Losing local channels is a big reason why people stick with cable. However, there are many ways to watch FOX without cable.
The average cable bill costs $200 a month. Fortunately, it’s possible to put some money back in your pocket while still catching the latest episodes of hit shows like The Masked Singer and 9-1-1 as well as MLB games.
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Ways to Get FOX Without Cable
Trying to avoid losing local networks isn’t a reason to delay cutting the cord. You can easily get them through an over-the-air antenna or live TV streaming service.
Here are the best ways to watch FOX without having cable or satellite TV.
1. fuboTV
This live TV service is a terrific way to stream FOX. It has a full channel lineup of national networks and many of the most popular TV channels.
You get over140 channels with the fuboTV base plan, which costs $79.99 a month, plus RSN fees.
The Pro plan includes a range of news, sports, and entertainment channels.
While it doesn’t have Turner networks, its channel selection includes 43 of the top-ranked Nielsen channels.
Although it’s on the higher end of the streaming space, it’s still quite a bit cheaper than cable.
Try fuboTV free for seven days to see what you think of it.
Read our fuboTV review to learn more.
2. DIRECTV STREAM
Previously known as AT&T TV, this is now DIRECTV STREAM. Not much changed other than the name.
It’s the more expensive way to get FOX without cable. Plans start at $79.99 a month and go up from there. The most expensive of the four plans tops out at $165 a month.
Surprisingly, even that is still less expensive than what the average person pays for live TV programming through a cable or satellite plan.
If this is how you choose to watch FOX shows, you’ll want to go with the Entertainment plan. It has 75+ channels, including all your locals.
As with the other options here, it offers many of the most popular entertainment, sports, and lifestyle channels.
Plus, it is the only way to get all the Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in your area.
The upgraded DVR offers unlimited storage capabilities, and recordings expire after nine months.
You can use the five-day free trial to test out the service to see if it’s for you. Read our DIRECTV STREAM review to learn more.
3. Vidgo
As one of the newer entrants to the streaming space, Vidgo is known for having the most social streaming features.
Scheduling watch parties, filming live reaction videos, and creating polls with friends and family is easy with Vidgo.
It carries dozens of popular TV networks like FOX and ABC, but it does not offer CBS or NBC. If you want those channels, you’ll need an antenna.
Additionally, it has no DVR, which is a big drawback. Fortunately, it does offer 24-hour playback.
At $69.99 a month for the Plus package, it’s a bit pricey and is missing some key features. However, it is still much cheaper than cable.
Read our Vidgo review to see the full channel lineup and learn more about its features.
4. Hulu Live
Hulu Live is one of the most popular streaming platforms and offers another excellent way to watch FOX live.
In addition to all the basic cable channels, a subscription includes tons of exclusive originals and on-demand content.
On top of receiving FOX programming, you’ll get all your locals and about 85+ channels of live TV.
Popular shows from networks like HGTV, A&E, ESPN, TBS, and more are in the Hulu lineup.
The service costs $76.99 a month. A basic subscription lets you stream on two screens simultaneously and now includes unlimited DVR recording capacity.
If you want more screens, you can pay $10 a month to upgrade to unlimited screens.
If you like Disney, you get both Disney+ and ESPN+ with a Hulu Live subscription for no extra charge.
Try the service for a month to see what you think.
Read our Hulu Live review to learn more.
5. Sling TV
This is another option to watch FOX without a cable provider if you live in a market where FOX is offered.
Unfortunately, Sling TV doesn’t carry FOX everywhere. However, it does offer it as part of the Sling Blue package in 18 cities.
City | Station |
---|---|
New York | WNYW |
Philadelphia | WTXF |
Chicago | WFLD |
Detroit | WJBK |
Atlanta | WAGA |
Washington, DC | WTTG |
Houston | KRIV |
Orlando/Daytona/Melbourne | WOFL |
Tampa/St. Petersburg | WTVT |
Gainesville | WOGX |
Milwaukee | WITI |
Minneapolis/St. Paul | KMSP |
Dallas/Ft. Worth | KDFW |
Austin | KTBC |
Phoenix | KSAZ |
Seattle | KCPQ |
Los Angeles | KTTV |
San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose | KTVU |
While it doesn’t provide all your local channels, SlingTV is a great way to cut the cord and save big money each month.
It’s the most affordable way to watch ESPN without cable, which is included in its Orange package.
FOX Sports and the NFL Network are included in the Blue package.
Both packages cost $40 a month individually, or you can choose Orange plus Blue for $55 a month.
You can stream on three screens at once and add on a variety of additional channel packages to a Blue subscription.
If you like Sling and live in a city where the FOX live stream isn’t carried, you can always pair an antenna with your subscription and save a ton over cable.
Read our Sling TV review to learn more.
6. YouTube TV
As one of the most popular streaming platforms, YouTube TV is a solid way to watch FOX without a TV provider.
At $72.99 a month, its cost is right in line with Hulu Live and fuboTV.
The benefit of YouTube TV is its simplicity. There’s just one plan with over 100 popular channels. Additionally, there are dozens of lifestyle and entertainment networks.
It’s also a great choice for sports as it includes ESPN, FS1, FS2, and all the professional sports league stations.
It even includes an unlimited cloud DVR and stores recordings for nine months.
If you’re looking for a simple way to watch FOX online, you may like this option.
Try YouTube TV free for seven days to see if you like it.
Read our YouTube TV review to learn more.
7. Buy an Antenna
An antenna is the most affordable way to get FOX without cable. One upfront cost of about $50 will score you an antenna you can use to watch your local FOX station.
This is the most economical way to watch local channels without cable because it lets you pick up every over-the-air station broadcast near you.
The number of channels you get with an antenna varies depending on how close you are to the nearest broadcasting tower. It’s also impacted by what kind of antenna you buy.
We get about 35 channels with ours. People in larger cities easily get 50 channels or more.
If you live within 60 miles of your local FOX affiliate, an indoor antenna like a Mohu Leaf will work fine for you. We have used one for years and it works great.
You can use the code FRUGALRULES10 to receive ten percent off your purchase.
If you live farther away, you’ll need an outdoor antenna. Alternately, you can subscribe to a live TV streaming service to get your live broadcast of FOX and other local networks.
8. Watch on the FOX Now App
Many people ask if you can watch your local FOX channel for free through the FOX Now app. The answer is that you can, but it depends on the show and the required wait period.
Some current episodes of FOX shows are available free eight days after they first air live.
After you download the FOX Now app to your TV or streaming device, you can see which shows you are able to watch for free and which ones require a login from a participating TV provider account.
If there is a lock icon on an episode, you will need a login from a TV service to access them. Hulu Live, YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM, and cable providers are accepted as participating providers.
Live streaming content is not available in all markets. Still, the app is free, so you can download it and give it a try.
Furthermore, Tubi TV is also an option. Fox owns the free streaming service and much of its content lives on it. Read our review of Tubi to learn more.
How Can I Watch FOX Without a TV Provider?
The best way to watch FOX without a cable or satellite provider is by signing up for one of the streaming services mentioned here.
Another option is to sign up for traditional Hulu. With plans starting at $7.99 a month, you can watch episodes of many FOX shows through Hulu.
Read our Hulu vs. Hulu Live review to see how it compares to the live service.
How Can I Stream FOX for Free?
There is no true way to watch FOX for free. The closest option is to purchase an antenna.
After a one-time cost of about $50, you will be able to stream your local FOX station live for free.
Bottom Line
You don’t have to pay for cable to watch FOX live. An antenna or a subscription to a streaming service is a great way to watch your favorite FOX shows affordably.
If you want more than just your local channels, try a true cable replacement like fuboTV and see what you think. Even though it will cost you money, you’ll still save $100 or more per month over cable.
How much do you spend on cable or streaming services monthly?
I’m Nicole Schmoll – a master’s-educated professional writer, mompreneur, and co-founder of Frugal Rules.
As a freelance copywriter in Omaha, I still believe that writing is an artistic expression. Every time I strike the keys, I intend to evoke a response from my listeners. I left my full-time career as a senior copywriter for an insurance agency to start my own freelance writing business.
I love watching and writing about TV (and how to stream it!)
Craig says
I have a gateway laptop and I’m in Jacksonville Florida where the cable company is having a fight with fox so Fox is not on I’d like to watch WWE on Fox but I don’t have a Roku or a Chromecast or anything just a laptop how can I do that without paying a giant Bill like $75 a month