How to watch local channels in New York without cable
| Market | New York, NY — around the No. 1 TV market (DMA) |
|---|---|
| Major stations | ABC — WABC (ch. 7) CBS — WCBS (ch. 2) NBC — WNBC (ch. 4) FOX — WNYW (ch. 5) |
| Streaming options | 4 services carry New York locals (see table) |
| Free option | Over-the-air antenna — see aiming tip below |
| Local teams | 6 major pro teams (see below) |
Streaming services with New York local channels
These services carry local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC feeds. In the New York market that means stations like WABC, WCBS, WNBC, WNYW. 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 New York’s local broadcast channels free, in HD, with no monthly fee. Most stations broadcast from One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building, so even indoor antennas work well across much of the metro. Full rundown: how to watch local channels without cable.
Watching New York sports teams
New York fans have 6 major pro teams. NFL games ride on the local stations above; NBA, MLB and NHL games usually need a regional sports network:
- New York Giants (NFL)
- New York Jets (NFL)
- New York Knicks (NBA — MSG Network)
- New York Yankees (MLB — YES Network)
- New York Mets (MLB — SNY)
- New York Rangers (NHL — MSG Network)
How to get New York local channels
- Confirm your New York 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 New York news, network shows and games.
Frequently asked questions
Which streaming service has New York local channels?
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV and DirecTV Stream carry New York locals such as WABC (ABC), WCBS (CBS), WNBC (NBC), WNYW (FOX) in most of the market, but availability depends on your exact ZIP code.
Can I get New York channels free with an antenna?
Yes. An over-the-air antenna picks up New York’s broadcast stations in HD with no monthly fee. Most stations broadcast from One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building, so even indoor antennas work well across much of the metro.
How do I watch New York sports teams without cable?
NFL games air on New York broadcast stations. Other teams use regional networks — for example, New York Knicks games air on MSG Network. DirecTV Stream and FuboTV carry the most RSNs; confirm by ZIP code.