How to watch PBS without cable
| Channel | PBS |
|---|---|
| Category | Local |
| Live on | 1 streaming service |
| Cheapest live option | YouTube TV — $83/mo |
| On-demand / free route | The free PBS app streams most shows; an antenna gets your local station free. |
| Plan caveat | Local PBS availability varies by market. |
What is PBS?
Public television: documentaries, PBS NewsHour and trusted kids programming. It sits in our local channels group. Below is every licensed live TV service that carries PBS, with starting prices and our editorial scores — see how we test.
Streaming services that carry PBS
| Service | Our score | From /mo | Free trial | Streams | Cloud DVR | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | 9.3 | $83 | Varies | 3 | Unlimited | you want a broad, mainstream lineup with unlimited DVR and reliable local channels in most areas |
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 PBS availability varies by market.
Prices are starting prices and lineups shift by ZIP code and plan tier — confirm PBS is included for your area, or weigh the full service rankings first.
Cheapest way to watch PBS
The most affordable live carrier of PBS is YouTube TV, from $83/mo. The best all-round cable replacement: broad channels, unlimited DVR and reliable apps. More ways to save: cheapest live TV services and lowering your streaming bill.
Visit official siteOpens YouTube TV’s official site
Watching PBS without a live TV plan
The free PBS app streams most shows; an antenna gets your local station free. 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 PBS without cable, step by step
- Pick a service that carries PBS where you live — YouTube 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 PBS.
Other local channels
Cutting cable rarely stops at one channel — see how to watch ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, The CW, or browse every channel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which streaming services have PBS?
PBS is carried by YouTube TV. Lineups vary by ZIP code and plan tier, so confirm before subscribing.
What is the cheapest way to watch PBS live?
The cheapest live carrier is YouTube TV from $83/mo. If you can skip the live feed: The free PBS app streams most shows; an antenna gets your local station free.
Can I watch PBS for free?
The free PBS app streams most shows; an antenna gets your local station free. Beyond that, no licensed service streams the live PBS feed free.
Can an antenna get PBS?
Yes — PBS 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.