There are a variety of ways to stream MSNBC live without a cable package – including some news shows on Peacock.
DIRECTV STREAM, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV provide channel lineups that let you watch MSNBC live without cable.
You can’t watch MSNBC live on Peacock in 2024; however, you can get shows such as “Morning Joe,” “Deadline: White House,” “All In With Chris Hayes,” and “The Beat with Ari Melber” about a day after airing.
How to Watch MSNBC Live Without Cable
Streaming MSNBC through services like DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube TV offers an experience similar to cable. Millions of cord-cutters use live TV streaming services to watch MSNBC and other networks like ESPN live.
All of these services, except Peacock, offer MSNBC as a live TV channel:
| Service | Free Trial | Monthly Price | Key Channels/Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | Yes | $40 for Orange/Blue, $55 for Orange + Blue | CNN, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, ESPN, A&E, BBC America, Lifetime, BET, Cartoon Network, Discovery, Fox News, NFL Network, AMC, FX, HLN, SyFy, TLC, TNT |
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes | $76.99 | ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS, A&E, FX, Hallmark Channel, History, HGTV, TBS, TNT, Disney+, ESPN+ |
| Fubo | Yes | $79.99 (Pro), $89.99 (Elite), $99.99 (Premier) | AMC, Bravo, History, IFC, Food Network, A&E, USA Network, ESPN, beIN Sports, FS1, ACC Network, Bally Regional Sports Networks, Paramount Plus with Showtime (Premier) |
| YouTube TV | Yes | $72.99 | CNN, FOX News, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, FX, IFC, National Geographic |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Yes | $74.99 (Entertainment), $99.99 (Choice), $109.99 (Ultimate) | Bravo, ESPN, Hallmark Channel, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, HGTV, TNT, C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, CNN International, CNN En Español, STARZ, Encore (Ultimate) |
| Peacock Premium | No | $5.99 | MSNBC on-demand content, Peacock Originals, NBC News Now, Hallmark Channel |
| Peacock Premium Plus | No | $11.99 | MSNBC on-demand content, all local NBC affiliates, Peacock Originals, NBC News Now, Hallmark Channel, Live sports (Sunday Night Football, Premier League, etc.) |
You can use a Smart TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV instead of a cable box. These services also let you watch live TV on tablets, laptops, smartphones, or game consoles at home. Online live TV services don’t require contracts or long-term commitments.
Here are all the ways you can stream MSNBC live.
Sling TV
Sling TV is the most affordable option to watch MSNBC. It offers the lowest price for a mix of cable news, entertainment, and sports channels.
You can stream MSNBC with three different plans. MSNBC is available on both the Sling Orange and Sling Blue packages. Combining Sling Orange and Blue into a single package also includes MSNBC.
A subscription costs $40 per month for Sling Orange or Sling Blue. Combining both packages costs $55 per month. Sling currently offers half off the first month. The Orange plan has 31 channels, including CNN, MSNBC, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, ESPN, A&E, BBC America, and Lifetime.
Sling Blue has 41 channels, including BET, Cartoon Network, CNN, MSNBC, Discovery, Fox News, NFL Network, AMC, FX, HLN, Lifetime, SyFy, TLC, TNT, and MSNBC.
You will get 50 hours of Cloud DVR space as part of your subscription. Sling TV also lets you use your account credentials to sign in to more than 22 apps on your Roku and other streaming devices.
Sling TV is great for budget-conscious viewers who want to watch MSNBC’s key shows. It provides a more affordable choice than DIRECTV STREAM’s higher-tier plans.
Sling TV works on Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Smart TVs from Samsung and LG. You can also stream MSNBC live using the Sling TV app on an Xbox One, iPhone, or other iOS devices like an iPad or Mac.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | $40/month | 32 |
| Blue | $40/month | 41 (Locals included) |
| Orange + Blue | $55/month | 88 |
Cloud DVR Storage: 50 hours
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes (limited markets, Blue plan)
Device support: AirTV Mini, Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast along with Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers a lineup of 90 national networks including MSNBC and local channels like ABC, FOX, NBC, and CBS.
This service has one live TV plan. Other popular networks include A&E, FX, Hallmark Channel, History, HGTV, TBS, and TNT.
Hulu includes unlimited Cloud DVR at no extra cost. You can stream on up to two devices at once, including mobile devices like iPhones or Android smartphones. A subscription costs $76.99 per month and includes Disney+ and ESPN+. You also have full access to Hulu’s on-demand library of TV shows and movies.
Hulu + Live TV lets you activate apps for networks in your lineup. Hulu Live TV offers a three-day free trial.
For those who want a mix of news, sports, and entertainment, Hulu + Live TV provides a comprehensive package, different from Fubo’s sports-focused lineup.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu (with Ads) | $7.99/month | On-demand |
| Hulu (No Ads) | $17.99/month | On-demand |
Fubo
Fubo (formerly fuboTV) offers three plans that include MSNBC in their channel lineups.
The service has a variety of news and entertainment networks like FXX, INSP, and MSNBC. For sports, it includes ESPN, beIN Sports, FS1, ACC Network, and Bally Regional Sports Networks.
The Pro plan costs $79.99 per month and includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage. You can watch live TV on 10 screens at once.
The Elite plan offers 255 live TV channels with more news, entertainment, and sports networks for $89.99 per month. You can watch select live sports events in 4K.
The Premier plan has 264 channels including Paramount Plus with Showtime, and a larger bundle of cable TV networks. Fubo adds a regional sports fee: $11.99 per month for one regional network or $14.99 per month for two RSNs in your area.
Fubo also has on-demand movies. The “look back” feature is an on-demand library of sports events from the last 72 hours. You can catch up on shows or sports events you missed.
Fubo even lets you go back a few hours and watch shows like “The Rachel Maddow Show” on-demand, saving your Cloud DVR storage.
Fubo is the only live streaming service with some sporting events in 4K. It is great for sports fans who also want MSNBC’s programming, offering a unique combination not found in YouTube TV’s lineup.
Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, and Android TV devices all have Fubo apps. You can also use your credentials to sign into more than 40 TV Everywhere apps on your streaming devices.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 188 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 255 |
| Premier | $99.99/month | 264 w/ Paramount+ with Showtime |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Xbox One, along with Smart TVs by Hisense, Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast TV. Android, iPhones and iPads with current iOS.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers local channels where its service is available, including MSNBC, CNN, and FOX News.
Subscribers get 128 channels for $72.99 per month. YouTube TV has only one live TV plan. The channel lineup includes CBS Sports Network, ESPN, all three FX channels, IFC, and two National Geographic channels.
YouTube TV has unlimited Cloud DVR, but may supplement some recordings with on-demand content. This means you might not be able to fast forward through commercials.
There are apps for YouTube TV on Roku, Apple TV, and mobile devices that stream on their own or to your TV with a Chromecast.
YouTube TV serves families well with its extensive channel lineup and unlimited DVR, offering a different value compared to Sling TV’s more focused and cost-effective packages.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/month | 128 |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs by Samsung, LG, VIZIO, Hisense, Sharp and Sony; Chromecast, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation and Google Nest Hub; Android and iOS devices.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) offers three plans to watch MSNBC without cable.
The Entertainment plan includes more than 75 channels, unlimited Cloud DVR storage, and 40,000 on-demand shows. You can watch live TV on unlimited screens in your home.
The Entertainment plan has Bravo, ESPN, Hallmark Channel, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, HGTV, TNT, C-SPAN, and C-SPAN2.
A subscription costs $74.99 per month, with no contracts or obligations. DIRECTV STREAM sometimes offers promotions for new customers. New customers can get a 5-day free trial.
The Choice plan offers more than 105 channels, including regional sports channels, for $99.99 per month. Along with MSNBC, this plan includes C-SPAN, CNN International, and CNN En Español.
The Ultimate package includes more than 140 live TV channels, including local channels, STARZ, and Encore, for $109.99 per month.
New customers can choose a free trial of Max, Showtime, STARZ, MGM+ (formerly EPIX), and Cinemax. The free trial lasts for three months if you keep your DIRECTV STREAM subscription. The regular rate starts after the free trial ends.
You can stream MSNBC live on a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV at home, and a smartphone if you’re away. Subscriptions are month-to-month, so you can cancel anytime.
MSNBC is available on the Entertainment bundle for $79.99 per month. Subscribers get 75+ channels, unlimited Cloud DVR, and 40,000 on-demand shows.
If you keep DIRECTV STREAM, you can get three months of Showtime, STARZ, Cinemax, and EPIX for free before the regular rates apply.
DIRECTV STREAM offers a broad range of channels including MSNBC without contracts, unlike Fubo which has additional fees for regional sports.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia.
Is MSNBC on Peacock?
Yes. Peacock Premium costs $5.99 per month and includes on-demand content from MSNBC.
If you’re wondering, “Does Peacock have MSNBC?” The answer is yes, but you cannot watch MSNBC live on Peacock.
Instead, you can get shows such as “Morning Joe,” “All In With Chris Hayes,” “The ReidOut,” “Deadline: White House,” and “The Beat with Ari Melber” about a day after they air on MSNBC.
Peacock is also a key platform for those looking to watch NBC live on a budget. The NBCUniversal streaming service now includes live streaming of local NBC affiliates across the U.S.
Peacock Premium Plus, available for $11.99 per month, grants subscribers around-the-clock access to their local NBC station. This service ensures all 210 local NBC affiliates are reachable via Peacock, appealing to fans of popular NBC shows like “The Voice” or “One Chicago,” who can now watch these shows live or on-demand.
Peacock doesn’t just stop at regular programming. It offers a wide range of live sports, including Sunday Night Football, Notre Dame Football, Premier League, NASCAR, INDYCAR, and WWE events.
For those interested in NBC’s show catalog without live TV, the Peacock Premium plan at $5.99 per month is ideal. It includes full access to Peacock Originals like “Poker Face” and “Twisted Metal,” other live channels such as NBC News Now, Hallmark Channel, and on-demand content from MSNBC.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $5.99/mo. | MSNBC Shows on-demand |
| Premium Plus | $11.99/mo. | NBC live & on-demand |
Can I Watch Live News Free on MSNBC.com?
No. You need to subscribe to cable, satellite TV, or a live TV streaming service to sign in to MSNBC.com.
The MSNBC Live Audio Stream is a free option if you can listen without watching the network. For a cheaper way to watch MSNBC, a live TV service like Sling TV is your best bet.
What’s the Best Way to Get a MSNBC Live Stream?
Considering both the range of channels and cost-effectiveness, Sling TV and Hulu with Live TV are the top choices.
Sling TV will get you MSNBC live for $40 per month under the Blue plan. The Blue plan has 41 channels including MSNBC. There is no contract or long-term obligation. You can check the latest offers Sling TV is making to new and returning customers.
Sling TV stands out for its affordability and flexible plans, making it an excellent choice for those who want MSNBC alongside a balanced mix of news, entertainment, and sports channels. The inclusion of a 50-hour Cloud DVR and compatibility with a wide range of devices adds to its appeal.
On the other hand, Hulu with Live TV offers a more comprehensive package with over 90 channels, including MSNBC, and access to Disney+ and ESPN+.
Whether you prioritize cost or a wide selection of channels, both Sling TV and Hulu with Live TV offer solid options to stream MSNBC live. Choose the one that fits your needs and start watching MSNBC today.
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.
If you have the TuneIn app on you phone, tablet, or smart device, you can at least listen to MSNBC for free, with ads. TuneIn tends to cut out on the last few seconds of a program right before a commercial to sub their own commercials in, which is annoying, but I’m not paying for TuneIn premium or a suite of unwanted channels. I “cut the cord” in 2004, 2022 is about how bout not repackaging the same bad old biz model via slightly newer tech?
I would gladly pay for Peacock if they were to also stream MSNBC. I hate to pay a company that gives part of my subscription to the likes of Fox and OAN. It’s even more frustrating to know that Fox gets more of my subscription money than MSNBC does. Until I can get away from that model, I’ll have to catch the podcasts or listen to MSNBC on TuneIn.
Same here! Do not want to in anyway support FOX news. I sant to subscribe to live full- length MSNBC and haven’t found a way how.
I see this stream started in 2019. Still the same problem except higher prices. I still listen on TuneIn
I feel same way! I want msnbc and no other shows, so I cannot justify cable expense. I got rid of cable and use fire stick, but subscribing to msnbc requires cable company. I have cable for internet, but refuse cable tv outrageous fees for shows I don’t want. I’ll pay for msnbc but not spectrum cable tv.
ditto. I only have my social security income – and don’t watch regular TV at all. There is not an extra $10 in my monthly budget especially in winter with increased heating cost. But I would like to be able to watch MSNBC.
Agree.
I agree completely. HBO let you but a single sub; why not MSNBC? I cancelled Sling for this reason. $30- a month for MSNBC is not justifiable. Sling is a package of junk – no thanks.
Same here. I wish i could just subscribe to MSNBC
MSNBC is now part of SlingTV Blue you do not have to buy news extra just an FYI Hulu TV does not have AMC and YouTube TV does not have History Channel. Sling Blue has the best overall cable channels but they don’t have Local TV stations
UNTIL THEY FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE US HAPPY AND SELL US WHAT WE WANT, WE MUST
RELY ON FRIENDS WITH CABLE…AND, BRING SOME BEER…
This is frustrating. I don’t have cable because I refuse to pay an arm and a leg to watch the few shows that interest me. I just cancelled basic Starz and Hulu because there’s a lot of junk I don’t watch. All I wanted to do is to be able to livestream MSNBC. I don’t want ESPN, Disney…etc Just MSNBC. I refuse to pay for cable or Hulu $54+, Sling $30 +, YouTube, and all to do that. I will just have to be satisfied with listening to it on the radio with XM Sirius. It would be nice if MSNBC would consider those of us who don’t want all the other programs and create a decent package for just MSNBC.
NBC News, an event co-host, is live streaming the debate for free.
I agree. Frustrating but I guess the consequence of choosing not to pay for cable and not to pay more $15/month for subscriptions (Netflix is my highest one). As streaming becomes more like cable I will adjust as needed but still won’t pay the high dollars.
MSNBC doesn’t have a free app like PBS? Those are the only stations we watch with our comcast cable service.
Agree. We chose the commercial free BASIC Hulu for about $11/month and couldn’t be happier. We listen to MSNBC live or watch the uploaded shows later in the day, ie Morning Joe and the others we like, ie Maddow, The Beat (only segments are often available however) on YouTube the following day
Why do you pay for You Tube?
Cutting cable is NBD depending upon your TV viewing interests, pick a service like HULU @ $45/month – 50 + but no sports channels or YouTubeTV at $50/month 60 channels with sports channels and a few others. Each have different services so choosing is about knowing your needs/wants. These services would save you at least $55.00/month
MSNBC IS ON MY HULU ACCT…LOVE IT SO FAR, FIRED PLAYSTATION VUE…
Why can’t I just add MSNBC to my Hulu account?
Hey that’s great, I did not know ! I have no suscriptions to any cable TV providers and I don’t intend to. I wouldn’t mind paying a few bucks to watch “legally” MSNBC but they force you to subscribe to a $50+ monthly fee… I find that ridiculous.
One advantage to cable is that when power goes down or snow blocks signal I can still get MSNBC live online. Also I can get it where ever I am that I can log into WiFi. A lot of Hotels and motels only have basic which doesn’t offer MSNBC. I think about cutting Cable because I am paying at least $110 a month, also pay for Netflix, VIKI, Youtube, WiFi, cell phone and other services, well over $350 a month. Oh well, I have a lot of interests.
WHY DOES PLAYSTATION VUE LOCK-UP? LOCKS UP AND HAS ME RELOADING WHEN IT
WON’T RESTART OFTER 5 MINUTES OR MORE…SEEMS OFTEN SO UNSTABLE,
I am going to stop paying for direct tv, watching CNN right now using the Spectrum app. I like MSNBC better, but I guess for now I will be watching CNN and the advertisers there will be putting their ads in front of my eyes while the MSNBC advertisers will no longer reach me
Why can’t I just watch MSNBC free on-line !!! I will watch the commercials and all. I just want to watch MSNBC live. For now all I can do is listen to it. This is 2019 !!! So STUPID that I can’t watch commercials for free.
If you have an android device, you can get the MSNBC Live app for free and watch it for free on your android device.
Hulu Live TV is a complete waste of money. We paid for one month just to watch MSNBC, and halfway through, we kept getting error messages. I called Hulu and the help we got? It’s either MSNBC or Hulu. Money right down the drain and Hulu was happy to keep it.
Can AppleTV be used to record programs and watch later without the ads? Without that it’s not that helpful. Xfinity is not more expensive than 40 bucks per month and it’s easy to record stuff.