How to watch local channels in Chicago without cable
| Market | Chicago, IL — around the No. 3 TV market (DMA) |
|---|---|
| Major stations | ABC — WLS (ch. 7) CBS — WBBM (ch. 2) NBC — WMAQ (ch. 5) FOX — WFLD (ch. 32) |
| Streaming options | 4 services carry Chicago locals (see table) |
| Free option | Over-the-air antenna — see aiming tip below |
| Local teams | 4 major pro teams (see below) |
Streaming services with Chicago local channels
These services carry local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC feeds. In the Chicago market that means stations like WLS, WBBM, WMAQ, WFLD. Confirm your locals before subscribing.
| 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 |
| 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+ |
| 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 |
| 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.
The free option: an antenna
A one-time over-the-air antenna gets Chicago’s local broadcast channels free, in HD, with no monthly fee. Stations broadcast from the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center downtown, giving strong reception across Chicagoland. Full rundown: how to watch local channels without cable.
Watching Chicago sports teams
Chicago fans have 4 major pro teams. NFL games ride on the local stations above; NBA, MLB and NHL games usually need a regional sports network:
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA — Chicago Sports Network (CHSN))
- Chicago Cubs (MLB — Marquee Sports Network)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL — Chicago Sports Network (CHSN))
How to get Chicago local channels
- Confirm your Chicago locals with the channel finder, or check antenna signal for your address.
- Choose a service above, or set up a one-time antenna for the broadcast channels.
- Install the app on your TV or device, or run a channel scan on the antenna.
- Open the guide and watch Chicago news, network shows and games.
Frequently asked questions
Which streaming service has Chicago local channels?
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV and DirecTV Stream carry Chicago locals such as WLS (ABC), WBBM (CBS), WMAQ (NBC), WFLD (FOX) in most of the market, but availability depends on your exact ZIP code.
Can I get Chicago channels free with an antenna?
Yes. An over-the-air antenna picks up Chicago’s broadcast stations in HD with no monthly fee. Stations broadcast from the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center downtown, giving strong reception across Chicagoland.
How do I watch Chicago sports teams without cable?
NFL games air on Chicago broadcast stations. Other teams use regional networks — for example, Chicago Bulls games air on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). DirecTV Stream and FuboTV carry the most RSNs; confirm by ZIP code.