How to Watch Local Channels Without an Antenna

Do you want to know how to watch local channels without an antenna or cable? It can be done, and you can get much of what’s on your local broadcast affiliates for an affordable price or free.

Over-the-air antennas are an excellent resource for streamers, but they don’t work for everyone. If you live in a rural area, or would rather not deal with an antenna, have no fear. You can still watch your favorite shows on broadcast networks.

Watch our video now to learn the best ways to watch local channels without an antenna or cable in 2022.

Quick Jump Sections:
0:00 - How to watch local channels without an antenna or cable
0:46 - Use Hulu, Paramount+, or Peacock to watch network shows
3:02 - Use free network apps
3:57 - How to watch PBS without cable
4:16 - The best live TV streaming services for local channels
5:21 - The best free local news apps
6:33 - Stream local channels via Local BTV
7:43 - What about Puffer?
8:22 - Bottom line

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🟠 Try Philo TV free for seven days -

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🟠 Try fuboTV free for seven days -

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🟠 Try Hulu Live -

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🟠 Amazon Products Page -

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🟠 How to Watch Local TV Without Cable -

🟠 The 7 Best Live TV Streaming Services -

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[FrugalRules]

What’s your preferred way to get local networks?

[lindashepard]

I bought a $20 antenna and installation was easy. Now I have NBC and CBS and a few stations with older shows. I'm so proud of myself since I'm 74 years young!

[louisd]

I've already commented in this video, but in my opinion, nirvana would be reached if cable 2.0 providers like YTTV offered two main tiers: tiers with local channels, and tiers without local channels. The tier without local channels could be about $30.00 less. I think those two tiers would be perfect.

[XTrace]

You guys rock! Scaling down and then realizing mom is losing some local live shows. Thanks!

[DVTOM]

All streaming services should have local and national networks free. One day there is going to be an emergency and no one will know because many don't watch networks because of costs.

[worldview]

Nice no nonsense presentation of good advice & info.

[spaceghost]

The main issue I have with all these free "locals" is that for the majority of us, they aren't true local channels.
I live in the Naples, Ft. Myers, Cape Coral area of Florida and the closest of the local feeds are news only, and THEY are out of the Tampa or Miami areas, which basically hold no value for me.
I guess I'm old fashioned, but I still want a service that gives me as much of the content I want on one app, like YouTube tv provides.
I find having to switch back and forth between apps like Peacock just to watch local channels EXTREMELY inconvenient.

[Texgrl_]

Imagine a world where everyone was able to get local channels with an antenna. So anyone even in the country could get them. Then imagine a president took that ability away.

[mikecavallo]

Just saw this the other day:
"Peacock is adding live streams of local NBC affiliates to its ad-free Premium Plus subscription plan. The streaming service said the 24/7 channel will be available in all 210 NBC affiliate markets on November 30, with some Premium Plus subscribers getting access as early as Wednesday as part of a soft launch"

[pmjeterjr]

Thanks again for information. I am fortunate enough to have a few options. I use an antenna I also still have a working Amazon Fire recast and they aggregate some of the free broadcast app into a tv like menu that works pretty decent.

[louisd]

Another way to get live news is via the CBS channel in SamsungTV. Since I installed an antenna and AirTV2, I am more and more thinking of giving up YTTV and moving over to a less expensive option like Sling, and only if needed. I truly don't get why I have to pay for local broadcast channels when it is intended to be free of charge. It's like us walking from one place to another, and paying someone else to use our own shoes. I don't get it..

[jensotube]

I get my locals through YouTube TV. My original plan was to get all locals through my antenna and my "cable" channels through Sling TV. I could not get the Tablo to work properly. So I stuck with YouTube TV. I like their DVR. Did you hear that Sling is increasing their rates by $5/mo.? Sling Blue would cost me $40, plus five extra for the 200 hour DVR.

[Hbant]

Locast was our favorite before they shut down :(

[Siggy]

I couldn't have come across this at a better time as I am DEF going to cut the cord ASAP but just much info to digest😵‍💫 I am thinking about buying the FLATenna. Any thoughts? TIA!

[MartialartsfitnessUSA]

What i want is to record my local channels on a dvr of some kind, if there is a good one that works well i could switch to philo and save tons of money. Philo has everything except for locals

[ericumali]

Thank you for the tip for Puffer. It works perfectly for me and it is all I need.

[marcrm]

Great video, thanks! And Nicole you wear the coolest shirts! 🙂

[MrModamanReviews]

The network apps will allow you to watch the last three to six episodes (depending on the show) of a series for free (with ads). I use an antenna to watch ota networks though.

[francissmith]

Thanks for all your information! You guys did a great job

[timcamden]

I have an antenna and can receive 2 CBS and 2 FOX stations, each in different markets, 1 in Bears and the other in Colts market but I still can't get MNF even when the teams are out of market.