Keeping It Local: How To Stream Local Channels
Think you can’t stream local TV channels? Think again—we’ve researched several options to show you how.
One of the shortcomings of live TV streaming is the lack of local channels—not every service carries all of your local broadcast stations. This means you could miss out on your favorite shows from ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The CW, PBS, Telemundo, and others, not to mention local news and sports programming.
Of the live TV streaming services we’ve reviewed, we think YouTube TV gets you the most local channels at the best price. Read on for the deets on YTTV, as well as other options for streaming local channels—you’ll be seeing obnoxious local car dealership commercials in no time.
Best live TV streaming services for local channels
| Service | Price | Channels | Local channels* | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
YouTube TV Our pick |
$72.99/mo. | 100+ | 10 |
View plans Read YouTube TV review |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99–$89.99/mo. | 95+ | 7 |
View plans Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Fubo | $32.99–$99.99/mo. | 65–260+ | 8 |
View plans Read Fubo review |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $69.99–$159.99/mo. | 75–150+ | 7 |
View plans Read DIRECTV STREAM review |
| Sling TV | $40.00–$55.00/mo. | 30–45+ | 3 |
View plans Read Sling TV review |
| Paramount+ | $5.99–$11.99/mo. or $59.99–$119.99/yr. | 30+ | 1 |
View plan Read Paramount+ review |
| Peacock | $5.99–$11.99/mo. or $59.99–$119.99/yr. | 50+ | 1 |
View plan Read Peacock review |
*Availability varies by area. Data effective as of post date.
As you can see, YouTube TV has the most local channels of any live TV streaming service. It’s also worth noting that YouTube TV and DIRECTV STREAM are the only live TV streaming services that carry your local PBS station.
Pro tip: Some local affiliate stations have their own streaming apps that allow you to watch local news, weather, and sports for free. Likewise, if you have a cable TV subscription, you can stream local channels using your provider’s app on your phone or tablet.
Also, Sling TV might seem like a bad idea if you want to stream local channels, but you can pair the service with an HD antenna and you’ll be in business in no time flat.
In fact, Sling TV sometimes offers free HD antennas as a sign-up promotion, so check out our Sling TV Deals page for the latest offers.
Local channels on YouTube TV ($72.99/mo.)
YouTube TV, besides being our editorial choice for best overall live TV streaming service, it also features complete local channel lineups in most markets. It even has PBS, which is a rare get. YouTube TV’s cable channel selection (100+) and unlimited DVR are also pretty sweet.
YouTube TV local channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, PBS Kids, MyTV, Telemundo, Univision, and The CW (The CW is on-demand only in most markets).
Save money with Frontier: Frontier internet customers will save $10.00/mo. ($120.00 total) when they bundle YouTube TV with a qualifying fiber internet plan.
Local channels on Hulu + Live TV ($76.99–$89.99/mo.)
Hulu + Live TV’s local channel lineups are nearly as inclusive as YouTube TV’s, minus PBS. It also has fewer cable channels than YouTube TV, but Hulu + Live TV more than makes up for this with its massive on-demand library of 10,000+ shows, movies, and original content. Its primary base plans even include Disney+ and ESPN+ for added entertainment.
Hulu + Live TV local channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo, and The CW (The CW is on-demand only in most markets).
Local channels on Fubo ($32.99–$99.99/mo.)
Fubo boasts super-sized channel lineups (65–260+ channels) and all the international soccer coverage you could ever want, as well as local channels. But its local channel availability is spottier than YouTube TV or DIRECTV STREAM, so it’s less certain if your area will be covered.
Fubo local channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo, UniMás, Univision, and The CW (The CW is on-demand only in most markets).
Local channels on DIRECTV STREAM ($69.99–$159.99/mo.)
Like its satellite cousin, DIRECTV STREAM carries local channels in most markets. It’s also one of the more expensive live TV streaming services but, if you like having a large array of channels to choose from (including regional sports networks), DIRECTV STREAM is worth checking out.
DIRECTV STREAM local stations: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The CW, PBS Kids, and Telemundo.
Pro tip: A standard HD antenna can get you all the local channels you need in most areas. Check out our Best Antennas for Cord Cutters page for more recommendations.
Local channels on Sling TV ($40.00–$55.00/mo.)
Sling TV probably isn’t going to be anyone’s go-to choice for local channels since Sling only carries ABC, NBC, FOX stations in select markets, and one of its plans doesn’t have any local channels. Still, Sling TV’s price is right: Sling Blue, the plan with ABC, NBC, and FOX, is only $40 a month.
Sling TV local channels: ABC, NBC, and FOX. See our guide to Sling TV Local Channels for more information
Local channels on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME ($5.99–$11.99/mo. or $59.99–$119.99/yr.)
If your local broadcast affiliate of choice is CBS, and you don’t need other local channels like ABC, NBC, and FOX, subscribe to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and you’ll get your live local CBS feed.
Paramount+ local channels: CBS
Local channels on Peacock ($5.99–$11.99/mo. or $59.99–$119.99/yr.)
Just like Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and CBS, the NBC Universal-owned Peacock lets you stream your live local NBC feed if you get the Peacock Premium Plus plan ($11.99 monthly). Again, you won’t get ABC, CBS, FOX, and other local channels—but maybe you’re an NBC stan and don’t care about that.
Peacock local channels: NBC
How to watch local channels FAQ
Which streaming service is the best for local channels?
The live TV streaming service that gets you the most local channels is YouTube TV, thanks to its inclusion of PBS and PBS Kids. Hulu + Live TV and Fubo also stream most local channels in several markets. Sling TV will only get you ABC, NBC, and FOX channels, and skinny-bundle live TV streamer Philo features no local channels.
What is the cheapest way to stream local channels?
The cheapest way to get local channels is with a digital over-the-air antenna. For a one-time purchase, usually under $50, you’ll have free access to all local broadcast channels for life (or at least until your cat chews through the antenna wire—it happens).
Can I get local channels through Paramount+ or Peacock?
With the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan ($11.99 a month), you can stream your local CBS affiliate station on Paramount+, thanks to shared corporate ownership. NBCUniversal’s Peacock extends a similar courtesy in its Premium Plus plan ($11.99 a month)—allowing you to stream your local NBC station.
Can I stream local channels for free?
No, you can’t stream local channels for free, but you can get them for about $20–$50 if you use an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. That’s a one-time payment, not a subscription.
