Published on: April 2, 2024
You can stream today’s Red Sox game live without cable.
To watch home games, get NESN in New England on Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM. You can use these two online streaming services for national broadcast games as well that appear on channels like FOX, ESPN, FS1, TBS, and MLB Network.
Live outside of New England? You still have some options, which I break down in this guide.
How to Watch Live Boston Red Sox Games Without Cable
NESN, short for New England Sports Network, broadcasts most Red Sox games. You can stream NESN through DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo, both of which offer free trials. This network covers most of New England, except Fairfield County, CT.
Here is a quick look at each plan with details about the free trials, prices, and key channels:
| Service | Free Trial | Price per Month | Key Channels |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Yes | $108.99 (Choice) | NESN, ESPN, MLB Network, FS1, FOX, NBC |
| $119.99 (Ultimate) | + NHL Network, crime and family channels | ||
| $164.99 (Premier) | + Max, Cinemax, Showtime, HBO 2 East, MGM+ | ||
| Fubo | Yes | $79.99 (Pro) | NESN, ESPN, FS1, NBC Sports Boston, local channels |
| $89.99 (Elite) | + 4K NESN streaming, MLB Network, NHL Network, NBA TV | ||
| NESN360 | No | $29.99 | NESN, Boston Red Sox and Bruins games |
| MLB.TV | Yes | $29.99 | Out-of-market Red Sox games, local blackouts |
| ESPN+ | No | $10.99 | Daily MLB game, out-of-market Red Sox games |
| Apple TV+ | Yes | $9.99 | Two MLB games every Friday night, no blackouts |
DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo give you NESN and other big networks for national games like ESPN, FOX, FS1, and TBS. Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV only provide national networks, excluding NESN.
In the Boston-Manchester TV Market, DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo let you watch local channels:
- ABC (WCVB): Channel 5
- CBS (WBZ): Channel 4
- Fox (WFXT): Channel 25
- NBC (WBTS): Channel 8
- PBS (GBH): Channel 2
Apple TV+ airs two MLB games every Friday night in 2024. For national games without a subscription, a TV antenna is a good choice.
How to Stream Boston Red Sox Games
Streaming Red Sox games is simple. Make sure you have:
- A service offering NESN and national sports channels.
- A Smart TV or a streaming device like Roku, or Amazon Fire TV.
You can watch live games on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and Chromecast with Google TV. These devices work with Smart TVs, iOS, Android, and PCs. Xbox and PlayStation are also good for watching games.
Watch Red Sox Games today on DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM offers NESN and NESN Plus across three packages: Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. The service offers all channels you need for 2024 Boston Red Sox games.
The Choice plan costs $108.99 per month and has over 105 channels, including NESN, ESPN, MLB Network, FS1, and local channels like FOX and NBC. New subscribers can try it free for 5 days.
The Ultimate package, at $119.99 per month, gives you more than 140 channels, adding NHL Network and other entertainment-focused cable networks that carry true crime and reality TV shows.
The Premier package costs $164.99 per month and has over 150 channels, with premium content from Max, Cinemax, Showtime, and HBO 2 East. Ultimate and Premier also include MGM+ for a broad range of movies and series.
DIRECTV STREAM users get unlimited Cloud DVR and 40,000 on-demand titles. It’s a bit pricier than Fubo but offers extensive channel options. RSNs are in the Choice plan or higher, not in the basic Entertainment plan.
Watch on multiple devices with unlimited Cloud DVR. No long contracts needed. Available on Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, and others.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Stream Fubo Live for Red Sox Fans: Pro and Elite Plans
Fubo (formerly fuboTV) offers NESN and essential sports channels in its Pro and Elite plans.
For $79.99 per month, Pro members get over 202 channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and NBC Sports Boston. Local channels include NBC (WBTS), ABC (WCVB), CBS (WBZ), and Fox (WFXT). Pro plan users can stream on 10 devices at once and have 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR. Fubo currently does not carry TBS or TNT.
The Elite plan, priced at $89.99, provides NESN in 4K and adds 67 more channels. This includes MLB Network, NHL Network, and NBA TV. Elite offers 4K streaming for select sports on FOX, FS1, and regional NBC Sports networks.
Fubo’s dedicated sports sections let you quickly see upcoming Sox games, and set recordings. The lookback feature also shows you game replays from the last 72 hours.
There’s a regional sports fee: $11.99 for one network and $14.99 for two. Fubo is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and smart TVs from brands like Samsung and Vizio. Xbox users can stream too.
You can try any Fubo plan with a free trial. No long-term contracts are necessary.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 202 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 269 |
NESN360: Your Go-To for Red Sox and Bruins
NESN360 streams Boston Red Sox and Bruins games exclusively in the New England area. You can get this service for $29.99 per month or $329.99 annually.
While NESN360 is cheaper than most cable plans, it doesn’t cover Monday night baseball on ESPN or games on TBS, FS1, and FOX.
The service isn’t just for baseball. It also covers the Boston Bruins and other New England sports in 4K HDR. You can stream on devices like Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
Since its start in June 2022, NESN360 has grown to feature more local sports teams and leagues. It offers live NESN streams, game highlights, and original shows, all in 4K HDR, available on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
While it’s a budget-friendly choice for Red Sox and Bruins coverage, NESN360 doesn’t provide the broad channel variety you find with DIRECTV STREAM or Fubo. I personally tested NESN360 at its launch — check out my review for more insights.
| PLAN | PRICE | STREAMS |
|---|---|---|
| NESN 360 | $29.99/mo | 4K HDR video quality |
| NESN 360 | $329.99/annual | 4K HDR video quality |
MLB.TV: Watch Fenway Park Games from Anywhere
MLB.TV is a good fit for Sox fans not in New England, streaming out-of-market games for $29.99 per month. Remember, local blackout rules can affect what games you see. If you’re away from New England but want to catch games at Fenway Park all season, MLB.TV is a solid choice.
You can add MLB.TV to your Amazon Prime or Fubo subscription, making it easier to follow the Sox using multiple platforms and streaming devices.
Apple TV+: No Blackouts on MLB Friday Nights
Apple TV+ features two MLB games every Friday night with no blackout restrictions. This means you can watch these games anywhere, even if you’re close to the team’s home city. At $9.99 per month after a free trial, Apple TV+ offers not just these games but also original shows and movies.
In 2024, “Friday Night Baseball” continues with Apple TV+, offering a doubleheader every Friday during the regular season. This deal extends to fans in 60 countries, providing access to two key games each week without local broadcast limits.
Mark Your Calendar: Red Sox Games to Watch on Apple TV+
For Red Sox fans, here are the key dates to catch Boston in action on Apple TV+:
- Friday, May 24, 7 p.m. ET: Watch the Boston Red Sox take on the Milwaukee Brewers. Don’t miss this exciting matchup at Fenway Park.
- Friday, May 31, 7 p.m. ET: The Detroit Tigers visit the Boston Red Sox. Tune in to see your favorite team play at home.
- Friday, June 28, 7 p.m. ET: The San Diego Padres face the Boston Red Sox.
Each game is a chance to see the Red Sox battle it out, and with Apple TV+, you won’t face any blackout restrictions. Enjoy these games live, no matter where you are.
ESPN+: Stream Sox Games Live
ESPN+ is key for Red Sox fans outside New England, offering a daily MLB game live. Although subject to blackout rules, it’s a solid pick for catching Red Sox games not broadcast locally.
If you’re a Sox fan far from New England, ESPN+ is your ticket to follow the team, especially during national broadcasts. With a subscription, you get a wide array of live sports, from NHL and PGA Tour events to international soccer and UFC.
ESPN+ also features the “30 for 30” documentary series, diving into compelling sports stories, baseball included. Missed the game? No worries. ESPN+ offers replays after each live event. For $10.99 per month, you can check out the full MLB game schedule, perfect for out-of-market Sox fans.
| PLAN | PRICE | STREAMS |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN+ | $10.99/mo | HD/1080p – 3 devices |
| Disney Trio Basic (with ads) | $14.99/mo. | Disney+ up to 4K/Dolby Atmos Hulu up to 4K ESPN+ HD/1080p |
| Disney Trio Premium (only ESPN+ with ads) | $24.99/mo. | Disney+ up to 4K/Dolby Atmos Hulu up to 4K ESPN+ HD/1080p |
Watching the Boston Red Sox FAQs
What channel is the Red Sox game on today?
The channel for today’s Red Sox game depends on the location and the game. For local games, NESN is the primary channel in New England.
Nationally broadcast games are shown on channels like FOX, ESPN, FS1, and TBS.
- Sunday afternoon: TBS
- Sunday night: ESPN or ESPN2
- Monday night: ESPN or FS1
- Tuesday night: TBS
- Wednesday night: ESPN, FS1, MLB Network
- Thursday night: ESPN, FOX, and MLB Network
- Friday night: Apple TV+
- Saturday afternoon: FOX
- Saturday night: FOX, FS1
How can I watch the Red Sox game live on TV without cable?
You can watch Red Sox games live on TV without cable through streaming services like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and ESPN+. DIRECTV STREAM and FuboTV offer NESN in their packages, while ESPN+ provides access to out-of-market games. Apple TV+ has a few games at Fenway Park during the 2024 season with no blackout restrictions.
Where can I stream Red Sox games online?
Online streaming of Red Sox games is available on platforms like DIRECTV STREAM, FuboTV, MLB.TV, and ESPN+. These services cover both in-market (with NESN) and out-of-market games.
When do the Red Sox play next, and on what channel?
The schedule and channel for the next Red Sox game can be found on the team’s official website or sports TV schedules. NESN covers most local games, while national broadcasts are on ESPN, FOX, FS1, or TBS.
Why are some Red Sox games blacked out, and how can I watch them?
Blackouts occur due to local broadcasting rights, preventing local games from being shown on out-of-market services. To watch blacked-out games, you may need to use MLB.TV, ESPN Plus or Apple TV. If you live outside of the Red Sox home TV market, MLB.TV will have the most games at Fenway Park.
Which services offer NESN for watching Red Sox games?
NESN is available through DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo. These online services offer NESN as part of their packages in the New England area, providing coverage of Red Sox games.
You can use any Roku, Amazon Fire TV device, Chromecast, Apple TV and a number of Smart TVs to watch live TV using Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM.
Who provides the best coverage of the Red Sox games?
The best coverage of Red Sox games comes from NESN for local fans, which is available on DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo. For out-of-market fans, MLB.TV or ESPN+ can be the best options, depending on the specific game and location.
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.
