Easy Ways To Stream Free Tv Channels 13 Steps With Pictures

Leo Migdal

-Dec 11, 2025, 12:25 PM

easy ways to stream free tv channels 13 steps with pictures

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 13,402 times.

Have you "cut the cord" and got a streaming device to save money on cable? Most of the big streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have subscription fees, and many either don't come with live TV or make you pay extra! Fortunately, there are a several options for watching totally free TV on your Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, smart TV, or other streaming device without spending money on subscriptions. Just keep in mind that "free" means "ad-supported," so you'll have to watch some commercials! This wikiHow teaches you how to watch live free TV and on-demand content on your streaming device or smart TV. If you have a streaming TV device like an Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, or Apple TV, a smart TV, or a modern gaming system like PlayStation or Xbox, there are many ways to watch...

For live TV, try Peacock, The Roku Channel, Amazon Fire TV Live, Sling TV Free, Local Now, NewsON, Plex, Pluto TV, and Redbox Live TV. For on-demand shows and movies, check out Tubi, IMDb TV, Crackle, and Kanopy. Tech troubles got you down? We've got the tips you need In 2024, the top four most watched networks were ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. One of the main things watched on them was local news.

This often means one of the most common questions we get is how you can watch local channels for free without paying for cable TV. There are many options, from free services to paid options. Today, we are going to break down how to watch local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC free on Roku players and Roku TVs. Recently how to watch local news for free changed in the US now that NewsON was sold to Zeam. Today we are going to show you how to watch local news for free both with an antenna or streaming online. For most Americans, an antenna will give you free access to local channels.

This means you can watch your local news but also Primetime and daytime content for free from your local TV stations. Reception varies depending on where you live, but for most Americans, a one-time cost of an antenna will help you get free TV for life. You can use a site like Antennaweb to see what channels are free in your area. You can also use a device like an HDHomeRun or a Tablo DVR to stream your antenna to all of the Roku players in your house. Looking for ways to watch TV without paying for a subscription? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.

With cable bills rising and premium platforms charging more than ever, many viewers are exploring legal free TV options through streaming services, network websites, and free TV apps available on mobile and smart devices. In this guide, CableCompare.com breaks down the best platforms and methods to watch shows and movies at no cost. From ad-supported streaming to free network episodes and even your local library—we’ll show you how to watch smart and save big. Free TV refers to content that doesn’t require a monthly subscription. Instead, it’s typically supported by ads or publicly funded, meaning viewers can watch without paying out of pocket. Cable TV requires a paid subscription and a physical connection to a provider’s infrastructure.

Free TV relies on digital broadcasts or internet streaming, often with fewer features but no recurring fees. 4 Different Ways To Stream Local TV Channels For Free (2025) Looking to cut the cord but still catch live local coverage? Start with the simplest method: the OTA antenna. Over-the-air antennas pull broadcast signals directly from local transmission towers, giving you real-time access to major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW, and PBS. That means local news updates, live sports events, and community programming arrive straight to your screen without using Wi-Fi or data.

Setup is straightforward. Connect the antenna to your TV’s coaxial port, run a channel scan from your TV’s menu, and you’ll see what’s available in your area. The range of channels you receive depends on geography and signal strength, but tools like AntennaWeb.org will show exactly what you can expect based on your zip code. To improve picture quality and channel availability, opt for a hi-range or amplified model, especially if you're located far from transmission towers. While standard indoor antennas start around $20, more powerful versions may cost closer to $100. Either way, this is a one-time investment—no ongoing subscription required.

There are clear upsides: ✔️ zero monthly costs and ✔️ full HD quality. However, ❌ antennas lack portability and ❌ signal strength can be inconsistent in areas with heavy obstructions like mountains or high-rise buildings. Still, for many households, OTA antennas remain a reliable, cost-effective solution to stream local content absolutely free. In this article, you will find the absolute Best Live TV Streaming Sites & Services for viewing live channels on any device. Many of these websites provide free channels without paying for cable or an expensive service subscription. These live TV sites can be accessed on any media device with a web browser.

This includes computers, phones, tablets, Amazon Firestick/Fire TVs, Google/Android TV Boxes, Roku, and other streaming devices. Some of these websites provide links that are used by IPTV services and streaming apps which means you are going directly to the source for quality viewing. The downside of using live TV websites are the advertisements that are constantly popping up and are difficult to close out of. Those who want to block ads entirely should use the “CleanWeb” option from Surfshark VPN as it removes viruses and ads. Did you know you can now enjoy your favorite TV programs without the need for expensive cable or satellite subscriptions? Thanks to the growth of internet-based streaming, free live TV channels are more accessible than ever, allowing you to stay up to date with the latest news, sports, and entertainment from anywhere in the...

Whether you’re a news addict, a sports fan, or someone who enjoys tuning in to talk shows, cooking programs, or live events, the internet offers an impressive array of free live TV options to... Not only do these services help you cut down on cable costs, but they’re also available across a range of devices. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or a smart TV, you can stream your favorite live content anywhere with a stable internet connection. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular free online live TV channels that bring quality entertainment directly to your screen—no subscription needed. So stay tuned as we dive into the best options out there! ⚠️ Legal Warning: This site does not tolerate any form of piracy.

Any references to streaming or download sites are purely informational. We strongly encourage the use of legal services If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. I love TV; I hate paying for it. (Same goes for ice cream, but as a grown man I can't get anyone to buy me cones anymore.) Thankfully, it's now possible to cut the cord on not only your cable subscription, but...

No fewer than eight services will sling you movies, TV shows, news, original content and more, all completely free of charge. (OK, yes, you need an internet connection and some kind of device: phone, tablet, PC, TV, etc. But that's it!) What's the catch? Commercials, naturally — in most cases you'll have to sit through ad breaks, just as in the old antenna days. And there are limits as to what you can watch: Don't expect the latest blockbusters or hottest TV series.Or sports. While there are some sports channels here and there, they're mostly dedicated to the likes of talk shows, highlights, game reruns and the more obscure pastimes.

(Kickboxing and monster trucks, anyone?) As for news, many services offer headline- or recap-focused offshoots of both local and cable networks, which are a little different from the live channels you're accustomed to. (It's still news, though.)Indeed, with the free services it can be hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. A lot of the content is older, lesser-known or just not very good. And not all of it streams in high-definition. Nevertheless, if you're looking to watch an Oscar winner like Anora, a classic like The Godfather, a big-budget action film like Jurassic World, non-stop reruns of Cheers and Frasier or even the entirety of... Note that these are current as of August, 2025, but many of these services have rotating selections, so there may be some titles that have disappeared by the time you read this.

I'll do my best to keep the picks up to date. The best free TV streaming service overall The best free streaming service for movies Other free TV streaming services we like DirecTV is known for its comprehensive but pricey live TV packages, but now it's offering something a little more accessible in the form of MyFree DirecTV. DirecTV's newest service is completely free (they don't even ask for your credit card details) and airs channels like Dove TV, Tastemade, Moviesphere, Live Tennis, Sports Grid, Design TV, Court TV, and more.

The app works on major streaming devices, including mobiles and TVs powered by Android and Apple. For now, MyFree DirecTV has a total of 90 free channels, with more on the way as it finalizes partnerships with studios like A&E, Fox, and Lionsgate. Device availability: Amazon Fire, Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple, iOS, Roku Dubbed "The Free Netflix," Tubi is one of the best options for streaming quality movies and TV shows online. The completely free, ad-supported service has one of the most extensive title lineups, plus it's compatible with most devices, making it an extremely popular option for cord-cutters. Though it has been noted to have a less-than-stellar resolution, most viewers don't mind due to its easy interface, constantly updated library, and of course free titles.

Parents will also be glad to know that the service has parental control features. Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, iOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Sony, TiVo, Vizio, Xbox One The Roku Channel can't replace Netflix or a cord-cutting service like Sling, but it's a nice added bonus if you already have a Roku device. The selection of live channels is limited, but there's something for everyone, including news, sports, and entertainment. It has a nice mix of free on-demand movies (ad-supported of course) that range from indie hidden gems to blockbuster classics. And thanks to a multi-year deal, The Roku Channel will air a weekly Sunday MLB game for free, indefinitely.

Easy Ways To Stream Free Tv Channels 13 Steps With Pictures

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This Article Was Co-authored By WikiHow Staff Writer, Nicole Levine,

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