11 Ways to Watch AMC Live Without Cable

I’ve explored various ways to enjoy AMC without the traditional cable subscription. My hands-on experience with live TV streaming services, from testing the waters with AMC+ to navigating the offerings of Sling TV and YouTube TV, has equipped me with firsthand insights to help you find the best fit for your viewing needs.

AMC
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You can watch AMC without cable on six live TV streaming services. AMC+, DIRECTV STREAM, Philo, Sling TV, NOW TV, and YouTube TV all stream the AMC live without a cable or satellite subscription. There are 11 plans that carry AMC within those seven live TV streaming services. 

Subscribers to live streaming services, cable or satellite can activate the AMC app and watch TV shows or on-demand programs. 

I’ve explored various ways to enjoy AMC without the traditional cable subscription. My hands-on experience with live TV streaming services, from testing the waters with AMC+ to navigating the offerings of Sling TV and YouTube TV, has equipped me with firsthand insights to help you find the best fit for your viewing needs.

AMC, once known as American Movie Classics, made its debut on cable TV on October 1, 1984. The network developed an impressive run of popular original shows in the 2000s with shows such as Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead.

You can jump down to the summary of how to watch AMC without cable, or read through all your options.

How to Watch AMC

Cord-cutters and so-called “cord-shavers” have a number of options to watch cable TV channels such as AMC.

There’s a new age of TV underway. Live TV streaming services are widely available on Smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV. You can watch TV on a tablet, iPad or iPhone. 

All of these streaming services carry AMC and a number of other popular cable networks such as A&E, HistoryHGTV, and Hallmark Channel.

Some of these streaming services offer local channels such as ABC, CBS, PBS, NBC and FOX. But you should expect to pay more if you want them in your channel lineup. 

You just need to pick a live streaming service with the channel lineup that you want. AMC is currently available through AMC+, DIRECTV STREAM, fubo, Philo, Sling TV, NOW TV, and YouTube TV.

AMC+

  • Early Access to New Shows
  • Comprehensive On-Demand Library
  • Curated Live TV Channels
PLANPRICECHANNELS
AMC+$8.99/monthAMC, AMC+, BBC America, The Walking Dead Channel, IFC, and Sundance TV
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.

AMC+ is a streaming service that has early access to new shows and six live TV channels. 

AMC, AMC+, BBC America, The Walking Dead Channel, IFC, and Sundance TV make up the live TV lineup. The on-demand library includes two other streaming services, Sundance Now, and the horror-themed Shudder. 

You will be able to watch classics such as Mad Men, and every episode of new shows like Dark Winds and The Walking Dead: Dead City.

A subscription costs $8.99 per month. I subscribed to AMC+ through Amazon Prime, and later on, paid for an annual subscription directly through AMC+.

Your best option is to sign up through Amazon Prime so you can have access to AMC+ on just about any streaming device or Smart TV. You can read my comprehensive review of AMC+ that I wrote after signing up for an annual membership.

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 at a similar price point.

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.

AMC
(Photo illustration: The Cord Cutting Report)

Philo

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Philo$25/month72
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, and Sony Bravia.

Philo offers more than 70 TV channels for $25 per month, making it the cheapest way to watch AMC on as a live channel. 

Philo has one plan that includes A&E, BBC America, Discovery, Hallmark Channel, History, MTV, and Paramount Network.

New customers can get a 7-day free trial. Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR, and a large library of on-demand content from TV networks.

You can use Philo on Smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV devices such as Google Chromecast.

From a web browser, you can watch Philo on Mac computers, and PCs. There is widespread support for mobile devices including iPhones and iPads (with current iOS), and Android smartphones.

Philo is perfect for viewers seeking a cost-effective way to access a wide variety of channels including AMC. Unlike Sling TV, which leans more towards sports, Philo offers a more diverse entertainment lineup at a lower cost.

Subscribers can activate the AMC app and dozens of others using your Philo account. You can try out Philo free for a week by signing up in under a minute using your smartphone number.

Sling TV

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Orange$40/month32 (No locals)
Blue$40/month40 (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 has AMC in all of its channel packages.

The Sling Orange plan includes 32 channels, including entertainment networks like AMC, A&E, BBC America, Bloomberg TV+, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, History, and TNT. A subscription to Sling Orange costs $40 per month. 

The Sling Blue plan has 41 channels, including Bravo, Cartoon Network, NFL Network, MSNBC, Lifetime, SyFy, TBS and FS1.  A subscription is $40 per month. But subscribers can get half off their first month of service. 

All subscribers get 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage.  

You can combine the Sling Blue with Sling Orange for $55 per month. Sling TV works on just about any streaming device and a number of Smart TVs. 

Roku, Firestick, Chromecast and Apple TV all support the Sling TV app. There are Sling apps on Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony and Vizio.

Gamers can watch TV on Xbox. The Sling app is supported by Samsung Smart TVs and Smart TVs operating on Android TV or Google TV. Sling TV supports mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Sling TV is great for those who balance their love for AMC shows with a passion for sports, providing a mix of both at a reasonable price. Compared to DIRECTV STREAM, Sling TV is more affordable, though it offers fewer local channels and sports options.

NOW TV

  • for Xfinity internet subscribers
  • Includes Peacock Premium
  • Affordable package
PLANPRICECHANNELS
NOW TV$20/month40+ live TV channels
Device support: Xfinity Stream app on Xfinity Flex, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, and Xumo TV.

NOW TV is a streaming service by Xfinity that can be packaged with an internet plan. There are more than 40 live TV channels including A&E, AMC, Discovery Channel, Great American Family, Hallmark Channel, HGTV and The Weather Channel.

NOW TV costs $20 per month. Subscribers get Peacock Premium and a Flex 4K streaming TV box at no extra cost. Customers can sign up and cancel their service anytime through their online Xfinity account.

NOW TV is available on the Xfinity Stream app on Xfinity Flex, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, iOS and Android devices. Now TV is supported by Apple AirPlay as well.

NOW TV is a good fit for Xfinity internet users who want AMC along with a basic array of live TV channels, offering a simple and budget-friendly solution. It’s more limited in channel variety compared to the expansive lineup of YouTube TV, but at a lower price.

You can look over internet plans and pricing for more information. 

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

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) has AMC in its entry-level channel bundle. You have four ways to watch AMC without cable through DIRECTV STREAM.

You can sign up for a free 5-day trial on any plan.

The Entertainment plan has more than 75 TV channels for $79.99 per month.

HGTV, A&E, CNN, Nickelodeon, ESPN, USA Network and local channels such as NBC and FOX are included in the Entertainment plan. You get unlimited Cloud DVR and 40,000 on-demand movies and shows.

The Choice package is best for sports fans because it has 40 regional sports channels, including Bally Sports networks, NBC Sports and Marquee Sports Network. Choice subscribers get more than 105 channels for $108.99 per month. 

The Ultimate package has more than 140 channels, including local channels, and more sports and entertainment channels. The Ultimate package is $119.99 per month. 

The Premier Package has over 150 channels, including premium channels such as HBO, Cinemax and Showtime. A subscription to Premier is $164.99 per month.

Subscribers can get three months of Max, Showtime, STARZ, Cinemax and MGM+ (formerly EPIX) for free before the monthly rates kick in.

There are no contracts. You can subscribe month to month and cancel whenever you want. DIRECTV STREAM is the go-to option for avid sports fans, offering a wide range of sports channels along with AMC in its packages. While it boasts a comprehensive lineup, its cost is higher compared to the more economical Sling TV.

DIRECTV STREAM works on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Smart TVs running on Android TV and Google TV.

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 has 128 channels, including Discovery, HGTV, and NBA TV for $72.99 per month.

YouTube TV only has one way to get Discovery through its base plan.

The YouTube TV base plan carries other key sports channels for fans such as TNT, TBS, SEC Network, ACC Network, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, and MLB Network. YouTube TV carries regional NBC Sports networks across the U.S., but is missing others such as Bally Sports and YES Network.

You’ll be able to watch CNN, Golf Channel and FX. Unlimited Cloud DVR is included with a subscription. And you can create up to 6 profiles for a household per account.

YouTube TV is suited for households seeking a comprehensive channel lineup, including AMC and extensive sports networks. It stands out with its unlimited Cloud DVR, though it is pricier than Philo’s more budget-conscious package.

The service works with Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, NVIDIA Shield TV, and Apple TV. You can get a free trial and look over the latest promotion YouTube TV is offering.

How to Watch AMC FAQs

These are questions readers ask when researching ways to watch AMC without a TV provider. 

Can I watch AMC for free?

Philo, fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, and YouTube TV all offer free trials, and include AMC in their live TV channel lineup. If you cancel before the free trial ends, then you won’t be charged. 

There is no long term way to watch AMC for free. You need either a cable provider or a live TV streaming service to watch your favorite TV shows.

Is AMC on Hulu?

You won’t find AMC on Hulu Live TV. And despite having an AMC channel hub within Hulu’s ad-supported plan, there are only two seasons of Sherman’s Showcase available to stream as of August 2023. All other AMC programming has migrated to AMC+. 

Does fubo have AMC?

AMC Networks left the fubo channel lineup on December 31, 2022, according to a fubo support page. 

How much is AMC Plus on Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime subscribers can sign up for AMC+ for $8.99 per month, and watch AMC live without a cable provider. The cable network AMC is not available for free through Amazon Prime.

How can I stream AMC?

AMC+, DIRECTV STREAM, Philo, Sling TV, NOW TV, and YouTube TV are the six live TV streaming services that carry AMC live. Here is my analysis of each streaming service specifically for watching AMC without cable.

STREAMING SERVICEPROSCONS
AMC+Early access to new shows, six live TV channels, and a comprehensive on-demand library.Limited to AMC-centric content, may not suffice for diverse channel preferences.
PhiloAffordable with over 70 channels, includes unlimited Cloud DVR.Lacks local channels and major sports networks.
Sling TVFlexible packages, 50 hours of Cloud DVR.Channel availability varies between packages, can get expensive if combining plans.
NOW TVIncludes Peacock Premium, cost-effective.Limited channel selection, primarily suited for Xfinity internet users.
DIRECTV STREAMExtensive channel lineup, includes local channels and sports networks.Higher price point, might be excessive for just AMC.
YouTube TV128 channels including key sports networks, unlimited Cloud DVR.One of the more expensive options, missing some regional sports networks.
  1. Philo: It’s the most budget-friendly option, offering a wide variety of channels including AMC, at just $25 per month. Its unlimited Cloud DVR is a significant advantage for those who enjoy recording shows.
  2. Sling TV: Offers flexibility with its Orange and Blue plans, both priced at $40 per month. Its half-off promotion for the first month makes it an attractive option for new subscribers.

For more news on streaming, how-to guides and reviews, head over to the main page of The Cord Cutting Report or follow the CCR on Google News

Note: This article was published on April 8, 2021, and has been updated to reflect new pricing.

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.