Local channels are the part of cable most people miss after they cancel. Your local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and PBS stations carry the evening news, weather alerts, network shows and a huge share of live sports. The good news: you can still get all of them without a cable subscription — and often for free.
There are four main ways to do it. Most households end up combining two.
Option 1: An HD antenna (free)
Local stations broadcast their signal over the air, exactly as they have for decades. An antenna plugged into your TV picks them up at no monthly cost, usually in full HD — and often with a sharper picture than cable, because the signal isn't compressed again by a provider.
What you need
- An indoor or outdoor HD antenna
- A TV with a built-in digital tuner (every TV sold in the US since 2007 has one)
- A few minutes to run a channel scan
How to check what you'll get: enter your address in the FCC's DTV Reception Map. It shows which stations reach your home, how strong they are, and which direction the towers are.
Tips for the best signal
- Place the antenna high and near a window that faces the towers.
- Rescan channels every time you move it.
- Keep it away from metal surfaces and other electronics.
- In rural areas, an outdoor or attic antenna makes a huge difference — see our guide to the best antenna for rural homes.
Best for: anyone within roughly 30–50 miles of the broadcast towers who wants local channels for free.
Option 2: Network streaming apps
Several networks now stream their live local station inside their own paid apps, with no cable login:
- CBS: the Paramount+ premium plan includes your live local CBS station in most markets.
- NBC: Peacock's higher plan includes your live local NBC station in most markets.
- FOX: FOX's own streaming service carries live local FOX stations in many markets.
- PBS: the free PBS app streams many local PBS stations live, and PBS Passport (with a station donation) unlocks the full library.
- ABC: there's no standalone live ABC stream without a TV provider — use an antenna or a live TV service.
Plans and coverage change, so check each service's site for your ZIP code before you subscribe.
Best for: people who only need one or two networks, or can't get a good antenna signal.
Option 3: A live TV streaming service
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream include local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in most of the country, alongside cable channels like ESPN and CNN. Sling TV includes locals only in some markets. They cost the most, but they're the closest thing to cable — with a cloud DVR and no box to rent.
We compare the three most popular ones side by side in YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV vs Sling.
Best for: households that also want cable channels such as ESPN, HGTV or CNN.
Option 4: Free local news streams
Many local stations stream their newscasts for free on their own websites and apps, and national free news services carry local coverage for major cities. It won't replace the full channel, but it's perfect for the morning and evening news.
Best for: people who mainly watch local news and weather.
Quick comparison
| Way | Monthly cost | ABC | CBS | FOX | NBC | PBS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD antenna | $0 | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* |
| Network apps | Varies per app | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live TV service | Highest | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some |
| Free news streams | $0 | News only | News only | News only | News only | — |
*If you're within range of the towers.
Recording local shows
With an antenna, a network tuner or over-the-air DVR records local channels and streams them to every TV in the house. Live TV services include a cloud DVR. Network apps usually let you watch shows on demand the next day instead.
Which should you choose?
- Start with an antenna. It's a one-time purchase and covers most homes.
- Missing a station? Add that network's app.
- Want cable channels too? Then a live TV service makes more sense than paying for several apps.
That's exactly how many cord-cutters end up paying far less than cable — our step-by-step guide to canceling cable shows how to make the switch without losing your internet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get local channels for free without cable?
Yes. An HD antenna receives your local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and PBS stations for free, as long as you're within range of the broadcast towers.
Do smart TVs have local channels built in?
Smart TVs have a digital tuner, but you still need an antenna connected to receive local stations. Some smart TVs also include free streaming channels, but those aren't your local network stations.
Why do some channels break up on my antenna?
Weak or blocked signals cause pixelation. Move the antenna higher or closer to a window facing the towers, rescan, and consider an outdoor or amplified antenna if you're far away.
Can I watch local channels on my phone without cable?
Yes, through network apps such as Paramount+ or Peacock (on the right plans), the PBS app, or a live TV streaming service, depending on your market.
