How to watch CNN without cable
| Channel | CNN |
|---|---|
| Category | News |
| Live on | 6 streaming services |
| Cheapest live option | Xfinity NOW TV — $20/mo |
| On-demand / free route | Max includes a live CNN feed (CNN Max) with a Max subscription. |
What is CNN?
24-hour breaking news, politics and documentary series. It sits in our news channels group. Below is every licensed live TV service that carries CNN, with starting prices and our editorial scores — see how we test.
Streaming services that carry CNN
| Service | Our score | From /mo | Free trial | Streams | Cloud DVR | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | 8.6 | $40 | None (occasional promos) | 1 (Orange) / 3 (Blue) | 50 hours included | you want the cheapest route into live sports and news and don't rely on local broadcast channels everywhere |
| 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 |
| Xfinity NOW TV | 7.4 | $20 | Varies | 2 | 20 hours | you want a cheap live-TV starter bundle that also includes Peacock Premium |
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.
Prices are starting prices and lineups shift by ZIP code and plan tier — confirm CNN is included for your area, or weigh the full service rankings first.
Cheapest way to watch CNN
The most affordable live carrier of CNN is Xfinity NOW TV, from $20/mo. A cheap starter bundle that throws in Peacock Premium. More ways to save: cheapest live TV services and lowering your streaming bill.
Visit official siteOpens Xfinity NOW TV’s official site
Watching CNN without a live TV plan
Max includes a live CNN feed (CNN Max) with a Max subscription. 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 CNN without cable, step by step
- Pick a service that carries CNN where you live — Sling TV 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 CNN.
Other news channels
Cutting cable rarely stops at one channel — see how to watch Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox Business, Newsmax, BBC World News, The Weather Channel, or browse every channel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which streaming services have CNN?
CNN is carried by Sling TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Xfinity NOW TV. Lineups vary by ZIP code and plan tier, so confirm before subscribing.
What is the cheapest way to watch CNN live?
The cheapest live carrier is Xfinity NOW TV from $20/mo. If you can skip the live feed: Max includes a live CNN feed (CNN Max) with a Max subscription.
Can I watch CNN for free?
No legal service streams CNN free. Avoid "free CNN" apps and streams — they are unlicensed and risky. The cheapest legal option is listed above.
Do I need cable for 24/7 news like CNN?
No. Any service above streams CNN live. Free ad-supported services also carry rolling news channels at no cost, though not the main CNN feed.