People are looking for ways to cut the cord and save money on TV bills. However, watching local channels without cable is one of the challenges of cord-cutting. Local channels are important for staying updated on your area’s news, weather, sports, and entertainment. Fortunately, there are several options for watching local channels without cable in 2024. This article, on how to watch local channels without cable in 2024 will explore some of the best alternatives to cable TV that offer local channels, such as streaming services, digital antennas, and channel apps.
Best alternatives to watch local channels without Cable in 2024
Here we will explore some of the best alternatives to cable TV that offer local channels, such as local channel free streaming services, digital antennas, and channel apps.
1. Streaming Services:
One of the most popular and convenient ways to watch local channels without cable in 2024 is to subscribe to a live TV streaming service.
Streaming services are online platforms that let you watch TV shows and movies on demand and live TV channels. Some of the best streaming services for local channels are:
YouTube TV:
YouTube TV is the best overall choice for a streaming service offering live TV, and it’s the only place to get the NFL SUNDAY TICKET. It scored highest on Allconnect’s TV streaming ranking due to its high channel count and unlimited DVR storage1. It is one of the more expensive TV streaming options; however, if you want something comparable to cable TV without the contracts and installation hassle, YouTube TV is worth the expense.
Hulu + Live TV:
Hulu + Live TV is the best option for live national sports, as it offers a wide range of sports channels, including ESPN, FOX Sports, NBC Sports, and CBS Sports.
It has a large library of on-demand content, including original shows and movies. It has a lower channel count than YouTube TV but is also cheaper. But sometime we can face Hulu errors 502 and here we have compiled a piece of information on How to fix Hulu error code 502.
Fubo TV:
fuboTV is the best option for international sports fans, as it offers more than 30 sports channels worldwide, including beIN Sports, TUDN, GOLTV, and Eleven Sports. fuboTV also has a good selection of local, news, and entertainment channels. fuboTV has a high channel count and DVR storage, but it is also one of the most expensive streaming services.
Sling TV:
Sling TV is a good plan for local channel affiliates like FOX and NBC and popular cable channels like CNN, AMC, and TNT. It has two base packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, that you can combine for more channels.
It is one of the cheapest streaming services, but it has a low channel count and DVR storage and does not offer CBS or ABC.
Philo:
Philo is the cheapest TV streaming service, with a skinny bundle of 70+ channels for $25/mo. It offers a lot of entertainment and lifestyle channels, such as HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, and Hallmark. It does not offer any local, sports, or news channels, so it is best for cord-cutters not interested in those genres.
2. Digital Antenna: To Watch Local Channels Without Cable in 2024
Another way to watch local channels without cable is to get a digital antenna. A digital antenna is a device you can attach to your TV or place near a window to receive free over-the-air TV signals from local broadcast stations. Depending on your location and signal strength, a digital antenna can access local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS.
A digital antenna is a one-time purchase that does not require any monthly fees or subscriptions. However, a digital antenna may not work well in some areas, especially if you live far away from the broadcast towers or have obstacles like buildings or mountains blocking the signals. You may also need to adjust the antenna position or direction for the best reception.
3. Channel Apps: To Watch Local Channels Without Cable in 2024
A third option to watch local channels without cable is to subscribe to a specific channel’s app or website.
Many local channels have apps or websites that let you stream live or on-demand content. For example, you can watch the live stream of your local news station’s newscast on their website or YouTube page, or you can watch your favorite local shows on their app.
What are the best channel apps or websites that offer local content?
The best channel apps or websites that offer local content are:
CBS All Access:
CBS All Access is a streaming service that offers live and on-demand content from CBS and its affiliates. You can watch local CBS stations, CBS shows, movies, sports, and originals. CBS All Access costs $5.99/mo. With ads or $9.99/mo.
NBC Peacock:
NBC Peacock is a streaming service that offers live and on-demand content from NBC and its affiliates. You can watch local NBC stations and NBC shows, movies, sports, and originals.
NBC Peacock has a free tier with limited content and a premium tier with more content for $4.99/mo.
FOX NOW app:
FOX NOW is an app that lets you stream live and on-demand content from FOX and its affiliates. You can watch local FOX stations and FOX shows, movies, sports, and news. FOX NOW is free to download, but you need to sign in with a TV provider to access some content.
ABC app:
ABC is an app that lets you stream live and on-demand content from ABC and its affiliates.
You can watch local ABC stations and ABC shows, movies, sports, and news. ABC is free to download, but you need to sign in with a TV provider to access some content.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about how to watch local channels free or without cable in 2024:
Q: Which streaming service has the most local channels?
A: YouTube TV has the most local channels, as it offers more than 100 local channels from around the country, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and more.
Q: How can I watch local channels for free?
A: You can watch local channels for free using a digital antenna or visit your local news stations’ websites or YouTube pages.
Q: Can I watch local channels on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Chrome Cast?
A: Yes, you can watch local channels on these devices by using streaming services, digital antennas, or channel apps. You can also use these devices to mirror or cast your phone or computer screen to your TV.
Q: Do I need the internet to watch local channels?
A: You do not need the internet to watch local channels if you use a digital antenna. However, you need the internet to watch local channels if you use streaming services or channel apps.
Q: What are the best local channels to watch in 2024?
A: The best local TV channels in 2024 depend on your preferences and interests. The most popular local channels are the major network affiliates, such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS, as they offer a variety of news, sports, and entertainment programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways to watch local channels without cable in 2024. Depending on your preferences, budget, and location, you can choose from streaming services, digital antennas, or channel apps. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so you should compare them carefully. No matter which option you choose, you can enjoy local content without paying for expensive cable TV.
