Where To Watch CNN Without Cable?

Are you tired of the high costs and rigid schedules of cable TV? Well, you’re not alone. More and more people are cutting the cord and looking for flexible and affordable alternatives. If you’re a news junkie and CNN is your go-to channel, you might be wondering how to keep up with breaking news, compelling stories, and in-depth analysis without a cable subscription.

Fear not, as the digital era has ushered in a variety of streaming services that offer CNN, allowing you to stay informed wherever you are, whenever you want. Whether you’re traveling abroad or simply at home in the US, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the best services to watch CNN without cable in 2024.

Best Services To Watch CNN Without Cable In 2024

As of 2024, several streaming services provide access to CNN without the need for a traditional cable subscription. These platforms offer a variety of packages and features, allowing users to stay updated with news and events via CNN. Here’s a roundup of some of the best services to watch CNN without cable:

1. Sling TV

• Subscription Options: Sling TV provides CNN as part of its Sling Blue package, which is tailored for news and entertainment enthusiasts.
• Cost: The Sling Blue package typically costs around $40 per month.
• Additional Features: Sling TV is known for its affordability and flexibility, offering over 50 channels including sports, news, and entertainment. It allows you to customize your channel lineup with various add-ons for an additional cost, making it a versatile choice for viewers who prefer a tailored viewing experience. The platform also offers a cloud DVR service for recording shows and a no-contract commitment, which means you can cancel your subscription at any time without penalties.
• Device Compatibility: Sling TV supports a wide range of devices including iOS and Android devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and more, ensuring you can watch CNN and other channels on your preferred device.

2. Hulu + Live TV

• Subscription Options: Hulu + Live TV includes CNN among over 75 channels in its lineup, which covers a broad spectrum of interests from news to entertainment and sports.
• Cost: The service starts at approximately $70 per month.
• Additional Features: One of the key benefits of choosing Hulu + Live TV is the inclusion of Hulu’s extensive on-demand library, which features thousands of movies, TV shows, and Hulu originals. Subscribers can also access premium networks like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax for an additional fee. Hulu + Live TV provides up to 50 hours of cloud DVR storage, with an option to upgrade to 200 hours. The service allows for streaming on two screens simultaneously, with the option to add unlimited screens for an extra charge.
• Device Compatibility: Hulu + Live TV can be accessed on most streaming devices, including gaming consoles, smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets, making it a convenient option for watching CNN on the go or at home.

3. YouTube TV

• Subscription Options: YouTube TV offers an extensive channel lineup that includes CNN among more than 85 other live TV channels.
• Cost: The service costs around $65 per month.
• Additional Features: YouTube TV stands out with its unlimited cloud DVR storage, where recordings are kept for up to nine months. Each subscription supports up to six user accounts per household, each with its own personalized DVR. YouTube TV also includes features like the ability to fast forward through ads in recorded content and access to YouTube Red content, making it a comprehensive option for families or households with diverse tastes and preferences.
• Device Compatibility: YouTube TV is compatible with a wide range of devices including Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, Xbox, Samsung, LG, HiSense, and VIZIO smart TVs, as well as Android and iOS devices, providing flexible viewing options whether at home or on the move.

4. DirecTV Stream

• Subscription Options: Now rebranded as DirecTV Stream, this service provides comprehensive packages that include CNN.
• Cost: Packages start at about $70 per month, with various tiers offering additional channels and features.
• Additional Features: DirecTV Stream offers a robust channel lineup similar to traditional cable services, including sports, premium movies, and extensive on-demand content. It supports streaming on up to 20 devices at home and three on the go, making it suitable for large families or households. Subscribers can also record up to 20 hours on their cloud DVR, or upgrade to unlimited storage for an additional fee.
• Device Compatibility: The service is compatible with Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android TV, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices, providing a rich and flexible viewing experience across different platforms.

5. Fubo

• Subscription Options: Fubo includes CNN as part of its core package, which is heavily focused on sports but also includes a comprehensive range of news and entertainment channels.
• Cost: The base plan starts at about $75 per month.
• Additional Features: Fubo is particularly appealing to sports enthusiasts as it offers extensive sports coverage alongside other key channels like CNN. It includes features like 250 hours of cloud DVR storage and streaming on up to three screens simultaneously. The service also offers add-ons for additional sports, movies, and international content.
• Device Compatibility: Fubo supports a wide array of devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, iOS and Android devices, ensuring viewers can enjoy CNN and other channels from virtually anywhere.

How to Get CNN for Free?

Getting access to CNN for free can be challenging since it is a cable news network typically accessed through a paid subscription, either via cable or a streaming service. However, there are a few strategies you can employ to access CNN content without a direct subscription:

1. Free Trials of Streaming Services

Many streaming services that offer CNN, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and AT&T TV (DirecTV Stream), provide free trial periods ranging from 5 to 7 days. You can sign up for these trials to access CNN temporarily for free. Remember to cancel the subscription before the trial period ends to avoid charges.

2. CNN’s Website and Mobile App

CNN offers limited live programming and news clips on its website and through its mobile apps without a subscription. While this doesn’t include full 24/7 live broadcasts, it does provide access to breaking news and significant live events as they occur.

3. Use of News Aggregator Apps

Apps like Pluto TV and NewsON offer various news channels for free, including recorded content and live news broadcasts. While they may not offer CNN directly, they provide similar content from various other news outlets.

4. Social Media Platforms

CNN streams certain live events and key segments of breaking news on its social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. Following CNN on these platforms can provide you access to some live coverage without any cost.

5. Public Access

In some cases, public libraries or other community centers provide free access to streaming services or cable television, including CNN. This access is generally intended for use within the library or community center.

6. Promotional Offers

Occasionally, cable providers and streaming services may offer promotions that include free access to channels like CNN for a limited time. These promotions are often available to new customers or those who upgrade their service package.

7. Sharing Services

If you have family or friends who subscribe to a service that includes CNN, they might be able to add you to their account. Some services allow multiple simultaneous streams, so this could be a way to access CNN through someone else’s subscription legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to watch CNN without a cable subscription?

Yes, it is possible. Many streaming platforms now offer CNN, allowing viewers to stay updated without a cable subscription. Some, like Hulu + Live TV, even allow immediate streaming in minutes, making it more flexible and convenient.

Can I access CNN for free?

Yes. Services like YouTube TV and DirecTV STREAM offer free trials during which you can watch CNN without any cost. However, you must remember to cancel the subscription before the trial ends, or you will be charged.

Does the price of these streaming services remain constant?

No, the pricing, features, and terms of service of these platforms are subject to change. Therefore, staying informed about the latest changes is essential to avoid any surprises.

Can I avoid costs completely while accessing CNN?

Yes, but this technique can be temporary. By using free trials from different streaming services successively, it is possible to access CNN without any immediate costs. Nonetheless, you must cancel before the trial period ends, or you will incur charges.

Are there other digitally flexible alternatives to traditional cable for news enthusiasts?

Yes, apart from CNN, there are many news channels available on streaming platforms. This makes it easier for news enthusiasts to remain informed regardless of their location or time. However, live channels in the cable TV sense may be limited on certain platforms like Prime Video Channels.