Watch Local TV Without a Cable Subscription

Cable TV subscriptions have dropped from 76% to 56% of US households between 2015 and 2021 — and the decline continues. But many people hesitate to cut the cord because they want to keep local TV channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS. Good news: you have more options than ever.

Option 1: Subscribe to a Live TV Streaming Service

Live TV streaming services include local broadcast channels in most markets. Here are the top choices:

  • DIRECTV Stream — Includes ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX in most markets. Starts at $69.99/month.
  • Hulu + Live TV — Local CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX in most markets. $82.99/month.
  • YouTube TV — ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS in most markets. $72.99/month.

Option 2: Use an HD Antenna (Free!)

An HD antenna is the simplest, cheapest way to get local TV. Modern digital antennas pick up broadcast signals over the air in high definition — completely free after the one-time purchase.

A basic indoor antenna like the Mohu Leaf costs $25–$50 and receives channels within 25–35 miles of broadcast towers. For rural areas, an outdoor amplified antenna ($50–$150) can pick up signals from 50–70+ miles away.

Tip: Visit AntennaWeb.org and enter your ZIP code to see exactly which channels you can receive with an antenna at your address.

Option 3: Streaming Services with Local Channels

Some on-demand platforms include local content:

  • Paramount+ — CBS live stream in select markets. From $5.99/month.
  • Peacock — NBC live stream in select markets. From $5.99/month.
  • Hulu — ABC, FOX content available on-demand. From $7.99/month.

Option 4: Free Streaming Services

Several free, ad-supported streaming services offer local news content:

  • NewsON — Free app with live local news from 200+ affiliate stations
  • Amazon News — Free local and national news aggregation
  • Pluto TV — Free ad-supported streaming with news channels
  • Tubi TV — Free movies and TV with some local content

Bottom Line

For most cord-cutters, the best approach is combining a free HD antenna (for completely free local channels in HD) with a streaming service subscription for entertainment. This typically costs $15–$25/month less than a basic cable package while delivering better picture quality on local channels.