CBS is one of the most popular broadcast television networks in the United States, offering a wide variety of entertainment, news, and sports programming. However, a traditional cable TV subscription can be expensive. Fortunately, there are several ways to watch CBS shows without a cable subscription.
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Use a Digital TV Antenna
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to watch CBS without cable is to use a digital TV antenna. An antenna allows you to access free over-the-air TV signals being broadcast in your area, including CBS.
Benefits:
- Completely free after purchasing an antenna
- Access to local CBS station with news, sports, and primetime shows
- HD picture quality
Considerations:
- Antenna required, either indoor or outdoor
- Channel availability varies by location
Popular indoor antennas like the Mohu Leaf or Winegard Flatwave can access channels within 25 miles, while outdoor/attic antennas can reach 50+ miles. Be sure to check AntennaWeb to see which local channels are available in your area before purchasing an antenna.
Use Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and DirecTV Stream allow you to stream CBS live without a cable subscription. Most services offer a free trial.
Benefits:
- Stream CBS live, along with many other popular channels
- Cloud DVR to record shows
- Watch on many devices
Considerations:
- Monthly subscription fee
- Local channel availability varies by region
Be sure to double check that your local CBS station is available in your area before signing up. Also note that some live TV services offer CBS on-demand but not live.
Subscribe to Paramount+
Paramount+ is CBS’s own streaming service. The Essential plan offers next-day access to current CBS shows for $4.99/month. The Premium plan for $9.99/month adds your local live CBS station.
Benefits:
- Cheapest way to get CBS shows on-demand
- Original shows and movies
Considerations:
- Only live CBS with the Premium plan
- Limited channel selection compared to live TV streaming
Paramount+ is best paired with an antenna for local news and live sports. It’s a good option for CBS fans looking to save money over a full live TV streaming plan.
Use the CBS App
The CBS App allows you to watch the latest episodes of CBS shows for free with ads. No cable login is required.
Benefits:
- 100% free
- New episodes available next-day
Considerations:
- Limited to 5 most recent episodes
- Must watch with ads
- No live TV
The CBS App is best for sampling CBS shows for free or catching up on the most recent episodes. It can be useful when paired with another option like an antenna or Paramount+.
Use a TV Antenna + Paramount+
One of the best ways to watch CBS without cable is to pair an over-the-air antenna for local live CBS with a Paramount+ subscription for on-demand access to current and past seasons of shows.
This option gives you the best of both worlds, with a one-time antenna purchase plus a low monthly fee for Paramount’s huge on-demand library. You can watch your local news and NFL games live via antenna, then binge watch shows on Paramount+.
Summary
As you can see, cord cutters have several excellent options for watching CBS programming without a traditional pay TV subscription. A digital antenna provides free access to local live CBS, while streaming services like Paramount+, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV allow you to watch CBS live and on-demand over the internet.
The best choice depends on your budget, programming needs, and availability of local CBS stations in your area. But with a little research, you can absolutely cut the cord and still enjoy great CBS entertainment and news content.
