Cutting cable doesn’t mean losing access to AMC, a channel celebrated for its top-rated shows. Are you trying to keep up with episodes from “Parish” or “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live”?
This guide outlines all the ways to watch AMC without a cable subscription.
Here is a quick overview of all your options covered in this guide, including free trials, monthly price, and key channels for each streaming service that offers AMC:
Streaming Service | Free Trial | Monthly Price | Key Channels |
Philo | Yes | $25 | AMC, A&E, BBC America, Discovery, Hallmark Channel, History, MTV, Paramount Network |
Sling TV | No | $40 (Orange or Blue Plan) | AMC, A&E, BBC America, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, History (Orange); Bravo, MSNBC, NFL Network (Blue) |
DIRECTV STREAM | Yes | Starts at $79.99 (Entertainment Plan) | AMC, HGTV, A&E, CNN, Nickelodeon, ESPN, USA Network, Local Channels (NBC, FOX) |
NOW TV | No | $20 (Xfinity internet required) | AMC, A&E, Discovery Channel, HGTV, Peacock Premium |
YouTube TV | Yes | $72.99 | AMC, Discovery, HGTV, NBA TV, TNT, TBS, SEC Network, ACC Network, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, MLB Network |
AMC+ | Yes | $8.99 | AMC, BBC America, The Walking Dead Channel, IFC, Sundance TV, Shudder, Sundance Now |
Subscribers to streaming services can also activate the AMC app to stream the AMC channel live, and watch on-demand TV shows and movies.
Known originally as American Movie Classics, AMC launched on October 1, 1984. Since then, it has gained fame for a series of hit shows, including “Breaking Bad” and “The Walking Dead.” It now also has its own standalone service called AMC+.
How to Stream AMC
Whether you’re transitioning from cable or just exploring options, there are several ways to access AMC and other cable channels. AMC is accessible on AMC+, DIRECTV STREAM, Philo, Sling TV, NOW TV, and YouTube TV.
Streaming services like AMC+ and YouTube TV make AMC available on devices such as Smart TVs, Roku, and Apple TV. You can also stream on mobile devices like tablets and iPhones.
AMC, the cable channel, is featured on various streaming platforms alongside channels like A&E, History, and HGTV. Some of these live TV services also provide local channels like ABC and NBC, though they might cost more.
AMC+ Streaming Service
AMC+ offers early access to new shows and includes six live TV channels: AMC, BBC America, The Walking Dead Channel, IFC, and Sundance TV. Additionally, subscribers get the on-demand services Sundance Now and the horror-focused Shudder.
You can stream classics like ‘Mad Men’ and all episodes of new series such as ‘Dark Winds’ and ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City.’ The cost is $8.99 per month. I initially subscribed to AMC+ via Amazon Prime, then switched to a yearly plan directly through AMC+.
Signing up through Amazon Prime allows you to stream AMC+ on nearly any device, including Smart TVs. For a detailed analysis, you can check out my review of AMC+ following my annual subscription.
AMC+ is ideal for dedicated fans of AMC’s original programming, offering exclusive early access and a focused selection of AMC shows
While it excels in delivering AMC content, it falls short of Philo’s broader channel variety.
You can sign up for AMC+ either directly on their website or through Sling TV, Amazon Prime Channels, Apple TV Channels and The Roku Channel.
PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
---|---|---|
AMC+ | $8.99/month | AMC, AMC+, BBC America, The Walking Dead Channel, IFC, and Sundance TV |
AMC on Philo Streaming Service
Philo provides over 70 TV channels, including AMC, for just $25 per month, making it a budget-friendly option for live TV. The service includes channels such as A&E, BBC America, Discovery, Hallmark Channel, History, MTV, and Paramount Network.
New customers can explore Philo with a 7-day free trial. Subscribers enjoy unlimited Cloud DVR and a vast library of on-demand content from various TV networks. Philo is compatible with Smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and devices like Google Chromecast.
You can also stream Philo via web browsers on Macs and PCs, and it supports mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones. Philo stands out for those looking for an affordable way to watch a broad range of entertainment channels, not just sports-focused options like Sling TV.
Activate the AMC app and many other apps with your Philo subscription. Try Philo for free for one week by signing up quickly with your phone number.
PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
---|---|---|
Philo | $25/month | 72 |
Sling TV Options on AMC
Sling TV includes AMC in all channel packages.
The Sling Orange plan offers 32 channels for $40 per month, featuring networks such as AMC, A&E, BBC America, Comedy Central, and Disney Channel. Subscribers to Sling Orange receive 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage.
The Sling Blue plan, also $40 per month, provides 41 channels including Bravo, MSNBC, and NFL Network. Combining Sling Orange and Blue costs $55 per month, and gives you a channel lineup that resembles more expensive services such as YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
Sling TV is compatible with nearly any streaming device, including Roku, Firestick, Chromecast, and Apple TV. It’s also available on Smart TVs from brands like LG, Samsung, and Sony, and supports streaming on gaming consoles like Xbox.
Sling TV is ideal for viewers who appreciate both AMC programming and sports, but want to watch their budget.
The channel lineup provides a cost-effective mix of entertainment and sports channels.
PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
---|---|---|
Orange | $40/month | 32 |
Blue | $40/month | 41 (Locals included) |
Orange + Blue | $55/month | 88 |
NOW TV Streaming Service Exclusively for Xfinity Internet Customers
NOW TV, accessible only to Xfinity internet subscribers, offers more than 40 live TV channels for $20 per month.
Xfinity customers can get NOW TV with a 300 Mbps internet plan. The internet plan costs $25 per month for the first year. This service features channels such as AMC, A&E, Discovery Channel, and HGTV, along with Peacock Premium at no additional cost.
Subscriptions can be easily managed through the online Xfinity account, allowing you to sign up or cancel at any time.
You can stream NOW TV through the Xfinity Stream app, compatible with devices like Xfinity Flex, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay. The service is also available on iOS and Android devices.
For Xfinity internet users, NOW TV is a straightforward and cost-effective solution to get internet service and access a basic array of live TV channels, including AMC. While it offers fewer channels than YouTube TV and no sports channels, it remains an economical choice.
PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
---|---|---|
NOW TV | $20/month | 40+ live TV channels |
AMC Channel on DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM, previously known as AT&T TV, includes AMC in its basic channel package. You can access AMC in four different ways without a cable subscription through DIRECTV STREAM.
The Entertainment Plan offers over 75 TV channels for $79.99 per month, featuring HGTV, A&E, CNN, Nickelodeon, ESPN, and local channels like NBC and FOX. Subscribers also get unlimited Cloud DVR and access to 40,000 on-demand movies and shows.
The Choice Package, at $108.99 per month, caters to sports enthusiasts with regional sports channels, including Bally Sports networks and NBC Sports. Choice subscribers get more than 105 channels.
The Ultimate Package has over 140 channels for $119.99 per month, adding niche sports channels such as NHL Network and more cable channels.
The Premier Package has the largest channel lineup of cable TV and broadcast networks. Premier subscribers get Max, Cinemax, and Showtime with their subscription for $164.99 per month.
You can start with a free 5-day trial on any DIRECTV STREAM plan.
DIRECTV STREAM does not require long-term contracts. Subscribe on a month-to-month basis and cancel anytime.
This service is ideal for AMC fans who seek a broad array of channels that’s similar to DIRECTV’s satellite service. Just be aware it is more costly than options like Sling TV.
DIRECTV STREAM is compatible with Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Smart TVs running on Android TV and Google TV.
PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
---|---|---|
Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
AMC’s availability on YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers 128 channels, including popular networks like Discovery, HGTV, and NBA TV, for $72.99 per month.
AMC is available exclusively through YouTube TV’s base plan.
This base plan remains one of the most popular choices for alternative live TV options in the U.S. That’s largely because of its robust lineup of local broadcast channels alongside cable networks such as ESPN, CMT, Disney Channel, Comedy Central and FX.
YouTube TV also includes essential sports channels such as TNT, TBS, SEC Network, ACC Network, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, and MLB Network.
The service includes unlimited Cloud DVR, allowing you to record and store your favorite programs as much as you like. Each account supports creating up to six profiles, making it ideal for family use.
YouTube TV is particularly suitable for households that desire a comprehensive lineup of channels, including AMC and a broad selection of sports networks. While the service stands out with features like unlimited Cloud DVR, it is more expensive compared to more affordable options like Philo.
YouTube TV is compatible with a variety of devices including Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, NVIDIA Shield TV, and Apple TV. Take advantage of a free trial to explore YouTube TV and check out the latest promotions it offers.
PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
---|---|---|
YouTube TV | $72.99/month | 128 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Watching AMC
Can I watch AMC for free?
While there’s no long-term free option for AMC, Philo, DIRECTV STREAM, and YouTube TV, offer free trials that include AMC in their channel lineups. If you cancel before the trial ends, you won’t be charged.
Is AMC available on Hulu?
AMC is not part of Hulu Live TV’s channel offerings. Much of AMC’s lineup that was once on Hulu’s ad-supported plan has migrated to AMC+ and other streaming services. So you are better off subscribing to AMC+ if you want a comprehensive library of AMC Originals and shows.
Does Fubo carry AMC?
As of December 31, 2022, AMC Networks is no longer available on Fubo’s channel lineup, per fubo’s help page.
How much does AMC+ cost on Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime subscribers can sign up for AMC+ for $8.99 per month, and watch AMC live without a cable provider. You can sign up for a free trial of AMC+ through Amazon Channels.
Stream AMC Live Without Cable
AMC is available through six key live TV streaming services. Explore each option below to find the best fit for watching AMC without a traditional cable subscription.
Philo: The Most Budget-Friendly Choice
For just $25 per month, Philo offers AMC along with a wide variety of other channels. It’s ideal for those who value savings and also enjoy the flexibility to record shows with unlimited Cloud DVR. Philo offers a 7-day free trial.
Sling TV: Flexible and Cost-Effective
Sling TV provides two plan options—Orange and Blue, each at $40 per month. It is an excellent choice for cord-cutters looking to maintain some cable TV networks while avoiding a bloated pay TV package.
Methodology
I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.