How to Watch CBS Without Cable

As the network with the highest ratings going into 2020, CBS has a lot of outstanding content. With a slew of top shows and more slated to be released, it’s no wonder millions of people tune in every day.

But, as a cable network, many cord-cutters are wondering how to get access to CBS. And not just CBS’s on-demand programming, but live streaming too.

For those wondering, there’s great news. You can watch CBS live without a cable subscription. This article will cover the best options.

Are There Free Options?

Yes, there are a couple of free options to watch CBS live without a cable subscription. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be an initial investment.

Before continuing, it’s worth noting that sketchy online services won’t be discussed here. Some websites and applications do promise free access to live streaming channels, but they’re not sanctioned by the networks, and you’ll have to use them at your own risk.

Using an Antenna

Luckily, CBS offers very high frequency (VHF) broadcasting in many parts of the country. In fact, most major networks do, including ABC, FOX, and NBC.

To access CBS over-the-air, you’ll need an HDMI antenna, and you’ll need to live in an area that receives the broadcast. You can receive HD CBS programming live in most major US cities.

You can use this search tool to find broadcasts in your area and which channel they’re on.

Watch CBS Through Locast

Another option to receive CBS broadcasting without cable is via a service called Locast. Locast is a “digital translator,” which means they take a broadcast UHF signal and stream it online to the same areas that would otherwise have access to the signal.

It’s not a novel concept, and Locast is only one of many such not-for-profit service providers. All you have to do is visit their website to see if your area receives Locast broadcasts.

Currently, Locast is available in 17 major US cities with plans to expand as far as they possibly can. They are a donor-funded organization.

What Streaming Services Carry CBS?

Another option to watch CBS live without cable is via a streaming service. Many streaming services include CBS live programming in their lineup.

How to Watch CBS with Hulu

Hulu is one of the top streaming providers, and while their base service uses an on-demand model, they also offer live programming.

With the Hulu + Live TV streaming package, users get access to Hulu’s entire streaming library and over 65 channels of live programming. You’ll also get access to on-demand programming from those channels through Hulu.

The service also has a few other perks. You can record live TV with 50 hours of storage in the base package. It can also stream on multiple devices simultaneously.

The channel listing you receive with Hulu + Live TV can be seen here.

How to Watch CBS with Sling TV

Sling TV is an over-the-top online television service provider. They’ve been around since 2015, and they have a decent library of streaming content.

Sling aims to provide major cable networks to on-demand service subscribers. They offer two channel packages. Sling Orange and Sling Blue.

The Sling Blue package is more expensive and includes a wider channel variety. However, neither package includes CBS. ‘

Fortunately, foreseeing the demand for local channel programming, Sling TV partnered with Air TV. Air TV is a family of streaming devices with access to local broadcasting via an HDMI antenna.

Air TV’s “Built for Sling” devices can hook up to any TV with an HDMI port. They give you access to your Sling TV channels and any over-the-air broadcasts available in your area.

How to Watch CBS with CBS All Access

If you’re interested in CBS – and only CBS – programming, a good option to watch it live is through CBS All Access.

All Access is CBS’s own streaming video service. It offers content available on CBS broadcast properties and access to CBS’s main live channel.

The on-demand library contains all shows airing on CBS, although not every episode is available for some currently airing shows.

You can watch CBS All Access from several streaming platforms or from your computer.

You should note that while live programming is available through CBS All Access, it’s only available in your market.

How to Watch CBS with Fubo TV

FuboTV is yet another streaming service, but it focuses mostly on live channels.

FuboTV allows users to stream and record live programming from many major networks for a monthly subscription price.

It has access to live programming on over 120 channels and has 500 hours of storage to record on their base package.

You can watch FuboTV on most streaming devices, and it supports Chromecast.

How to Watch CBS with YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a nationally-available internet streaming subsidiary of Google. They offer live programming from over 70 major networks without a contract.

Like FuboTV, YouTube TV can provide access to CBS live if it’s available in your market.

YouTube TV has a single channel package, which includes all the content they have available. It also offers unlimited storage space for recording, and the account can be shared with up to six people.

YouTube TV is compatible with most streaming platforms and devices.

How to Watch CBS with AT&T TV Now

AT&T TV Now is the leading carrier’s streaming service. Made available primarily on mobile devices, AT&T TV Now is a family of streaming services.

There was a recent dispute over airing right between CBS and AT&T, but that seems to have been squared away. CBS, along with CBS live programming, is available on AT&T TV Now in qualifying markets.

You don’t need an AT&T subscription of any kind to sign up for this service, and there are two channel packages. The base package will include CBS, but the MAX package includes several premium movie channels at a higher subscription price.

With an account, you can watch AT&T TV Now on most browsers and devices.

How To Watch CBS Live on Amazon Firestick

If you have an Amazon Firestick, you can watch TV with many of the streaming services described above. First, you’ll need a subscription to a service that carries CBS live programming. Then, access the Amazon app store on your Fire TV Stick and download the corresponding app. Sign in to your account and enjoy the programming.

Sling TV, YouTube TV, CBS All Access, FuboTV, AT&T TV Now, and Hulu + Live are all available on the second-generation Fire TV Stick and newer.

How to Watch CBS Live on Roku

Roku is also compatible with most of the streaming services listed above. With a subscription to the service, you can download the app on your Roku device and stream CBS content.

Sling TV, YouTube TV, CBS All Access, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live are all available on Roku platforms. As of January 2020, AT&T TV Now is not available on Roku, but the two are in talks to make it available in the future.

How to Watch CBS Live on Apple TV

Much like other platforms, you’ll need to install the application corresponding to your selected service on your Apple TV device. Apple TV is compatible with all the services listed in this article.

How to Watch CBS Live on Your PC/MAC/Chromebook

You can watch any of the streaming services listed here directly from your browsers. For each service, access the corresponding website and log in to your account. From there, you have access to all the programming available in your area.

Cut the Cord but Keep Your Programming

CBS has a lot of programming that’s difficult to live without for many people. However, paying for a whole cable subscription just to get live programming from one network feels like overkill.

Instead, explore some of the better options outlined above.

Many major networks offer over-the-air broadcasts in US metro areas. Your best bet if you live in such an area may be an HDMI antenna.

Otherwise, try one of the many services that include CBS live, or you could choose CBS All Access if you just want CBS programming and nothing else.