antenna can be anywhere between $20 - $200; the price difference accounts for range and reception quality. Indoor antennas are generally cheaper (under $100), but outdoor antennas prevail in performance.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Antennas
🛜 Indoor Antenna
- Low-range: pick up channels from broadcast stations within a 20-mile radius.
- Compact and portable design; best for apartment dwellers in cities who have limited space and no access to a roof.
- Incoming signals are often blocked or disrupted by building materials and electronic appliances.
- Easy to set up/plug and play.
- Low maintenance and relatively durable.
📡 Outdoor Antenna
- Greater reach: can pick up channels from broadcast stations up to 80 miles away.
- Bulky design with mounting options; best for suburban and rural houses that are far away from broadcast stations.
- Antennas may incur damage in extreme weather conditions, thereby requiring repair or replacement.
- Proper mounting and positioning require a certain level of skill.
- Better reception and fetches more channels.
2- Live TV Streaming Services
One of the things people love about cable TV is all the live content they can view on local channels. Being able to see sports tournaments and other newsworthy events in real-time is what keeps a large part of the audience hooked.
The absence of conventional cable in a new neighborhood can be a bummer when you live for live entertainment. Luckily, subscribing to a live TV streaming service is a readily available and feasible option, as long as you have a decent internet connection and a compatible streaming device.
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV and FuboTV are the top streaming services for watching live programs on popular local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.
YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV vs. Sling TV vs. FuboTV
| Live TV Streaming Service | Starting Price | Number of Channels | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $59.99/mo.1 | 100+ | Yes – 10 days |
| Hulu + Live TV | $82.99/mo. | 95+ | Yes – 3 days |
| Sling TV | $35.99/mo.2 | 34 - 46 | No |
| FuboTV | $24.99/mo.3 | 100 - 300 | Yes – 1 month |
1. for your first 2 months, $82.99/mo thereafter for YouTube TV Base Plan. New users only. Cancel anytime. Terms apply. Offer ends July 31.
2. for your first month
3. $24.99 for the first month, then $29.99 per month.
3- Network Apps & Websites
Those of you who are only interested in a few local channels may consider using their website or mobile app rather than signing up for a bundled service. Many television networks let you view their programs for free or in exchange for a small service fee.
The top free network apps include:
- ABC News app – for all the latest scoop and updates in politics, business, weather, health, etc.
- CBS app – to stream all your favorite CBS shows and live broadcasts anytime, without login/registration
- NBC app – enjoy live streams, national news, classic shows, and content from more networks in one place.
- PBS app – watch heartwarming shows, award-winning documentaries, and live TV from the local PBS channel.
- Fox Local app – Keep up with breaking news and current affairs on the go
4- Free Streaming Services
Are paid streaming services out of your budget? No worries, because free streaming services exist for a reason. Many online streaming services like Pluto TV, NewsOn, and Tubi are ad-supported; this means you get on-demand content, live news, and more from a variety of local channels in exchange for sitting through commercials.
- All tthe latest episodes from CBS shows
- American classics (Sci-fi, Romance, Comedy, Action, Horror)
- Anime Series
- Live news programs
- Contemporay films; Gen-Z favorites
- On-demand shows
- Tubi originals
- News-centered platform
- Trending Topics
- Live news from a wide range of sources
5- HDHomeRun or Tablo DVR with Antenna
As mentioned above, OTA antennas are still a thing. HDHomeRun and Tablo are two companies that compete to take OTA television to the next level. The idea is to be able to record content and share it on multiple devices in your home. You’ll definitely love this approach if you’re tech-savvy and penny-wise.
HDHomeRun vs. Tablo
📺 HDHomeRun
- With HDHomeRun, users need to rely on personal recording and storage solutions.
- Costs $160 with antenna
- Requires an ethernet connection
- Integrates with a wider range of platforms like Plex
📺 Tablo
- Built-in DVR feature for recording and storage up to 128GB; ample for nearly 50 hours of movies/TV shows.
- Costs up to $130 with antenna
- Wi-Fi compatible
- Easy set up and user-friendly interface
How to Choose the Best Method for You
As you can see, there are plenty of options to catch up with your favorite television content without a cable connection. In case you still can’t decide which method to go for, let’s do a quick overview:
- If budget is your primary concern, go for free streaming services or an OTA antenna (small one-time investment)
- For the best of Live TV, choose a paid Live TV streaming service
- Network apps and websites offer ease of use (no setup or subscription required in most cases)
- Rural or remote residents who don’t have a reliable internet connection should opt for a wide-range outdoor antenna (or satellite TV if their budget allows)
- For maximum variety and unlimited content, choose a paid streaming service
FAQs
How can I view local channels without cable TV or internet?
OTA antennas are the budget-friendly solution to watch local television without cable or internet. Apart from that, Satellite TV is a pricier alternative that delivers a greater variety of channels and high-quality reception.
How can I watch local channels online?
To watch local channels online, you can either download the network app or use a streaming service (paid or ad-supported).
How to watch local channels for free?
Many local television networks let you view their content for free through their website or mobile app. You can check out free streaming services that include popular content from multiple local channels.
