Best Streaming Services With Local Channels
Learn about the best streaming services with local channels (ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and more) available in your area.
There are countless streaming services, but they don’t all have the live TV and local channel options you may be craving. With that said, we've got you covered if you’re searching for affordable streaming services with local channels.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- Streaming services with local channels like ABC, NBC, and CBS.
- Our choice for the best overall streaming service with local channels.
- The cheapest streaming services with local channels.
- Where you can stream local channels for free.
Get started now!
Which Streaming Service Has ABC, NBC, & CBS?
Major broadcast networks that distribute local channels (i.e., ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc.) have a tight grip on the market. However, if you’re ready to “cut the cord” and get away from traditional cable TV offerings, a few of the best live-streaming services include channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and more.
Streaming Services At A Glance
To help you evaluate which service is right for you, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison table that details local channel coverage, pricing, cloud DVR capabilities, and device compatibility.
| Service | Local Channels (ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX/CW) | Monthly Price | Free Trial | DVR/Cloud Storage | Device Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DirecTV Stream | ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX | $69.99–$139.99/mo | 5 days | Unlimited (20 hours default) | Roku, Fire TV, browsers |
| YouTube TV | ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW | $64.99/mo | 5 days | Unlimited DVR (9 months saved) | Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Smart TVs |
| Hulu + Live TV | ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW (varies) | $69.99–$75.99/mo | No | Unlimited DVR | Roku, Fire TV, Android, iOS |
| FuboTV | ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX | $69.99–$99.99/mo | 7 days | 1000 hours DVR | Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast |
| Paramount+ | CBS only | $9.99/mo | 7 days | None | Roku, Fire TV, mobile, browsers |
| Sling TV | Limited (FOX, NBC in select cities) | $40–$55/mo | Varies | 50 hours DVR | Fire TV, Roku, mobile |
DirecTV Stream
When it comes to streaming services with local channels, DirecTV Stream’s paid plan is one of the first streaming services that comes to mind. It offers regional, national, and on-demand TV, movies, and programming.
If you live in a highly populated area, you’ll likely have access to most local TV channels. However, it’s essential to note that the exact local and sports channels available depend on your area.
DirecTV Stream Price: $69.99 - $139.99/month
Local Channels Available: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and regional sports networks
YouTube TV
YouTube TV launched in February 2017. Since then, it’s been a major disruptor in the industry. Presently, millions of people have switched off their traditional cable and converted to streaming their favorite movies, TV shows, and local channels on YouTube TV.
Most local channels are available on the YouTube TV paid plan. However, you’ll need to check to learn the specific channels available in your area.
YouTube TV Price: $64.99/month + additional add-ons
Local Channels Available: ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, PBS, The CW, Telemundo (all channels or a combination of them)
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV service offers a robust selection of live TV streaming services, including national channels, on-demand content, and popular regional and local TV channels.
That means, depending on where you live, you can watch your local news, weather, and sporting events whenever you like. Hulu + Live TV offers two packages: ad-supported Hulu + Live TV and Hulu without ads + Live TV.
Hulu + Live TV Price: $69.99 - $75.99/month
Local Channels Available: The CW, FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, Telemundo affiliates
FuboTV
FuboTV was originally a soccer (i.e., football) streaming service. Since then, they’ve expanded their library to more than 171 channels and 130 live events (included in the Elite Plan).
In addition to popular sports channel add-ons like NFL RedZone, ESPNews, and NCAA TV, FuboTV offers users access to popular local channels.
FuboTV Price: $69.99 - $99.99/month + additional add-ons
Local Channels Available: ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC
Paramount+ (For CBS only)
Suppose you want local channels, but you’re not picky about which ones you watch. In that case, the Paramount+ streaming service may be right for you. However, it’s important to note that its streaming service with live TV only includes one local channel (CBS).
Paramount+ Price: $9.99/month OR $99.99/year
Local Channels Available: CBS
Sling TV
Sling TV’s best feature is its flexibility, but its local channel coverage is limited to FOX News and NBC in certain cities. That being said, you get a lower price and full control over your channel line-up. A money-saving tip is to pair Sling TV with an OTA antenna for full free access to ABC, CBS, and other over-the-air locals.
Sling TV Price: $19.99 - $45.99/month
Local Channels: FOX, NBC (in select areas)
OTA & Free Options
If you’re not ready to pay for a full subscription but still want access to your favorite local programming, you have a few great OTA (over‑the‑air) and free streaming options available. These choices let you watch or supplement local channels without monthly fees — perfect for budget‑minded cord-cutters.
Use an HD OTA Antenna
The easiest way to watch ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and other broadcast stations for free is by connecting an HD antenna to your TV.
- Set up: Plug the antenna into your TV’s coaxial input, then scan for available channels.
- Range: Indoor antennas typically pull in stations within 25–50 miles, while outdoor models can stretch up to 100 miles.
- Bonus Tip: Many smart TVs and devices (like Roku or Fire TV) allow you to blend OTA channels right into your streaming home screen, so everything appears in one unified guide.
Free Streaming Apps for Local News
Can’t get a strong antenna signal? Don’t worry — several free streaming apps now carry local or regional news feeds, letting you stay informed without cable.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers dozens of live news channels (including local CBS News and regional feeds) — all completely free. The app runs on nearly every device, from Roku to smartphones.
Haystack News
Haystack aggregates coverage from hundreds of stations and news outlets, tailoring its feed based on your location and interests. Alongside national updates, it includes local news clips and livestreams in most markets.
Stirr
Owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Stirr provides direct local TV streams from its owned‑and‑operated stations. That means you can often watch your local FOX or ABC news broadcast for free within the app, depending on your area.
Local Stations’ Official Websites
Many network affiliates — especially ABC, CBS, and NBC — stream their own newscasts live on their websites or via YouTube Channels. Visiting your city’s local station pages is another simple, free way to stay up‑to‑date.
Device & Setup Guide
No matter which live TV streaming service you choose, it’s easy to get started — most platforms are built for plug‑and‑play use on nearly any modern device. Still, knowing exactly what’s supported can help you avoid one of the most common user pain points: having the right subscription but the wrong device.
Supported Devices
Here’s a quick list of compatible devices across major streaming providers:
- Roku: Works with almost every live TV service, including YouTube TV, Hulu, FuboTV, and Sling.
- Amazon Fire TV & Firestick: Fully supported by YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, Sling, and Paramount+.
- Apple TV: Ideal for smooth playback and cross‑app integration with services like Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV.
- Chromecast: Simple casting right from your phone or laptop for YouTube TV, Hulu, or Sling.
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, etc.): Download apps natively or via an app store.
- Game Consoles: Xbox and PlayStation platforms support major services through downloadable apps.
- Mobile Device & Tablets: iOS and Android apps let you stream, record, and cast directly to your TV.
Quick Setup Steps
For most streaming devices, setting up your service is usually pretty straightforward and follows these steps:
- Download your TV app of choice (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live, FuboTV, etc.).
- Sign in or start your free trial.
- Check local channel availability by entering your ZIP code during set up.
- Customize your channel lineup by adding favorite programs, recording local broadcasts, or creating profiles for each household member.
- Test your connection for stable WiFi or Ethernet speeds (minimum 10 Mbps recommended for HD streaming).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall best live TV streaming service for local channels?
The best streaming service for live TV that includes local channels depends on your needs, location, and budget. Overall, if you’re looking for local streaming TV services, the top-rated providers include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream.
However, you have tons of options if you’re not ready to cut the cord on your cable service just yet. Traditional providers like COX, Xfinity, and Spectrum offer local channels and streaming capabilities at affordable rates.
What is the cheapest streaming service with local channels?
YouTube TV is the most affordable option, at $64.99 per month, if you’re searching for a more comprehensive selection of local channels. With over 100 channel offerings, you get a lot for your money with this service.
How can I find the best free local channel streaming?
You must pay for most live TV streaming services offering local and major network affiliate channels. However, you can always stream local channels for free using an HD TV antenna. Additionally, you can check out their website for free live feeds, videos, and articles if you're just searching for local news. Many services also offer a free trial period so you can test different streaming options in order to choose the right one for you.
Do local channels stream live on these services?
Yes, most major live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV offer live local channels that stream in real time. However, availability can vary depending on your location (called your DMA or “Designated Market Area”).
Before signing up, use each provider’s “Check Availability” tool to confirm exactly which locals you’ll get.
Can I get local channels without paying?
It’s very possible to watch local networks for free:
- Use an HD over‑the‑air antenna to pick up broadcast signals from ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and more.
- Watch free local news streams on apps like Pluto TV, Haystack News, and Stirr, which carry city‑specific news, weather, and live sports updates.
- Many stations also stream live news directly on their official websites or YouTube channels.
Even if you don’t subscribe to a paid service, you can still stay up‑to‑date on local programming.
Which service offers the best DVR for locals?
YouTube TV consistently ranks as the top choice for cloud DVR features, especially when it comes to local channels. Every subscription includes unlimited DVR storage, recordings stay available for nine months, and you can stream or fast‑forward through recorded shows on any device.
Hulu + Live TV also offers unlimited DVR, while FuboTV includes up to 1,000 hours of storage. DirecTV Stream provides solid DVR functionality too (20 hours on the base plan, with upgrades available).
If recording live local news, sports, or primetime shows matters to you, go with YouTube TV for its reliability and flexibility.
Compare Top Streaming Services With SmartMove
It’s never been easier to cut the cord, personalize your lineup, and still keep your local favorites. With the perfect combination of streaming, free apps, and over‑the‑air access, you can enjoy live channels exactly how (and where) you want it — on any screen in your home.
SmartMove can connect you to the best streaming services with live TV in your area, or help you compare cable TV options.
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