How to watch CBS without cable
| Channel | CBS |
|---|---|
| Category | Local |
| Live on | 4 streaming services |
| Cheapest live option | FuboTV — $80/mo |
| On-demand / free route | Free with an antenna; Paramount+ streams your live local CBS feed. |
| Plan caveat | Local availability varies by ZIP. |
What is CBS?
Your local CBS station: NFL on CBS, the Grammys, hit procedurals and local news. It sits in our local channels group. Below is every licensed live TV service that carries CBS, with starting prices and our editorial scores — see how we test.
Streaming services that carry CBS
| Service | Our score | From /mo | Free trial | Streams | Cloud DVR | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FuboTV | 9.0 | $80 | 7 days | Up to 10 at home | Unlimited (varies by plan) | you want a sports-heavy lineup with a high channel count and lots of simultaneous streams |
| YouTube TV | 9.3 | $83 | Varies | 3 | Unlimited | you want a broad, mainstream lineup with unlimited DVR and reliable local channels in most areas |
| Hulu + Live TV | 9.0 | $83 | Varies | 2 (unlimited add-on) | Unlimited | you want live TV bundled with a huge on-demand library plus Disney+ and ESPN+ |
| DirecTV Stream | 8.7 | $87 | 5 days | Unlimited at home | Unlimited | you want a cable-like experience with regional sports networks and unlimited in-home streams |
Prices are starting monthly prices seen at last review and exclude taxes/fees. Always confirm the current price and channel lineup on the provider’s site.
Local availability varies by ZIP.
Prices are starting prices and lineups shift by ZIP code and plan tier — confirm CBS is included for your area, or weigh the full service rankings first.
Cheapest way to watch CBS
The most affordable live carrier of CBS is FuboTV, from $80/mo. The sports fan's pick, with the deepest lineup and the most simultaneous streams. More ways to save: cheapest live TV services and lowering your streaming bill.
Visit official siteOpens FuboTV’s official site
Watching CBS without a live TV plan
Free with an antenna; Paramount+ streams your live local CBS feed. On-demand routes usually cost less than a full live plan, but you give up the live feed — a trade-off we break down in streaming bundles explained.
How to watch CBS without cable, step by step
- Pick a service that carries CBS where you live — FuboTV is a solid starting point.
- Sign up, using a free trial first if one is offered.
- Install the app on your TV, streaming device, or phone.
- Open the live guide and tune to CBS.
Other local channels
Cutting cable rarely stops at one channel — see how to watch ABC, NBC, FOX, The CW, PBS, or browse every channel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which streaming services have CBS?
CBS is carried by FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream. Lineups vary by ZIP code and plan tier, so confirm before subscribing.
What is the cheapest way to watch CBS live?
The cheapest live carrier is FuboTV from $80/mo. If you can skip the live feed: Free with an antenna; Paramount+ streams your live local CBS feed.
Can I watch CBS for free?
Free with an antenna; Paramount+ streams your live local CBS feed. Beyond that, no licensed service streams the live CBS feed free.
Can an antenna get CBS?
Yes — CBS is a broadcast network, so a one-time antenna gets your local station free in most metro areas. See our city guides for tower directions.