There are many streaming services that allow you to get local channels on your smart TV for free. The best part is that you do not have to subscribe to cable TV.
Therefore, you don’t have to spend more than $100 a month to watch a few channels. All you have to do is look for a service that offers local channels only.
You will get access to more entertaining content like movies, TV shows, and even live streaming of your favorite local sports.
With these streaming services, you can watch local channels on your TV, computer, or smartphone. Just make sure that you have:
- A reliable internet connection
- A compatible streaming device
Note that some of these services may provide local channels for free but you have to deal with many ads. Nevertheless, you will save a lot of money compared to paying for cable.
Top 10 streaming services to get local channels without cable
You can get local channels without cable using the following free and premium streaming services.
1. LocalBTV
LocalBTV is an internet streaming service that allows you to watch local TV stations on your preferred device. All you need to do is download and log in to the LocalBTV app.
With the app, you’ll find it easier to change channels and get channel guides with two weeks of program information. Furthermore, LocalBTV allows you to record your favorite shows and play them back later on your schedule.
LocalBTV will give you access to 25 free local channels and lots of local programming.
2. Haystack TV
Haystack TV is an online service that brings you Haystack News. This is one of the best free TV networks for local and global news from hundreds of channels.
Furthermore, the service allows you to watch live coverage for breaking news events, local weather, and stock information.
You can also explore more topics hitting local headlines and go deep with carefully organized channels that bring you coverage from across the globe together in one spot.
3. Xumo
Xumo is one of the best free streaming services with local channels to watch live and on-demand TV content.
The service has over 190 different channels to choose from, including music channels, sports, and news coverage.
In addition, you can watch thousands of television shows, movies and stream live sports tournaments like PGA Tour and more.
All Xumo channels and applications are available on any device, including Smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and desktops.
4. Local Now
Local Now is a free live TV streaming site for watching the local news, movies, and TV shows.
The service brings you the latest news and weather information. It has a broad collection of documentaries, sports, dramas, and comedies.
You can also access over 50 channels through mobile applications or desktop browsers. Since Local Now offers a local viewing experience, you must provide your zip code to access its service.
5. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free online service that gives you access to over 250 channels and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows.
The streaming service has many local channels and continues to add new ones all the time. That means you can watch weather updates, news, sports, and get breaking news.
Furthermore, Pluto TV does not require signing up or creating an account to get started. You can get channels immediately you visit the site on a desktop browser or use the mobile app.
6. NewsON
NewsON allows you to stream live local news, previous local newscasts, and get local news clips. It has over 275 channels across the USA that you can access for free.
In addition, you can search for a local channel by your location or watch any current live news. NewsON is available via desktop or mobile app, including Android and iOS. You can also access it on your Smart TV like Roku.
7. STIRR
STIRR is one of the best free apps for local channels. It features over 120 channels covering local news, sports, and national events.
You can also access free movies, TV shows, cult favorites, and enjoy network programming. STIRR does not require any signing up to get started.
All you have to do is download it to your mobile phone, Smart TV, or tablet.
8. VUit
VUit is designed for anyone who would like free, live, local TV. You can stream live and on-demand news, access weather, and watch sports.
Furthermore, it has many local stations, both in your town and across the country.
Besides catching up with the latest news, local events, on-demand news clips, and weather, VUit also gives you original short films, documentaries, business programs, and video podcasts.
You can stream local channels from any device, including Android, iOS, Roku, Fire TV, or web browser.
9. AirTV
AirTV brings you all your favorite local channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and more.
It works without a subscription and allows you access to lots of programs, including TV shows, movies, cartoons, and documentaries.
You can also use it to stream live sports and catch up with the latest breaking news. Note that for AirTV to work well, you need an HD antenna.
For this purpose, we recommend the Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna which has a 200-mile range and supports 4K streaming.
However, you can also stream local channels on your mobile device.
10. Roku Channel App
The Roku Channel App comes with hundreds of local channels. You can use it to get channels that offer live news, weather, live sports, and traffic information.
Furthermore, the app is ideal for accessing many free movies, TV shows, kids’ content, and documentaries.
Some news channels accessible through the application include ABC, NBC, CNN, CBS, and more. Ideally, you will get any news network app you want using the Roku Channel App.
Ready to watch local TV for free?
You do not have to pay a lot of money every month to stream local channels.
Instead, you can stream your favorite channels for free or at a price using services like LocalBTV, Haystack TV, Xumo, Local Now, Pluto TV, NewsON, STIRR, and AirTV.
The streaming services will give you access to hundreds of local channels and get more entertained by streaming the latest movies, TV shows, and live sports.