Watching the News Without Cable
News is one of the top reasons people hesitate to cut the cord. The good news: nearly every major news network now offers free or low-cost online streaming in HD. This directory covers the most-watched news channels and exactly where to find them legally online.
US National News Channels
CNN
CNN streams live through the CNN app and Max (HBO Max) for subscribers. CNN's website also offers a free live stream for limited hours. For full 24/7 live access, a live TV streaming service such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV includes CNN in most packages.
Fox News
Fox News provides a live stream through the Fox News app and Fox Nation (subscription required). It is also available via all major live TV streaming services. The Fox News website offers some free live programming with a cable provider login (TV Everywhere).
MSNBC
MSNBC streams live on NBCUniversal's Peacock platform (free tier included). It is also available on all major live TV streaming bundles. The MSNBC website streams select programming free without a login.
ABC News
ABC News Live is completely free — no subscription needed. Stream it at ABCNews.go.com, on the ABC app, or through Hulu's free live news channel. This is one of the best free HD news streams available.
CBS News
CBS News 24/7 (formerly CBSN) streams free on the Paramount+ app and website. No subscription is required for the news channel specifically. It's also available on Pluto TV's free ad-supported platform.
NBC News NOW
NBC News NOW streams free on the NBC website, the NBC app, Peacock (free tier), and via Pluto TV. It broadcasts news 24 hours a day in HD.
Business & Financial News
- CNBC: Available via live TV streaming services; some segments free on CNBC.com
- Bloomberg TV: Free live stream at Bloomberg.com — no account required
- Fox Business: Available on Fox's apps and all major live TV streaming bundles
International English-Language News
- BBC News: Free live stream at BBC.co.uk (geo-restricted outside UK) or via YouTube's BBC News channel
- Al Jazeera English: Free live stream at AlJazeera.com — available worldwide
- DW News (Deutsche Welle): Free live stream on DW.com and YouTube — worldwide access
- France 24: Free live stream at France24.com in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish
- Sky News: Free live stream via YouTube's Sky News channel — worldwide access
Free Platforms That Aggregate News Channels
| Platform | Notable News Channels | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pluto TV | CBS News, NBC News, Sky News, Bloomberg | Free (ad-supported) |
| Peacock | MSNBC, NBC News NOW, Sky News | Free tier available |
| Tubi | Local and national news selections | Free (ad-supported) |
| Samsung TV Plus | Multiple 24/7 news channels | Free (Samsung TVs) |
Tips for the Best News Streaming Experience
- Bookmark the official app or website for each channel you watch regularly.
- Add free news channels to your Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV home screen for one-click access.
- Use a live TV service if you want a traditional channel-surfing experience across all major news networks.