Want to watch CBS live without cable? Whether you’re looking to stream CBS for free, watch CBS Sports Network online, or access CBS on Roku and Smart TVs, this guide covers the best free and paid streaming options available today.
1. Paramount+ (Best for Live CBS & On-Demand Shows)
What is it?
Paramount+ is CBS’s official streaming service, providing live CBS streaming along with a vast on-demand library.
Pricing:
Starts at $5.99/month (7-day free trial available).
How to Watch CBS with Paramount+?
- Sign up for Paramount+ and select the Essential or Premium plan.
- Watch CBS live in most locations (Premium plan required for local CBS stations).
- Stream CBS on Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, and Smart TVs via the Paramount+ app.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Affordable, on-demand CBS shows & movies, free trial available.
- Cons: Live CBS is not available in all locations, CBS Sports Network not included in the basic plan.
2. Free Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna (Best for Free CBS Streaming Without Internet)
What is it?
A digital OTA antenna picks up CBS for free without needing an internet connection.
Cost:
One-time purchase ($30–$100), then free forever.
How to Watch CBS for Free on Smart TV Without Cable?
- Buy an antenna like Mohu Leaf 50 or ClearStream Eclipse.
- Connect it to your TV and scan for CBS signals.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: No monthly fees, works without internet.
- Cons: CBS availability depends on your location.
3. YouTube TV (Best for CBS & Unlimited DVR)
What is it?
YouTube TV is a full cable replacement with CBS, CBS Sports Network, and unlimited DVR.
Pricing:
$72.99/month (Free trial available).
Does YouTube TV Have CBS?
Yes, CBS is included in the base plan.
How to Watch CBS Sports Network Without Cable?
YouTube TV includes CBS Sports Network, making it great for sports fans.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Unlimited DVR storage, includes CBS & CBS Sports Network, works on multiple devices.
- Cons: No free plan available.
4. Hulu + Live TV (Best for CBS + Huge Streaming Library)
What is it?
Hulu + Live TV offers CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and access to Hulu’s on-demand library.
Pricing:
$69.99/month (No free trial).
Where to Stream CBS Without Cable?
Hulu + Live TV provides live CBS streaming on all supported devices.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Includes CBS Sports Network, comes with Disney+ and ESPN+.
- Cons: No free trial.
5. fuboTV (Best for CBS Sports & Live TV)
What is it?
fuboTV is perfect for sports fans, offering CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, and regional sports channels.
Pricing:
$74.99/month (7-day free trial available).
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Ideal for CBS Sports & live games, free trial available.
- Cons: More expensive than other options.
6. Pluto TV (Best for Free CBS News Streaming)
What is it?
Pluto TV is a free streaming service offering CBS News live 24/7.
Pricing:
100% Free.
What Streaming Service Has CBS for Free?
Pluto TV only includes CBS News, not full CBS programming.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: No subscription required, works on Roku, Firestick, Smart TVs.
- Cons: No CBS entertainment or live sports.
7. CBS App on Roku & Smart TVs (Free Episodes, Live with Login)
What is it?
The CBS app provides free next-day episodes, but live CBS requires a TV provider login.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Free next-day streaming of CBS shows, works on multiple devices.
- Cons: Live CBS requires a cable login.
Comparison Table: Free vs. Paid CBS Streaming Services
| Service | CBS Access | Price | DVR | Free Trial? |
| Paramount+ | Live & On-Demand | $5.99/month | No | Yes |
| YouTube TV | Live & On-Demand | $72.99/month | Unlimited | Yes |
| Hulu + Live TV | Live & On-Demand | $69.99/month | Yes | No |
| fuboTV | Live & On-Demand | $74.99/month | Yes | Yes |
| Antenna (OTA) | Live CBS | Free | No | N/A |
| Pluto TV | CBS News (Only) | Free | No | N/A |
| CBS App | On-Demand (Live requires login) | Free (limited) | No | N/A |
How to Watch CBS Outside the U.S. with a VPN
CBS streaming services are geo-restricted outside the U.S., but you can bypass these restrictions with a VPN.
Best VPNs for Watching CBS Anywhere
- ExpressVPN – Fast U.S. servers & smooth streaming.
- NordVPN – Strong security & no buffering.
- Surfshark – Affordable & allows unlimited devices.
How to Watch CBS with a VPN
- Choose a VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN).
- Install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a U.S. server from the VPN app.
- Open your CBS streaming service (Paramount+, YouTube TV, etc.).
- Start streaming CBS from anywhere!
FAQs
Can I Watch CBS Live for Free Without Cable?
Yes! Use an OTA antenna or stream CBS News on Pluto TV for free.
What Streaming Service Has CBS Live?
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and Paramount+ all include live CBS streaming.
Is CBS on Roku Free?
The CBS app on Roku lets you watch recent episodes for free, but live CBS requires a login.
How to Watch CBS Sports Network Without Cable?
YouTube TV and fuboTV offer CBS Sports Network in their plans.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Stream CBS Without Cable?
The cheapest paid option is Paramount+ ($5.99/month). The best free option is an OTA antenna.
Final Thoughts
If you want to watch CBS without cable, you have multiple options:
- Free: Over-the-air antenna, CBS News on Pluto TV, CBS app (limited free content).
- Budget-Friendly: Paramount+ ($5.99/month).
- Best for Sports: YouTube TV & fuboTV.
- Best All-in-One Option: Hulu + Live TV.
Now, even international viewers can use a VPN to access CBS. Choose the best option and start streaming!
