Last updated Mar. 3, 2023 by Charles Zemub
There are many reasons to ditch your cable company and go OTA, including lower costs and more control over what you watch (and when). Today, we’ll discuss how you can get all those local channels without needing a pricey cable subscription.
Antenna
There are quite a few antennas on the market, but not all of them will give you access to local channels. You can check out our buying guide for some options, but we recommend investing in one with a signal amplifier.
An amplifier will improve your reception and help boost the signal from that antenna to make it even stronger.
With an antenna, you don’t have to pay any monthly fees or put up with high prices for equipment like satellite dishes do (and they’re much harder to install). Plus, they won’t break as quickly since they’re usually smaller than other types of antennas.
However, there are also some disadvantages: if trees or buildings block the path between your home and broadcast towers where local channels originate, then this may hinder how many channels work on your system; most standard indoor models definitely won’t work outside unless you move them around when using them inside so check before purchasing one off-the-shelf.
Streaming services
Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video are the most popular method of getting your television fixed without cable.
Each streaming service offers a different set of channels. If you’re willing to pay more monthly, you’ll get access to more channels and see fewer commercials while watching your favorite shows.
Streaming services also allow you to watch on your schedule, which is a significant advantage over traditional cable or satellite T.V. You can watch shows whenever you want, whether in the morning before work or during your lunch break.
This isn’t always true of local channels — many local networks will only show certain programs at specific times during the day.
Locust
Locust is a free service that streams local channels to your T.V. It’s available in select cities, and it works on most devices that support streaming—including Roku, Chromecast, Apple T.V., Amazon Fire T.V., Xbox One, and 360 consoles, Samsung smart TVs (2016 models or newer), and Android mobile devices.
If you want to use Locast but don’t have an internet connection fast enough for streaming video—or if you’re worried about the amount of data being used by watching shows online—you can watch Locast using AirPlay mirroring or Chromecast instead of casting directly from the app.
You’ll also need a subscription to Hulu with Live T.V. ($40/month) or PlayStation Vue basic plan ($30/month). In addition to those subscription costs, there are others associated with Locast: A credit card number is required for signup so new users can activate their accounts; after activation is complete, only US-issued debit cards can be used in place of credit cards.
NFL Game Pass
NFL Game Pass is a subscription service that allows you to watch live NFL games on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You can watch every game live or on-demand after the game. The app has a 30-day free trial, so you can try it before committing to anything long-term.
If you’re an avid football fan and want access to all of the games in one place (instead of paying for cable or satellite), this is worth considering as an option.
MLB.TV
MLB.TV is the official streaming service of Major League Baseball. Subscribers can watch live games, on-demand content, and highlights and listen to radio broadcasts.
MLB.TV is a subscription service that allows you to watch live games and on-demand content on your computer or mobile device for $24.99 monthly (with a 7-day free trial).
MLB has taken measures to ensure that its streams are available only legally. For example, suppose you’re traveling outside North America with your cable provider’s International Signal Package (IPS) subscription package.
In that case, you can still use it abroad—but not for streaming video services like Netflix or Hulu because those blocks are part of the IPS agreement between MLB and Comcast Xfinity subscribers in North America only.
NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass is a streaming service that gives you access to every NBA game, including the playoffs and finals. It’s $199 for the entire season or $39.99 per month.
If you want to watch on your phone and go, a monthly mobile subscription option for $17.99 lets you watch games on your phone or tablet via the official app (no cable needed). You can also watch on T.V. with a streaming device like an Apple T.V. or Roku if you have one of those devices already set up in your home—but be prepared: these devices are expensive.
If you’re looking for an alternative way to get local channels without cable, this one might be right up your alley.
NHL.TV
You can stream games live from your favorite NHL team and access highlights and full games on demand. You can watch games in another country or a different language to get extra local. And, of course, it’s not just hockey.
The service also offers access to other sports leagues like MLB and NFL football, boxing matches, and PGA Tour golf tournaments (in the U.S.).
You’ll need to download the app on your device (iOS or Android), create an account, and enter payment information before you can start streaming any of these games—but hey, that’s what we’re here for! We’ve got all the answers below:
Facebook Watch
Facebook Watch is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers both live and on-demand T.V. It’s available on your laptop or desktop so you can watch it at home or on the go. You can also stream Facebook Watch to your T.V. by connecting it to an Apple T.V. or Roku player using Airplay or Chromecast.
In addition to local channels in select markets (which we’ll discuss below), Facebook Watch has exclusive shows like “This Is America” from Childish Gambino and “Sorry for Your Loss,” starring Elizabeth Olsen.
How to Watch T.V. without Cable
There are several ways to watch T.V. without cable or the internet. You can opt for an antenna, which will pick up local stations. Or you can use a streaming device like Roku or Apple T.V. to stream content from apps like Netflix and Hulu. Many cord-cutters also turn to online video services like YouTube and Sling T.V. for their T.V. fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get local channels without cable?
An HDTV antenna is the best way to get local channels without cable. H.D. antennas come in all shapes and sizes, but the main thing to remember is that they’re designed to pick up over-the-air broadcasts.
Most H.D. antennas can be mounted on a wall or window, and s; some are designed to look like furniture when you’re not using them. You may need multiple antennas for a home with multiple rooms if you don’t want to run long cables from room to room.
Is there an app for local T.V. channels?
If you’re in the United States, there are several options for streaming local T.V. channels. There are fewer options if you’re outside the U.S.; they’re all third-party apps or websites.
Can you get ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku?
Yes, you can get ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku. You can only watch live T.V. on Roku by getting a subscription to Sling T.V.
Sling T.V. is a streaming service that provides access to live television channels for a monthly fee. Sling T.V. has two base packages: Orange and Blue. If you have the Sling Orange package, you will get 30 channels, including ESPN, CNN, and AMC. The Extras add-on pack can also add additional channels to your package.
How can I watch T.V. without cable or satellite?
Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video have thousands of shows and movies available anytime. You can also subscribe to premium channels like HBO Now and Showtime, which offer original programming unavailable on regular cable networks.
Which streaming services offer local channels?
The answer depends on where you live. If you’re in a city where the same company owns the local channels as the cable provider, you’ll likely be able to get local channels through that service. But if different companies serve your area, you may be unable to watch local channels online.
How do I get ABC, CBS, and NBC without cable?
Satellite or cable T.V. If you subscribe to either of these services, you can access all major networks and other channels. The only difference is that satellite service providers often require contracts, while cable companies do not.
What is my T.V. provider if I don’t have cable?
If you don’t have cable and are looking for another way to access the content you want, there are many options to consider. Your T.V. provider is the company that provides your internet service, so it can also be a source of streaming video.
Summary
You can get local channels without cable, and it is cost-effective.
You can get local channels without cable, which is legal and more cost-effective.
There are many ways to watch local channels without cable, so this guide will give you a few options to consider. Some of these options are more cost-effective than others, while some are more legal than others.
You may have to do a little research on your own to find the one that works best for you, but with so many options available, there’s no reason not to try it out.
