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Stream NBC Channel Online or Via Antenna and Watch Live TV Cheaper Than Cable

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Thinking about getting rid of cable? Good call! You can still watch NBC online and enjoy all the shows that you adore — including the NFL playoffs — without cable, and for much less money. (Maybe even for free!) Read on to find out how.

In a hurry? If you just want to start watching NBC without cable, these three streaming services should do the job:

  • Fubo: With 150+ channels, it offers something for everyone. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.
  • DIRECTV STREAM: Provides everything you expect from cable with many options. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
  • Sling TV: Probably the best streaming service in terms of customization with a super low price and a 50% discount on your first month!

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

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.

NBC airs some of the biggest shows on TV: Saturday Night Live, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NFL Sunday Night Football, and many more. If you’re a fan of any of these exclusive shows, then NBC is a must-have channel for you.

You can stream NBC live both online and through digital antennas, saving yourself money and stress in the long run. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how to watch NBC live without cable, covering all services, packages, and devices you’ll need. 

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

How to Watch NBC Online Live Without Cable 

There are three basic ways you can watch NBC without a cable or satellite connection. 

  • Peacock TV: NBC has its very own streaming service! Peacock TV launched in July 2020. It’s another way to watch NBC without cable. And it’s free! (There are also paid plans.) The only problem is that it is primarily an on-demand system; you can’t watch NBC live.
  • Live Streaming Services: You can stream NBC live on multiple devices using streaming services like Fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV, and many more! These services also feature many other channels and act very much like a flexible, cheaper cable subscription. 
  • Digital Antennas: Over-the-air antennas allow you to catch signals without cable or internet, so you can access channels on your TV! You’ll have to make a small initial investment to purchase an antenna (which usually costs as little as $30) and then you’ve got free TV! No packages, no subscription, no bill! 

Below, we’ve covered all three of these options in detail with information about prices, packages, and devices. To find out more about watching NBC without cable, keep on reading!

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 NBC 

Streaming services are an easy and cost-effective way to watch NBC without cable. They offer an experience similar to using cable TV but are priced differently.

We’ve covered the major services that offer NBC, so you can go through them and choose a package that best suits your needs. 

FuboTV For NBC 

fubotv logo
NBCUniversal ChannelsBravo, CNBC, E!, MSNBC, NBC,
Oxygen, Syfy, Universal Kids, USA
Other Local ChannelsABC, CBS, Fox
Total Channels130+
Cloud DVR1000 hours
Simultaneous Screens10
Free Trial
FuboTV Price$79.99/mo

FuboTV is one of the best streaming services that offers NBC. You can stream NBC live by signing up for their Starter package, which offers 130+ channels for $79.99/mo and allows you to stream on 10 devices simultaneously.

It offers the full lineup of NBCUniversal channels as well as all the network affiliates (in the vast majority of areas).

For more information, see our detailed articles about FuboTV:

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

FuboTV NBC Channels
FuboTV Guide with NBC channels highlighted.

Sling TV For NBC

Sling TV Logo
NBCUniversal ChannelsBravo, E!, MSNBC, NBC, Syfy, USA
Other Local ChannelsFox
Total Channels40+
Cloud DVR50 hours
Simultaneous Screens3
Free Trial
Sling TV Price$40.00/mo

If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way to stream NBC, Sling TV is one of your best bets.

Sling Blue is only $40.00/mo and comes with FOX and five of the NBCUniversal channels along with NBC. If you wish, you can get CNBC (News Extra) and Oxygen (Lifestyle Extra) with $6/mo add-ons.

Sling TV also provides the option to use an antenna. If you sign up for two months, they will even give you an antenna for free. Your antenna stations are then integrated with the Sling interface. No need for multiple interfaces!

Find out more with our articles about Sling TV:

NFL Fans! Take a look at these Sling-specific NFL guides: NFL on Sling, NFL Preseason, NFL RedZone, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

Sling TV NFL
Sling TV allows you to watch live NFL games and much more.

DIRECTV STREAM For NBC

DIRECTV STREAM
NBCUniversal ChannelsBravo, CNBC, E!, MSNBC, NBC, Syfy, USA
Other Local ChannelsABC, CBS, Fox
Total Channels75+
Cloud DVRUnlimited*
Simultaneous ScreensUnlimited
Free Trial
DIRECTV STREAM Price$79.99/mo
* Online signup only

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) is known for its massive channel line-up access to local and regional channels. The service offers NBC along with most of the NBCUniversal and all the local channels.

The only missing NBCUniversal channels are Oxygen and Universal Kids. These are available in the Ultimate plan for $119.99/mo which features over 130 channels including HBO MAX for the first year.

See our DIRECTV STREAM review for more details.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days

Hulu + Live TV For NBC 

hulu logo
NBCUniversal ChannelsBravo, CNBC, E!, MSNBC, NBC,
Oxygen, Syfy, Universal Kids, USA
Other Local ChannelsABC, CBS, Fox
Total Channels85+
Cloud DVRUnlimited (9 month storage)
Simultaneous Screens2
Free Trial
Hulu Price$76.99/mo

Hulu + Live TV is one of the most popular streaming services and offers a great way out of expensive cable TV bills. They offer over 85 popular sports, entertainment, and news channels including NBC for $76.99/mo.

Like FuboTV, Hulu offers the full lineup of NBCUniversal and local channels.

Comparatively, Hulu + Live TV offers less than FuboTV in the total number of channels, DVR capacity, and simultaneous streaming. But Hulu makes up for this in its exceptional on-demand library. Which you prefer will depend upon your preferences.

See the following for more information on Hulu + Live TV:

Try Hulu + Live TV Today!

Live Guide - Content on Hulu.com
Hulu + Live TV’s guide to live shows.

Other Ways to Get NBC

Live TV streaming services are a popular way to get NBC but they are not the only way to get it. Here are some others:

  • NBC App: This TV Everywhere compatible app allows you to watch on-demand and limited live programming.
  • YouTube TV: Another full-featured streaming service, it offers 100+ channels including all the NBCUniversal and local channels. It is comparable to FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

How to Get NBC With an Antenna 

Streaming NBC through antennas is affordable and convenient, at least if you are located reasonably close to a transmission tower.

Despite the convenience of online streaming services, don’t dismiss this option! Over the air (OTA) television is not like in the old days. It is all digital and broadcast in HD. And it’s not just the usual channels because now there are subchannels with even more content!

Check out our other articles for more information on using a TV antenna:

Stream NBC With Peacock

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service. It provides a lot of its shows, movies, and events on-demand.

There are two plans available:

  • Peacock Premium ($5.99/mo): access to the entire library plus access to live sporting events (Premier League and WWE).
  • Peacock Premium Plus ($9.99/mo): access to everything without commercials (with some exceptions).

But remember: none of Peacock’s plans offer a live stream of NBC. 

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 Mobile Devices for NBC

Sling TV NBC Android
Sling TV on Android with NBC.

To watch NBC on a streaming service, you need a streaming device that is suitable for that provider. This will be a smart TV, streaming device, mobile, or tablet, to name a few.

For example, most services have supported Samsung smart TVs for the last 5 years.

Additionally, the following devices are universally supported:

  • Amazon Fire TV: Plugs into your TV’s HDMI jack and runs various streaming apps.
  • Apple TV: Apple’s version of the Fire stick.
  • Roku: Another TV device — one of the earliest.

You can also stream in most web browsers. So if your device has a web browser, you’re fine. Most laptops and computers can also be connected to a TV to transmit the content onto a bigger screen.

Mobile Devices For Streaming NBC

Smartphones and tablets are also supported by most services:

  • Android Smartphones: All but the oldest Android devices.
  • iOS devices: Apple’s iPhones, iPads, and even some iPods.

When choosing a streaming provider you can check for the exact supported versions on their website.

All the major streaming services support Chromecast. It streams from your phone to your TV.

Gaming Consoles For Streaming NBC

You can watch videos on gaming consoles, so streaming services support them. Except for DIRECTV STREAM, all the services support Xbox. Hulu supports PlayStation and Echo Show, while Sling TV supports Oculus.

Today’s NBC Schedule

Here is today’s schedule in Eastern Time:

NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt

The latest news, going beyond the headlines to see how lives are affected by the world around them.

Access Hollywood

Interview with Vanessa Hudgens; the documentary "Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV."

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Kellyoke: "The Bones"; actor Jamie Dornan; TV personality Joey Graziadei; travel expert Emily Kaufman; HunterGirl performs.

Early Today

The latest world and national news, and reports on the day's upcoming events.

Today in New York

The latest local news, weather and investigative stories impacting your community.

Today in New York

The latest local news, weather and investigative stories impacting your community.

Today

Inside the high-priced world of independent education consultants; spring cleaning hacks with Courtney Mason; Steals and Deals with Jill Martin Brooks; Today Food with José Andrés.

Today 3rd Hour

Actor Tony Goldwyn; how to read people with Evy Poumpouras; Today Food with José Andrés.

Today With Hoda & Jenna

Actress Hilary Swank; Poppi Soda with Allison Ellsworth; top beauty trends and gadgets with Faith Xue.

News 4 NY at 11AM

The latest local news, weather and investigative stories impacting your community.

New York Live

Hosts conduct celebrity interviews and discuss recipes, beauty and fashion and current events pertinent to the tri-state region.

NBC News Daily

NBC News provides viewers with the latest national and international news; consumer, health and personal finance reporting; up-to-the-minute local news.

DatelineHouse of Horrors

When Nichole Payne and her son Taylor are found dead in their home, it takes nearly a decade to unravel what happened; now, Nichole's children share what they saw the day their mother and brother were murdered.

Access Daily With Mario & Kit

Actresses Busy Philipps, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell and Sara Bareilles ("Girls5eva"); actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson (podcast "Dinner's on Me"); The Newsette founder and CEO Daniella Pierson; MorningSave shoppable finds.

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Kellyoke: "Wide Awake"; actor Finn Wolfhard; Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons and Kristen Kish ("Top Chef"); Aoife O'Donovan performs; actor Steve Schirripa.

News 4 NY at 4

The latest local news, weather and investigative stories impacting your community.

News 4 NY at 4:30

NY news.

News 4 NY at 5

The latest local news, weather and investigative stories impacting your community.

News 4 NY at 5:30

NY news.

News 4 NY at 6

The latest local news, weather and investigative stories impacting your community.

NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt

The latest news, going beyond the headlines to see how lives are affected by the world around them.

News 4 NY at 7

Access Hollywood

Fashion stylist Andrew Mukamal.

Night CourtThe Duke's a Hazard

When Gurgs' royal boyfriend pays a surprise visit, she questions their compatibility; Dan defends his family's honor after he discovers a feud that dates back centuries.

Extended FamilyThe Consequences of Being Irish

When Jim learns of Trey's St. Patrick's Day fundraiser plans, he offers his expertise in an effort to save Trey and the Celtics from embarrassment.

The VoiceThe Battles Part 2

The battle rounds continue as Chance the Rapper, Dan + Shay, John Legend and Reba McEntire prepare their artists in hopes of advancing to the knockouts; each coach has one steal and one playoff pass, which sends an artist straight to the playoffs.

PasswordChance the Rapper & Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon and celebrity guest Chance the Rapper pair up with contestants and face off over two games; players from each team guess secret passwords using only one-word clues for a chance to win up to $25,000.

News 4 NY at 11

Local and regional news.

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonTracy Morgan; Leslie Bibb; José Andrés; Adrianne Lenker

Actor Tracy Morgan; actress Leslie Bibb; chef José Andrés; Adrianne Lenker performs.

Late Night With Seth MeyersKurt Russell; Wyatt Russell; David Chase; Morgan Rose

Actor Kurt Russell; actor Wyatt Russell; film producer David Chase; Morgan Rose sits in with the 8G Band.

News 4 NY at 11

Local and regional news.

NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt

The latest news, going beyond the headlines to see how lives are affected by the world around them.

Wrapping Up 

There are lots of ways to enjoy NBC without being bound to an expensive long-term cable or satellite TV contract. If you don’t care about premium stations, you can just set up an antenna and get NBC and other local channels for free.

Most people prefer a streaming service. For as little as $40.00/mo, you can get a streaming service like Sling TV with comparable channels to cable. This is a case where you can actually get better service for less money.

FuboTV is our top choice for getting NBC regardless of where you live. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

FAQs

What sports are on NBC? 

NBC has broadcast contracts throughout the world of sports. For example, they are the only provider of Sunday Night Football. And, of course, NBC is the home of the Olympics. They also broadcast college football, Premier League soccer (including Boxing Day matches), Major League Baseball, golf (including the US Open, Ryder Cup, and Grant Thornton Invitational), the Tour de France (see our Sling Guide), and auto sports.

Is NBC a good channel for the NFL?

NBC is not a particularly good channel for the NFL. But it is a necessary channel if you want to watch the whole NFL season. Each week of the regular season, it features a primetime Sunday Night game. And in the postseason, it is necessary to watch all the Wild Card Weekend games and, this year, an AFC divisional game. Finally, some years (2026 is the next) it airs the Super Bowl.

You can find out more about watching different NFL teams during all parts of the season in our viewer’s guides:

AFC East AFC North AFC South AFC West
Buffalo Bills Baltimore Ravens Houston Texans Denver Broncos
Miami Dolphins Cincinnati Bengals Indianapolis Colts Kansas City Chiefs
New England Patriots Cleveland Browns Jacksonville Jaguars Los Angeles Chargers
New York Jets Pittsburgh Steelers Tennessee Titans Las Vegas Raiders
NFC East NFC North NFC South NFC West
Dallas Cowboys Chicago Bears Atlanta Falcons Arizona Cardinals
New York Giants Detroit Lions Carolina Panthers Los Angeles Rams
Philadelphia Eagles Green Bay Packers New Orleans Saints San Francisco 49ers
Washington Commanders Minnesota Vikings Tampa Bay Buccaneers Seattle Seahawks

Is the Super Bowl on NBC?

Super Bowl LVIII will be on CBS this year. Fox and CBS share rotating control of the event with NBC. NBC last aired Super Bowl LVI. In 2026, it will air Super Bowl VX. It also doesn’t broadcast either of the conference championship games. But the good news is that most live TV streaming services that offer NBC also offer Fox. We recommend FuboTV for both.

Does NBC show the NFL conference championships?

NBC does not broadcast the NFL conference championships. CBS and Fox each have their own conference that they cover. So generally, CBS broadcasts the AFC Championship game and Fox broadcasts the NFC Championship game. NBC Sports has a smaller footprint in the NFL world but all the football games it airs have no competition from simultaneously occurring games.

Will NBC broadcast the NFL playoffs?

NBC is the third most important broadcaster of NFL playoff games after Fox and CBS but before ABC/ESPN, which airs just one Monday Night game. In 2023, it will broadcast three postseason matchups: two from the Wild Card Round and one from the Divisional Round.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Will Amazon Prime show NFL playoff games?

No. Amazon Prime aired Thursday Night Football during the regular 2022-2023 season, but they don’t have a contract to air any playoff games. The games will be broadcast on ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. You can find out full details on all the playoff games on our NFL playoffs page.

How much does it cost to watch the NFL playoffs on NBC?

That depends on the streaming service you use. If you’re watching on your basic cable channel, there’s no extra charge other than your cable subscription. If you don’t have cable, you can watch the games on NBC with an over-the-air antenna for free. You can also dump cable and subscribe to a streaming service like FuboTV or DIRECTV STREAM. Find out more on NFL playoffs page.

When is the next NFL game on NBC?

NBC airs Sunday Night NFL games and some NFL playoff games. Here is the upcoming game:

none

What channels belong to NBCUniversal?

NBCUniversal is an enormous company featuring various divisions which focus on different languages and content. But its primary English-language non-sports channels are as follows:

How can I watch other news channels?

Here are our options for watching other news channels:

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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