Streaming apps make it easy to access on-demand entertainment. Unlike cable, you don’t have to deal with long-term contracts that are tricky to get out of or browse content you don’t care for. Instead, they let you pick what you want to watch and enjoy your preferred content through a streaming device or smart TV at any time.
The only downside is that local channels aren’t usually easy to tune in to. However, that doesn’t mean you need to go back to cable. The good news is that several streaming apps offer access to local channels, including live news and sports. If you want to access regional content via a streaming app, these are your best options.
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9
Sling TV
Source: Sling TV
Sling TV has a few options for people who want to watch local content via its streaming app. The company’s Blue plan includes access to FOX, ABC, NBC, and other local channels in select markets. Since availability varies by zip code, check what you can access in your area before signing up.
The Blue plan costs $46 per month, so it’s not the most expensive streaming plan on this list. If you can only access a few local channels, consider exploring other options. On the other hand, if you’re a football fan looking to catch games that air on ABC, subscribe to Sling Orange, which includes ESPN3 coverage. You can also check out Sling Freestream for access to select news and other channels for free.
8
Peacock
Source: Peacock
You can stream your local NBC feed via NBCUniversal-owned Peacock, provided you upgrade to the Peacock Premium Plus Plan. This is a great choice if you only care about NBC programming and don’t need access to ABC, FOX, or CBS.
It costs $14 per month, so it is relatively affordable. For that price, you can watch Sunday Night Football and local NBC news, to name a few. Additionally, new films and shows constantly appear on the platform, so Peacock might be all you need.
7
Hulu + Live TV
Source: Hulu
If you want a more reliable way to watch multiple local channels in one place, the Hulu + Live TV package is an option worth considering. With this bundle, you can access 95 local and cable channels, including sports channels like ESPN and the NFL Network. News content from channels like ABC, CBS News, FOX, and NBC is also available.
If you didn’t catch your preferred content live, Hulu + live TV also lets you record news segments, games, or shows and movies with unlimited cloud DVR. This package costs $83 per month. It’s not the most affordable, so sign up for the free trial first to see if it delivers the kind of experience you’re looking for.
6
YouTube TV
Source: Image from Lynn Van den Broeck, Play Store
YouTube TV is one of the best options for live TV streaming. It also offers the most extensive lineup of local channels in most markets across the US. Unlike the Hulu + Live TV package, YouTube TV includes access to PBS, which is pretty sweet.
Like the Hulu + Live TV bundle, it isn’t cheap. The subscription costs $83 per month. However, you can snag it at a discounted price of $70 per month for the first six months. Regardless, YouTube TV has many features and perks that are not immediately obvious. So, explore and take advantage of all the benefits it offers to make the most of your subscription.
5
DIRECTV STREAM
Source: DIRECTV
DIRECTV STREAM has a robust local channel lineup and unlimited DVR that lets you stay up-to-date on content you might not have been able to catch live. You can sign up for any one of DIRECTV STREAM’s four plans (ranging between $75 and $155 per month) to access local content.
The plans mirror those of DIRECTV satellite but don’t require any equipment or annual contracts. It’s one of the most expensive streaming services, especially if you choose a higher-tier package. However, if you like having a large number of channels to choose from, this is an option worth checking out.
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NewsON
Source: NewsON
NewsON is an ad-supported service that lets viewers watch local newscasts from over 285 stations across the country. The best part is that watching live or on-demand news via NewsOn is free. It’s a great way to get instant updates about breaking news. You might also be able to access select sports podcasts through the app, so that’s a bonus.
Another highlight is that your location does not limit what you can watch. No matter where you are within the country, you can view broadcasts from other states, which is great if you often travel or want to keep tabs on major regional events. It’s available on most streaming platforms and is a must-have for local news enthusiasts.
3
Pluto TV
Source: Google
If you want access to free local channels and on-demand content without paying a monthly or annual fee, Pluto TV is a solid choice. It is a FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) platform. While it offers access to a range of live channels and on-demand content, you might have to sit through a few ads.
Still, the selection is impressive. The app includes the NFL Channel, MLB Channel, NBC GolfPass, and more. Local news options are extensive, too, so you’ll always have something to tune into. If you want to stream something different, there are TV shows and movies you can watch for free.
2
Fubo
Source: Fubo
Fubo is another streaming app with a solid lineup of local channels, including ones from major networks like ABC, FOX, CBS, and NBC. However, the availability of networks depends on your location. But there are hundreds of channels available on the platform, so you have plenty of choices regardless of where you live.
Fubo offers unlimited cloud DVR, which allows you to record and rewatch your favorite games or news segments. At around $85 per month for the Pro plan, it can be a little pricey. However, the service offers a free trial and discounted pricing for the first month. This lets you test out the platform before you commit to a full subscription.
1
Tubi
Source: Tubi
Like Pluto TV, Tubi is a FAST platform that offers access to local TV channels, shows, and movies for free. Since it’s of the FAST kind, prepare for ads to interrupt your viewing experience, but it’s a small tradeoff for the amount of free content you get.
If you’re a sports fan, you can explore FOX Sports, NASCAR, the NBA Channel, UFC, and more on the platform. News enthusiasts can tune into live content from outlets like ABC, FOX, and NBC, to name a few.
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Sign up for a combination of services to save money
If you want access to the latest news, sports, and other local programming, you might have to sign up for more than one streaming service. However, several streaming services have increased prices in the last 12 months. So, if you want to save money on streaming subscriptions but want to watch local content, mix and match free FAST apps with pricier streaming plans. Also, when possible, take advantage of free trials to test which streaming apps are a good fit for your entertainment needs.
