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CNN Channel Online: Stream 24/7 Cable News Without the Cable (Or the Cable Price)

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Cable News Network, better known as CNN, is one of the most-watched cable networks, providing 24-hour news coverage for over 40 years. Whether you are an ardent news fan or are just looking for breaking news, CNN’s got you covered. Even if you want to ditch cable, there are plenty of ways to watch CNN without cable. Find out how with this guide. 

In a hurry? We all know that cable subscriptions are expensive. If you want the latest news coverage from CNN without cable, you have options:

  • DIRECTV STREAM: Makes it easy to switch from cable to streaming with their 75+ channel Entertainment plan and options for much more. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
  • Sling TV: The top low-cost streaming service provides a great base channel lineup in both its plans. Save 50% with Sling TV.
  • Hulu + Live TV: This total entertainment streaming service provides a great on-demand selection and all the essential live TV channels.

If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, try ExpressVPN to get access to the content you deserve.

In a hurry? Unfortunately, we don’t know a streaming service in that offers this TV channel/sport. But if you’ve already paid for the right service, and just can’t watch because of your location, there is an easy way to get the sports, movies, and TV you deserve. You need a VPN, like one of the following.

ExpressVPN

1. ExpressVPN: Established VPN provider in 105 countries. Smart DNS, a built-in ad-blocker, and unlimited bandwidth. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access

3. Private Internet Access: The only no-logs VPN with a location for every US state. Get 82% off + 2 months free.

If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, you’ll find all the answers in our full VPN guide.

How to Access CNN without Cable

CNN has built a brand out of the personalities of its news anchors and producers, creating uniquely flavored content, setting them apart from other networks, along with their award-winning documentaries. The 24-hour news coverage also plays a role in the cable network’s popularity. But what if you want to cut the cord?

Below, we explain how you can access CNN and get your daily fix of Anderson Cooper without a hefty cable subscription.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

CNN International

CNN International is CNN for outside the US. It carries in-depth news stories from around the world, broadcast from studios in Atlanta, New York City, London, Mumbai, Hong Kong, and Abu Dhabi. Its format is similar to other English-language international news channels such as BBC World News, France 24, and Al Jazeera English.

It does carry some CNN-US news shows, such as Anderson Cooper 360°, The Lead with Jake Tapper, and The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.

Currently, the only streaming TV providers that offer CNN International are DIRECTV STREAM and Hulu + Live TV, which both have it in their base packages.

Unblock Your Favorite Movies and Shows With a VPN

If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, a VPN will allow you to get the access you are entitled to, plus extra security and unequalled privacy. Check out our VPN Guide for everything you need to know, including our top pick ExpressVPN.

Get ExpressVPN Today

Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.

Streaming Services with CNN

The best streaming services provide you with your favorite TV channels at a comfortable price without the hidden fees and lengthy contracts typical of cable. But to have the best experience, you do need a reliable, strong Internet connection.

The following streaming services let you access CNN and stay within your budget.

Sling TV

Sling TV Logo
Total Channels40+
News ChannelsCNN, Fox News, MSNBC
Fox, NBC*
Cloud DVR Storage50 hours
Sling TV Price$40.00/mo
Free Trial
* You can get access to more local channels via Sling TV by using an HD Antenna. It comes free when you prepay two months of Sling TV.

Sling TV is one of the most affordable ways to stream CNN without cable. Simply choose from one of the two main channel packages or even combine them together.

The better plan for news junkies is the Sling Blue. It includes 40+ channels with Fox News, MSNBC, as well as the local Fox and NBC affiliates in most areas.

If you want even more, you can get the News Extra add-on for $6/mo more. It includes BBC World News, CGTN, CNBC, Euronews, Fox Business, France 24, Law & Crime, HDTV 24×7, News 18, News Nation, Newsmax, RT America, Science Channel, and Weather Nation.

Sports fans may prefer the Sling Orange package, which includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 along with CNN.

Regardless of which plan you choose, with Sling TV, you’ll also get 50 hours of cloud DVR storage and access to a limited on-demand library with content provided directly by the channels. For more info, see our guides:

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

Sling TV - CNN
Sling TV offers CNN and other news channels.

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM
Total Channels75+
News ChannelsCNN, FOX News, MSNBC
ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC
Cloud DVR StorageUnlimited*
DIRECTV STREAM Price$79.99/mo
Free Trial ✔️
* Online signup only

Once known as AT&T TV, DIRECTV STREAM offers access to live TV without the annoying locked-in contract. The most basic package starts at $79.99/mo. This will give you access to local and the top cable news channels for roughly 80 total.

The basic DIRECTV STREAM package includes unlimited cloud DVR storage as long as you sign-up online. DIRECTV STREAM allows you to stream on unlimited devices at home and away, which is great for large households.

New subscribers can get a five-day free trial! See our DIRECTV STREAM review for more information.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days

Hulu + Live TV

hulu logo
Total Channels85+
News ChannelsCNN, Fox News, MSNBC
ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC
Cloud DVR StorageUnlimited*
Hulu + Live TV Price$76.99/mo
Free Trial
*9 month storage

Starting plans for Hulu are pretty affordable at $7.99/mo. But to live stream CNN, you need to subscribe to Hulu + Live TV, which costs $76.99/mo. In addition to CNN, you get 85+ top channels, including most news channels.

You’ll also get access to Hulu’s entire on-demand library, including exclusive episodes, top movies, and kids’ content. It also comes with ESPN+ and Disney+.

You can use two screens at a time and store unlimited cloud DVR (9 month storage). And you can purchase add-ons such as unlimited screens, and other channel and language options.

Check out our detailed reviews for more information:

Try Hulu + Live TV Today!

Other Ways to Get CNN

Unfortunately, streaming services like Philo and Vidgo do not provide live streaming of CNN. However, there are some other ways you can watch CNN without cable.

  • The CNN App: This free app gives you access to CNN content. But to watch in real-time, you’ll need to subscribe. Our recommendation is to choose a streaming service that will let you log in to the CNN app directly. 
  • CNNGo: Stream CNN live at any time by going to CNNGo or clicking Watch Live on CNN.com. However, you’ll need to enter your streaming/cable service provider information for uninterrupted live streaming. 
  • YouTube TV: YouTube TV provides a streaming service very similar to Hulu + Live TV with 85+ live channels, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, truTV, and others, for $72.99/mo.
  • YouTube.com: CNN has a strong presence on YouTube, but you’ll have to wait for content to be uploaded. For breaking news, you’re better off choosing one of the streaming services listed above. 
DIRECTV STREAM - CNN
The Movies on CNN via DIRECTV STREAM.

Superpower Your Live TV Streaming With a VPN

You can’t beat a VPN for privacy, security, and access. We have used them for years as an important part of our streaming toolkit and we recommend ExpressVPN. Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.

i See our VPN Buyer’s Guide for complete information on how to choose the best VPN for your needs.

TVs and Streaming Devices to Watch CNN

To use today’s streaming services, you need a TV or other device that can run their apps. Luckily, that includes most things these days. You should have no problem streaming CNN on the hardware you already own.

Most models of Samsung smart TVs are supported by all the streaming services we’ve discussed. Both Hulu and Sling support all Android TV-powered devices. And everyone supports the Android and iOS (iPhone, iPad) devices, as well as Google’s Chromecast.

Popular TV “stick” devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku are also universally supported.

You can also watch CNN via a web browser. If you run this from your laptop, you can use an HDMI cable to connect it to your TV.

Hulu and Sling allow you to stream on the Xbox One. And Hulu provides support for other gaming consoles.

The bottom line is that these streaming services support almost everything that is currently in use. If you have questions, see our device guides or contact the service directly.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

Today’s CNN Schedule

Here is today’s schedule in Eastern Time:

CNN On Demand

CNN On Demand is a free service from Time Warner Cable iCONTROL. Order, pause, rewind or fast-forward your favorite CNN Showcase programming including Crossfire and Larry King Live!

Anderson Cooper 360

Anderson Cooper takes viewers beyond the headlines with in-depth reporting and investigations.

CNN This Morning

Stories from across the world and refreshing conversations.

CNN This Morning

Stories from across the world and refreshing conversations.

CNN On Demand

CNN On Demand is a free service from Time Warner Cable iCONTROL. Order, pause, rewind or fast-forward your favorite CNN Showcase programming including Crossfire and Larry King Live!

CNN News Central

The latest news from around the world live from CNN's immersive news hub with John Berman, Kate Bolduan and Sara Sidner.

CNN News Central

The latest news from around the world live from CNN's immersive news hub with John Berman, Kate Bolduan and Sara Sidner.

CNN News Central

The latest news from around the world live from CNN's immersive news hub with John Berman, Kate Bolduan and Sara Sidner.

CNN Newsroom With Jim Acosta

Updates of the latest news from around the world.

CNN On Demand

CNN On Demand is a free service from Time Warner Cable iCONTROL. Order, pause, rewind or fast-forward your favorite CNN Showcase programming including Crossfire and Larry King Live!

CNN Newsroom With Wolf Blitzer

Wolf Blitzer reports on the top news stories of the day.

Inside Politics With Dana Bash

Top political stories researched by top reporters.

CNN News Central

News from around the world with Brianna Keilar and Boris Sanchez.

CNN News Central

News from around the world with Brianna Keilar and Boris Sanchez.

CNN On Demand

CNN On Demand is a free service from Time Warner Cable iCONTROL. Order, pause, rewind or fast-forward your favorite CNN Showcase programming including Crossfire and Larry King Live!

CNN News Central

News from around the world with Brianna Keilar and Boris Sanchez.

The Lead With Jake Tapper

Covering all the day's top stories around the country and the globe, from politics to money, sports to popular culture.

The Lead With Jake Tapper

Covering all the day's top stories around the country and the globe, from politics to money, sports to popular culture.

CNN On Demand

CNN On Demand is a free service from Time Warner Cable iCONTROL. Order, pause, rewind or fast-forward your favorite CNN Showcase programming including Crossfire and Larry King Live!

The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer

The command center for breaking news, politics and reports from around the world.

Erin Burnett OutFront

Erin Burnett stays ahead of the headlines, delivering a show that's in-depth and informative.

Anderson Cooper 360

Anderson Cooper takes viewers beyond the headlines with in-depth reporting and investigations.

The Source With Kaitlan Collins

Kaitlan Collins is chasing the facts, asking the tough questions and connecting with her sources.

CNN On Demand

CNN On Demand is a free service from Time Warner Cable iCONTROL. Order, pause, rewind or fast-forward your favorite CNN Showcase programming including Crossfire and Larry King Live!

CNN NewsNight With Abby Phillip

Abby Phillip delivers a smart, sharp approach to the day's biggest stories.

Laura Coates Live

Laura Coates goes inside the story with a relentless pursuit of the facts.

Anderson Cooper 360

Anderson Cooper takes viewers beyond the headlines with in-depth reporting and investigations.

Erin Burnett OutFront

Erin Burnett stays ahead of the headlines, delivering a show that's in-depth and informative.

CNN On Demand

CNN On Demand is a free service from Time Warner Cable iCONTROL. Order, pause, rewind or fast-forward your favorite CNN Showcase programming including Crossfire and Larry King Live!

The Lead With Jake Tapper

Covering all the day's top stories around the country and the globe, from politics to money, sports to popular culture.

The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer

The command center for breaking news, politics and reports from around the world.

Anderson Cooper 360

Anderson Cooper takes viewers beyond the headlines with in-depth reporting and investigations.

Wrapping up

CNN is one of the most popular news networks. Not only do they report the latest news, but CNN offers personality-driven content. The network’s popularity is a driving factor behind why many streaming services offer a way to watch CNN without cable.

We are a bit disappointed that CNN isn’t available on FuboTV, Philo, and Vidgo. But there are still great options that will keep you from getting stuck with cable. 

FAQs

What shows are on CNN?

Several of CNN’s news anchors headline their own shows, providing unique personality-driven content. Here are some of CNN’s more popular original shows, past and present: 

  • Anderson Cooper 360°
  • Cuomo Prime Time
  • This Is Life
  • Reliable Sources
  • OutFront
  • At This Hour with Kate Bolduan
  • Wolf
  • Inside Politics
  • CNN Newsroom
  • The Lead with Jake Tapper
  • The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer
  • Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
  • United Shades of America.

Can I watch CNN for free? 

Yes, CNN streams some coverage of breaking news and events on YouTube.com. But, to access specific shows, your free options will fall short. To access the full range of CNN content, you will need to choose a subscription to one of the listed streaming services that will save you from hidden fees and a fixed contract.

Is CNN available on FuboTV?

CNN is not available with FuboTV. As a cost-cutting measure, FuboTV ended its contract with WarnerMedia. As a result, it does not offer CNN or a number of other popular channels like Boomerang, Cartoon Network, TBS, TNT, and Turner Classic Movies. Additionally, HBO and Cinemax are unavailable as add-ons.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

What happened to CNN+?

CNN+ was Warner Media’s short-lived attempt at a stand-streaming service for CNN. When Warner merged with Discovery, it was shut down after about a month, citing the service’s inability to live-stream the linear CNN channel. The new series Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?, slated to start on CNN+ this fall, will instead premiere on HBO Max.

More good news is that over 800 episodes of series from CNN Original Series, CNN Films, and HLN Original Series will be available through a CNN Originals hub on Discovery+. Since CNN+ was $5.99/mo and Discovery+ is only $4.99/mo, this is a bargain for viewers.

What other ways are their to watch live news without cable TV?

Looking for more info on how to watch the news without cable? Don’t miss these guides:

Ditch “Big Cable” Now – 3 Simple Steps to Cut the Cord

  1. Pick the right streaming service
  2. Get the content you deserve with the best VPN.
  3. Supercharge your internet provider

That’s it — you’ll save money, take back control, and enjoy TV more!

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0 replies on “CNN Channel Online: Stream 24/7 Cable News Without the Cable (Or the Cable Price)

I cant afford those 64.99 streaming services. I have cut the cable and have Philo for 25.00.
Why cant you be on the affordable streaming services? I miss watching cnn!!!!!!! Cant find another news that is thorough like cnn.

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