Saturday, March 16, 2024

How To Get Free TV Channels Without Cable

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Discover Your Local Channels And Their Signal Strength

How to Watch Local Channels Without Cable

To find out which TV channels you can get over the air for free, we recommend visiting a site called TV Fool and using their signal locator tool. Simply enter your address and click on Find Local Channels.

Give it a few moments to load the next page. Once it loads, youll see what looks like a round diagram with various lines inside, as well as a list of channels off to the right, highlighted in different colors.

It can be a bit daunting trying to figure out what it all means, but the only thing you really need to pay the most attention to is the circular diagram. The lines you see are in various lengths, and each line represents a channel. The longer a line is and the closer it is to the center of the bullseye, the better the signal is for that channel based on your location.

The direction of the lines are important as well. The diagrams cross represents north, south, east, and west. As you can see from my diagram above, most of the broadcast signals are coming from the northeast, which means I should ideally place my antenna in the northeast corner of my house so that I can get the best signal possible.

From the list of channels on the right-hand side, you really only need to focus on the distance of the broadcasts signals, which tells you how far away they are.

Subscribe To Youtube TV

This is different than regular free YouTube. This is Googles cable-free live TV service.

It actually is one of the best streaming services. I think with all its features and bells and whistles, it may even be better for a lot of people than Hulu or Netflix.

YouTube TV costs $40 a month.

With it, you get live TV from over 60 networks including local sports and news.

Some of the best YouTube TV features include:

  • No cable box required.
  • Cloud DVR with no storage limits, so you never run out of storage space.
  • You can record different shows simultaneously.
  • You can stream your library wherever you are with an internet connected device
  • Each household gets 6 accounts so everyone can have their own personalized DVR.

If you like to try it, they are offering a 7 day free trial. You can see more details on YouTube TV intro page.

Don’t Have A TV Antenna Yet

If youre just getting started with free over-the-air TV, youll be in good company. Even many consumers who have switched to streaming video services, such as Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV, use an antenna for local stations not included with their package. In fact, a quarter of all U.S. households with internet service now use a TV antenna to get free TV service, according to research firm Parks Associates, up from 15 percent in 2018.

Having the right antenna can help you get more of your local channels. Our test results cover 19 popular antennas, ranging in price from $10 to $80 were in the midst of testing another batch of antennas right now. Your reception will also depend heavily on your distance from broadcast towers, along with topographysuch as mountains or tall buildingsthat could interfere with signals. Amplified models can often help pull in more distant stations.

A final reminder if youre shopping for an antenna: Make sure it can receive both VHF and UHF frequencies. Some antennas provide good reception for only VHF or UHF channels but not both. But to get all the stations you can receive in your area, youll need an antenna that can receive both.

James K. Willcox

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How To Get Cable TV Channels Without Cable/satellite

Using an antenna is great for getting your local stations plus the major networks and PBS. But what if you need certain cable TV channels like AMC, ESPN, or HGTV?

Happily, there are now more than a few companies offering live cable-TV-like streaming services over the Internet. Cost is a lot less than cable or satellite, and you can watch the shows on your computer, tablet, or phone, or on your TV using a streaming device.

One of my recommended streaming services is Sling TV, which has plans starting at $30 per month. You can get all of the channels below for $45 per month:

So, by using an antenna to get the networks and local channels for free, combined with a low-cost streaming service like Sling TV, you have an impressive package of channels for a fraction of the cost of cable! And there is no contract, and no dealing with the cable company!

If you cant get the networks using an antenna, dont fret, there are services that offer live TV channels for you. For more information on all of the options, check out my page on streaming services.

How To Get Free TV Channels Without Cable Or Satellite

How To Get Local TV Channels Without Cable for Free

Cable TV is one of the most expensive ways to get local and national channels. Depending on where you live, package prices start between $60 and $75. Depending on what channels you want to watch, cable TV can go as high as $100 a month.

If you want to cut the ties with cable, there are some fabulous options on the market. Lets explore some of the alternatives.

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Local Channels On Sling TV

Sling TV has limited NBC and FOX coverage in the Blue channel bundle.

Sling TV has two main channel bundles to choose from. The Orange plan has about 34 channels. But only the Blue plan carries local NBC and FOX in a small number of markets. Use the map below to see what local stations are available in your area.

A subscription costs $35 per month for one of the main channel bundles. Sling is offering $25 off the first month for new and returning subscribers. There is no contract. Customers can subscribe on a month-to-month basis.

How To Watch TV Without Cable In 2021

We know that many of our visitors are looking for an all-in-one guide to cord-cutting with an as-simple-as-possible explanation of how to watch TV without cable. So that’s what we’re setting out to do here. In this guide, we’ll explain the importance of learning how to watch TV without cable after or, preferably, even before you cut the cord. We’ll cover the main ways to replace live TV and on-demand content, the best devices to use to stream that content, and the pros and cons of each type of service and device. We’ll wrap things up with a summary, plus a reminder of why we run this site and where you might want to go next. So read on: this is how to watch TV without cable.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to stream TV Without Cable:

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Option : Try Freebie Services Such As Amazon News And Newson

If its local news that youre after, you may be able to get by with some of the programming from emerging free streaming services.

Amazon News is the latest of these to offer free news updates from local channels in 88 U.S. markets.

To access this feature, youll need the Amazon News app that is located on the Fire TV Streaming devices.

Once youre on the app, youll be able to choose from a menu of local channel newsfeeds. Typically, youre offered the channels that are closest to your location.

In my case, I was able to get news and weather from my local CBS affiliate for free.

Keep in mind that this is not actually a live stream of the channels over-the-air broadcast.

Instead, its highlights and clips from newscasts and other local programming.

If youre a Roku user, there is a similarly interesting option there called NewsON that touts access to more than 275 local news sources across the country.

Watch Local Channels Online Through Streaming Services

How to Get Free HD TV Channels Without Cable

If you have already have streaming services like Hulu or Netflix you may be able to watch TV programmings from your local stations as well.

You can easily watch shows on your laptop or tablet, but you might prefer to watch shows on your TV.

There two main ways to do this.

  • Get local stations using your laptop

Theres a super simple way to watch the content that networks post online and from streaming services, like Hulu, through your TV.

All you need is your laptop and an HDMI cable, which you can pick up on Amazon for less than $7, and internet connection.

Dont have or dont want to pay for the internet? Reads our post on how to get free internet access.

Simply connect your laptop to the TV using an HDMI cable, and play the show youre interested in. Your TV will display what your laptop screen is displaying.

Theres an article here that you should definitely check out. It goes into more detail about how to set it up.

  • Get local stations on Roku

As mentioned above, apps like Hulu and Netflix offer some broadcast network shows.

While you can use the above method to stream content to your TV, you can also use Roku.

Its a set-top box that acts as a streaming player. Essentially, you use this device to connect to different video streaming services over the internet, using apps or channels, as Roku calls them.

Your Roku device streams content directly to your TV.

You can also visit this page if you want to learn more about how Roku works.

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What I Use To Watch TV Without Cable

I actually use three of the five options in this article. I personally use the$5.99 Hulu plan, the $13.99 Netflix plan, and I have access to Amazon Prime Video because of my annual Prime membership.

Between these options, I can watch nearly any show or movie that I desire. My monthly cost is $19.98 for Netflix and Hulu. I dont count the Amazon Prime Video cost because I get that as a part of my $119 annual Prime membership fee.

To stream my favorite movies and shows, I use a Roku device.

How To Get Free Hd Channels Without Cable TV Service

Here is how to get free digital HD channels without cable or satellite TV service no cable box needed!

Are you thinking about getting a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu and setting up an antenna for local channels? Its easy to get SD , HD and soon 4k channels without a cable box if you have the right equipment and decent reception at your home or office. Its often referred to as cord cutting . To get free TV channels you just need a TV and antenna ! Read on for more details!

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Consider Sharing A Video Streaming Service Account

If you want easy and free access to all of your favorite cable TV content, streaming services are the best option. But they do come with monthly fees.

However, you can get around those fees if youre able to share someone elses account. Many streaming services allow for multiple users. You just need the login information.

Ask your friends and family if theyre willing to let you use their streaming subscriptions. If theyre already paying for these services and havent maxed out their available users , see if you can become one. Then, you can browse all of the titles available on Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, and so many more without paying anything at all.

If youre worried that sharing a streaming account isnt legal or fair, dont worry too much. Its incredibly common, and companies expect this. Approximately one-fifth of young adults share streaming service logins, and Netflixs CEO even said that sharing passwords is par for the course.

Streaming Local Channels Free

(Free TV) How to get channels without cable or antenna ...

I understand that not everyone wants to use an antenna. Many are looking to steam their local channels. The streaming service Locast used to be the best option for streaming local networks free. Unfortunately, Locast suspended operations after losing a court decision to ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. While there isnt a long-term solution to steaming these local solutions, you could take advantage of free trial options from the services in the list below. They all stream local network channels in TV markets across the US if you need a more short-term solution to watch something on local channels now.

More details and information on these services are provided in the next section.

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Stream Cable TV Online Yourself

If youre hesitant to give up your favorite cable TV channels and shows, you arent alone. But thanks to the popularity of streaming and watching TV online, there are ways to actually watch cable TV online.

Most people are already paying for high-speed internet. So, why not take advantage of your internet and use it to watch cable TV for free?

You just need to search for free TV services online. There are plenty available today, including:

  • TV.com: A website dedicated to TV programming, where you can watch your favorite TV shows for free.
  • Network Websites: The popular cable networks have their own websites. And they actually let you watch their programs the same day their air. You can also watch previous seasons and old episodes.
  • Classic Television Online: This website lets you watch classic TV shows for free. You can watch daytime TV shows, old prime-time specials, and even late-night shows.
  • Roku Devices: For a small investment, you can buy a Roku device and tune in to plenty of TV for free. Roku offers past and current TV show episodes from many different channels.
  • YouTube TV: A newcomer online, YouTube TV gives you the opportunity to watch TV shows from popular cable networks right online.

Ways To Watch TV Without Internet Or Cable

In this post, Im going to show you how to watch TV without cable and save $100 a month!

What would you do with an extra $100 a month?

Would you take your spouse out to a nice dinner or purchase a new item for your wardrobe?

No matter what you would do, an extra $100 a month is a win.

According to the Leichtman Research Group, cable bills have increased by 37% from 2011-2015. This is about 8 times the rate of inflation. The average TV packages were $103 per month.

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Stream Network Shows On

Another way to catch primetime network television is Hulu On-Demand, NBC Peacock, and Paramount+. This combination will provide several hit primetime shows on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and The CW. You can give Hulu a try to see if you like the service. If youre looking for PBS shows, you can watch through the PBS app. It is available on almost any device.

While Paramount+, Hulu, and the PBS app is supported on most browsers, tablets, and smartphones, you probably want to watch these shows on television. To do that, all you need is a streaming device like Roku.

These devices connect to various video services over the internet using apps They then stream the video directly to your TV.

Local Channels On Fubo TV

How to Get Free TV Watch digital channels without paying cable or satellite fees

FuboTV offers live local Fox, ABC, NBC, and CBS in select markets. This service also includes networks known for sports like FS1, FS2, beIN Sports, NBCSN, BTN, and more. You can see whats available at FuboTV through this 1-week free trial. We cover this streaming service in-depth in our Review of FuboTV.

FuboTV is available on major platforms, including AppleTV, AndroidTV, Roku, and Amazon FireTV. The price of their Family Plan is $64.99 per month after the free trial. That includes a cloud DVR with 250 hours of storage and the ability to watch on 3 devices at once.

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How To Ditch Cable And Still Watch Your Favorite TV Shows

Shared on January 22, 2020This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. See the disclosure policy for more information.

I am a TV fan. Im certain youre not supposed to admit that outside of therapy, but I know Im not alone. While I enjoy my television shows, our family budget just doesnt like the $100+ monthly cable or satellite bill.

So, whats a TV-lovin girl to do?

Like you, Ive seen all the people who proclaim Netflix replaced our cable and we havent looked back! People who say that clearly didnt watch much TV when they had cable. And those people are the ones who use the library to rent movies. I cant handle that type of responsibility. Our seven library cards filled with fines prove that.

Im here to tell you that you absolutely can watch most of your favorite network television shows for about $15 a month plus the cost of a streaming device. And, if you need live TV to watch sports, you can do that for no more than $50 a month.

Take that, .

Heres the non-techy guide to ditching your cable or satellite and still watch your favorite television shows and live sporting events:

In order to watch TV and movies without cable or satellite, you need three things:

  • An internet connection
  • Lets dive into each one.

    Get internet.

    Get a streaming device.

    Here are your streaming device options:

    Roku Box or Stick

    Apple TV

    A streaming-capable gaming device

    Netflix

    Showtime

    Disney+

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