How to Watch HGTV Without Cable

Watch HGTV without cable through live TV streaming services like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Explore options for cord-cutters to stream HGTV shows on Discovery+ or Max.

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You can watch HGTV without cable on six live TV streaming services.

DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all stream HGTV live without a cable or satellite subscription.

You can also watch some older HGTV shows on Discovery+ or Max. There is no dedicated HGTV streaming service, but there are plenty of options for cord-cutters to use.

HGTV has been a cable network since 1994, creating hit shows “House Hunters,” “Fixer Upper,” and “My Lottery Dream Home.”

How to Watch HGTV Without Cable

Your favorite TV channels aren’t exclusive to cable or satellite TV companies anymore.

Thanks to millions of people cutting the cord from cable, you don’t need Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, or anything else that comes with a triple-digit bill every month.

Live TV streaming services carry HGTV and other popular cable TV channels. These services offer more flexibility and don’t require anyone to install equipment.

ServiceFree TrialMonthly PriceKey Channels
DIRECTV STREAMYes$79.99A&E, ACC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CNN, FOX News, USA Network
FuboYes$74.99ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, AMC, Bravo
Hulu + Live TVYes$76.99Discovery, ID, HGTV, ESPN, FS1, TBS, A&E, Disney+, ESPN+
PhiloYes$28HGTV, Hallmark Channel, A&E, Discovery Family, MTV, History
Sling TV (Orange)No$40ESPN, AMC, CNN, TNT, Disney Channel
Sling TV (Blue)No$40NBC, FOX, FX, NFL Network, USA, Bravo, Food Network
YouTube TVYes$72.99HGTV, CMT, Discovery, FS1, CNN, Golf Channel, FX
Now TVNo$20A&E, Discovery, HGTV, Hallmark Channel
MaxNo$9.99Shows from HGTV

Streaming services have apps for supported Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV. You can watch TV on an iPhone or iPad with current iOS.

If you’re a fan of original TV shows on HGTV, you may want a live TV streaming service that carries other networks such as A&E, Discovery, History, Lifetime, Nickelodeon, SyFy, and Paramount Network.

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

When it comes to streaming HGTV, services like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV offer a variety of options.

Here are all of your streaming services that carry HGTV.

Philo

Philo is the cheapest way to watch HGTV live without cable. It keeps its price low by offering strictly entertainment channels such as HGTV, Hallmark Channel, A&E, Discovery Family, MTV, and History.

You will be able to stream the latest seasons of “My Lottery Dream Home,” “Flip or Flop,” and favorite shows from the “Property Brothers” era. 

A Philo subscription is $28 per month. Subscribers also get AMC+, which carries movies and series from AMC+, Sundance Now, and Shudder.

There is unlimited Cloud DVR to record shows and a huge catalog of TV shows and movies on-demand. You can watch TV on three screens at once. If you miss a new episode of a favorite HGTV show, you can either set the DVR to record, or see if the episode is already available on-demand.

Philo is a budget-friendly option tailor-made for viewers who prioritize entertainment channels like HGTV and Hallmark, and Great American Family. 

For those who also seek comprehensive sports coverage or local news, Philo might fall short compared to a more inclusive service like Fubo, which delivers a broader range of channels, including sports and local networks.

Philo has no contracts or obligations. If you don’t like the service, you can easily cancel online whenever you want.

Philo Channels
(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Philo$28/month72
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, and Sony Bravia.

Sling TV

Sling TV carries HGTV in its two channel bundles known as Sling Orange and Sling Blue.

The Orange bundle has 32 channels, including ESPN, AMC, CNN, TNT, and Disney Channel. Sling Blue has about 40 channels, including NBC, FOX, FX, NFL Network, USA, Bravo, and Food Network.

You can subscribe to the Orange or Blue channel bundles for $40 per month. You can combine Sling Orange and Sling Blue for $55 per month. All subscribers get 50 hours of Cloud DVR to record shows, movies, and sports.

There are a number of other add-ons for comedy, sports, and news. You can start watching with a Roku, Fire TV, Smart TVs, Google Chromecast, and smartphones. You can watch TV on gaming consoles, Android phones, and web browsers.

Sling Orange subscribers can watch live TV on one screen at a time. Sling Blue subscribers can watch live TV on three screens at once.

Sling is offering half off for the first month of service. You can check the latest offer Sling TV is making to new and returning customers. Sling TV, with its Orange and Blue bundles, offers a middle ground between affordability and channel diversity. 

It’s an inexpensive option for those who want a mix of entertainment and select sports and news channels without breaking the bank. 

Sling’s limitation of streaming on one screen (on the Orange bundle) might be a deterrent for households with multiple viewers. You are better off with YouTube TV if you want streaming on three screens and a more extensive channel lineup.

watch-nfl-games
Sling TV is an inexpensive option for ESPN. (Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
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.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV has more than 90 TV channels, including Discovery, ID, HGTV, ESPN, FS1, TBS, and A&E.

A subscription costs $76.99 per month. You get unlimited access to Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu’s on-demand library. Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR. Hulu’s channel lineup has local NBC, ABC, and FOX stations across the U.S.

You can watch live TV on two screens at once.

Hulu + Live TV is also a strong contender for families that already use Disney+ and ESPN+ for sports coverage. The added streaming services along with local NBC, ABC, and FOX stations across the U.S. makes it a unique value compared to DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo and YouTube TV.

Hulu’s unlimited Cloud DVR feature is a significant draw for those who like to record and watch shows on their own schedule. While Hulu + Live TV’s cost is on the higher side, it justifies the price with its extensive content offerings and the added value of Disney+ and ESPN+.  

You can stream Hulu + Live TV on a Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Smart TV.

(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)$76.99/month90+
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)$89.99/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.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV has HGTV and 128 live TV channels.

A subscription costs $72.99 per month. You can watch live TV on three screens at once.

You’ll be able to watch CMT, Discovery, FS1, 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 works with Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV devices such as the new Google Chromecast. YouTube TV has a free 7-day trial for new customers.

YouTube TV appeals to families or individuals who want a cable-like experience with popular networks like HGTV, CNN, and FS1. This service is particularly attractive for those who value sports and news coverage alongside their lifestyle and entertainment content.

With features like unlimited Cloud DVR and the ability to create up to six profiles per account, YouTube TV caters to households who want their own watchlists and DVR queue. 

The service’s support for streaming on three screens simultaneously makes it an excellent choice for busy homes where multiple programs are often watched at the same time.

However, its higher monthly fee of $72.99 might be a consideration for budget-conscious viewers, who may lean towards more affordable options like Philo or Sling TV. Overall, YouTube TV is ideal for those who are looking for a comprehensive, cable-like package without the actual cable.

youtube-tv-channels
(photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
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.

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) includes HGTV in its entry-level subscription.

The Entertainment plan has 75+ channels for $79.99 per month. Subscribers can watch live TV on unlimited screens in your home.

DIRECTV STREAM has a free 5-day trial.

A&E, ACC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CNN, FOX News, and USA Network are included in the Entertainment package’s channel lineup. You get unlimited Cloud DVR and 40,000 on-demand movies and shows.

The Choice package has a wide selection of 40 regional sports channels. Bally Sports networks, NBC Sports, and Marquee Sports Network are among them. Choice subscribers get more than 105 channels for $108.99 per month.

The Ultimate package has more than 140 channels, including locals, and sports channels such as NHL Network. The Ultimate package is $119.99 per month.

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

DIRECTV STREAM is for those who are looking for a premium experience that mirrors its satellite service. DTV STREAM offers a wide array of channels, including premium options in higher-tier plans, and the ability to watch on unlimited screens at home. 

However, its higher price point might be a barrier for budget-conscious viewers, who might prefer the affordability of Philo or the flexible packages of Sling TV.

directv stream local channels
(photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
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

Now TV for Xfinity Internet Customers

Xfinity internet customers can get the Now TV and Peacock Premium bundle for just $20 per month.

Now TV carries 40 live TV channels, including A&E, Discovery, HGTV, and Hallmark Channel, making it a comparable service to Philo.

The bundle also offers 20 hours of cloud DVR and allows streaming on three concurrent screens.

This package includes a selection of films and TV shows from Universal, NBC, Bravo, Hallmark, History, and AMC, along with 24/7 live channels like BBC News, NBC News Now, Food Network, Discovery, and IFC. The bundle covers news, entertainment, sports, and on-demand content, making it a comprehensive choice for cord-cutters.

With no additional requirements beyond an Xfinity internet subscription, this bundle is a steal for those looking to maximize their entertainment options.

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.

Max with Discovery+

Max is the streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery that weaves HBO and Discovery+ together with shows from HGTV.

Max has a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original programming from HBO, as well as additional content from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Much of what you will find on Discovery Plus is now part of a Max subscription.

Shows from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, and the Discovery Channel are on Max.

Discovery+ is an affordable way on its own to get a huge library of HGTV shows, and some originals you won’t find on cable TV. A subscription costs $4.99 per month. But the service does not carry a live TV feed of HGTV or its latest episodes of new shows.

Max combines the HBO and Discovery+ catalog while adding roughly 40 new titles and TV shows per month. An Ad-Lite subscription costs $9.99 per month. The ad-free costs $15.99 per month.

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.

HGTV Go app

Subscribers to live TV streaming services, cable or satellite can activate the HGTV app and website. Activating the HGTV app and website allows you to watch live TV shows or on-demand programs.

You can activate the HGTV Go app with DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, Philo, and YouTube TV. Sling TV currently does not have TV Everywhere support for the HGTV Go app.

You can start watching a number of live TV channels from your subscription, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Discovery, Travel Channel, ID, Cooking Channel, Animal Planet, OWN, and others.

There is a library of on-demand shows with the HGTV Go app.

Is HGTV free on Amazon Prime?

No. HGTV is part of the Warner Bros. Discovery family of cable TV networks. The network can be found on live TV streaming services. HGTV shows can be found on-demand through two streaming services, Discovery Plus, and Max.

Is HGTV available on Fubo?

HGTV is no longer available on Fubo as of April 30, 2024 as a result of a dispute between the streaming service and Warner Bros. Discovery. Part of the dispute centers on Fubo being unable to reach a separate deal to bring WBD’s Turner sports networks TNT, TBS and truTV back to its service. 

Where to watch HGTV for free

Philo, DIRECTV STREAM, and Fubo all have HGTV in their channel lineups and offer free trials that last up to a week. The exact time span of each free trial varies from service to service.

How can I watch HGTV on my Smart TV?

You can sign up for a live TV streaming service and start watching HGTV as a live TV channel.

DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all offer HGTV as a live TV channel. Supported Smart TVs include sets made by Samsung, LG, and Sony. Roku TVs and sets that run on Android TV or Google TV support most major streaming apps.

What is the Best Way to Watch HGTV Without Cable?

After considering the price, number of channels, and features mentioned in the article, Philo and Sling TV stand out as the top choices for watching HGTV without cable.

Philo is the most economical option at $25 per month, offering unlimited Cloud DVR, streaming on three devices simultaneously, and a focus on entertainment channels, including HGTV and Hallmark Channel. However, it lacks local and sports channels.

Sling TV provides flexibility with its Orange and Blue bundles at $40 per month each, or combined for $55. It includes 50 hours of Cloud DVR and a first-month discount. However, Sling Orange limits users to one screen, and the combined package can be pricier.

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.