How to watch MTV without cable
| Channel | MTV |
|---|---|
| Category | Entertainment |
| Live on | 6 streaming services |
| Cheapest live option | Philo — $28/mo |
| On-demand / free route | Paramount+ carries many MTV shows on demand. |
What is MTV?
Reality franchises like The Challenge plus music specials. It sits in our entertainment channels group. Below is every licensed live TV service that carries MTV, with starting prices and our editorial scores — see how we test.
Streaming services that carry MTV
| Service | Our score | From /mo | Free trial | Streams | Cloud DVR | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philo | 8.4 | $28 | 7 days | 3 | Unlimited (1 year) | you mostly watch entertainment and lifestyle channels and want to pay as little as possible |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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 MTV is included for your area, or weigh the full service rankings first.
Cheapest way to watch MTV
The most affordable live carrier of MTV is Philo, from $28/mo. Unbeatable value for entertainment and lifestyle channels if you can skip sports. More ways to save: cheapest live TV services and lowering your streaming bill.
Visit official siteOpens Philo’s official site
Watching MTV without a live TV plan
Paramount+ carries many MTV shows on demand. 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 MTV without cable, step by step
- Pick a service that carries MTV where you live — Philo 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 MTV.
Other entertainment channels
Cutting cable rarely stops at one channel — see how to watch AMC, FX, FXX, USA Network, Bravo, Syfy, E!, Oxygen, or browse every channel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which streaming services have MTV?
MTV is carried by Philo, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Sling TV. Lineups vary by ZIP code and plan tier, so confirm before subscribing.
What is the cheapest way to watch MTV live?
The cheapest live carrier is Philo from $28/mo. If you can skip the live feed: Paramount+ carries many MTV shows on demand.
Can I watch MTV for free?
No legal service streams MTV free. Avoid "free MTV" apps and streams — they are unlicensed and risky. The cheapest legal option is listed above.