How to watch local channels in Washington without cable
| Market | Washington, DC — around the No. 8 TV market (DMA) |
|---|---|
| Major stations | ABC — WJLA (ch. 7) CBS — WUSA (ch. 9) NBC — WRC (ch. 4) FOX — WTTG (ch. 5) |
| Streaming options | 4 services carry Washington locals (see table) |
| Free option | Over-the-air antenna — see aiming tip below |
| Local teams | 1 major pro team (see below) |
Streaming services with Washington local channels
These services carry local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC feeds. In the Washington market that means stations like WJLA, WUSA, WRC, WTTG. 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 Washington’s local broadcast channels free, in HD, with no monthly fee. Most DC stations broadcast from the Tenleytown tower area in Northwest Washington. Full rundown: how to watch local channels without cable.
Watching Washington sports teams
Washington fans have 1 major pro team. NFL games ride on the local stations above; NBA, MLB and NHL games usually need a regional sports network:
- Washington Commanders (NFL)
How to get Washington local channels
- Confirm your Washington 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 Washington news, network shows and games.
Frequently asked questions
Which streaming service has Washington local channels?
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV and DirecTV Stream carry Washington locals such as WJLA (ABC), WUSA (CBS), WRC (NBC), WTTG (FOX) in most of the market, but availability depends on your exact ZIP code.
Can I get Washington channels free with an antenna?
Yes. An over-the-air antenna picks up Washington’s broadcast stations in HD with no monthly fee. Most DC stations broadcast from the Tenleytown tower area in Northwest Washington.
How do I watch Washington sports teams without cable?
NFL games air on Washington broadcast stations. Check each team guide for its current local broadcaster.