How to Watch CBS Without Cable in 2023

Key Points

• CBS is one of the most well-known media brands in America, and millions of TV fans tune in every day for its news, comedy, and drama shows.
• Paramount+ is one of the least expensive ways to watch CBS, offering on-demand content and next-day airing of newer CBS shows.
• Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream are other options to watch CBS without cable, each offering different channel packages and features.
• You can also watch CBS for free on the CBS website or app, but access is limited to news shows and older content.
• The cheapest way to watch CBS without cable is to buy an antenna and access free over-the-air local TV programming.

One of the most well-known media brands in America is CBS. Millions of TV fans tune into the CBS network every single day for its news, comedy, and drama shows. Potentially losing access to CBS is why some people are afraid to cut the cord on cable, but luckily, you don’t need it! Here’s how to watch CBS without cable.

6 Best Services to Watch CBS Without Cable

If you’re ready to watch CBS without cable, there are quite a few free and low-cost options. Here are the six best services to use.

Paramount+

One of the least expensive ways to watch CBS is with Paramount+. You can sign up for as little as $5.99 per month for the Essential plan, or get Showtime and 4K streaming for $11.99 per month. Although the less expensive Paramount+ plan doesn’t contain a local CBS live channel, it does offer CBS on-demand content. You are given a 7-day free trial for each of Paramount+’s plans, whichever one you select.

Originally known as CBS All Access, Paramount+ now offers movies, news, and TV shows from CBS, BET, Nickelodeon, and other networks. Additionally, you can stream simultaneously across up to three different devices. The Essential plan even allows the next-day airing of newer CBS shows, so you just have to wait 24 hours after a new episode airs to get access.

The CBS Website and App

If you want to watch CBS live and don’t need to stream shows or have on-demand access, you can watch the CBS channel for free on the website or via their app.

Keep in mind that in order to watch completely for free, you’ll only be able to access the news shows. You won’t be able to watch anything outside of that. However, this is a great option if you only watch CBS for the news shows.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is a wonderful choice if you want to have access to other channels in addition to CBS. More than 75 channels are available to you, including regional CBS stations, HGTV, FOX, and ESPN. You can watch more than just live TV stations with a subscription, which also includes local sports networks like NBC Sports and on-demand content on ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu.

You can record movies, TV shows, and news programs with the unlimited Cloud DVR subscription, and the Live plan is $76.99 per month. The first three months are at a discount and are $49.99 each month.

YouTube TV

Another live TV option is YouTube TV. For $72.99 a month, YouTube TV offers 128 channels, including CBS Live. You’ll also get access to your local ABC, FOX, NBC, and PBS stations, along with CNN, USA Network, Comedy Central, and Oxygen. That’s just to name a few options!

You can watch live TV or on-demand material on up to three screens at once. The base plan also allows for the addition of premium channels like Max, formerly known as HBO Max. You’ll have unlimited DVR and access to certain programs on demand.

YouTube is currently offering a three-week free trial, but usually, you get a 7-day free trial to see if the plan will work for you. You’ll also get three months at a discounted rate when you sign up.

Fubo

Fubo is fairly similar to both Hulu Live and YouTube TV. The local CBS channels are available in all of Fubo’s channel packages. All three of the plans — Pro, Elite, and Ultimate — offer a free 7-day trial. The Ultimate plan is the most expensive choice, costing $99.99 a month, while the least expensive option (the Pro plan) is $74.99.

There are 170 channels in the Pro plan, which is perfect for most viewers. This plan includes options like CBS, ESPN, NBA TV, CNBC, and sports networks like the ACC Network, NFL Network, and others. The Fubo app is available on all smart TVs, as well as on iPhone and Android mobile devices, Roku, and Amazon Fire Stick.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream, formerly known as AT&T TV, has local CBS channels in all of its bundles. Any plan is available for a risk-free, five-day trial period so you can decide if it’s right for you.

The cheapest plan that offers CBS is the “Entertainment” package, offering 75 live TV channels and unlimited screen-watching options for $74.99 per month. You’ll also get unlimited Cloud DVR storage and 40,000 on-demand movies and shows.

Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and smartphones and tablets all support DirecTV Stream. Contrary to cable, subscriptions are month-to-month and you can cancel at any time.

Can I Watch CBS on Fire TV, Chromecast, or Roku?

Whether you have Fire TV, Chromecast, or Roku, you can watch CBS. Each of these options has a free CBS app, and you don’t even need to log in before you can watch the channel.

Just remember that you will only have access to news and certain older shows or aired information. Many CBS shows aren’t free and available without some type of subscription, and you also won’t be able to watch anything on demand.

How to Watch CBS on Your Phone or Tablet

Even if you’re using your phone, CBS offers an app for iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets, as long as they offer a compatible mobile operating system. All you need to do is go to your app store and download the CBS app. You don’t need to log in to start streaming, but you will get unlimited access to the app if you have a subscription via cable or online.

How to Watch CBS on Your Computer

If you’d rather watch CBS on your computer, you can do so for free via the CBS website, without having to log in. If you have a subscription to cable or via a provider like Hulu Live, you can also log in so you can utilize options like DVR and on-demand streaming.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Watch CBS?

The cheapest way to watch CBS without cable is to buy an antenna and connect it to your TV. You can access free over-the-air local TV programming, including channels like Telemundo, CBS, ABC, PBS, Ion Television, and more.

If you live within 30 or 40 miles of a local broadcast tower, you have a great chance of receiving local channels. You can use a transmitter locater tool to see whether CBS is available in your area before investing in an antenna.

Can I Get a Free Trial to CBS?

You can get multiple free trials to CBS if you’re willing to try out different services and can remember to cancel the trial before you are charged subscription fees. Between YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Fubo, and more, you can get up to a month or more of free CBS TV watching.

Of course, as we noted above, you can also access CBS for free via their website or app, but you’ll only be able to watch it live, not on demand. If you enjoy watching the news and just need to watch it from time to time, this is a great option.

What Are the Most Popular Shows on CBS?

Once you get access to CBS, there are many different shows and options that you can watch. Let’s talk about some of the most popular.

SWAT

Considered one of the best drama shows on TV right now, SWAT is led by Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, played by the affable Shemar Moore. The show demonstrates the captivating dynamics of a top-notch tactical police squad in Los Angeles and how they deal with dangerous situations on a regular basis. This is a wonderful show to start with on CBS if you’re an adrenaline junkie or love drama series.

Young Sheldon

Young Sheldon, a charming look inside the early years of everyone’s favorite genius, Sheldon Cooper, will touch the hearts of comedy and The Big Bang Theory fans. This prequel has distinguished itself in the sitcom world with a splash of humor, a great cast, and a ton of heart.

FBI: Most Wanted

As a Fugitive Task Force tracks the most dangerous offenders in the country, FBI: Most Wanted takes viewers on a wild adventure. Jess LaCroix, a seasoned agent with an unwavering commitment to justice, is the main character. Between him and a strong cast, FBI: Most Wanted puts viewers on the edge of their seats with its high-stakes chases and compelling investigations.

Survivor

If comedy or drama isn’t your thing, how about reality TV? Survivor has been around for years, and it doesn’t look like it will go away any time soon. With 45 seasons under its belt, the show pits contestants against one another as they battle to “survive” via their strength and wits. Over the course of the season, contestants are voted out until there is a sole survivor.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Along with news programs, CBS also offers commentary shows, like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It has a lovely balance of wit, humor, and analysis, making it a favorite among fans of late-night talk shows. Stephen Colbert uses his show to discuss the day’s events and conducts interviews with a wide spectrum of guests, along with offering comedic sketches and musical acts.

The Amazing Race

Another reality show, The Amazing Race starts with teams that go on a globe-trotting adventure, racing around the world and completing challenges to help them win a million-dollar prize. The race’s host, Phil Keoghan, leads participants through each thrilling leg of the journey. The Amazing Race has been a steadfast favorite in the reality television industry since 2001, thanks to its blend of strategy, collaboration, and breathtaking cinematography.

How to Watch CBS Without Cable Wrap-Up

Fortunately, there are so many options that allow you to watch CBS without cable, so it’s up to you who’d you rather use. While each option offers different benefits, each one allows you to cut the cord with your cable or satellite provider, so you can save money and still watch your favorite channel.