5 Cable-Free Ways to Watch TruTV for 2024

You can watch live NCAA games, movies, and original series on TruTV. With the right live TV service, you can stream more game-day thrills with March Madness on ESPN, CBS, TNT, and TBS. In 2024, you can use Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, and Max.

truTV
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March Madness 2024 is upon us, drawing basketball aficionados and cord-cutters alike to the digital courtside. 

If you’re aiming to follow the NCAA playoffs without a cable subscription, you’re in the right spot. TruTV, a hub for live NCAA games, movies, and original series, isn’t your only avenue to game-day thrills. 

March Madness games are on ESPNCBSTNTTBS and TruTV.

Platforms like Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV and Max offer a range of viewing options.

How to Watch TruTV Without Cable for 2024

My top recommendation for an affordable, user-friendly service is Sling TV. You should get the Sling Orange and Blue plan combined, and use a TV antenna to watch March Madness games on CBS.

For just $55 per month, it’s a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on quality. It ensures you won’t miss a slam dunk or a buzzer-beater, no matter where you are in the U.S. Plus, it supports multiple streams, letting you and your fellow sports fans watch simultaneously.

But the court’s open for choices. Each streaming service brings its perks to the table, from extensive channel lineups to seamless device compatibility. 

Whether you’re tuning in via Smart TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or even your smartphone, these live TV services cater to your setup. 

Remember, the right streaming service goes beyond price tags and device support. It’s about the overall experience, the right variety of channels, and the ease of access. 

So, as you make your pick, consider the broader picture – the one that ensures you catch every moment of March Madness and more, on your terms. 

These streaming services give you ways to watch TruTV live without the need of a cable or satellite subscription. 

Sling TV

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Orange$40/month32
Blue$40/month41 (Locals included)
Orange + Blue$55/month88
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.

Sling TV is a top contender in the realm of budget-friendly live TV streaming services. 

With the Sling Blue package, priced affordably at $40 per month, subscribers unlock a treasure trove of entertainment, sports, and news channels. The lineup boasts over 40 channels including TruTV, indispensable for NCAA fans, alongside popular networks like TNT, TBS, A&E, BET, and CNN

This diverse selection ensures that whether your passion lies in sports, comedy, drama, or current events, Sling Blue caters to every viewer’s preference.

Sling TV isn’t just about expansive channel options. It acknowledges the modern viewer’s need for flexibility and control. With every subscription, 50 hours of Cloud DVR space is at your disposal, allowing you to record and revisit your favorite moments at your leisure. 

Sling Blue offers three simultaneous streams under the Blue plan. The Orange plan has only one stream, but includes ESPN and ESPN2 in its channel lineup.

Sports fans may want to combine Sling Blue and Sling Orange at $55 per month to unlock an even broader spectrum of sports channels.

New and returning customers are always greeted with enticing offers, and a commitment of at least three months unlocks a discount for Sling Orange, Blue and the Sports Plus add-on.

Hulu + Live TV

  • Sign up & get Disney+ and ESPN+ included
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR (9 mos.)
  • Two simultaneous streams
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Hulu + Live TV$76.99/month90+
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV.

Hulu Live TV has refined its offerings, now boasting 90 live channels, ensuring that fan-favorites like truTV, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2, FX, and FS1 are part of your regular lineup. 

This channel lineup guarantees that you’re always in tune with live sports, the latest TV series, and movies.

Hulu maintains its commitment to providing comprehensive local coverage offering NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX stations. 

Having access to local channels is particularly beneficial for sports fans, ensuring access to pro and college sports like baseball, basketball football, and soccer.

Now priced at $76.99 per month, Hulu Live TV’s subscription is a gateway to a diverse channel array and includes additional access to Disney+ and ESPN+. For college basketball fans, ESPN+ is a real bonus for its Big 12 coverage of live games, including ones you won’t find on cable.

Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Your subscription also provides access to 41 network apps such as FOX, History Channel, NBC Sports, and Travel Channel.

DIRECTV STREAM

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Entertainment$79.99/month75+
Choice$108.99/month105+
Ultimate$119.99/month140+
Premier$164.99/month150+
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia

Entertainment Plan

The Entertainment Plan is the gateway to DIRECTV STREAM, offering over 65 channels. This package includes popular networks such as TruTV, ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1, making it a solid choice for general entertainment and sports enthusiasts. Subscribers enjoy the benefit of unlimited Cloud DVR storage and access to nearly 90,000 on-demand titles. The Entertainment Plan supports streaming on unlimited screens within your household, ensuring everyone gets to watch their favorites.

Choice Plan

Elevating the viewing experience, the Choice Plan includes over 90 channels. Exclusive to this package are networks like NFL Network, MLB Network, and NBA TV, catering specifically to sports fans. In addition to the standard features such as unlimited Cloud DVR and on-demand content, subscribers to the Choice Plan also get regional sports networks, depending on their location, ensuring they don’t miss out on local games and events.

Ultimate Plan

The Ultimate Plan is perfect for those seeking a more extensive selection, offering over 130 channels. Unique to this package are channels like FXM, Golf Channel, and NHL Network, enhancing the options for movie lovers and sports aficionados. Like the other plans, it includes unlimited Cloud DVR and a vast on-demand library.

Premier Plan

For the ultimate entertainment connoisseur, the Premier Plan offers over 140 channels, including premium networks such as HBO Max, Showtime, STARZ, Cinemax, and MGM+. This plan is a one-stop-shop for all your entertainment needs, from blockbuster movies to exclusive series.

DIRECTV STREAM Sports Pack

DIRECTV STREAM enriches the sports viewing experience with its dedicated Sports Pack, priced at an additional $14.99 per month. Tailor-made for sports enthusiasts and particularly appealing to college basketball fans gearing up for March Madness, this pack offers an extensive array of sports channels. Key highlights include:

  • NFL Network & NFL RedZone: Offering in-depth coverage of NFL games and exclusive game-day action.
  • College Sports Networks: Featuring ACC Network and Big Ten Network, ensuring you don’t miss any college basketball action.
  • Comprehensive Sports Coverage: Channels like CBS Sports Network, ESPNews, ESPNU, and NBA TV cater to a wide range of sports interests, covering everything from basketball analysis to live games.
  • Specialty Sports Channels: Networks such as Golf Channel, MLB Network, NHL Network, and Tennis Channel, providing round-the-year coverage of major sports events, analyses, and highlights.

This add-on ensures that sports fans have access to extensive coverage of their favorite events, keeping them at the center of all the action throughout the sports season.

YouTube TV

  • Free trial
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR
  • Three simultaneous streams
PLANPRICECHANNELS
YouTube TV$72.99/month128
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.

YouTube TV continues to be a robust choice for cord-cutters, offering truTV among its expansive lineup of over 128 live TV channels. 

A subscription is $72.99 per month. Subscribers can enjoy the convenience of watching live TV on three screens simultaneously, making it a versatile option for families or shared households.

The service ensures that you stay connected to your favorite shows by including local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX stations, alongside popular cable TV channels. 

The sports coverage is thorough, with ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1 catering to sports enthusiasts. The news and entertainment needs are well-served with the inclusion of networks like CNN. Subscribers get unlimited DVR without the need of extra hardware.

One of YouTube TV’s standout features is its unlimited Cloud DVR, allowing you to record and store your favorite programs to watch at your leisure.

Compatibility is broad, with support for devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast with Google TV, and Apple TV. New users can explore the service firsthand with a free 7-day trial, offering a risk-free opportunity to experience YouTube TV’s extensive channel lineup and features.

Sports Plus

For sports fans, YouTube TV offers the “Sports Plus” add-on at an additional $10.99 per month. This package includes NFL RedZone, making it an ideal choice during the NFL season, and other channels like FOX Soccer Plus, MAVTV Motorsports Network, and Stadium.

Max

  • Price: $9.99 – $19.99
  • B/R Sports Add-on included free
  • DVR: No
  • Simultaneous Streams: 2 to 4 devices (depending on plan)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
With Ads$9..99/monthSports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on)
Ad-Free$15.99/monthSports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on)
Ultimate Ad-Free$19.99/monthSports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on)
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Cox device, LG Smart TV, PlayStation, Roku, Samsung TV, VIZIO Smart TV, Xbox, XClass TV/Xumo TV, Xfinity X1 and Flex

Max (formerly known as HBO Max) has introduced a game-changer for March Madness 2024.

The Bleacher Report Sports add-on is a new avenue to watch March Madness in 2024 with all live games on TNT, TBS, and TruTV. 

This sports coverage, which includes live NBA and NHL games, is currently offered at no additional cost. Eventually, the add-on will be priced at $9.99 per month, but for now, Max subscribers can enjoy a complimentary trial of this comprehensive sports package. You can watch games in 1080p Dolby Vision with supported Smart TVs and streaming devices.

Max’s standard offerings are competitively priced, with the ad-free plan available at $15.99 per month and a more economical option with ads at $9.99 per month. 

Since its debut on Oct. 5, the Bleacher Report Sports add-on has provided U.S. customers with a new sports viewing experience along with popular HBO Originals and movies.

The landscape of live TV streaming has transformed dramatically, offering a plethora of choices to watch TruTV and other networks without the burden of a traditional cable subscription. 

These services are thoroughly tested and proven across various platforms, from Smart TVs to game consoles, and from iPhones to Android smartphones, ensuring a seamless streaming experience no matter your device.

Is truTV on Fubo?

TruTV is currently not on Fubo (formerly fuboTV) as of early 2024. truTV was among a group of channels owned by the Turner Broadcasting System Inc. that left fuboTV’s channel lineup on July 1, 2020.

Other Turner-owned channels dropped that day from fuboTV included TNT, TBS, CNN, CNN International, CNN en Espanol, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, truTV and Boomerang.

Is the truTV app free?

The truTV app is free to download. But to watch a live TV show on the app, you need to subscribe to a cable TV provider, or live TV streaming services that carries truTV.

If you want to activate the truTV app on a Roku or Fire TV Stick, you’re going to need a cable TV or satellite subscription. No live TV streaming service currently offers TV Everywhere support for truTV.

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.

Jim Kimble is a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of journalism experience. He has been at the forefront of the cord-cutting movement since 2016, testing and writing about TV-related products and services. He founded The Cord Cutting Report in 2016, and serves as the editor.

Major publications, including MarketWatch, Forbes, and South Florida Sun Sentinel, have interviewed Kimble for his years of expertise. He gives advice on the complexities consumers are navigating with streaming options, and over-the-air TV. Kimble has been a staff writer or correspondent for several award-winning, daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe.

2 thoughts on “5 Cable-Free Ways to Watch TruTV for 2024”

  1. Why haven’t you reviewed Philo TV? 60 channels for $25.00! Seems better to me than sling, hulu, and others.

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