How to watch CNN without cable: Your ultimate streaming guide

Which streaming services offer CNN?

CNN is part of major cable plans, both with traditional cable companies and livestreaming platforms. The network is available on most of the most popular live TV streaming platforms. 

Watch CNN on DIRECTV STREAM: A reliable choice for comprehensive news coverage

DIRECTV STREAM has CNN in each of its four available plans along with MSNBC, Fox News, and entertainment channels from Bravo to FX. If you also want a wide range of sports networks, you may want to consider getting the Choice plan or above. That’s how you can unlock a ton of regional sports networks (RSNs), including FanDuel Sports Networks. 

Other sports networks with DIRECTV STREAM include ACCN, SEC Network, NBA TV, CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and many more. DIRECTV STREAM offers unlimited DVR storage and unlimited streams within your household. When you’re away from home, you have three additional streams.

Watch CNN on Hulu + Live TV: A comprehensive service with on-demand content

Hulu + Live TV also has a lot of news networks, including CNN, CNBC and MSNBC. All customers get local networks for nightly news, and a wide range of channels in its single plan. In addition to CNN, additional channels include ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, NFL Network, MLB Network, CBS Sports Network, Golf Channel and Big Ten Network. Plus, you’ll get Bravo, Lifetime, FX, TLC and USA. All Hulu customers even get ESPN Plus and Disney Plus for free.

The Hulu + Live TV Sports Add-on adds NFL RedZone, FanDuel TV, FanDuel Racing, MAVTV, Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel to your channel guide. You’ll also get Hulu’s massive video-on-demand library and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Unfortunately, Hulu + Live TV offers just two simultaneous streams.

Watch CNN on Sling TV: Budget-friendly streaming for CNN fans

Sling TV has limited channels, but it’s one of the most affordable livestreaming options. CNN is available on the Sling Blue and Sling Orange & Blue plans. Some customers in major networks like Los Angeles, New York, Dallas and Minneapolis get local networks, too. Sling also offers ESPN, ESPN2, TNT on the Orange Plan and FS1 and NFL Network on Sling Blue. 

An available sports extra features channels like ACCN, beIN SPORTS,  ESPNEWS, ESPNU, MLB Network, MLB Network Strike Zone, NBA TV, NHL Network and many more. Sling TV has 50 hours of DVR storage and up to four simultaneous streams, depending on your plan. 

Watch CNN on YouTube TV: A popular choice for live news streaming

YouTube TV has CNN on its one plan. The platform has local channels, plus MSNBC, Bravo, TNT, FX, ESPN, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL Network. A Sports Plus adds more than 13 extra sports networks to your plan, including NFL RedZone for in-season out-of-market NFL action. YouTube and YouTube TV are the only places to purchase the NFL Sunday Ticket, and YouTube TV subscribers get a discount. 

This service also has several in-game features for all live sports, like Key Plays and Stats. If you need even more networks, consider the Sports Plus add-on to get channels like NFL RedZone, Fox Soccer Plus, Billiard TV, FanDuel TV and Fight Network. YouTube TV gives all customers unlimited Cloud DVR storage and three simultaneous streams.

FAQ

Do I need a cable subscription to watch CNN?

You need a cable or livestreaming subscription to watch CNN. However, free streaming platforms like Pluto TV offer some free CNN content from CNN Originals and CNN Headlines. 

Can I watch CNN on my smart TV?

Yes, CNN has apps for your smart TV. You will need to log in with a valid subscription to a cable or livestreaming platform with CNN in the lineup. 

Can I watch CNN for free?

You can watch CNN Headlines, CNN FAST and CNN Originals for free on platforms like Amazon and Roku. However, to watch the regular CNN channel you will need to sign into a paid provider account.