How to watch The CW without cable
| Channel | The CW |
|---|---|
| Category | Local |
| Live on | 4 streaming services |
| Cheapest live option | FuboTV — $80/mo |
| On-demand / free route | The free CW app streams shows on demand; an antenna gets the live feed. |
| Plan caveat | Broadcast network; availability varies by ZIP. |
What is The CW?
Broadcast home of ACC football, LIV Golf and original series. It sits in our local channels group. Below is every licensed live TV service that carries The CW, with starting prices and our editorial scores — see how we test.
Streaming services that carry The CW
| 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.
Broadcast network; availability varies by ZIP.
Prices are starting prices and lineups shift by ZIP code and plan tier — confirm The CW is included for your area, or weigh the full service rankings first.
Cheapest way to watch The CW
The most affordable live carrier of The CW 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 The CW without a live TV plan
The free CW app streams shows on demand; an antenna gets the live 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 The CW without cable, step by step
- Pick a service that carries The CW 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 The CW.
Other local channels
Cutting cable rarely stops at one channel — see how to watch ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, or browse every channel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which streaming services have The CW?
The CW 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 The CW live?
The cheapest live carrier is FuboTV from $80/mo. If you can skip the live feed: The free CW app streams shows on demand; an antenna gets the live feed.
Can I watch The CW for free?
The free CW app streams shows on demand; an antenna gets the live feed. Beyond that, no licensed service streams the live The CW feed free.
Can an antenna get The CW?
Yes — The CW 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.