CBS is home to some of the most popular TV shows, live sports, and breaking news. If you’re a Roku user, you might be wondering how to watch CBS without cable or what your best streaming options are.
Whether you’re looking for free streaming methods, live CBS access, or on-demand content, this guide covers everything.
Is CBS Available on Roku?
Yes, CBS is available on Roku, and you can watch it in multiple ways:
- Stream CBS live through paid services like Paramount+ or YouTube TV.
- Watch CBS News for free using the CBS News App.
- Access limited CBS content on The Roku Channel and Pluto TV.
Let’s explore all the free and paid options in detail.
How to Watch CBS on Roku for Free
If you want to stream CBS without paying for a subscription, you still have a few free options:
1. CBS News App (Live News for Free)
- What it offers: 24/7 live CBS news coverage, including breaking news, CBS Evening News, and more.
- How to install:
- Go to the Roku Home Screen.
- Open the Roku Channel Store.
- Search for CBS News and install the app.
- Open the app and start watching live news for free.
2. The Roku Channel (Limited CBS Content)
- What it offers: Occasionally, The Roku Channel provides access to select CBS shows for free.
- Availability: CBS content on The Roku Channel changes frequently, so check regularly.
3. Pluto TV (CBS News & Some CBS Shows)
- What it offers: Free access to CBS News Live and select CBS programming.
- How to access: Install the Pluto TV app from the Roku Channel Store.
4. Over-the-Air Antenna (Local CBS Station for Free)
- What it offers: If CBS is available in your area, an over-the-air (OTA) antenna connected to Roku’s Live TV feature can stream CBS for free.
- What you need: A digital antenna and a compatible Roku device with an antenna input.
How to Watch CBS Live on Roku Without Cable
If you want full CBS live streaming, you’ll need a paid streaming service. Here are the best options:
1. Paramount+ (Best Budget Option for CBS)
- Price: $5.99/month (with ads) | $11.99/month (ad-free + Showtime)
- What you get: Live CBS, on-demand CBS shows, NFL on CBS, exclusive Paramount+ originals
- How to watch: Download the Paramount+ app from the Roku Channel Store, sign in, and start streaming.
2. YouTube TV (Best for CBS + Unlimited DVR)
- Price: $72.99/month
- What you get: Live CBS, 100+ channels, unlimited DVR, local CBS affiliates
- How to watch: Install YouTube TV, sign up, and start streaming CBS live.
3. Hulu + Live TV (CBS + Full Hulu Streaming Library)
- Price: $76.99/month
- What you get: Live CBS, full Hulu on-demand library, ESPN+ & Disney+
- Best for: Viewers who want both live TV and Hulu’s streaming library.
4. FuboTV (Best for Sports Fans)
- Price: $79.99/month
- What you get: Live CBS, sports channels, 200+ networks
- Best for: Sports lovers who want access to regional and national sports networks.
5. DirecTV Stream (For a Cable-Like Experience)
- Price: Starts at $79.99/month
- What you get: Live CBS, major cable channels, no contract
- Best for: Users who want a traditional cable-like package with CBS.
How to Add and Activate CBS on Roku
- Go to the Roku Home Screen and open the Roku Channel Store.
- Search for “CBS” and select the relevant app (CBS, Paramount+, or CBS News).
- Click “Add Channel” and install the app.
- Launch the CBS app and follow the on-screen activation instructions.
- Enter the activation code at the CBS activation website.
- Start watching CBS live on Roku.
Troubleshooting CBS App Issues on Roku
If you’re having trouble with the CBS app on Roku, try these fixes:
- Check your internet connection – Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal.
- Restart your Roku device – Go to Settings > System > System Restart.
- Update your Roku software – Navigate to Settings > System > System Update.
- Reinstall the CBS app – Delete the app, restart your Roku, and reinstall it.
Best CBS Streaming Option for You
| User Type | Best CBS Streaming Option on Roku |
|---|---|
| Free News Watcher | CBS News App (Free) |
| Live CBS Fan | Paramount+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV |
| Sports Enthusiast | FuboTV (NFL, College Football) |
| Budget Viewer | Paramount+ (Cheapest Live CBS Option) |
FAQs
Is CBS Free on Roku?
Yes, CBS News is free on Roku. However, full CBS live streaming requires a subscription to a paid service.
Can You Watch CBS Live for Free on Roku?
You can watch CBS News live for free. However, to watch CBS shows and sports, you’ll need a paid streaming service like Paramount+ or YouTube TV.
How to Cancel CBS on Roku?
- Go to Settings > Subscriptions on Roku.
- Find the CBS subscription.
- Select Cancel Subscription and confirm.
Why Am I Getting Charged for CBS on Roku?
CBS is part of paid services like Paramount+ or YouTube TV. Check your Roku account subscriptions to verify active charges.
What Channel is CBS on Roku Live TV?
CBS is available through streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and Paramount+.
Final Thoughts
Watching CBS on Roku is easy, whether you choose free options like CBS News or premium live TV services. If you want the best mix of live CBS and on-demand content, Paramount+ is the most affordable choice, while YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV provide a full cable-like experience.
Choose the best option that fits your needs and start streaming CBS on Roku today!
