Short answer: the cheapest way to get local channels without cable is an antenna: a one-off purchase that brings in your local ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS and often dozens of extra subchannels for free. If an antenna won't work where you live, the next-cheapest routes are single-network apps (Paramount+ Premium for CBS, Peacock Premium Plus for NBC) and then full live TV services. The catch: no single streaming app carries all four big networks cheaply, and some local stations, especially ABC and Fox, are only streamed live inside a full live-TV package.
At a glance
Local channels without cable
| Free option | Antenna (if in range) |
| Live CBS | Paramount+ Premium, about $14/month |
| Live NBC | Peacock Premium Plus |
| All four networks | Live TV services, about $45-$90/month |
| Always free, anywhere | PBS app, some local news streams |
Start with an antenna
Local stations broadcast their signal free over the air. Every TV sold in the US in the last decade and a half has a tuner built in; you only need an antenna connected to the coaxial input and a channel scan in the TV's settings.
What you get: the main networks in your area, PBS, independent and Spanish-language stations, plus subchannels carrying classic TV, films, weather and more. In big cities, 50 or more channels is common.
What it costs: roughly $20 to $60 for a decent indoor antenna, more for an outdoor or attic model. There's nothing to pay after that.
What it does better than streaming: a clean picture, no buffering, essentially no delay behind live, and it works when the broadband doesn't. For a fuller comparison, see OTA antenna vs IPTV.
Check what you can receive
Before buying, put your address into the FCC's DTV reception map. It lists the stations expected at your location, their signal strength and the direction of each tower.
- Strong signals, towers within about 25 miles: an indoor antenna in a window usually works.
- Moderate signals or 25 to 50 miles: try a larger indoor antenna high up, or go to the attic.
- Weak signals, hills, or 50+ miles: outdoor, roof-mounted, pointed at the towers.
Rescan every time you move the antenna, and try several spots: a metre can make the difference. Stations are also upgrading to the new NextGen standard, which may affect tuners you buy in future; our ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV guide explains what to watch for.
Network-by-network streaming options
If an antenna isn't practical, some networks offer their live local station inside their own apps. Coverage depends on your market and on local affiliate agreements. Prices as of mid-2026.
| Network | Standalone live option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CBS | Paramount+ Premium (about $14/month) | The cheaper Essential tier doesn't include the live local feed |
| NBC | Peacock Premium Plus | The basic Premium tier doesn't include the live local station |
| ABC | No standalone live feed | Via live TV services; shows next day on Hulu |
| Fox | Fox One (subscription) | Includes local Fox stations in many markets; check yours |
| PBS | PBS app, free live stream in many areas | Passport membership adds the back catalogue |
The local station itself may also run a free app with its newscasts, and major stations stream their news bulletins live on their websites.
Live TV services with locals
If you want all the networks plus cable channels in one place, a live TV streaming service replaces cable most directly. Approximate mid-2026 base prices:
| Service | Approx. price | Local networks |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | About $83/month | ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS in most markets |
| Hulu + Live TV | About $90/month | ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox in most markets |
| DirecTV MyNews | About $45/month | ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC plus news networks |
| Fubo | Varies by plan | Most networks in most markets |
| Sling Blue | From about $46/month | NBC and Fox in a limited number of markets only |
DirecTV's genre packs, including MyNews, rose in price in June 2026, and YouTube TV and Sling have also changed prices in the past year. Enter your ZIP code on each service's site to see exactly which local stations you'd get; carriage disputes can remove a station temporarily.
Free local news and PBS
Even without an antenna or subscription, some local content is free and legal online.
Local news streams. Station groups run 24-hour or scheduled news streams inside free apps such as Haystack News, the Roku Channel, Pluto TV and their own station apps. Coverage depends heavily on where you live.
Network news channels. ABC News Live, CBS News 24/7 and NBC News NOW are free streams, national rather than local but updated all day.
PBS. The PBS app streams many member stations live for free.
These free apps are covered in more detail in our guide to free live TV streaming apps.
Cheapest combinations that work
$0 a month: antenna plus free streaming apps. Locals, PBS and hundreds of free channels. The best starting point for most households within range of the towers.
Around $15 to $30 a month: antenna plus one on-demand service. The antenna covers live locals, and one paid app covers the shows you'd otherwise miss.
Around $45 to $60 a month: antenna plus Sling or a similar cable-channel package without locals. Classic cord-cutting maths: the antenna fills Sling's local gap.
Outside antenna range: a live TV service with locals, or Paramount+ Premium and Peacock Premium Plus if CBS and NBC are the main networks you need.
Pitfalls to avoid
"Free cable" antennas. Adverts promising hundreds of premium channels from an antenna are misleading: an antenna only receives what's broadcast locally.
Cheap all-channel "IPTV" deals. Packages advertising every local and premium channel nationwide for a few dollars a month almost never have the rights. They disappear without warning, and payments rarely come back. Our guide on what's legal in the US covers how to tell.
Wrong tier. Both Paramount+ and Peacock sell tiers without the live local feed. Check the plan, not just the app.
Location checks. Streaming services determine your local stations by your device's location or home area. Travelling usually changes what you see.
Quick answers
How can I watch local channels for free? With an antenna connected to your TV. The PBS app and some free local news streams are also available without subscription.
What's the cheapest streaming service with local channels? For a single network, Paramount+ Premium (CBS) or Peacock Premium Plus (NBC). For all four big networks, DirecTV MyNews was among the lowest-priced at around $45 a month in mid-2026.
Can I get ABC without cable? Free with an antenna, or live through YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV and Fubo. ABC shows also appear on Hulu the next day.
Does Sling have local channels? Only in a limited number of markets, and only certain networks. Most Sling users add an antenna.
Do I need internet for an antenna? No. Antenna TV works without any internet connection.
Will an indoor antenna work for me? Usually if you're within about 25 miles of the transmitters with few obstructions. Check the FCC reception map for your address first.
Can I record local channels? Yes, with an OTA DVR or network tuner for antenna channels, or with the cloud DVR included in most live TV services.
Streaming prices, plan names and local station carriage change frequently and vary by market. Prices are approximate US figures before tax. Checked September 2026.