Published: February 14, 2024
You can watch NBC as a live TV channel through six streaming services, or with a TV antenna.
DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, Peacock, and YouTube TV all offer the ability to stream NBC live without cable or satellite service.
Peacock live streams local NBC stations through its Premium Plus subscription. However, you only need a Premium to stream the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and NBC shows such as “American Ninja Warrior” and “One Chicago.”
Given that NBC is a broadcast channel, you have an excellent chance to watch your local network for free without the need for a streaming service by using a TV antenna.
| Service | Free Trial | Monthly Price | Key Channels/Content |
| Peacock | No | $5.99 (Premium) / $11.99 (Premium Plus) | Shows from NBC, Bravo, Hallmark Channel, MSNBC, Telemundo with Peacock Originals and Movies. Sports include 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday Night Football, Premier League, NASCAR, WWE |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Yes | $79.99 (Entertainment) | NBC, ESPN, ESPN2, Discovery, HGTV, Lifetime, Regional NBC Sports networks, 90,000 on-demand titles |
| Fubo | Yes | $79.99 (Pro) / $89.99 (Elite) / $99.99 (Premier) | NBC, ESPN, FX, CNBC, USA Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, FS1, NBC Sports, Golf Channel, Showtime (Premier) |
| Hulu + Live TV | No | $76.99 | NBC, ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, ABC, PBS, CBS, FOX, Disney+, ESPN+, Great American Family, History Channel, HGTV |
| Sling TV | No | $40 (Blue) / $55 (Blue + Orange) | NBC (select markets), NFL Network, A&E, FX, MTV, SyFy, TLC, ESPN (with Orange) |
| YouTube TV | Yes | $72.99 (Base plan) | NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, Oxygen Network, USA Network, Comedy Central, FOX News, CNN, Telemundo, TNT, TBS, SEC Network, ACC Network, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, MLB Network |
| TV Antenna | N/A | Free | NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, PBS and others |
How to Watch NBC Without Cable
You can easily break away from a cable subscription, and keep watching NBC on TV and any other screen in your home.
Millions of cord-cutters have turned to streaming services local channels like CBS, FOX, and ABC, as well as popular cable channels, including AMC, A&E, and ESPN. Others use a TV antenna to get NBC because it’s free and you don’t even need an internet connection.
Here are all your latest options.
Peacock
Peacock is the best option for those who are looking to watch NBC on a budget.
The NBCUniversal streaming service now includes live streaming of local NBC affiliates across the U.S. The Peacock Premium plan is $7.99 per month, and provides on-demand access to shows from NBC, Bravo, Hallmark Channel, MSNBC and Telemundo.
This entry-level plan gives you access to live sports that air on NBC, including the 2024 Summer Olympics, Golf, INDYCAR, Sunday Night Football, Notre Dame Football, Premier League, NASCAR, and WWE events.
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.
Peacock has a significant movie library, including hits that were recently in theaters. You can find a variety of Peacock Originals like “Parachute”, “Hart to Hart” and “The Continental.”
It’s currently home to full seasons of “Yellowstone.” Peacock is easy to use. After you sign up for a subscription, you can download the app to a compatible Smart TV or streaming device to start watching.
If you are in the mood for some channel surfing, Peacock has a “channels” section that resembles a cable-like experience with a number of FAST channels. Note: A $2 per month price increase for Premium plan is coming on July 18.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $7.99/mo. | On-demand |
| Premium Plus | $11.99/mo. | NBC live & on-demand |
Simultaneous Streams: 3
Cloud DVR Storage: N/A: On-demand content
Exclusive Content: Yes
Local Channels: Yes (NBC only in Premium Plus)
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, LG Smart TV, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Samsung TV, Hisense VIDA, VIZIO Smart TV, Xfinity Flex.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM offers a convenient way to stream NBC live, featuring local NBC channels across the U.S. in its entry-level package. For those searching for an alternative that resembles their own cable plan, this is an excellent way to watch NBC without cable.
The Entertainment package includes more than 75 live TV channels for $79.99 per month. You can sign up for a free trial on any plan, which lasts for five days before billing kicks in.
Sports fans can watch channels like ESPN and ESPN2, and regional NBC Sports networks. Popular entertainment networks such as Discovery, HGTV and Lifetime are also part of the lineup.
Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage, and over 90,000 on-demand movies and shows.
DIRECTV STREAM also has pricier plans with more channels, including Choice, Ultimate and Premier.
For sports fans, the Choice package has hard-to-find regional sports channels, including Bally Sports, NESN and YES Network. However, you can also add the Sports Pack bundle if you want a more-rounded offering for college and professional sports.
DIRECTV STREAM is a versatile choice for those looking to stream NBC on different devices. You can watch this live TV service on Smart TVs, major streaming devices like Roku and on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
| 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.
Fubo
Fubo (formerly fuboTV), known for its comprehensive sports coverage across broadcast channels, ESPN networks, and regional sports networks.
Local NBC channels are available in all three of its channel packages.
The Pro plan has 188 channels, including ESPN, FX, CNBC, USA Network, and key sports networks such as ACC Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, FS1, NBC Sports, and Golf Channel.
The Pro plan is priced at $79.99 per month. Every Fubo plan includes a regional sports fee, which ranges from $11.99 to $14.99 per month.
Fubo’s two other channel bundles, Elite and Premier, offer more channels at higher price points.
Upgrading to the Elite plan at $89.99 per month unlocks about 65 sports, news, and entertainment channels. You will find NBA TV, NHL Network and FXM added in the Elite plan.
The Premier plan has roughly 264 channels, including the Fubo Extra add-on, News Plus add-on and 9 Showtime channels, for $99.99 per month. Premier plan subscribers also get Paramount+ content available within the Fubo app.
The Fubo app is easy to navigate, and maintains distinct sections for sports, and maintains replays of recent sporting events.
Each plan includes a free trial, making it easier for users to explore their options before committing. Subscribers are granted 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR storage. You can watch live TV on up to 10 screens at once.
You can tap into Fubo’s channel lineup or on-demand library on Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and various Smart TVs.
| 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.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is owned by The Walt Disney Company, and its channel lineup of 90 live TV channels largely reflects that.
Not that it’s a bad thing because ESPN’s family of networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network along with broadcast network ABC are sought after by cord-cutters and sports fans alike.
A subscription to Hulu + Live TV starts at $76.99 per month. Subscribers get ESPN+ and Disney+, both ad-supported, as part of the Hulu Live plan. However, you will need to use apps from Disney+ and ESPN+ to access the content.
The Hulu Live channel lineup features channels like Great American Family, History Channel, and HGTV. The channel lineup also includes Bravo, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, SyFy, Telemundo, and USA Network, among others.
With Hulu’s TV plan, not only do you get local NBC access, but also other broadcast networks like PBS, CBS, and FOX.
Subscribers get unlimited DVR and can watch Hulu on two screens at once.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $76.99/month | 90+ |
| Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $89.99/month | 90+ |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: Yes
Local Channels: Yes
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.
Sling TV
Sling TV is an affordable solution to watch NBC live in select TV markets.
The Sling TV Blue package, available in about 11 TV markets or “Designated Market Areas,” includes around 41 channels featuring local NBC stations.
This makes it a viable option for viewers who live in and around Chicago, Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Hartford/New Haven, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, Washington, DC, and San Diego.
Priced at $40 per month, Sling Blue offers a range of channels including NFL Network, A&E, FX, MTV, SyFy, and TLC. This package appeals to people who want both entertainment and sports channels.
Sling TV comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR for all subscribers. Sling Blue subscribers can watch live TV on up to three screens simultaneously.
You can watch NBC live across various platforms with Sling, including most Smart TVs, including Samsung, and major streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV (4th generation).
For those seeking a broader selection, combining the Sling Blue plan with the Orange plan for $55 per month expands the channel lineup with sought-after networks like ESPN and USA Network.
| 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.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV has more than 100 TV channels in its base plan, including sports and broadcast TV channels like NBC, CBS and FOX.
A subscription is $72.99 per month. It includes unlimited Cloud DVR, and the ability to add up to six profiles so members of your household can have their own DVR queue and favorites.
The channel lineup has ESPN, Oxygen Network, USA Network, Comedy Central, FOX News, CNN, and Telemundo. Aside from being able to watch NBC shows live, subscribers can tap into YouTube TV’s on-demand library for the network’s latest shows.
Sports fans can watch TNT, TBS, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNews, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, MLB Network, and regional NBC Sports networks as part of the base plan.
YouTube TV allows viewing on up to three screens simultaneously, whether it’s live TV or on-demand content.
The service is compatible with Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast, and also offers the ability to watch live TV on a PC. New subscribers can take advantage of a free 7-day trial to explore the service.
| 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.
NBC Website and NBC App
The NBC app is not nearly as robust as Peacock, but it is an additional method to stream NBC live along with the NBC website. These two platforms can be activated with a subscription to YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and Hulu Live TV.
For Sling Blue subscribers who have NBC included in their package, the NBC app and website are also accessible for streaming live content.
Watch NBC Live for Free with a TV Antenna
Using a TV antenna is a straightforward and cost-effective method to access local channels like NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and PBS, absolutely free of charge.
Once you learn the basics about TV antennas, using one to watch NBC is a great way to replace a core part of a pricey cable plan.
People living within 30 to 40 miles of local broadcast towers typically have a good chance of receiving these channels with a quality TV antenna.
To check whether NBC is available in your area, you can use the free tool at AntennasDirect. Remember, local channels are broadcast in high-definition formats such as 1080i or 720p, ensuring a quality viewing experience.
NBC is offered over-the-air in a number of markets that broadcast in NextGen TV as well. However, you need a Smart TV, tuner or OTA DVR that supports ATSC 3.0 to get these channels.
Recap: Ways to Watch NBC Without Cable
DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, Peacock, and YouTube TV all over NBC as part of their TV channel lineups.
Peacock offers live sports and NBC shows on-demand alongside content from Bravo, MSNBC and Hallmark Channel. A subscription is $7.99 per month. It’s the most budget-friendly option. For live streaming NBC from a local station, you can go with a Premium Plus subscription costing $11.99 per month.
Hulu + Live TV currently offers a 3-day free trial, and a lot of value because you are given 90 TV channels and added subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN+ for $76.99 per month. It’s slightly cheaper than DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo, while giving a more robust lineup of sports and family entertainment.
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.
we have an antenna and get 4,5,9, but have never gotten 11
All I could find is a recent post from someone apparently from youtube that says to contact them through support as there are different trials. I would likely want to make use of a trial. I will probably be going off PVue in early Nov and will start with youtubetv to try it at that point. Thanks.