How to Watch CNN Without Cable?

Wondering whether you can watch CNN without a cable network connection or not? This guide will answer your question. 

CNN, short for Cable News Network, is among the world’s foremost media houses and news channels. In 1980, it was the world’s first channel to adopt a round-the-clock coverage format and became the first dedicated news channel in the United States. 

Whether it’s global news, political affairs, celebrity gossip, or sports, CNN remains the number one choice of over 80 million American households, just behind MSNBC and Fox News. 

So, can you access CNN without having a conventional cable network connection, and if so, what are the options? In this comprehensive guide, I will explain it all. 

Let’s get going. 

Is It Possible to Watch CNN Without Cable Connection?

To clear your doubt, yes, it’s entirely possible to watch CNN without a cable TV subscription. There are numerous streaming platforms, online services, and third-party applications available where you can log on to CNN programs through the CNN streaming service. 

However, please remember that not all services will allow you to watch live CNN channel broadcasts. Some platforms, such as Pluto TV, allow access to only selected CNN programs. 

Also, mind you, not all services are free of charge. For some of them, you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee as dictated by the respective platform to be able to access your favorite CNN shows and live television. 

How to Watch CNN Without Cable?

Say goodbye to your expensive cable and satellite TV plans along with the messy set-top box connection setups. Here is how you can watch CNN without a dedicated cable connection:

1. Sling TV:

Sling, a subsidiary of Dish Network, has been doing well in the video-on-demand market since its inception in 2015. It offers trimmed-down channel packages where you can enjoy CNN without flicking through the bunch of channels that you may never watch. Currently, Sling TV is broadcasting a 24-hour CNN live feed at one of the lowest prices in the United States. 

You can watch CNN with any of the three Sling packages – Sling Orange (31 channels), Sling Blue (42 channels), and Sling Orange & Blue (51 channels). While CNN is included in all of them, they are designed for different viewers’ preferences. While Sling Orange is suitable for Disney lovers, NCAA football, and family show fans, the Blue and Orange & Blue plans are designed for sports, entertainment, and news enthusiasts.

Price:

Here is what you have to pay to watch CNN on Sling:

• Sling Orange – $40/month
• Sling Blue – $45/month
• Sling Orange & Blue – $55/month

With Sling Orange you can watch the live streaming on 1 screen, while the other two plans allow you to stream simultaneously on up to 3 screens. 

Platforms:

You can enjoy CNN through Sling TV on a range of devices, including Amazon FireTV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Samsung smart TV, VIZIO smart TV, Roku, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Google Nest, Xfinity, LG smart TV, Oculus Go, and Xbox (One S, One X). 

2. Hulu+ Live TV:

The next option is Hulu+, another American streaming service where you can watch CNN without a cable connection, along with hundreds of movies, TV shows, and live TV channels. 

Hulu+ live TV offers a single plan where you can enjoy blockbuster movies, live sports, and TV shows, as well as over 90 live TV channels, well-known networks like ABC, ESPN, CMT, FOX, and of course, CNN. You also get access to regional sports channels and Disney+ streaming service, along with unlimited DVR recording (except for on-demand shows). 

Unlike traditional TV connections, you don’t have to pay for rental, set-top box fees, installation costs, convenience charges, etc. If you think it’s not for you, there is an option to cancel the subscription anytime you want. 

Price:

The combo package of Hulu+ Live TV channels, ESPN+, and Disney+ is available for $76.99/month. Please remember that some content may require you to watch advertisements. Also, before purchasing the subscription, ensure that Hulu+ Live TV telecasts CNN in your region. 

Platforms:

You can easily watch Hulu+ Live TV on Mac, Windows PC, iOS and Android, Roku TV, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox (360, One, and X/S series), Samsung smart TV, LG smart TV, Nintendo Switch, Android TV, PS4/5, and VIZIO. 

3. YouTube TV:

Another alternative for watching CNN without cable is YouTube TV, a television streaming and on-demand content distribution service from Google. With over 5 million subscribers in just 6 years, it’s one of the fastest-growing platforms where you can watch all popular American channels, including live telecasts and pre-recorded content from over 100 television networks.

Apart from CNN, you can watch content from popular networks, such as BBC World, ESPN, FOX News, Paramount, MLB, and more.

Currently available only in the United States, YouTube TV is an excellent option for those looking to watch CNN alongside a range of TV shows, movies, and live sports. Again, there is no long-term commitment or installation needed; just sign up, and you can cancel your subscription whenever you want. 

YouTube TV only has one subscription plan where you get a pack of 128 channels and unlimited cloud DVR service where you can record hundreds of hours of TV shows and sports telecasts. 

Price:

The cost of YouTube TV is $72.99/month, but new subscribers can enjoy a free trial and a discount of $20 for the first three months. That’s pretty handsome deal, considering the amount of content you are getting with it. 

Platforms:

YouTube TV will work on pretty much every smart device, including Smart TVs, Android, iOS, tablets, and Gaming consoles.

4. DirecTV:

DirecTV is a California-based multichannel video programming service that not only allows you to watch CNN without cable but can also be a good option for those looking for a substitution for your entire cable setup. No set-top box, no wiring, no rental deposit. Let me explain why. 

DirecTV offers 4 premium plans, with CNN included in each of them. But what sets it apart from other services is the extensive content library that comes along with each plan. You get a minimum of 75 premium TV channels depending on the plan, regional sports and local channels, a healthy collection of on-demand movies and TV shows, live sports, Kids Corner, and a lot more. 

Depending on your requirements, you can choose among the four available plans, which are curated to cater to different types of audiences. With CNN included in all of them, it’s not a difficult choice to make. 

Price:

As mentioned, all four DirecTV plans include CNN live broadcast – Entertainment ($64.99/month), Choice ($84.99/month), Ultimate ($109.99/month, and Premier ($154.99/month). Another good thing is that regardless of the plan you choose, the same price will be offered to you for the next 2 years. 

Platforms:

You can stream DirecTV on your smart TV, Apple TV, Android and iOS devices, Roku, Chromecast, Windows and Mac, and Android TV. 

5. CNN App:

Another option to watch CNN without cable is through its official app. The application is available to download on all major platforms, where you can enjoy live TV as well as selected CNN content. 

However, please remember that the majority of the content on the app is accessible only to satellite TV and conventional cable customers who have CNN included in their subscription. So, you will have to sign in using your respective provider’s credentials (Hulu, Pluto, DirecTV, Hulu+, Sling, etc) to access the live TV. 

Apart from CNN live TV, you can also enjoy CNN Internation, HLN TV, in-depth analysis, interviews, exclusive news programs, CNN original TV series, and some of the most celebrated CNN movies. Keep in mind that all video-on-demand content is restricted to US customers. 

Price:

So the CNN app is free, and is available to download cost-free on every platform. However, to access the full content library, you must have a subscription with CNN included in your plan. 

Platforms:

CNN app is available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung TV, Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, and Roku player. 

6. CNN Website:

CNN website is another place that would allow you to watch CNN without a cable subscription. To watch the live TV broadcast, you must go to https://edition.cnn.com/videos/live/ and verify your TV provider from the list. Nevertheless, there is a heap of curated news videos on various topics like international sports, world politics, health, lifestyle, and more. 

All you need is a device with a web browser, and a fast internet connection to enjoy CNN USA live stream.

7. Free OTA Antennas:

You can also try your luck with an over-the-air antenna, as in some regions, it might be possible to pick up a CNN signal. Just to be clear, this service is not available in most areas, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to access all of CNN’s content. Nevertheless, with no monthly cost involved, it’s still an option worth trying.  

8. Pluto TV:

In April 2023, America’s popular content-on-demand platform signed a deal with CNN network to broadcast some of their shows on its platform. However, it’s worth mentioning that it doesn’t include CNN’s live broadcast feed since it’s accessible only to conventional TV cable, satellite TV subscribers, and other authorized third-party apps and websites. 

With Pluto TV, you can watch the short-form digital content from the selected CNN programs instead of 24/7 CNN live streaming. These programs include topics like culture, lifestyle, climate, and environmental issues, along with CNN original interviews and investigative shows. 

Price:

You can watch CNN on Pluto TV for completely free. Yes, you’ve heard that right. Pluto is a drop-in and watch platform where you don’t even require to sign up. However, it’s an ad-supported platform, so you might need to watch plenty of advertisements before or during the shows.

Platforms:

Pluto TV is available on major platforms, such as smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Android, and Windows.

How to watch CNN for free?

So, you might ask – Is CNN Free? CNN provides limited content access through its website and applications. However, the entire range of CNN library, including CNN live TV is only available for paying subscribers. Even if you don’t have a cable connection, you will need a premium subscription to any of the abovementioned streaming services to be able to view the full CNN library. 

Although you might utilize the free trials from Hulu+ TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV to get temporary access to CNN live TV and other exclusive programs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Words:

I am sure now you know how to watch CNN without a cable connection. Yes, it’s possible and even more convenient than the ancient-style ever-declining cable networks.

All you need is a premium subscription to the streaming service, which partners with CNN, and you can enjoy the live feed anywhere you want. My best advice is to register for a YouTube free trial on different devices and enjoy the live CNN broadcast at least for some time.