Find out how to watch Houston Astros games live without a cable subscription. Explore streaming services like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Apple TV+, and Peacock for access.
Published on: February 21, 2024
For home games at Minute Maid Park, you need the Space City Home Network (SCHN), once known as AT&T SportsNet Southwest to watch the Houston Astros.
The 2024 regular season’s nationally televised games will appear on FOX, ESPN, FS1, TBS, and the MLB Network, with select post-season games on ABC. SCHN covers viewers in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and parts of Oklahoma and New Mexico.
2024 Guide to Watching Houston Astros Games Live
SCHN broadcasts in-market Houston Astros’ games. That means access to local games is only available to people living within the team’s home market.
Currently, DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo carry SCHN, and both offer free trial periods. Residents in the Astros’ home market can catch every home game live on these platforms.
For national coverage, look to ESPN, FOX, FS1, and TNT. Apple TV+ showcases two Friday night games as part of the national broadcast lineup, while Peacock streams unique Sunday morning games.
These games are accessible on any smart TV or streaming device compatible with these apps. For those looking to cut the cord, a TV antenna offers a way to watch certain national games for free.
Streaming Houston Astros Games Without Cable
It’s straightforward to stream Houston Astros games without cable. You’ll need a service that includes Space City Home Network and national game channels. A smart TV or a streaming device, like Roku, connects you to the action.
DIRECTV STREAM and other live TV streaming services support devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and Chromecast with Google TV. These services are accessible on a range of devices, including smart TVs, iOS and Android smartphones, PCs, and gaming consoles like Xbox and Playstation.
DIRECTV STREAM: Watch Houston Astros Live
DIRECTV STREAM, previously known as AT&T TV, offers the Space City Home Network and essential channels for following the Houston Astros in 2024.
The Choice plan, at $108.99 per month, provides over 105 channels. A 5-day free trial is available with no commitment required.
This plan includes major local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS.
Sports and entertainment channels such as ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, SEC Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, TNT, and ESPNews are also included.
Additional channels in the lineup include A&E, History, and USA Network. Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage and access to 40,000 on-demand titles. DIRECTV STREAM allows streaming on unlimited devices at home and supports Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and mobile devices.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Fubo: Stream Astros Live Without Cable
Fubo, known earlier as fuboTV, features 189 channels in its entry-level Pro plan, including Space City Home Network.
The plan, priced at $79.99 per month, includes a range of channels from A&E, Discovery, ESPN, and ESPN2 to the Golf Channel, PAC-12 Network, SEC Network, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, and MLB Network.
FuboTV’s extensive on-demand library draws upon its live TV offerings. The service supports simultaneous streaming on up to 10 devices.
With 1000 hours of Cloud DVR, subscribers can record and catch up on missed content. The “Sports Plus” add-on offers additional channels, including the NHL Network, NFL RedZone, and more, for an extra $10.99 per month.
FuboTV encourages new users to explore its offerings with a 7-day trial. Be aware that Fubo adds a regional sports fee based on the number of networks available in your area.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 189 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 255 |
| Premier | $99.99/month | 264 & Showtime |
MLB.tv: Streaming Astros Out-of-Market
MLB.tv streams every team’s out-of-market games live. For Houston Astros fans outside the home broadcast region, this service is essential. A subscription to MLB.TV is $29.99 per month.
Amazon Prime members can get a 7-day free trial of MLB.tv through Amazon Channels. Fubo subscribers have the option to integrate MLB.tv into their existing service. Note: Astros games are subject to blackout restrictions for local fans.
Apple TV+: Watch Exclusive Astros Games
During the 2024 MLB season, Apple TV+ will broadcast two Friday night games weekly. These games are part of the national broadcast schedule that are exclusive to Apple. This platform not only streams MLB games, but also offers a variety of original content.
The service costs $9.99 per month after a complimentary 7-day trial. Apple TV+, compatible with most streaming devices and smart TVs, ensures broad accessibility.
Peacock: Stream Astros on Sundays
Peacock has chosen Sunday mornings for exclusive MLB game broadcasts.
Available with the Peacock Premium plan, which costs $5.99 per month, this service also offers a vast library of hit movies and other pro and college sports such as Big Ten Basketball.
Peacock’s compatibility extends across numerous devices, making it accessible on almost any smart TV or streaming device.
ESPN+: Watch Houston Astros Games Live
ESPN+ features a daily MLB game from the national broadcast lineup. Local blackout rules apply, but out-of-market fans can enjoy live games.
A subscription is $10.99 per month. ESPN+ also offers a bundle option with Hulu and Disney+ for added entertainment. Viewers can access replays and a wide array of live sports content.
Watching Astros Games for Free with a TV Antenna
Using a TV antenna is the most effective method to watch Houston Astros games on ABC and FOX without any cost.
Regular season games broadcast on FOX are accessible to fans, with ABC covering crucial post-season matches. For those unfamiliar with TV antennas, consider these guides to enhance your setup:
- How to Choose the Best TV Antenna
- How to Connect Multiple TVs to One Antenna
- Review: The Best Indoor TV Antennas
- Review: The Best Outdoor TV Antennas
These resources aim to simplify your antenna setup, ensuring you catch every Astros game broadcasted on local channels.
How to Watch Houston Astros FAQ
Find answers to common questions about streaming Houston Astros games without a cable subscription.
How can I watch the Houston Astros game on TV today?
DIRECTV STREAM and fubo offer live Astros games without cable, featuring MLB games on Space City Home Network. DIRECTV STREAM’s Choice package provides over 105 channels at $108.99 per month, with a 5-day free trial. Fubo’s Pro plan includes 189 channels at $79.99 per month, plus a regional sports fee, with a 7-day free trial.
Can I watch the Houston Astros on YouTube TV?
While YouTube TV doesn’t carry Space City Home Network, it includes local FOX stations, FS1, ESPN, and TBS for nationally televised games. The service is $72.99 per month with unlimited Cloud DVR and a 7-day free trial.
Can I watch the Houston Astros on Hulu?
Hulu Live TV, offering ESPN, FS1, TBS, and local FOX for national games, doesn’t feature Space City Home Network. A subscription is $76.99 per month with unlimited Cloud DVR.
Are Houston Astros games on Bally Sports Plus?
Currently, Bally Sports+ does not stream Astros games. It focuses on teams like the Detroit Tigers and Miami Marlins, priced at $19.99 per month or $189.99 annually after a 7-day trial.
How can I watch Astros games without Bally Sports?
Astros games are accessible on ESPN, FS1, FOX, and TBS. National broadcasts are also available on Apple TV+ and Peacock.
Can I watch Astros games on Sling TV?
Yes, through Sling Orange for ESPN and TBS channels, and Sling Blue for FS1 and FOX. Combining both packages costs $55 per month, without regional sports networks.
What channel is the Houston Astros game on tonight?
Games are mainly on Space City Home Network, with national broadcasts across Peacock, TBS, ESPN, FS1, and MLB Network, depending on the day.
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.
