Finding the cheapest way to watch NFL games without spending too much can be tough, especially as streaming prices rise. With cable, sports packages, and different apps, following your favorite team can end up costing a lot each season.
The good news is you do not need pricey cable or a $70 monthly TV plan to watch football. By using free broadcasts, affordable apps, and taking advantage of deals, you can see most games without spending a lot.
Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you save money this football season.
1. Get an HD antenna
If you want to keep costs low, an over-the-air HD antenna is a great choice. You can buy one for about $20 to $40, and there are no monthly fees after that.
After you connect the antenna to your TV, you can watch local channels like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC in high definition.
- You will be able to watch most Sunday afternoon games with your local team on CBS and FOX. NBC has Sunday Night Football, and some Monday Night Football games air on local ABC stations.
- You will need a good signal in your area, and you will only get the games shown in your local market.
If you mostly want to watch your home team and the big primetime games, an antenna will cover most of the season for just a one-time cost.
2. Watch on your mobile device with NFL+
If you are okay with watching football on your phone or tablet, the official NFL App is one of the cheapest digital options. NFL+ starts at $6.99 a month or $49.99 for the whole year.
- You can watch live local Sunday games, primetime games on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights, live preseason games from other markets, and listen to national radio for every matchup.
- With basic NFL+, you cannot stream regular-season games to your TV. It only works on mobile devices like phones and tablets.
If you work weekends, travel a lot, or like watching on an iPad, this is a great way to get lots of coverage for a low price.
3. Targeted app subscriptions
If you like watching on your big TV, you can choose just the streaming services you need instead of paying for a big bundle like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. Sign up for individual apps on devices like Roku or Fire TV to get the games you want.
- Paramount+: Costs roughly $7.99 to $8.99 per month and streams live local CBS games every Sunday afternoon.
- Peacock: Costs roughly $7.99 to $10.99 per month and streams every NBC Sunday Night Football matchup live, plus occasional app-exclusive international or regular-season games.
- Amazon Prime Video: Costs $14.99 per month (or comes included with a Prime membership) and gives you access to Thursday Night Football.
By only subscribing to the services that show your team’s games, you can keep your monthly costs much lower than cable.
4. Rotate your subscriptions monthly
A common mistake is letting your subscriptions run all season from August to February.
Check your team’s schedule when it is released. If your team does not play on Amazon Prime Video in September, you do not need to pay for Prime that month.
In the same way, if your team has already played its Thursday Night Football game, cancel that service right after.
By managing your streaming plans each month, you only pay for services when you actually use them to watch games.
5. Leverage free trials and retail perks
Before you pay for any app, look for deals and free trials.
- Free trials: Platforms like Amazon Prime Video usually offer a 30-day free trial for new or returning accounts, which can cover up to four weeks of Thursday Night Football at no charge.
- Carrier and shopping bundles: Some cell phone plans, credit cards, and store memberships include streaming perks. For example, Walmart+ gives you Paramount+ for free. Check your phone plan and credit card benefits to see if you already have a free streaming option.
You do not have to spend a lot to watch live football this season. Start with a low-cost HD antenna for free local games on your main TV. If you want to watch on the go, try an affordable service like NFL+.
Finally, use apps like Paramount+ or Peacock only during the weeks your team is on those channels, and cancel them when you are done. These easy steps can help you watch every big game this season without breaking your budget.