When you are used to cable service, you can feel a little lost without it. We are so used to turning on the television to our favorite channels that it can be a bit jarring when you finally cut the cable cord. That doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your favorite shows and events. You can still stream local channels using several different services, including these top picks.
- Hulu + Live TV – Get 65+ channels along with a library of 8,000+ on-demand titles, and you can bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ for even more great content.
- YouTube TV – You won’t miss a thing with YouTube TV’s 98% coverage of U.S. local programming.
- fuboTV – It’s not only about sports anymore with full local programming by fuboTV.
Best streaming services to watch local channels at-a-glance
| Streaming service | Price | Free trial? | Free trial length |
| Hulu with Live TV | $54.99 | Yes | 7 days |
| YouTube TV | $64.99 | Yes | 7 days |
| fuboTV | $54.99 | Yes | 7 days |
How to live stream local channels
When you’re ready to cut that cable cord, it’s hard to part with your local networks, but live streaming provides the best of both worlds. With easy convenience and affordability, you can ditch the cumbersome cable boxes and contracts and instead move to a cheaper, more flexible alternative that will give you access to your favorite shows, no matter where you are.
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- fuboTV
Watch local channels on Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV brings local affiliates of CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC with additional regional programming.
Hulu Live is an excellent way to stream local TV networks because it offers 50% more coverage than its closest competitor. Subscribers enjoy live streaming of over 50 popular TV networks with no requirement for a contract or commitment. The service is a full-blown cable alternative, serving up all of your favorite channels at a fair price. It also includes a huge bonus: a large on-demand library that is similar to Netflix and includes TV shows, movies and Hulu Originals.
Check out our Hulu Live review for all the details, review the entire Hulu Live channels list and sign up today for your Hulu Live 7-day free trial.
Get 65+ channels along with a library of 80,000+ TV episodes and movies on-demand! Bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ for even more great content.
Watch local channels on YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers local channels galore with 98% coverage of local networks, including ABC, FOX, CBS and NBC.
YouTube TV is another solid option to stream local channels. The service runs $64.99 per month and does not require a contract. You will get essential channels like ESPN, HGTV and TNT, in addition to any available regional programming. There are also three simultaneous streams included with your account – enough for the whole family.
Our YouTube TV review has the full scoop on this new service. Be sure to review the YouTube TV channels list before you kick things off with a free 7-day trial.
Watch local channels on fuboTV
Sports fans will delight in local network coverage paired with popular favorites.
fuboTV used to be a streaming service designed for sports fans, but today it also provides primetime shows and family-friendly movies with something for everyone. Service includes a little bit of everything with over 85 channels and up to 500 hours of online cloud DVR storage with simultaneous streaming on multiple devices. At $55 per month, there’s no contract needed, so there are no commitments or fees to worry about.
Check out the entire fuboTV channel list before you sign up for fuboTV with a free 7-day trial, and enjoy the largest selection of live sports content!
Enjoy the largest selection of live sports content! Get 100+ channels with up to 500 hours of online cloud DVR storage and the option to stream on multiple devices simultaneously.
Our hot take
2020 brings plenty of options for your viewing pleasure, and although services like Amazon Prime and Netflix continue to be popular, many people still have a need for regional programming through local channels. Thankfully, you no longer have to choose between a cable service and a streaming service, because today’s streaming services offer it all.
Each service offers a free trial, so you can give them a test drive before parting with your hard-earned money.
Try our favorite streaming services today to find the best programming for your family!
- Hulu with Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Philo
- fuboTV
- Sling TV
- CBS All Access
- ESPN+
- Vidgo
